A COLLAPSIBLE ROLL CONVEYOR

Abstract: A roll conveyor comprising rollers (10) journalled on through shafts (13), which are linked together by means of alternatingly arranged links (11, 11a). Links (11a) mounted between adjacent rollers (10) on a mutual shaft (13) have support means (12) on one side of the plane of the conveyor. These links (11a) are placed separately, so that links on each side of one roller (10) are linked to different adjacent shafts (13) and pivotable at least 135 DEG to each side of the conveyor plane.

Description: A COLLAPSIBLE ROLL CONVEYOR The present invention relates to a device for moving of objects along horizontal or inclined surfaces, e.g. within narrow and low spaces. The invention enables a complete roll conveyor system for moving of objects. Known systems are only suitable for commercial use and not intended for private use, e.g. in station-wagons. This is due to the fact that known systems are: a) stationary and often adapted to certain terminal buildings or cars, b) only suited for use with pallets and pallet loaders, c) not adapted to be carried along during transport of light objects, distribution, etc. Known systems are normally rigid and made self- supporting and taylormade for a certain use. The self- supporting design makes them too heavy to handle by one person so that facilities are needed if they are to be lifted to or from a vehicle. So far, no inexpensive means are available to solve this aspect of the transporting problem, which comprise dangerous manual lifting operations. The object of the present invention is therefore to solve this problem, so that these injurious effects can be avoided. This object is achieved at a roll conveyor comprising rollers journalled on through shafts, which are linked together by means of alternatingly arranged links. The roll conveyor is characterized in, that links mounted between adjacent rollers on a mutual shaft, have support means on one side of the plane of the conveyor, and that these links are placed separately, so that links on each side of one roller are linked to different adjacent shafts and pivotable at least 135° to each side of the conveyor plane. The invention is described below with reference to an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is an elevation view of the roll conveyor according to the invention, Figure 2 is a part enlargement of the conveyor in Figure 1, Figure 3 depicts the conveyor in a collapsed state, and Figure 4 depicts the roll conveyor during use in a station- wagon. The roll conveyor comprise a number of rollers 10 which are journalled and joined by means of shafts 13 and links 11, 11a, so that the load is distributed evenly, via support surfaces on the links 11a upon the base surface of the transporting vehicle. Since the shafts 13 act as articulation points for the links 11, 11a the conveyor can be adapted to the base surface, e.g. at thresholds and stairs. A turntable can be _used between two conveyors placed in right angle to each other. An end segment 14 is linked to the links 11, 11a of the conveyor. This segment 14 is produced from a material of non-skid quality anchoring the roll conveyor to the base surface. The objects may be fastened by straps, when they have been shifted into the vehicle. When not in use, the roll conveyor can easily be folded about the shafts 13, in any direction, into a compact size, without the need for tools. This means that the conveyor according to the invention is convenient to carry or store. The conveyor can also be transported on its own rollers, when turned around. The end segment can be folded in below the conveyor, acting as a stop preventing an object on said conveyor to slide from the conveyor. The foldability can be useful when shifting an object from the ground into the cargo space of a station-wagon. The roll conveyor can have a wide range of applications, e.g. it may replace a pallet loader.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A roll conveyor comprising rollers (10) journalled on through shafts (13), which are linked together by means of alternatingly arranged links (11, Ha), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in, that links (Ha) mounted between adjacent rollers (10) on a mutual shaft (13), have support means (12) on one side of the plane of the conveyor, and that these links (lib) are placed separately, so that links on each side of one roller (iθ) are linked to different adjacent shafts (13) and pivotable at least 135° to each side of the conveyor plane. 2. A roll conveyor according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in, that the end links (11, 11a) are connected to an end segment (14) of non-skid quality material.

Inventors: OTTOSSON FOLKE, OTTOSSON, FOLKE
Applicants: OTTOSSON FOLKE, OTTOSSON, FOLKE
Application year: 1987
Main classification: B65G13
IPC codes: B65G13, B65G17