Patent Publication Number: US-7216758-B2

Title: Conveyor with opposed spring-loaded grippers, and related conveyor link

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 10/712,405 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,453, entitled Conveyor with Gear Mechanism Gripper and Related Conveyor Link, Ser. No. 10/712,406 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,036,658, entitled Gripper Conveyor with Clear Conveying Path and Related Conveyor Link, and Ser. No. 10/712,407 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,676, entitled Conveyor with Movable Gripper and Related Conveyor Link, all filed Nov. 13, 2003, and assigned to the owner of the present application. These three patent applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a conveyor and a link for such a conveyor including opposed gripping members on a given link for gripping objects such as containers. More particularly, the invention relates to gripper conveyors and links that include spring-loaded gripping members that pivot into a gripping position. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of conveyors have been utilized for conveying objects in industrial production lines. Objects may be conveyed from work station to work station individually or in groupings, depending on the object and the task to be performed. It may or may not be important to maintain any spacing or control of the objects during some or all of the travel. For example, apples being conveyed may simply be stacked randomly on a conveyor, while bottles being filled may be held rigidly in place by a filling machine that has received the bottles from a conveyor. 
     Certain conveyor belts (sometimes also called chains) are made of a plurality of interconnected links, driven by motors that engage the conveyor belt. Such conveying systems are commonly employed in the transportation of manufactured goods and articles, and for containers. With these typical systems, the motor drives a toothed drive sprocket that engages complimenting driving recesses or “dogs” formed on the conveyor belt. These drive units can be disposed in any number along the length of the conveyor belt. Such a drive unit and conveyor system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,848 which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     Link type conveyor belts are sometimes designed having a knuckle/socket joint arrangement wherein one part of the link has a rounded knuckle and the opposite part has a socket formed by two extending edges. The knuckle of one link fits into the socket of a neighboring link. The knuckle is able to move in various directions within the socket, which allows for the conveyor system as a whole to curve and move. 
     The interconnected links typically have a platform member connected to or formed integral with the link&#39;s upper (conveying) surface. The platform member is generally shaped to match the neighboring platform members on other links such that the links can turn in a plane or twist while moving around curved sections of the conveying system, yet are also shaped such that the cracks and spaces formed between the links are minimized. The platform members can be connected to the links in several different ways. For instance, the platforms may have pegs extending therefrom which match corresponding slots on the links. Alternatively or additionally, the platforms can have snap springs which lock into place on corresponding sections of the links. Such a knuckle link with a platform surface member is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,716 which is owned by the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     Often times, it is the case that objects move or shift locations on the conveyor belt during transportation. This can be due to vibrations in the operation of the conveying system, centrifugal or tangential forces on the object when the conveying belt enters a curved section, or from simply being hit by other objects placed onto the conveyor belt. One way to prevent objects from moving on the surface of a conveyor belt is to apply a high friction surface element which keeps the objects in place. Such a technique is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,013 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     Although the application of a friction surface element will minimize the aforementioned problems associated with the transport of goods, it may also create side-effect problems. For instance, an object placed on a high friction surface element will not move to a desired spot on the conveyor belt unless some other mechanical force is provided in which to move the object. Often times it is desired to specifically locate an object on a conveyor belt, and this cannot be accomplished if the object on a high friction surface is not initially placed in the desired location. 
     Further, it can also be the case in a particular application that a frictional or a high frictional surface is disfavored. This would be true if heavy objects were to be removed from the conveyor belt by use of a bar or other means to slide the objects off the belt. Having a heavy object on a high friction surface would necessitate the need to generate increased amounts of force to move the object from the conveyor belt, or would at least impede movement of the object from the belt. Additionally, it could be the case that a particular application requires the object to be positioned at a particular location on the conveyor belt surface. Having a frictional surface would again prevent or impede the movement of the object from one location on the surface platform of the conveyor belt to another. 
     Another problem associated with some conveyor systems is vibration which causes objects to be rotated from one orientation to another. Ways used in the prior art to prevent this include adding guide rails to either side of the conveyor track to keep the object in place. These guide rails are stationary with respect to the moving conveyor track. Although effective, this solution can be impractical in certain parts of the conveying system in which spatial constraints do not allow for the installation of guide rails. 
     One solution for securely conveying objects is a conveyor system where the conveying surface is sloped and a fixed rail is provided at the bottom of the slope on the platform member, as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,697, which is owned by the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This arrangement works well to hold certain types of conveyed objects in a given position for its intended applications, but the fixed rail and slope could inherently prevent loading or unloading the conveyor in certain orientations. Thus, additional machinery could be required to load and/or unload the conveyor. Further, the conveyor platform members are configured in a given size, so the ability to use the conveyor for different sized containers may require using a different sized platform member. 
     U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 10/712,405, 10/712,406, and 10/712,407, all filed Nov. 13, 2003, all describe and claim various different conveyor and link designs wherein conveyed objects such as containers may be gripped by the conveyors. The present application describes and claims certain variations and improvements in such gripping conveyors and links. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to certain aspects of the invention, a conveyor is disclosed suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The conveyor includes a plurality of connected links, each link having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport. Each link has a conveying surface and two opposed gripping members extending from the conveying surface of the link. Each gripping member is movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position. Each gripping member includes a gripping arm configured to be pivotable relative to the conveying surface of the link when the gripping members move from the first position to the second position. The gripping arms are located so as to be able to contact one of the objects when the gripping members are in the second position to hold the object relative to the link during transport. Each link includes at least one spring member urging the gripping members toward the second position. Various options and modifications are possible. 
     For example, the spring member may be a tension spring, a compression spring, or a leaf spring. The conveyor may include at least one cam member for urging the gripping members toward the first position, and each link may include at least one cam follower for contacting the at least one cam member. Also, each gripping member may include a cam follower contactable by a cam member for urging the gripping member toward the first position. 
     If desired, the conveyor may be configured so that the gripping members can grip and convey the objects in an inverted position with the objects located substantially below the links. If the object is a bottle having a neck, the gripping members may be configured to grip the bottle by the neck. Each gripping member may independently pivot about an axis substantially parallel to the direction of transport when moving from the first position to the second position. The second position may be self-adjustable depending on the size of the object, and each of the gripping members may include a flexible adaptor for contacting the object. The links each may include two pairs of the gripping members. The links may be configured so as to be spaced along the direction of transport so that at least two gripping members on adjacent links may contact an object. 
     The conveyor may further include connection elements for connecting the links. The connection elements may be configured so as to allow three-dimensional movement of a given one of the links relative to an adjacent link. The connection elements may include a knuckle conveyor attached to the links, or may include a cable attached to the links. If a cable is used, the cable may be configured with a plurality of mounting members thereon, the mounting members being securable to the links to attach the links to the cable. The mounting members may be cylindrical swages, the cable being slidable into a groove in the links, and the swages being slidable into a retaining portion of the grooves. The links may include retainers for retaining the mounting members to the links, and the retainers may be slidable into a slot in the links. The links and the cable may be configured so that the links are removably attachable to the cable. 
     Alternatively, the connection elements may include universal joints. If so, each link may include an extension and a cavity, the extension of a given link being disposed within the cavity of an adjacent link. The universal joints may also comprise ball and socket joints. 
     If desired, the conveyor may include a track and the links may be configured to follow the track. The track may have a T-shaped cross section and each link may include a T-shaped channel for receiving and following the track. Alternately, the track may comprise two opposed rails and each link may include two outwardly extending slots for receiving and following the rails. Also, a rotatable wheel may be provided for contacting the links to direct the links around a curve in the track. 
     A drive mechanism may be used for driving the links in a given direction. The drive mechanism may include at least one driven gear having teeth, the teeth configured to fit between adjacent links in a rack and pinion arrangement to drive the links. The drive mechanism may include two of the driven gears disposed on opposite sides of the links. The drive mechanism could also comprise a friction drive contacting outer portions of the links. 
     According to other aspects of the invention, a link is disclosed for a conveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The link includes a body having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport, the body having a conveying surface. Two opposed gripping members extend from the conveying surface, each gripping member is movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position. The gripping members each include a gripping arm configured to be pivotable relative to the conveying surface when the gripping members move from the first position to the second position. The gripping arms are located so as to be able to contact one of the objects when the gripping members are in the second position to hold the object relative to the body during transport. At least one spring member urges the gripping members toward the second position. As above, various options and modifications are possible. 
     According to certain other aspects of the invention, a link is disclosed for a conveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, a plurality of the links being attachable by connection elements including a cable and mounting members, and the link being slidable along a track. The link includes a body having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport, the body having a conveying surface. Two opposed gripping members extend from the conveying surface, each gripping member being movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position. The gripping members each include a gripping arm configured to be pivotable relative to the conveying surface when the gripping members move from the first position to the second position. The gripping arms are located so as to be able to contact one of the objects when the gripping members are in the second position to hold the object relative to the body during transport. At least one spring member urges the gripping members toward the second position. The body defines a groove therein having a retaining portion, the cable being slidable into the groove and the mounting members being slidable into the retaining portion. The body further defines a channel therein for sliding along the track. As above, various options and modifications are possible. 
     According to other aspects, a link is disclosed for a conveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, a plurality of the links being attachable to form the conveyor, and the link being slidable along a track. The link includes a body having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport, the body having a conveying surface. Two opposed gripping members extend from the conveying surface, each gripping member being movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position. The gripping members each include a gripping arm configured to be pivotable relative to the conveying surface when the gripping members move from the first position to the second position. The gripping arms are located so as to be able to contact one of the objects when the gripping members are in the second position to hold the object relative to the body during transport. At least one spring member urges the gripping members toward the second position. Universal joint components include an extension and a cavity, the extension being disposable in a cavity of a first adjacent link, and the cavity for receiving an extension of a second adjacent link. The body further defines a channel therein for sliding along the track. As above, various options and modifications are possible. 
     According to other aspects, a link is disclosed for a conveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The link includes a body having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport, the body having a conveying surface. Two opposed gripping members extend from the conveying surface, each gripping member being independently movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position, the gripping members each include a gripping arm configured to be pivotable relative to the conveying surface when the gripping members move from the first position to the second position. The gripping arms are located so as to be able to contact one of the objects when the gripping members are in the second position to hold the object relative to the body during transport. At least one spring member urges the gripping members toward the second position, the link being configured so that the gripping members can grip and convey the objects in an inverted position with the objects located substantially below the links. Connection elements are provided for connecting a plurality of the links to form a conveyor. The connection elements are configured so as to allow three-dimensional movement of the link relative to an adjacent link in a conveyor. As above, various options and modifications are possible. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention showing a conveyor having links with gripping members attached to a knuckle drive and platform members; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a single link of the conveyor of  FIG. 1  with the gripping members disposed in a gripping position; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a link as in  FIG. 2 , with the gripping members disposed in an opened position; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial cutaway view of the link of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the conveyor of  FIG. 1  showing an orientation where objects may be slid laterally on or off the conveyor to an adjacent conveyor or platform; 
         FIG. 6  is a top diagrammatical view showing movement of individual links within the conveyor from a gripping position to an opened position via a cam member; 
         FIG. 7  is a top diagrammatical view showing movement of individual links within the conveyor from an opened position to a gripping position via a cam member; 
         FIG. 8  is a top diagrammatical view showing movement of individual links within the conveyor from an opened position to a gripping position via an alternate cam member; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a conveyor link having a fixed wall fence member; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a conveyor link having flat plates attached to the gripper members; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a conveyor link having curved plates attached to the gripper members; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a conveyor link having a fixed wall member and flat plates attached to the gripper members; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a link member as in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the conveyor link of  FIG. 13  with gripping members moved to the opened position; 
         FIG. 15  is another embodiment of a conveyor link according to the present invention in a gripping position; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the link of  FIG. 15  in the opened position; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagrammatical representation of another embodiment of a conveyor link with a gripping member in the opened position; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagrammatical representation of the conveyor link of  FIG. 17  with the gripping member in the gripping position; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial cutaway view of another conveyor link embodiment according to the present invention and including a rack and pinion drive for the gripping member in a gripping position; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial cutaway view of the conveyor link of  FIG. 19  in an opened position; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a modified version of the conveyor link of  FIG. 19 , with two offset gripping arms on the gripping member in a gripping position; 
         FIG. 22  is a partial cutaway view of the conveyor link of  FIG. 21  in an opened position; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of three links of a link conveyor according to another embodiment of the invention including a rotatable and slidable gripping member; 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged perspective view of a link as shown in  FIG. 23  showing movement of a gripping member from an opened position to a gripping position; 
         FIG. 25  is a top diagrammatical view of another embodiment of a conveyor link according to the present invention including a pivoting gripping member driven by a cam member; 
         FIG. 26  is a side diagrammatical view of the conveyor link taken along line  26 — 26  in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a top diagrammatical view of alternate conveyor link as in  FIG. 25 , except that the conveyor link includes two opposing gripping members; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a conveyor including a plurality of links having slidable and opposed gripping members with a flexible fence member attached to the gripping members; 
         FIG. 29  is a sectional view through the device of  FIG. 28  taken along lines  29 — 29 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a conveyor including a plurality of links having slidable and opposed gripping members as in  FIG. 28 , but without the flexible fence member; 
         FIG. 31  is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a conveyor according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is an enlarged view of one link of the conveyor of  FIG. 31  in a gripping position; 
         FIG. 33  is a partial cutaway view of the link of  FIG. 32  in a gripping position; 
         FIG. 34  is a partial cutaway view of the link of  FIG. 32  in a partially opened position; 
         FIG. 35  is a partial cutaway view of the link of  FIG. 32  in a fully opened position; 
         FIG. 36  is a top perspective view of the conveyor of  FIG. 31  showing loading or unloading of the conveyor; 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conveyor according to the present invention, optionally including a drive mechanism and track; 
         FIG. 38  is a top perspective view of a link of the conveyor of  FIG. 37  in a first, opened position; 
         FIG. 39  is a top perspective view of a link of the conveyor of  FIG. 37  in a second, closed position; 
         FIG. 40  is a partially exploded bottom perspective view of a link of the conveyor of  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a bottom perspective view of a link of the conveyor of  FIG. 37  holding an object such as a container; 
         FIG. 42  is a bottom perspective view of a plurality of connected links of the conveyor of  FIG. 37  disposed on a track; 
         FIG. 43  is a top perspective view of a plurality of connected links of the conveyor of  FIG. 37  disposed on a track, and acted upon by a camming rail; 
         FIG. 44  is a top perspective view of a link for yet another embodiment; 
         FIG. 45  is a top end perspective view of a link for another embodiment; 
         FIG. 46  is an opposite top end perspective view of the link of  FIG. 44 ; and 
         FIG. 47  is a top perspective view of a plurality of connected links as shown in  FIG. 45  driven via a friction drive. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations. In discussing various embodiments, like or similar reference numerals are used below with like or similar parts of various embodiments. 
     As shown in the various figures, numerous embodiments of a gripper conveyor and conveyor link with a gripping member are disclosed. It should be understood that the present invention encompasses both a gripper conveyor chain-type structure, and individual links for such a chain. It should also be understood that various different methods of attaching such links together into a conveyor belt or chain to be driven are possible. The examples shown herein are or explanatory purposes only, and are not intended to limit the invention only to that shown and disclosed. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 1–8 , a first embodiment of a gripper conveyor and conveyor link are shown. According to this embodiment of the invention, a conveyor  10  includes a plurality of links  12  and a drive mechanism  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , drive mechanism  14  includes a knuckle conveyor  16  attached to a platform member  18 , which may be constructed as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,697 or in various other ways. It should be understood that drive mechanism  14  can have many shapes and forms according to the present invention. For example, instead of knuckle conveyor  16 , other types of conveyors, belts, or chains such as roller chains, or roller chains with attachments, could be used for drive mechanism  14 . 
     In the example shown, knuckle conveyor  16  is driven within rails  22 , and is guided by flanges  24  extending from knuckle conveyor  16  into channels  26  defined by walls  28  of rails  22 . As is known in the art, the drive mechanism may traverse a straight or curved line from one end of a production line to the other, or from station to station within a production line. There should be no limitation placed on the type or arrangement of drive mechanism  14 , according to the present invention. 
     As shown, links  12  may be attached to platform members  18  via intermediate attachment members  20 , which may include blocks, screws, rivets, etc. Accordingly, there should also be no limitation implied as to the method of attaching links  12  to drive mechanism  14 . Furthermore, links  12  could be formed integral with parts of drive mechanism  14 , rather than attached to it as shown in  FIG. 1 . Links  12  may taper slightly to become narrower at their ends, as shown, to facilitate moving the conveyor around curved paths. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the individual links  12  is identical to the others. Although such arrangement is a preferred embodiment, such arrangement is not required according to the scope of the present invention. Therefore, a conveyor according to the present invention could include a plurality of connected links, but the links need not all be identical, and there may be spacers, pivots, connection members, etc. located between certain of the links to suit various applications. All such subject matter should therefore be considered within the scope of the present invention. 
     Turning now to the individual links, with particular reference to  FIGS. 2–4 , each link  12  includes a body  30 . For purposes of reference herein, links  12  can be said to be arranged along a direction of transport T, and each link  12  has a length L extending across the direction of transport and a width W extending along the direction of transport (see  FIG. 1 ). According to this embodiment of the invention, link  12  has at least one gripping member  32  that is moveable along at least a portion of the length of link  12  from a first position  34  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) to a second position  36  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). When gripping members  32  are located in first position  34 , gripping members  32  may be disposed below a conveying surface  38  of link  12 . When gripping members  32  are located in second position  36 , the gripping members are located above conveying surface  38  in a position suitable for contacting an object, such as a container C, during transport. 
     “Above” and “below” are used to describe the relative position of the gripping members to the link and conveying surface with the link in the orientation shown on  FIGS. 2 and 3 . If the link were turned upside down, with the link in the position shown in  FIG. 3 , the gripping members  32  would still be considered relatively beneath the conveying surface  32  for purposes of the present description, even though relative to the ground the gripping members may be located above the conveying surface. Thus, the “above” and “below” terms used herein are relative, not absolute, terms. 
     Link  12  includes body  30  and a slider  40  configured so as to be slidable along body  30 . As shown, slider  40  may include a main body portion  42  and flanges  44  that extend into grooves  46  in body  30 . Conveying surface  38  may include portions  38   a  disposed on body  30  and portion  38   b  disposed on-slider  40 . Preferably, conveying surface  38  is substantially continuous across the upper portion of link  12  in the direction of transport T. As discussed below with reference to later embodiments, slider  40  may alternatively be housed entirely within body  30  so that conveying surface  38  is entirely located on body  30 . Alternatively, the conveying surface could be configured so as to lie on slider  40 . 
     If desired, a pin  48  extending from body  30  (see  FIG. 4 ) may slide within a groove  50  in slider  40  to align and/or restrict motion of slider  40 . As shown, a cam follower  52  is mounted on slider  40  at one end, and a second cam follower  54  is mounted on slider  40  at another end. Cam followers  52 ,  54  and their locations are optional, and may be subject to various configurations and operations, as will be described below. 
     Slider  40  functions to position gripping member  32  in various ways. As shown in  FIG. 4 , each gripping member  32  includes an extending gripping arm  56  and a positioning arm  58 . Gripping member  32  may slide and/or pivot relative to body  30  within slots  60  defined in body  30 . Slots  60  are particularly shaped so as to allow gripping member  32  to slide, to pivot, or to remain fixed relative to body  30  in various situations. Gripping member  32  includes an axle  62  extending therethrough, that fits within opposed channels  64  of slots  60 . Spring members  66  are attached to axle  62  of gripping member  32  at one end and to body  30  at another end so as to urge gripping members  32  toward second position  36 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Spring members  66  may comprise tension coil springs. 
     Each gripping member  32  may also include a peg  68  extending into one of the channels  64  to help guide the gripping member while sliding across body  30 . Peg  68  and axle  62  maintain gripping member in its (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) substantially vertical orientation until peg  68  exits the end of channel  64 . Slots  60  also each include a cutout  70  opposite conveying surface  38 . Cutouts  70  allow gripping members  32  to pivot from the position shown in  FIG. 2  to the position shown in  FIG. 3 , and back, under the influence of slider  40 . Shoulder portions  72  at the end of slider  40  contact gripping members  32 , except for when the gripping members are in the first position, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     As slider  40  moves from the orientation shown in  FIG. 2  to that shown in  FIG. 3 , typically by virtue of a cam contacting cam follower  52  (see  FIG. 6 ), shoulders  72  contact gripping members  32 , pushing the gripping members to the right within slots  60 . Pegs  68  and axles  62  maintain gripping members  32  in the substantially vertical (as shown) position until pegs  68  exit their respective channels  64 . At that point, positioning arm  58  of gripping members  32  will begin to pivot into cutouts  70  of slots  60 , essentially pivoting around axles  62 . As slider  40  moves further and further to the right, gripping members  32  continue to pivot in (as shown) a clockwise direction until gripping arms  56  extend substantially horizontally. At this point, a bottom surface  74  of slider  40  holds gripping members  32  in first position  34  (see  FIG. 3 ). Pin  48  would then be at an end of groove  50 , if such elements were utilized. Friction between bottom surface  74  and gripping arm  56  caused by spring member  66  may be sufficient to hold slider  40  in place, or a cam may be used to contact cam follower  52 . Preferably, no such cam is required to maintain such positioning. 
     Moving slider  40  back to the left (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) essentially reverses the process. Once slider  40  has retracted sufficiently, spring members  66  cause gripping members  2  to begin to pivot in a (as shown) counterclockwise direction. Accordingly, positioning arm  58  begins to move out of cutouts  70  and spring members  66  essentially pull pegs  68  back into their respective channels  64 . A camming function, or simply spring members  66 , may thereafter move slider  40  and gripping members  32  toward second position  36 . If pin  48  and groove  50  are utilized, the pin and groove may define second position  36 . Alternately, second position  36  may be self-adjustably defined by the size and/or orientation of the object being conveyed, such as container C. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1–5 , links  12  preferably each include a fence  76  of some sort, and gripping members  32  may grip an object such as container C between the gripping members and the fence when the gripping members are in second position  36 . As shown best in  FIG. 1 , fence  76  may comprise a plurality of pins  78 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each body  30  may include two such pins  78 . If desired, the location, size, and properties of pins  78  may be adjusted to fit certain applications. For example, the pins may be located at different points along length L, depending upon the size of the object being transported. If desired, body  30  may include a plurality of sets of openings for receiving the pins or could be adjustably locatable via a set screw, so as to make the pins&#39; location adjustable between predetermined positions. As will be described below, fence  76  could comprise various other members, attachments, etc., if desired. Use of separated pins  78  as fence  76  allows slider  40  to move between the pins without obstruction. 
     Pins  78  should be spaced so that they will hold the object being conveyed as desired with proper orientation and spacing. As gripping members  32  are independently positionable in different locations when gripping a conveyed object, the location of pins  78  will more likely define the location relative to body  30  in which the conveyed object is held. As indicated in  FIG. 2 , if the object is a substantially cylindrical item such as a bottle, the bottle may be conveyed so that the center is spaced in the middle of slider  40  (along the direction of transport T), and halfway between pins  78 . In such situation, if the bottle is cylindrical, gripping members  32  will be substantially adjacent each other while holding the container. However, in a conveyor in which bottles are being conveyed side by side, it is possible that a container&#39;s center line may not be aligned with the link&#39;s center line. In such situation, gripping members  32  can grip an object in any position between the end of body  30  and the sliding limit of slider  40 . Thus, it can be said that gripping members  32  are self-adjustable to suit the size and/or orientation of the conveyed object. If two such gripping members  32  are utilized on a given link  12 , the gripping member may, when gripping a round container, not therefore be directly adjacent each other as they may grip different portions around the circumference of a container. Thus, a line of containers may be securely conveyed whether or not they are perfectly aligned and/or spaced along conveyor  10 . Adjacent links  12  may be disposed so that gripping members  32  on adjacent links may contact a given object, so as to provide a continuous gripping area. Thus, an object need not be precisely aligned on any single link in order to be securely conveyed. Adjacent links, using the adjacent fence  76  and gripping members  32 , may thus securely hold and convey a given object according to the invention, if desired. 
     In moving from the position shown in  FIG. 2  to the position shown in  FIG. 3 , gripping members  32  first slide and then pivot. In other embodiments discussed below, all within the scope of the invention, gripping members may move by sliding, pivoting, or any combination of relative movement. As shown in  FIG. 3 , gripping member  32  pivots about an axis substantially parallel to direction of transport T in moving between the first and second positions  34 ,  36 . 
     Turning now to the various possibilities for camming slider  40 , slider  40  as shown includes two cam followers  52 ,  54 . Cam follower  52  includes a wheel  80  mounted on a post  82 . Cam follower  52  may interact with a cam  84  ( FIG. 6 ) to move slider  40  in a direction to thereby move gripping members  32  from first position  34  ( FIG. 3 ) to second position  36  ( FIG. 2 ). As shown in  FIG. 3 , when slider  40  is moved all the way in by cam  84 , cam follower  52  may be disposed past pins  78  of fence  76 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 6 , cam follower  52  may stay to the outside of pins  78 . Either way, in this orientation, friction between bottom surface  74  of slider  40  and gripping members  32  may hold slider  40  in place. 
     Slider  40  may be moved in the opposite direction in one of several ways. First, an object being conveyed such as a container C may be placed onto body  30  and may contact cam follower  52  (if oriented as in  FIG. 3 ), under the influence of a camming surface, flight bar, etc., and may itself cause the slider to move to the left (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) until such point as gripping members  32  begin to pivot toward the upright position and slide toward second position  36  to thereby contact the object. Thus, in some situations, cam follower  52  may be utilized to move slider  40  in both direction, either under the influence of a cam such as cam  84 , or under the influence of the conveyed object such as container C. 
     Alternatively, a second cam  86  may be utilized to move slider  40  back toward the position shown in  FIG. 2 . As set forth in  FIG. 7 , such cam  86  simply contacts cam follower  52  and then moves it away from fence  76 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , cam follower  52  stays to the outside of fence  76  so as to allow second cam  86  to so operate. It would also be possible to have a cam extend past fence  76 , for example from above, and be located to the inside of fence  76 . 
     As another alternative, a third cam  88  is shown in  FIG. 8 . This cam is a thin cam member hat contacts the small cam follower  54  extending from slider  40  (see  FIG. 3 ). Cam member  88  is utilized to move slider  40  past the point where gripping members  32  will begin to pivot under the influence of spring member  66 . Cam member  88  may be used where use of a cam such as cam  86  is not possible or desired due to orientation of the conveyor, the size or shape of the objects being conveyed, the location of fence  76  relative to cam follower  52 , etc. Thus, numerous options for moving slider  40  between first and second positions  34 ,  36  utilizing cam followers  52  and/or  54  and cams  84 ,  86 , and/or  88 , as well as the conveyed objects themselves, are all possible depending upon the applications desired. It would also be possible in different locations along a line to utilize different combinations of such elements for opening and closing gripping members  32 . It should be understood that various possible cam followers on or connected to slider  40  or gripping members  32  are possible. For instance, cam followers may be disposed on a bottom surface of slider  40 , thus avoiding fence  76 . All such alternatives are within the scope of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , one of the benefits of having gripping members  32  disposed below conveying surface  38  when gripping members  32  are in first position  34 , is that conveyor  10  may be loaded or unloaded at least partially laterally in a simple, sliding motion. Thus, an adjacent platform or conveyor, generally designated as P in  FIG. 5 , may be provided adjacent conveyor  10 , and objects being conveyed may simply be slid sideways (or diagonally, taking into account motion of the conveyors) onto or off conveyor  10  without use of complicated equipment. The containers need not be gripped and placed, placed in pucks, or otherwise handled as has been done in the past, in order to achieve an orderly and secure row of objects along conveyor  10 . Also, it is simpler to achieve a row of objects, such as containers with centers aligned utilizing such a conveyor  10 . Further, once gripped by conveyor  10 , objects such as containers may be moved throughout a length of production line, may be inverted, etc. at a high rate of speed, while the containers are securely held with centers aligned. Also, objects such as containers gripped in such a way along conveyor  10  may inherently be much quieter than in prior art devices where conveyed containers are more loosely conveyed, or are conveyed between fixed rails that do not move along with the conveyor or between non-gripping side walls of a conveyor. Thus, several potential advantages are provided by the disclosed structure. 
     It should be understood that still other modifications are possible. For example, it is possible the objects could be vertically or horizontally removed from the links without retracting the gripping members  32  at all. Thus, the gripping members  32  may be in the second gripping position  36  of  FIG. 2  when objects are lifted out. A lifting force would have to overcome the force of any spring member  66  or cam holding the gripping members  32  against the object to remove the object in such situation. Various benefits of gripped conveying would still be achieved in such operation. 
     Also, it could be possible to vertically or horizontally load the links while the gripping members are in the second gripping position  36 . Such loading or unloading might require additional machinery to place or remove the objects so as to reliably locate the objects and overcome spring forces, but such operations are a possibility with the present invention. 
     The spring force of spring members  66  and the design of links  12  in general may be such that the conveyor may be used to carry inverted objects (i.e., objects may “hang” from the conveyor below the conveying surface). The conveyor may achieve such inversion by twisting in a corkscrew fashion or by rotating around a turning wheel or the like. In such case, the conveying surface would be disposed above the objects while the conveyor is inverted, and the preceding discussion of retraction of the gripping member to a position a position “below” the conveying surface would be reversed so as to place the gripping member “above” the conveying surface. Additionally, it would be possible to load and unload conveyors according to the present invention in such an “inverted” orientation using the disclosed embodiments with the gripping members partially or fully retracted. 
     Links  12  may be made of various different types of materials within the scope of the invention, and depending upon the intended application. For example, body  30 , slider  40 , and gripping members  32  may be made of a plastic such as Super Tough nylon, available from DuPont, delrin, acetel, Norel™, available from General Electric, pins  78  may be made of a metal such as stainless steel or any other suitable metal, or a plastic such as the above, although other materials could be used within the scope of the invention, depending upon the application, durability, cost, etc. If desired, links  12  may be designed so that different parts are individually replaceable if they are in some way damaged or become worn. Thus, body  30  may be removable and replaceable from drive mechanism  14 . Also, a conveyor could be created by retrofitting an existing drive mechanism of some sort with a plurality of links  12 . Thus, the present invention includes individual links, as well as a conveyor including such links for some or all of the conveyor, both as original manufacture, for retrofit, or for replacement. 
     Variations in certain of the disclosed elements are shown in  FIGS. 9–12 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , fence  76  includes pins  78 , as well as an optional adapter  90  mounted on pins  78 . As shown, adapter  90  may have a slight flat trough shape so as to guide a conveyed object such as a container to be centered atop link  12 . Such adapter  90 , as well as such design of link  12  may be useful in situations where it is desired to have one link per object with even spacing of objects on each link. In such application, the width and spacing of adjacent links can be selected so as to achieve reliable orientation of spacing of conveyed objects. Adapter  90  should be high enough to reliably secure the conveyed object when gripping members  32  grip the object. It should be noted that with the design of  FIG. 9 , cam follower  52  cannot pass any further than the location of adapter  90 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , gripping members  32  have been augmented with flat plates  92 . Plates  92  are wider than gripping arms  56 , thereby providing a wider surface for contact or potential contact depending on spacing of the objects being conveyed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , curved plates  94  may also be utilized on gripping arms  56  of gripping members  32 . Curved plates  94  allow for a more secure location of an object being conveyed at the center of body  30 . Alternatively, adapter  90  as shown in  FIG. 9  may have such a curved surface shape, or plates  94  may have a slanted rather than rounded shape. As a further alternative, both a contoured adapter  90  and contoured plates, such as plates  94  could be utilized if desired, again depending upon the application. 
     Another example of a link is shown in  FIG. 12 , in which flat plates  92  are utilized on gripping members  32 , and fence  76  comprises a flat plate  96 . Here, use of flat plates does not necessarily cause a centering of a conveyed object atop link  12 . If desired, flat plate  96  could be formed integral with or attached to body  30 , or it could be formed as an adapter attached to pins  78 , as discussed above. Further, various of the different options for attachment to gripping members  32 , and the various different options for fence  76  may be mixed and matched in any different way depending upon the desired application. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  show an additional alternative embodiment in which a link  112  includes a body  130 , a slider  140 , and gripping members  132 . Gripping members  132  include integrally formed plates  192 , and fence  176  comprises a flat plate  196 . An additional positioning groove  131  is disposed atop body  130  and receives a rib  141  extending from slider  140 . A single cam follower  152  is disposed on slider  140 . The operation of this embodiment is substantially similar to the operation of the previous embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 14 , use of flat plate  192  on gripping member  132  provides an additional platform across which objects may be slid onto link  112 , as would also be possible with the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12 . 
     Another alternative embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . In this embodiment, links  212  include a body  230 , a fence  276 , and a single slidable gripping member  232 . The gripping member is moveable between a first position  234  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) to a second position  236  (shown in  FIG. 15 ). When in second position  234 , gripping member  232  is disposed below a conveying surface  238  of link  12 , as with the embodiments above. Gripping member  232  includes a gripping portion  256  mounted via an axle  262  to body  230 . Gripping member  232  is urged toward second position  236  via a spring member (not shown) and may be moveable toward the position shown in  FIG. 16  by direct contact with a cam (not shown). 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  show another alternative embodiment of a link  312  according to the present invention. In this embodiment, link  312  includes a body  330  with an attached gripping member  332 . Gripping member  332  pivots relative to body  330  from a first position  334  (as shown in  FIG. 17 ) to a second position  336  (as shown in  FIG. 18 ) through a slot (not shown) in body  330 . Spring member  366  urges gripping member  332  toward second position  336 . When gripping member  332  is in first position  334 , the gripping member is beneath conveying surface  338  of body  330 . A gripping arm  356  of gripping member  332  contacts the object to be conveyed, such as a container C, and a positioning arm  358  is attached to spring member  366 . A cam member (not shown) may contact and urge gripping member  332 , such as via positioning arm or a cam follower mounted thereon (not shown) back to the position shown in  FIG. 17 . In this embodiment, gripping member  332  pivots about an axis substantially parallel to direction of transport T (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     Another alternative embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . In this embodiment, a gear mechanism is provided for moving a gripping member  432  and slider  440  relative to a body  430  of a link  412 . As shown, a spring member  466  urges slider  440  to the left, and a cam follower  452  is disposed at an end of slider  440 . A cam (not shown) may move slider from the position shown in  FIG. 19  to the right, and ultimately to the position shown in  FIG. 20 , thereby rotating gripping member  432  downward below the conveying surface  438 . Gripping member  432  may be mounted on an axle  462  within body  430  so as to be able to extend from a slot  460 . As shown, the gear mechanism comprises a “rack”  441  provided on slider  440 , and a “pinion”  433  is provided on gripping member  432 . If desired, other gear arrangements may be possible, including intermediate gears. A fixed fence  476  is shown with this embodiment but, as above, other fence designs may also be utilized. Also, only one gripping member  432  is shown on link  412 , but multiple gripping members could, of course, also be utilized. Also, multiple rack and pinion arrangements on multiple sliders and gripping members could be used on a single link. As shown, slider  440  is disposed beneath a conveying surface  438  of body  430 . 
     Depending on factors such as the number and arrangement of teeth on rack  441  and pinion  433 , as well as the length of slider  440 , and the dimensions of the cam (not shown) used with cam follower, the positioning of gripping member  432  relative to body  430  when contacted by the cam is selectable. Therefore, gripping member  432  need not be driven all the way to the position shown in  FIG. 20  to open the gripping member, if so desired for certain applications. Such is true for the previously mentioned embodiments as well. Therefore, although it may be desirable in some situations to open the gripping members of the various embodiments to the point that they are “beneath” the respective conveying surfaces (when the links are upright), such is not a requirement of all aspects of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 21 and 22  show variations of the rack and pinion embodiment shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . In  FIGS. 21 and 22 , link  412   a  includes a body  430   a , a slider  440   a , a spring member  466   a  and a gripping member  432   a . Gripping member  432   a  is offset from rack  441   a  and pinion  433   a . Optionally, a second gripping member  432   b  may also be used extending from a lateral portion  412   b  of body  412   a . Slots  460   a  and  460   b , if used, are spaced from rack  441   a  and pinion  433   a , so as to keep any stray materials from entering body  430   a  at the slots and potentially interfering with the operation of rack and pinion or spring member  466   a . Such an offset slot could also be used with a single gripping arm embodiment, as in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , or with various of the proceeding embodiments as well. Fences  476   a  and  476   b , as well as gripping members  432   a  and  432   b  have flexible material  493  at their contact surfaces for securely gripping the conveyed objects. 
       FIGS. 23 and 24  show yet another alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, links  512  include an integral slider and gripping member mechanism. Links  512  include a body  530 , a fence  576  comprising pins  578 , and a slider/gripper  513  including a slider portion  540  and a gripping arm  556 . A spring member  566  urges slider/gripper  513  in the direction shown in  FIG. 24 . A pin  552  extending from an end of slider/gripper  513  serves both as a cam follower and a shoulder for spring member  566 . When slider/gripper  513  is in the position shown in  FIG. 23 , gripping arm  556  is disposed beneath conveying surface  538  of link  512 . Thus, as above, objects to be conveyed such as containers may be slid laterally onto the links  512 , although slider/gripper  513  need not be moved to the position shown in  FIG. 23  to allow loading or unloading for all applications. 
     Slider/gripper  513  is held in place (as shown in  FIG. 23 ) by friction between gripping arm  556  and a shoulder  531  on body  530  due to spring member  566 . Upon contacting a cam surface (not shown), cam follower  552  pivots, as indicated in  FIG. 24 . Such pivoting rotates slider/gripper  513  until gripping arm  556  is freed from shoulder  531 . At that point, under the influence of spring member  566 , slider/gripper  513  slides along link  512  until gripping arm  556  reaches an end  533  of groove  535 , hits a stop, or until it contacts a conveyed object. To move slider/gripper  513  from the position shown in  FIG. 24  back to the position shown in  FIG. 23 , various different camming options are possible. For example, it is possible to cam gripping arm  556  so as to slide and then rotate it back into place. Alternatively, cam follower  552 , or simply the adjacent end of slider/gripper  513 , could be cammed and rotated into place. 
     As shown in  FIG. 24 , slider/gripper  513  may rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of transport T when moving from the first position (shown in  FIG. 23 ) to the second position (shown in  FIG. 24 ). Slider/gripper  513  also slides when moving between these two positions. 
     Each of the embodiments discussed above in  FIGS. 1–24  include certain common elements and concepts. First, each includes a plurality of links with gripping members that may be placed in an orientation below the conveying surface of the links. Such orientation allows for (but does not require) slidable loading and unloading of the conveyor laterally. The links may be inverted with or without a gripped object, and the links may even be loaded or unloaded in an inverted position. Also, the links provide for a reasonably secure and optionally self adjustable positioning of the gripping members so as to hold objects being conveyed during transport. As indicated above, many of the features of the different embodiments may be altered or combined in various ways depending upon the particular desired application. The gripping members could be opened so as to move below the conveying surface, partially opened, and/or closed by various different camming type functions or even by the transport of objects themselves. The present invention is thus not limited to any of the particular embodiments set forth above in terms of each of the specific features of any given embodiment, but the disclosure as a whole should be considered to determine the various options that are possible. 
     Also, although the above embodiments provide beneficial orientations whereby the gripper members may be “opened” so as to place the gripping member beneath a conveying surface of a link, such orientation is not required according to the invention. Such orientation does provide benefits such as slidable lateral loading, but such loading is not required, and simply opening the gripping members somewhat will suffice for many applications. Thus, any gripping member that opens or flexes enough to allow loading and unloading of the link, by virtue of a camming function or contact with a conveyed object are all within the scope of the invention. 
     Also, it would be possible to arrange certain of the embodiments so that any fixed fence was moveable, or even was replaced by duplicated moveable gripping members  32 . While that could add some complexity to the links, such design is considered to be well within the scope of one skilled in the art to carry out. In such case, the link would include two gripping members, oppositely disposed so as to be able to grip a container therebetween. The gripping members would then move toward each other when moving from the first position to the second position. 
     The remaining embodiments of the invention described below include alternate embodiments of a gripping conveyor. In the immediately following embodiments, the various disclosed gripping members can not, however, move to a position below the conveying surface of the individual links. Instead, the gripping members are linearly or arcuately slidable relative to the link bodies. As discussed above, such positioning does provide certain benefits, but would not be required in all applications. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 25–27 , a conveyor  610  includes a plurality of links  612 . Individual links  612  include a body  630  and a gripping member  632  that is moveable from a first opened position  634  to a second gripping position  636 . Gripping member  632  includes a gripping arm  656 , a positioning arm  658 , and a cam follower  652 . Gripping member  632  is pivotally mounted to body  630  around pivot points  633 . Gripping member  632  extends from beneath body  630  through a curved slot  660 . 
     It should be understood, as in the above embodiments, that the first opened position  634  and second gripping position  636  need not be defined by the limits of travel of gripping arm  656  within slot  660 . Thus, the gripping position  636  may be defined by the size and/or orientation of the object being conveyed, or by some other stop, and the opened position  634  may be any position wide enough to release the gripping member  632 . 
     A cam  684  is shown in  FIG. 25  for influencing the position of gripping member  632 . If conveyor  610  were moving toward the right, cam  684  would be opening the gripper member  632 , and if conveyor  612  were moving to the left, cam  684  would be allowing the gripping member  632  to close to grip the conveyed object, as urged in that direction by spring members  666 . As shown, the conveyed objects may be gripped between gripping members  632  of adjacent links  612  and fences  676 . The fences  676  may have various different shapes, other than the flat plate as shown, and different attachments and shapes are possible for use on the end of gripping arm  656 , if desired. The conveyor of  FIGS. 25 and 26  therefore shows an alternate manner of securely conveying objects while gripped on a conveyor. 
       FIG. 27  shows a variation of the conveyor of  FIGS. 25 and 26 , in which oppositely disposed gripping members and related parts are shown on link  612   a . Thus, in  FIG. 27 , fence  676  is replaced by another gripping member  632  and related elements. Such orientation may be desirable in some applications. 
       FIGS. 28–30  show another embodiment including a link  712  that includes slidable gripping members  732 . As with  FIG. 27 , the gripping members  732  are disposed in opposed pairs, although a single set of gripping members and a fixed fence could alternatively be used. Gripping members  732  include gripping arms  756  extending from slider portions  740 . Spring members  766  urge gripping members  732  toward the center of link  712 . Gripping members  732  slide in slots  760  within bodies  730  of links  712 . Sliders  740  (see  FIG. 29 ) are disposed substantially within link  712  for contacting spring members  766 . Sliders  740  slide in a wide portion  761  of slots  760  to thereby position gripping members  732 . As with previous embodiments, the second gripping position  736  is self-adjustable, either at the limit of the groove  760  or depending upon the size and orientation of the conveyed object. A cam  784  may contact a cam follower  752  attached to a bottom of gripping members  732  to move gripping members between a first spread position  734  and a second gripping position  736 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , an optional flexible fence  776  extending between a plurality of gripping members  732  may be provided. Such flexible fence  776  may provide a more secure gripping of containers in certain applications. However, as shown in  FIG. 30 , such flexible fence  776  need not be used within the scope of the invention. 
     Thus, the further additional embodiments disclosed above include conveyors having gripping members which are slidable relative to the respective conveyor lengths. Some of these embodiments include gripping members that slide along an arc while attached to a pivotable member, and other slide along a straight line. The embodiments also provide a self-adjustable mechanism for contacting and gripping objects to the transported. The gripping members of adjacent links may contact individual transported objects and may move to different positions to contact different portions of those objects and hold them securely. Transported objects may thus be securely transported in an aligned fashion, if desired, for various types of procedures. 
     Yet another embodiment of a conveyor  810  is shown in  FIGS. 31–36 . Conveyor  810  includes various elements of certain previously discussed embodiments, but also includes certain different features. For example, conveyor  810  includes a plurality of links  812  connected to a drive mechanism (not shown). Each link  812  includes a body  830 , a gripping member  832  and a slider  840 . A cam follower  852  is disposed at an end of slider  840 , and a spring member  866  is disposed within body  830 . An adapter  892  is disposed at an end of gripping member  832 , and a fence  876  is attached to body  830 . 
     Gripping member  832  is moveable between a first open position, shown either in  FIG. 34  (a partially opened position) or  FIG. 35  (a fully opened position), and a second gripping position, as shown in  FIGS. 31–33 . When in the gripping position, gripping members  832  may grip an object, such as a container C. As shown, conveyor  810  may be utilized to grip object held spaced from surface  838  of body  830 . Thus, if desired, conveyor  810  may be used as an overhead conveyor, gripping bottles by their necks during transport. Conveyor  810  may load or unload containers from above while the containers move along an additional conveyor or platform P, as shown in  FIG. 36 . Cam  884  may influence slider  840  to move into or out of body  830 , thereby opening or closing gripping member  832  around the neck of the container C. In  FIG. 36 , if conveyor  810  were moving to the right, the conveyor would be releasing the containers; if conveyor  810  were moving to the left, the conveyor would be gripping the containers. 
     As with previous embodiments, various modifications are possible with the embodiment of  FIGS. 31–36 . First, the configuration of the gripping member  832  could be modified in the various ways discussed above, or multiple gripping members could be provided for each body, etc. It would also be possible to invert objects utilizing the embodiment of  FIGS. 31–36  so that the containers are placed above the conveyor during travel, or the conveyor could be loaded as discussed above with the containers contacting surface  838  of body  830 . It should also be understood that, as with the embodiments of  FIGS. 31–36 , the first open position may be either of the positions shown in  FIGS. 34  or  35 , depending on the desired application or method of loading. Also, it should be understood that any of the previously disclosed embodiments could potentially be utilized in such an overhead loading, unloading, or transport application, or with the conveyed object spaced from the surface of the body of the link, as shown in  FIGS. 31–36 . 
       FIGS. 37–43  show another embodiment of a conveyor  910  according to certain other aspects of the invention. As shown, conveyor  910  includes a plurality of connected links  912  for conveying objects such as containers C along a direction of transport T. Like the conveyor of  FIGS. 31–36 , conveyor  910  may be used to grip objects spaced from conveying surfaces  938  of links  912 . Conveyor  910  is thus suited to grip and convey bottles by the neck, either upright or inverted. 
     Each link  912  has a length L extending across the direction of transport T and a width W extending along the direction of transport T (see  FIG. 38 ). Each link  912  has a body  930 , at least two opposed gripping members  932 , and at least one spring member  966 . Cam follower members  952  may be located on one or both of gripping members  932 , which are selectively movable between a first, opened position (as shown in  FIG. 38 ) and a second, gripping position (as shown in  FIG. 39 ). The spring member  966  urges the gripping members toward the second, gripping position. Gripping members  932  may thus contact one of the conveyed objects C to hold the object during transport when in the second position (see  FIG. 41 ). Camming members such as cams or, as shown, rails  984  may be provided to move gripping members  932  toward the first, opened position against the force of springs  966 . Although gripping members  932  are shown as operating independently, if desired, their motions could be more directly tied by use of interacting circular gears, sliders, rack and pinion arrangements, or the like. 
     The movable gripping members may be attached in various ways. For example, as shown, each link  912  may include two pins  933  around which gripping members  932  pivot. As shown, spring members  966  comprise tension springs. However, if desired, compression springs located on the opposite side of pins  933  could be used, or leaf springs could be substituted as well. The spring constant of spring members  966  can be selected according to the application to as to be able to securely hold the desired object, whether full or empty, in motion and/or traveling around curves. If desired to achieve a certain result, multiple spring members  966  could also be used. 
     One or both of gripping members  932  may include a flexible adaptor  992  for more securely holding the gripped objects in a particular location relative to link  912 . Further, if desired (but not shown), the adaptor  992  or the griping member  932  may be shaped so that adjacent containers C may be gripped “on-centers” with a predetermined spacing for interaction with other machinery (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11  or fixed fence of  FIG. 9 ). The size and shape of adaptors  992  may be altered to suit the application and/or conveyed objects. Links  912  and/or adaptors  992  may also be particularly configured to allow gripping members  932  to grip bottlenecks, or to grip objects spaced from the links or with the links inverted, as shown. 
     Gripping members  932  on adjacent links  912  may be connected via connections elements such as a flexible connecting member  901  (see FIGS.  37  and  40 – 42 ). The connection elements are configured so as to allow three-dimensional movement of a given link relative to an adjacent link. As used herein, three-dimensional movement means relative movement between links about three axes; one parallel to the direction of transport, and two axes perpendicular to the direction of transport (i.e., horizontally and vertically, as oriented in  FIG. 37 ). 
     Flexible connecting member  901  may comprise a braided wire cable  903  made of stainless steel, or any other suitable materials or the like, with mounting members  905  secured to it at given intervals. Mounting members  905  may comprise cylindrical swages, as shown, made of aluminum, stainless steel, or any other suitable material or the like, secured to cable  903  by a set screw, swaging, welding, brazing, or any other reliable manner of attachment. If such a flexible connecting member  901  is used, a groove  907  may be formed in conveying surface  938  of link  912  sized so that cable  903  may be slid into the groove. A retaining portion  909  of groove  907  may be provided to receive mounting member  905 . Retaining portion  909  may be a widened portion of groove  907  configured for receiving mounting member  905 . If desired a retainer  911  may be slid over top of mounting member  905  and into a slot  913  in body  912  adjacent groove  907  to retain the mounting member in retaining portion  909 . Retainer  911  may be a spring-type member having leaf spring type edges if desired to hold it in place. Alternately, a set screw, a pin, etc., may be used to secured mounting member  905  within retaining portion  909 . Depending on the arrangement and travel of conveyor  910 , a retainer or the like may not be needed, as tension and friction caused by the arrangement and travel may be sufficient to hold link  912  in place on flexible connecting member  901 . In the configuration shown, individual links  912  may be removed from flexible connecting member  901  for service, repair, cleaning, or changing of conveyed object or application, if desired. While such removable mounting is not necessary for all aspects of the invention, such arrangement may be useful in certain applications. Alternatively, links  912  could be connected via an arrangement as shown in  FIG. 1 , with a drive mechanism including a knuckle conveyor or the like. 
     As shown, conveyor  910  may include a track  913 , links  912  being configured to follow the track. Track  913  may have a T-shaped cross section  915  (see  FIG. 37 ), and each link  912  may includes a T-shaped channel  917  for receiving and following the track. Conveyor  910  may utilize other guides instead of track  913 , if desired, and links  912  would be reconfigured accordingly. 
     Conveyor  910  may also include a rotatable wheel  919  for contacting the links  912  to direct the links around any curves in track  913 , such as curve  921  shown in  FIG. 37 . Use of wheel  919  reduces friction that would be present between links  912  and track  913  along a curve. Such a wheel could also be utilized in non-curved portions of travel as well. Also, track  913  could bend laterally or twist along the direction of travel, if desired. 
     A drive mechanism may also be provided for driving links  912  in a given direction. As shown, the drive mechanism may comprise a motor and motor control  923 , and at least one driven gear  925  having teeth  927 . Teeth  927  are configured to fit between adjacent links  912  in a rack and pinion arrangement to drive the links. Links  912  may accordingly include side cut outs  912   a  configured for receiving teeth  927  of gear  925 . The drive mechanism may include two of the driven gears  925  disposed on opposite sides of links  912 , and may also include intermediate gears  929  configured to drive gears  925  at a given speed, as well as other intermediate gearing (not shown) between the output of motor  923  and gears  929 . Thus, conveyor  910  may be readily driven by direct contact with gears  925 . 
     Alternatively, gears  925  could be replaced with wheels (not shown) that frictionally contact outer ends of links  912 . If so, the wheels could have flexible materials about their edges, and/or links  912  could have similar materials, for a secure frictional engagement so as to reliably drive links  912 . 
       FIG. 44  shows a link  1012  for a conveyor according to other aspects of the invention. As shown in this figure, the conveyor includes a plurality of links  1012  each having a body  1030 . Four opposed gripping members  1032  are provided on each link, in pairs. As above, a cam follower member  1052  is moveable to selectively move each gripping member  1032  between a first, opened position and a second, gripping position. A spring mechanism  1066  is provided between each pair of gripping members  1032 . 
     Links  1012  are similar to links  912  in many ways. However, links  1012  have two pairs of gripping members  1032  per link, rather than one. As above, gripping members  1032  may include flexible adaptors  1092 , which may be made of material such as plastic, rubber, or the like. 
     Spring members  1066  are compression springs, as above, to urge the gripping members toward the second, closed position. A cam member (not shown) may contact each cam follower member  1052  to move gripping members  1032  in the opposite direction. Of course, the position of the spring member and/or cam member could be reversed so as to urge gripping members  1032  in opposite directions. Also, the compression spring members could be replaced with tension springs on the opposite side of pivot pins  1033 , or with leaf springs. As with embodiments above, links  1012  could be modified in various other ways, such as by modifying the adaptor  1092 , etc. 
     Links  1012  may include slots  1017  for receiving a track, which may comprise two opposed rails (not shown). Also, links may include a T-shaped slot  917 , as above. Either way, links  1012  may be guided along the track. As above, links  1012  may be connected via a flexible connector such as a wire cable, a knuckle conveyor (not shown), or other structures, depending on the application. 
       FIGS. 45–47  show a link  1112  for a conveyor  1110  according to other aspects of the invention. As shown, conveyor  1110  includes a plurality of links  1112  each having a body  1130 . Links  1112  are similar to links  912 , above, in many ways. For example, gripping members  1132  are provided on each link  1112 , and cam follower members  1152  are moveable to selectively move each gripping member  1132  between a first, opened position and a second, gripping position. A spring mechanism  1166  is provided to urge gripping members  1132  toward the gripping position. Spring mechanism  1166  comprises a leaf spring in this embodiment. However, if desired, compression or tension springs could be substituted, as above, with corresponding changes in structure, camming, etc. 
     The connection elements of the embodiment of  FIGS. 45–47  differ from that of  FIGS. 37–44 . As shown, the connection elements may include universal joints, referred to generally as  1101 . Each link  1112  may thus include an extension  1103  and a cavity  1105 . The extension of a given link may be disposed within a cavity of an adjacent link, to thus form a universal joint  1101 . As shown, extension  1103  includes a surface  1107  having a curved shape. Surface  1107  may be spherical, if desired. Cavity  1105  includes a surface  1109  configured for receiving and mating with surface  1107 . A slot  1111  may be provided in link body  1112  to allow extension  1103  to be slid into cavity  1105 . Once connected and placed under tension so as to form a conveyor, interference between trailing edge  1113  of surface  1109  and surface  1107  is such that the universal joint  1101  cannot be readily disassembled inadvertently. However, when not under tension, it is a rather simple matter to pivot one link  1112  relative to another to attach or detach links. The dimensions of slot  1111  provide limits of three-dimensional movement between adjacent links. Thus, the amount of movement allowed can be defined by the dimensions of slot  1111  and neck portion  1115  of extension  1101 , if desired. 
     Link bodies  1130  may be readily molded or machined in a unitary part from material such as acetel, nylon, or any suitable plastic. Alternatively, if desired, extensions  1103  may be separately manufactured and attached. 
     Links  1112  may be mounted so as to follow a track, such as those shown with above embodiments. As shown in  FIGS. 45–47 , links  1112  include a T-shaped channel  1117  for receiving and following a track. Alternately, opposed slots or other structures may be substituted, as described above. 
     Conveyor  1110  may be driven using a drive mechanism such as that shown in  FIGS. 37–43 . Alternately, a drive mechanism may be provided wherein gears  925  (of  FIGS. 37–43 ) may be replaced by a friction drive that contacts outer portions of links  1112 . Such a friction drive may include one or more wheels  1125  (see  FIG. 47 ) having a gripping material  1127  on an outer periphery thereof, for gripping and driving outer portions  1129  of links  1112 . Gripping material  1127  may comprise a flexible material such as rubber. Portions  1129  may themselves be textured or otherwise modified, if desired, or gripping material may be placed in these locations. Such a frictional drive system could also be used with various of the previous embodiments, if desired. 
     The conveyors and links of  FIGS. 37–47  have particular usefulness in picking up and moving bottles. The bottles can be inverted, if desired, to pass them through a rinser or a labeller, or to allow them to drain. Moving lightweight plastic bottles is also reliably performed, as the bottles are securely gripped during travel. Tipping over of such lightweight bottles is not an issue when the bottles are gripped from above. Therefore, it is possible in some applications to move the conveyed objects very rapidly. 
     As above, the conveyors and links of  FIGS. 37–47  may be modified in various ways to incorporate teachings of the embodiments of other embodiments within  FIGS. 37–47 , or  FIGS. 1–36  if desired. It should be understood that various other modifications and combinations of the above embodiments are contemplated and are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, spring members shown as compression springs could be substituted with tension springs, and vice versa, with corresponding modifications of other related elements. In such cases, movement of cam followers and cams from one side of a link to the other may be required, among other changes. Also, each link may include only one or multiple gripping members. Each gripping member may include only one or multiple gripping arms. Multiple gripping arms may be actuated by a single slider on a link, or each gripping arms may be actuated by a single slider on a link, or each gripping arm may have its own slider. The shape of the link body, the method of attachment to the drive mechanism, the type of drive mechanism, and the disclosed uses of the conveyors herein are also examples only, and no limitations should be drawn from this disclosure. Thus, the present invention contemplates that any and all such subject matter is included within the scope of the present invention.