Patent Abstract:
A quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub assembly is described for use with high speed roller machines. The assembly includes an outer flange plate that can be detached from the assembly in order for the roller sleeve to be dismounted and a new roller sleeve mounted as the existing roller sleeve becomes worn and needs to be replaced. The quick release permits the mounting hub and other parts of the assembly to remain in their aligned configuration and positions while only exchanging the roller sleeve portion of the assembly.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention generally resides in the field of quick release roller sleeves. Roller sleeves, which are mountable and demountable from rollers and other hub-like cylindrical structures, are used in several forms of printing, metal flattening, and other manufacturing processes. 
         [0002]    The manner in which roller sleeves are currently being mounted and demounted on the roll cores has caused problems in terms of increasing time of production due to the time required in changing the sleeve and core together which can take up to an hour or more during which time the machine onto which the roller sleeve is being mounted is shut down. Moreover, once a sleeve and core have been changed there may be issues with alignment which can lead to several wasted batches of product while the user makes alignment corrections which adds more downtime to production. Accordingly there exists a need for a quick release roller sleeve mounting hub, which cuts down significantly on the time spent on changing a roller sleeve during production and also does not require the need to remove or change the roller core eliminating the need for realigning the replacement core. 
         [0003]    The present invention overcomes these deficiencies by utilizing a quick release roller sleeve mounting hub having a fiberglass covering. The mounting hub remains in place on the machine and, instead of the entire apparatus being removed and replaced, an outer rim flange portion can slide into and out of position for ease of dismounting a worn roller sleeve and mounting a new roller sleeve around the hub that remains in its machine mounted position at all times. The present invention allows for the existing core or hub to be continued in service while only changing the outer roller sleeve portion, resulting in the overall sleeve and core to maintain its alignment and original configuration. 
         [0004]    Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a quick release roller sleeve which can be mounted and dismounted in a much shorter period of time. Another object of the present invention is to provide a quick release roller sleeve which can be mounted and dismounted without removing the roller core. 
         [0005]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a quick release roller sleeve made from fiberglass or other composite type long-lived material. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a quick release roller sleeve with variable face lengths and diameters. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a quick release roller sleeve which is fastened to the core by a limited number of securing means to aid in the ease of mounting and dismounting of the roller sleeve. 
         [0006]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a quick release roller sleeve mounting hub that allows the outer sleeve portions to slide into and out of position for ease of mounting and dismounting once the roller sleeve is worn and needs to be replaced. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a quick release roller sleeve mounting hub that allows for use of the existing core or hub while only changing the outer roller sleeve portion, allowing the core to maintain its original configuration and alignment on the machinery. 
         [0007]    Other objects will appear hereinafter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present apparatus may be described as a quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub for mounting to a high speed machine for printing, metal flattening or other similar functions. The quick release roller sleeve is configured to mount over and around the mounting hub or core of the assembly. Each roller sleeve is constructed of fiberglass or other composite type material with an elastomeric covering. The roller sleeve fits around the mounting hub and is sandwiched between an inward facing flange and an outward facing flange, both of which completely circumscribe the hub. Each of the flanges has a circumferential notch that mounts against the sleeve base capturing and containing the sleeve between the flanges with the sleeve supported by the hub or core. The flange notches allow for the sleeves to be appropriately positioned within the flanges and around the hub or core so that the roller sleeve, when worn and needing to be replaced, is able to slide into and out of place for ease of mounting and dismounting. The present invention allows for the existing core to remain in its aligned position on the machinery while changing only the roller sleeve portion, which allows for the entire assembly to maintain its original configuration. 
         [0009]    The inner and outer facing flange plates are structurally identical. The inner facing flange plate is permanently secured to the metal hub or core with a plurality of threaded machine bolts in this way an existing core can be used and it can even be returned to its original configuration if desired. The outer facing flange plate is used to mount and dismount the roller sleeve by removing the flange from the hub or core, sliding the roller sleeve outward and away from the inner facing flange and off of the hub or core, mounting a new roller sleeve onto the hub or core, and replacing the outer flange to secure the sleeve in position. The outer facing flange plate provides a pinching effect on the roller sleeve between its inner surface and the inner surface of the inner facing flange plate. To maintain the roller sleeve in position and resist against slippage the paired flange plates exert an inward force against the roller sleeve that is captured in opposing flanges and bevels around the periphery of each of the flange plates. The inner facing flange, mounting hub and sleeve are assembled prior to mounting on the machinery and remain assembled until such time as the core or hub is being switched out as well. 
         [0010]    It is sometimes advisable to maintain rotational speed and avoid slippage that the hub or the roller sleeve are engaged with each other, or with the high speed machinery by a key and cooperating keyway. The embodiments described below are each substantially similar in structure and may be utilized for differently dimensioned workpieces, some wider than others. 
         [0011]    These together with other objects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a sectional side view of the quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1A  is an enlarged view of the outer flange edge region on the machine side of the hub as it captures the roller sleeve mounted around the hub. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1B  is an enlarged view of the outer flange edge region on the exposed side of the hub as it captures the roller sleeve mounted around the hub. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub assembly of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is an exploded side view of the quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub assembly of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a sectional side view of a second embodiment of the quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the second embodiment of the quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is an exploded side view of the second embodiment of the quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a partial sectional side view of a third embodiment of the quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is an exploded side view of the third embodiment of the quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         [0024]    Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements, there is shown in  FIG. 1 , the quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub assembly  10  of the present invention. The quick release assembly is comprised of a pair of opposing outer and inner flange plates  12   a ,  12   b , a mounting hub  14  having an outer support rim  16 , and a roller sleeve  18 . The inner flange plate  12   b  is secured to the support rim  16  across the inward face of the hub  14  by a set of mounting screws  13   b . Likewise, the outer flange plate  12   a  is secured to the support rim  16  across the outward face of the hub  14  by a set of mounting screws  13   a . Alternatively, the inner flange plate  12   b  may be manufactured as part of the hub  14  as it is not required to be removed to dismount and mount a roller sleeve  18 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , the inner flange plate  12   b  captures the base  20  of roller sleeve  18  within cooperating circumferential notch  19  slightly inward of the outer edge of the flange plate  12   b . The outer roller material  22  of sleeve  18  extends outward from the base  20  in accordance with the general dimensions set forth below. The base  20  of roller sleeve  18  is constructed of fiberglass or other composite resin-type material. The resin material may be any suitable thermoset such as an epoxy or polyester. The thickness of the base  20  of the roller sleeve  18  is in the range of 1/16 to ¼ inches to provide stability to the outer roller material  22 . As can be seen from  FIG. 1B , the identical arrangement is provided for the outer flange plate  12   a  in capturing the base plate  20  of the roller sleeve  18 . The base  20  of the roller sleeve  18  is captured in the circumferential notch  19  of the outer flange plate  12   a  locking the roller sleeve  18  in position between the flange plates  12   a ,  12   b  with both mounted to the hub  14 . 
         [0026]    The support rim  16  of the mounting hub  14  is slightly smaller than the roller sleeve  18  in depth and diameter which allows the roller sleeve  18  to slide onto the mounting hub  14 . Each of the flange plates  12   a ,  12   b  extends the flat surface of the support rim  16  and pinches the base  20  of the roller sleeve  18  between them to secure the roller sleeve  18  to the mounting hub  14  as described above. The flange plates  12   a ,  12   b  seal the edges of the roller sleeve  18  between them and grip the base  16  to prevent the roller sleeve  18  from slipping while in use. The roller sleeve  18  can be any elastomer or synthetic rubber, preferably a urethane composition having a shore A hardness of 40 to 60 and a wall thickness of 0.25 to 1.00 inches. The face width of the roller sleeve preferably ranges from 4 to 10 inches and the diameter can range between 12 to 25 inches. Other dimensional measurements may be consistent with special uses of the roller sleeve  18  that can be manufactured to meet the requirements of the machinery dimensional specifications. 
         [0027]    The enlarged view in  FIG. 1A  of the junction between the inner flange plate  12   b  and the roller sleeve  18  more clearly shows the cooperating circumferential notch  19  in the flange  12   b  as it captures the edge of the base  20  of the roller sleeve  18 . The circumferential notch  19  and shoulder  21  allows the outer flange plate  12   b  to slide into and out of place against the mounting hub  14  for ease of mounting and dismounting when the roller sleeve  18  is worn and needs to be replaced. The circumferential notch  19  on the flange plate  12   b  is approximately 0.012 inches and accepts the more rigid base  20  of the roller sleeve  18  forming a snug fit between them. There is another undercut or bevel  23  along the outer periphery of each flange plate  12   a ,  12   b  to accommodate the outer roller material  22  of roller sleeve  18  therebetween. See,  FIG. 1B . The removal of the outer flange plate  12   a  from the mounting hub  14 , by removing only the mounting screws  13   a  and sliding the roller sleeve  18  off of and away from the mounting hub  14 , allows for the existing mounting hub  14  to remain in position while changing only the roller sleeve  18  and without disengaging the inner flange plate  12   b . Thus, the end user can replace a worn roller sleeve  18  by removing only the outer flange plate  12   a . Then it becomes a requirement for maintaining machine up time for only the roller sleeve  18  to be inventoried by the end user for a rapid exchange of a new part for a worn one. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows an outer front face view of the quick release roller sleeve mounting hub assembly  10  of the present invention. In this first embodiment, the quick release assembly  10  has a large diameter mounting hub  14  including a set of six apertures  15  through which a series of fastening means extend for attaching the mounting hub  14  to the machinery. The apertures  15  are spaced about the inner circumferential opening of the mounting hub  14  at points approximating 60° separations between each of them. Shown in the inner flange plate  12   b  are a set of four mounting apertures  13   d  for mounting the flange plate to the mounting hub  14 . As can be seen from  FIG. 3 , the outer flange plate  12   a  also has a set of four mounting apertures  13   c  for mounting the flange plate  12   a  to the mounting hub  14 . The mounting apertures  13   c ,  13   d  are spaced about the periphery of the outer flange plates  12   a ,  12   b  at points approximating 90° separations between each of them. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown an exploded view of the present invention, the quick release sleeve and mounting hub assembly  10 . Starting from the left, the inner facing flange plate  12   b  has a shoulder  21  that mates to the outer diameter  17  of the support rim  16  of the mounting hub  14  and an outwardly extending bevel  23  at the peripheral circumference of the plate  12   b  with the notch  19  located in between them. The inner flange plate  12   b  is mounted to the support rim  16  with fasteners  13   b  that extend through apertures  13   d  into threaded receiving holes  13   f  in the support rim  16 . 
         [0030]    The support rim  16  provides a base for the attachment of the paired inner and outer flange plates  12   a ,  12   b . The outer circumference of the support rim  16  provides the support for the roller sleeve  18  with the two parts being dimensioned such that the inner diameter face  25  of the roller sleeve  18  slips over and contacts the outer diameter  17  face of the support rim  16 . The roller sleeve  22  is seated on the support rim  16  and pinched between the paired outer flange plates  12   a ,  12   b . Also formed by the mating alignment of the flange plates  12   a  and  12   b  and the roller sleeve  18  is a seal that acts to prevent liquids used with the roller assembly from entering into the space between the roller sleeve  18  and the hub  14  that could retard the ease in dismounting the roller sleeve  18  when worn. 
         [0031]    The outward facing flange plate  12   a  mounts to the support rim  16  in the same way as the inner flange plate  12   b  with fasteners  13   a  that extend through apertures  13   c  into threaded receiving holes  13   e  in the support rim  16 . At the center of the support rim  16  is the mounting hub  14  that surrounds the central aperture utilized to mount the support rim  16  to the roller hub (not shown). Each of the apertures  15  are used to affix the mounting hub  14  to the roller hub when originally positioning the assembly  10 . In this way, the mounting hub  14  remains affixed to the roller hub and only the roller sleeve  18 , when worn, need be replaced by removing only the outer flange plate  12   a , replacing the roller sleeve  18  and then replacing the outer flange plate  12   a , all without dismounting the entire assembly  10  or disturbing the mounting hub alignment on the roller hub and allowing for only minimal down time of the machinery. During the exchange of the roller sleeve  18 , the inner facing flange plate  12   b  remains attached to the mounting hub  14 . 
         [0032]    Shown in  FIG. 4  is a second embodiment of the quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub assembly  110  of the present invention having a differently sized central aperture for mounting to a roller hub. The quick release assembly is comprised of a pair of opposing inner and outer flange plates  112   a ,  112   b , a mounting hub  114  having an outward facing support rim  116 , and a roller sleeve  118 . The inner flange plate  112   a  is secured to the support rim  116  across an inner space  130  dimensioned exactly to the length of quadrilaterally positioned spacer blocks  132   a - 132   d  mounted to the inner flange plate  112   a . The spacer blocks  132   b  and  132   d  overlie one another in the view presented with spacer block  132   b  shown in phantom lines. The quadrilaterally positioned spacer blocks  132   a - 132   d  extend across the inner space  130  and provide a connecting point for the support rim  116  as well as a positioning and mounting point for the roller sleeve  118  that extends around the outer circumference of the outer flange plate  112   a  but inside of the outer flange  123   a . The inward face of the support rim  116  lies against the set of spacer blocks  132   a - 132   d . A set of mounting screws  113   a  extend through the outer flange plate  112   a  through the support rim  116  and into the set of spacer blocks  132   a - 132   d  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . 
         [0033]    As can be seen from  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the outer flange plate  112   b  captures the base  120  of roller sleeve  118  within a cooperating circumferential notch  119   b  slightly inward of the outer edge of the flange plate  112   b . The outer roller material  122  of sleeve  118  extends outward from the base  120  in accordance with the general dimensions set forth below. The base  120  of roller sleeve  118  is constructed of fiberglass or other composite resin-type material. This resin material may be any suitable thermoset such as an epoxy or polyester. The thickness of the base  120  of the roller sleeve  118  is in the range of 1/16 to ¼ inches to provide stability to the outer roller material  122 . The cooperating circumferential notch  119   b  and undercut or bevel  123   b  extending outward from the flange plate  112   b  captures the roller sleeve  118  between these named elements on the outer flange plate  112   b  and the same arrangement of elements  119   a ,  123   a  on the inner flange plate  112   a . This structural arrangement is identical to that described in connected with  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
         [0034]    The outer diameter of the support rim  116  is slightly smaller than the diameter of the roller sleeve  118  which allows the roller sleeve  118  to slide over the support rim  116  and onto the inner flange plate  112   b . The flange plates  112   a ,  112   b  when positioned opposing one another capture the edges of the roller sleeve  118  between them and grip the base  120  to prevent the roller sleeve  118  from slipping while in use. As above, the roller sleeve  118  can be any elastomer or synthetic rubber, preferably a urethane composition having a shore A hardness of 40 to 60 and a wall thickness of 0.25 to 1.00 inches. The face width of the roller sleeve preferably ranges from 4 to 10 inches and the diameter can range between 12 to 25 inches. Other dimensional measurements may be consistent with special uses of the roller sleeve  118  that can be manufactured to meet the requirements of the machinery dimensional specifications. 
         [0035]    The support rim  116  is dimensioned to fit within the outer flange plate  112   b  when completing the remounting of the sleeve  118 . The support rim  116  is press fit over a mounting hub  114  that extends between the inner faces of the support rim  116  and the inner flange plate  112   a  across the space  130 . Likewise, the inner flange plate is press fit over the hub  114  by fitting the central opening  115   a  around the hub  114 . A pair of inner and outer collars  134   a ,  134   b  captures the inner flange plate  112   b  and the support rim  116  respectively between them and against the mounting hub  114 . Both the outer flange plate  112   a  and the support rim  116  have central openings  115   b ,  117 , respectively, that accommodate the mounting hub  114  and allow the collars  134   a ,  134   b  to retain the inner flange plate  112   a  and support rim  116  against and securely affixed to the mounting hub  114 . A first set of fastening means or screws  136   b  are used to mount the support rim  116  to the mounting hub  114 . A second set of fastening means or screws  136   a  are used to mount inner flange plate  112   a  to the mounting hub  114  securing the collar  134   a  to the mounting hub  114 . The screws  136   a ,  136   b  are spaced apart approximately 120° around the circumference of the collars  134   a ,  134   b  and extend through countersunk apertures  133   a ,  133   b  in the collars  134   a ,  134   b  into threaded receiving holes  135   a ,  135   b  in opposite sides of the mounting hub  114 . 
         [0036]    As is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the mounting hub  114  fits into and against a matching inward flange in each of the inner flange plate  112   a  and the support rim  116  with each of the collars  134   a ,  134   b  fitting into outward facing recesses  137   a ,  137   b  in the mounting hub  114  such that attachment the of these parts one to the other creates a rigid assembly for supporting the roller sleeve  118 . Also formed by the mating alignment of the flange plates  112   a  and  112   b  and the roller sleeve  118  is a seal that acts to prevent liquids used with the roller assembly from entering into the space between the roller sleeve  118  and the hub  114  that could retard the ease in dismounting the roller sleeve  118  when worn. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  shows the front view of the second embodiment of the present invention  110  that exhibits a much smaller diameter central aperture for mounting the assembly to a machine or high speed roller apparatus than the larger diameter for mounting shown in  FIG. 2 . The outer flange plate  112   b  having a very large diameter opening such that the flange plate  112   b  fits snugly over the support rim  116  and is mounted to the assembly containing the support rim  116  and the mounting hub  114  by four fastening means  113   b  that are secured into threaded apertures  139   b  located in each of the spacers  132   a - d . On the opposite side the outer flange plate  112   a  is also secured in position using four fastening means  113   a  that are secured into threaded apertures  139   a  in each of the four spacers  132   a - d . The mounting hub  114  located at the center of the support rim  116  has a key notch  140  shown extending upwards from the round opening for engaging a keyed shaft of the machine or high speed roller apparatus. 
         [0038]    The exploded view in  FIG. 6  of the second embodiment of the present invention  110  shows the differently configured mounting hub  114  being attached between the center portion of the support rim  116  and the inner flange plate  112   b . The removal of the outer flange plate  112   a  exposes the roller sleeve  118  such that the roller sleeve  118  can be removed and replaced without having to remove the entire assembly  110  from the machine or high speed roller apparatus. In this way the assembly remains in its aligned position on the machine or high speed roller apparatus without the need for extended downtime to realign the roller sleeve  118  or the entire assembly  110 . 
         [0039]    A third embodiment of the quick release roller sleeve and mounting hub assembly  210  of the present invention is presented in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 . The quick release assembly is comprised of a pair of opposing inner and outer flange plates  212   a ,  212   b , a mounting hub  214  having an outer support surface  216 , and a roller sleeve  218 . In this embodiment the exploded view of  FIG. 8  depicts the outward facing side of the quick release assembly to the left instead of the right as was done in the prior two embodiments to demonstrate that the invention will work regardless of the mounting position. The inner flange plate  212   a  is secured to the support surface  216  across the inward face of the hub  214  by a set of mounting screws  213   a . Likewise, the outer flange plate  212   b  is secured to the support rim  216  across the outward face of the hub  214  by a set of mounting screws  213   b . The outer flange plate  212   b  captures the base  220  of roller sleeve  218  within cooperating notch  219  slightly inward of the outer edge of the flange plate  212   b . Likewise, inner flange plate  212   a  captures the base  220  of roller sleeve  218  within cooperating notch  219  slightly inward of the outer edge of the flange plate  212   a . The outer roller material  222  of sleeve  218  extends outward from the base  220  in accordance with the general dimensions set forth below. The base  220  of roller sleeve  218  is constructed of fiberglass or other composite resin-type material. The resin material may be any suitable thermoset such as an epoxy or polyester. The thickness of the base  220  of the roller sleeve  218  is in the range of 1/16 to ¼ inches to provide stability to the outer roller material  222 . 
         [0040]    The support surface  216  of the mounting hub  214  is slightly smaller than the roller sleeve  218  in depth and diameter which allows the roller sleeve  218  to slide onto the mounting hub  214 . Each flange plate  212   a ,  212   b  extends the flat surface of the support surface  216  and pinches the base  220  of the roller sleeve  218  between them (an within the respective notches  219 ) to secure the roller sleeve  218  to the mounting hub  214 . The flange plates  212   a ,  212   b  seal the edges of the roller sleeve  218  between them and grip the base  216  to prevent the roller sleeve  218  from slipping while in use. The roller sleeve  218  can be any elastomer or synthetic rubber, preferably a urethane composition having a shore A hardness of 40 to 60 and a wall thickness of 0.25 to 1.00 inches. The face width of the roller sleeve preferably ranges from 4 to 10 inches and the diameter can range between 12 to 25 inches. Other dimensional measurements may be consistent with special uses of the roller sleeve  218  that can be manufactured to meet the requirements of the machinery dimensional specifications. 
         [0041]    The exploded view in  FIG. 8  shows one clearly the junction between the outer flange plate  212   b  and the roller sleeve  218  and more clearly shows the cooperating notch  219  in the flanges  212   a ,  212   b  as they capture the edges of the base  220  of the roller sleeve  218 . The notch  219  and central aperture  225  allows the outer flange plate  212   b  to slide into and out of place against the mounting hub  214  for ease of mounting and dismounting when the roller sleeve  218  is worn and needs to be replaced. The notch  219  on the flange plate  212   b  is approximately 0.012 inches and accepts the more rigid base  220  of the roller sleeve  218  forming a snug fit between them. There is another undercut or bevel  223  along the outer periphery of each flange plate  212   a ,  212   b  to accommodate the outer roller material  222  of roller sleeve  218  therebetween. As described above, formed by the mating alignment of the flange plates  212   a  and  212   b  and the roller sleeve  218  is a seal that acts to prevent liquids used with the roller assembly from entering into the space between the roller sleeve  218  and the hub  214  that could retard the ease in dismounting the roller sleeve  218  when worn. 
         [0042]    The removal of the outer flange plate  212   b  from the mounting hub  214 , by removing only the mounting screws  213   b  and sliding the roller sleeve  218  off of and away from the mounting hub  214 , allows for the existing mounting hub  214  to remain in position while only changing the roller sleeve  218 . Thus, the end user can replace a worn roller sleeve  218  by removing only the outer flange plate  212   b . Then it becomes a requirement for maintaining machine up time for only the roller sleeve  218  to be inventoried by the end user for a rapid exchange of a new part for a worn one. 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 8  the exploded side view of the second embodiment of the present invention  210  shows a roller hub that has been modified for secure mounting of the quick release roller sleeve assembly to a machine or high speed roller apparatus. The outer flange plate  212   b  has an appropriately dimensioned aperture  225  such that the flange plate  112   b  fits over the mounting hub  214  that provides the support surface  216  and is mounted to the assembly containing the inner flange plate  212   a , the support surface  116 , and the mounting hub  214  by a set of fastening means  213   b . The roller sleeve  218  has an inwardly extending key  240  shown extending part way along the length of the sleeve  218  from its proximal outer end for engaging a keyway  242  located along the support surface  216  on the mounting hub  214 . The engaging of the key  240  in the keyway  242  prevents the roller sleeve  218  from slipping and changing rotational speed as the hub  214  turns within the high speed machine. The removal of the outer flange plate  212   b  exposes the roller sleeve  218  such that the roller sleeve  218  can be removed replaced without having to remove the entire assembly  210  from the machine or high speed roller apparatus. In this way the assembly remains in its aligned position on the machine or high speed roller apparatus without the need for extended downtime to realign the roller sleeve  218  or the entire assembly  210 . 
         [0044]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8