Patent Description:
This invention relates generally to a jam prevention diverter wheel disposed at a selected angle between adjacent rollers of a conveyor and above the surface of the conveyor rollers to limit the width of items that can pass through without jamming the conveyor.

The present invention relates to material handling and in particular to methods and apparatuses for conveying packages.

Roller conveyors include a plurality of closed spaced conveyors. They are designed for conveying packages at least <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM> inches) long so the conveyor rollers must be typically be spaced within <NUM>,<NUM> centimeters of each other to prevent the package from falling in between. Moreover, conveyor rollers are often used to move and direct articles in a forward and/or lateral direction. The conveyor rollers are supported by a spindle and are rotatable on a axis which can be slanted to provide skewed conveyor rollers bias articles in a forward and lateral direction as opposed to belted conveyors which only pull in a single forward or backward direction.

In a powered roller conveyor, articles rest on top of the rollers and are conveyed as the rollers are rotated by a power source. A powered roller conveyor comprises a plurality of these powered rollers aligned parallel to one another. A diverter for such a conveyor is normally located in a gap where one or more of these rollers have been removed. In a segment of the main conveyor, the diverter wheels may be mounted on supports in such a manner that movement of the supports causes the diverter wheels to become oriented diagonally with respect to the flow path of the main conveyor. When this occurs, an article moving along the conveyor will be diverted off toward a side of the main conveyor. If an intersecting conveyor is located appropriately, the article will be diverted thereto.

The diverter wheels are mounted at a permanent vertical position above the conveying surface of the main conveyor. Articles moving along the main conveyor, then, are contacted by the diverter wheels and are diverted. A major problem with this type of diverter is that even when diversion is not desired, the articles bump into, and are contacted by the diverter rollers. This imparts unnecessary and sometimes damaging shock to the articles. The present invention provide deflectors to minimize resistance to packages encountering the diverter wheels.

In powered conveyors, the diverter wheels of the diverter assembly may extend slightly above the conveying surface of the main skewed rollers of the conveyor, so that they lift the article slightly, and remove the component of momentum imparted by the main conveyor, as the article is diverted. The diverter wheels are preferably rotationally powered, for efficiency in diverting the articles from their original course. Larger angles of diversion are preferable, since they cause the article to be diverted more rapidly, and over a shorter turn distance, than do small angles.

Power to drive the diverter wheels is mechanically "frictionally" derived from the conveyor rollers of the main conveyor.

<CIT> describes a conveyor junction regulating mechanism to automate and minimize delay of sequential article travel through conveyor junctions.

<CIT> discloses a conveyor and diverter wheel assembly according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

According to the invention, there is provided a conveyor and diverter wheel assembly according to claim <NUM>. Further features according to embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

Roller conveyors can only safely convey articles up to a certain width to downstream conveyors without jamming. The present invention utilizes at least one and preferably a plurality of jam prevention diverter wheels disposed at a selected angle between adjacent rollers of a conveyor with a portion of the diverter wheels extending above the surface of the conveyor rollers to contact items and limit the width of items that can pass through without jamming the conveyor. The diverter wheels are rotated with power mechanically derived from the main powered conveyor rollers. A portion of diverter wheels extend above the surface of the powered skewed roller conveyor surface a selected distance and at a selected angle to contact conveyed articles and only allow items up to a certain size to pass diverting wide items or misaligned items having a width wider than desired for passing through to a downstream conveyor. Jam prevention is the point. If an item width exceeds a given threshold width the diverter wheels come into contact with the term and engage the item pulling the item away from the conveyor stream.

The instant diverter wheel assembly is especially useful for substitution for a conveyor roller as set forth in Applicant's prior <CIT> from <CIT> describes a conveyor glide plate for use with conveyor rollers.

Conveyor glide plates inserted between powered conveyor rollers provide support between the rollers. The glide plate main body includes forward and rear flexible flaps forming a leading edge and a trailing edge extending from the main body which includes an attachment member for cooperatively engaging a conveyor roller support member such as a clip or bracket used to affix the rollers to the conveyor. The width of the glide plate is selected based on the width of the conveyor or length of the roller. When a downstream conveyor can only safely conveyor articles up to a certain width without jamming, a converter assembly with jam prevention diverter wheels divert packages from a main conveyor to an intersecting conveyor using a plurality of diverter wheels mounted at selected locations in the gap between the conveyor rollers in openings in the glide plates or between conveyor rollers when no glide plates are needed. The diverter wheels are rotated with power mechanically derived from the main conveyor rollers. The diverter wheels extend above the skewed roller conveyor surface to contact packages and lowered when not in use, rather the diverter wheels are installed in a position to extend above the surface of the powered roller conveyor an amount or distance effective to divert a package. The diverter wheels extend above the surface an effective distance to contact and maintain frictional control of the conveyed article. The diverted wheels protrude or extend above the conveyor skewed roller surface by an effective distance or up to <NUM> (an inch) above the top surface of the conveyor, and more preferably up to <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM> inches) above the conveyor surface and more preferably about <NUM>,<NUM> (a <NUM>/<NUM> inch) above the top surface of the conveyor surface to only allow items up to a certain size to pass. Jam Prevention is the point. If the package, article, or item width exceeds a selected threshold width, the article contacts the diverter wheels which are engaged thus pulling the item away from the main stream of the conveyor.

The present invention provides a diverter assembly which can substituted for a glide plate or disposed in other powered roller conveyors. The conveyor and diverter wheel assembly, comprises a roller conveyor comprising a plurality of powered skewed rollers having a low friction conveying surface moving items in a forward and lateral direction. The roller conveyor includes a vertical sidewall extending along a lateral edge thereof and at least one diverter wheel assembly affixed to a frame supporting the roller conveyor. The diverter wheel is in frictional contact with a selected one of the first conveyor roller and the second conveyor roller rotating the diverter wheel. The diverter wheel assembly disposed at a selected angle between a first conveyor roller and a second conveyor roller of the roller conveyor and has a portion of a diverter wheel of the diverter wheel assembly extending above the conveying surface of the roller conveyor. At least one diverter wheel assembly spaced apart from the vertical sidewall a selected distance. The diverter wheel is affixed at an effective angle and an effective height whereby the portion of the diverter wheel extending above the surface of the roller conveyor contacting articles conveyed by the roller conveyor having a selected width greater than a distance between the diverter wheel and the vertical side wall are turned and oriented to pass therethrough and the articles wider than the distance between the diverter wheel and the vertical wall are diverted from the roller conveyor.

According to the invention, the roller conveyor and diverter wheel assembly comprises a roller conveyor including a plurality of powered skewed rollers having a low friction surface conveying articles forward and laterally. The conveyor includes a diverter wheel assembly disposed at a selected location of the skewed roller conveyor between a first roller and a second roller. The diverter wheel assembly prevents an article exceeding a selected width from passing through from a first conveyor to an intersecting second conveyor. The diverter wheel assembly are mounted on an axle and a roller surface for engaging an article moving along the conveying surface which imparts momentum to the article or package. Drive means for rotating the conveyor rollers synchronously are provided by the powered conveyor rollers. A spindle assembly for mounting the diverter wheels thereon includes a tension spring means mounting on the spindle assembly for biasing an outer high friction surface of the diverter wheels against a outer surface of an adjacent conveyor roller for rotating the diverter wheel. Means for mounting the spindle assembly to the longitudinal lateral cross member is provided for supporting the conveyor diverter wheels. The diverter wheels is oriented relative to the conveyor with the diverter wheel axles generally perpendicularly aligned to a path of movement of the articles upon the roller conveyor and with an uppermost portion of each of the roller surfaces positioned above the conveying surface. Optionally, a deflector plate attaching to a top surface of the spindle and surrounding a major portion of the diverter wheels whereby the diverter wheels engage the articles and lift and divert same toward the second conveyor, while simultaneously conveying momentum to the articles.

Depending upon the conveyor load, a cost savings can be realized by substituting inexpensive glide plate support members or specially designed spacers between the conveyors to take the place of one or more rollers depending upon the size of the articles conveyor on the conveyor rollers. The glide plate support members of the instant invention are inexpensive and can be used between rollers or positioned in a series between rollers in order to facilitate movement of parcels, packages, bags, or other articles by a conveyor utilizing rollers to move articles in a forward and/or a lateral direction depending upon the orientation of the conveyor rollers and minimize articles or parts thereof falling in-between the conveyor rollers causing damage to the article conveyed or the conveyor. The glide plates of the present invention are fabricated in a corresponding size in order to be removably inserted as needed for conveyor rollers in a conveyor assembly. The glide plates are light and inexpensive to fabricate as compared to conveyor rollers and have no moving parts. The length corresponds to the length of the conveyor rollers replaced by the glide plates. The width of the glide plates is variable and depends upon the length of the conveyor roller or width of the conveyor. It is contemplated that selected surfaces or portions of the glide plates can include areas coated or covered in materials having different friction capabilities, anti static properties, low friction and high wear capabilities such as TEFLON, high friction properties such as a rubber or polymer coating, variable porosity. It is also contemplated that the length and width of one or more glide plates may be varied to provide directional bias and enhancement to a curved section of the conveyor.

The glide plate assembly of the present invention provides a spacer means for removing selected conveyor rollers and substituting a glide plate support therefor. The glide plate assembly includes lateral cross members extending between the end of the longitudinal conveyor frame members. The lateral cross members include attachment and/or holding means defining support clips which correspondingly engage and are removably attached and detached to conveyor frame roller support brackets. The main body of the glide plate includes a pair of opposing off-center glide plate attachment flanges or prongs extending from the bottom surface thereof having an exterior size and shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the lateral cross member whereby the glide plate opposing attachment flanges include a distal edge projection or outwardly curved lip which cooperatively engage inwardly turned flanges holding the glide plate in position across the lateral cross member. Typically the length of the glide plate and the lateral cross member will be of corresponding length; however, it is anticipated that a plurality of glide plates of a selected length can be used on the same lateral cross member such as to repair a damaged section. The distal end of the lateral cross member holds the support clip disposed therein which is removably attached to the attachment bracket of the conveyor.

The conveyor diverter wheel assembly is provided for diverting articles, such as packages, moving along a main belt conveyor to an intersecting secondary conveyor, operating at a selected angle to the main conveyor. The main conveyor includes a plurality of powered conveyor rollers rotatably mounted on a main support structure. Each diverter wheel assembly includes an adapter mountable to a frame, and a tension spring means to bias the edge or the diverter wheel against the side of a powered conveyor roller. In one embodiment, the diverter wheel can divert articles on to a belt going in an opposite direction of the main skewed roller conveyor to return items to the feed end of a singulator. The diverter wheels can be used to direct the articles to another conveyor, remove articles from the main conveyor, or reroute the articles so that they pass through a singulator or other orienting device in order for the article to pass through a restriction in the conveyor line to restrict the packages in accordance to size or orientation.

A row of diverter wheels can be mounted within the assembly frame spaced apart from one another. The frame is oriented in a gap between two separated conveyor rollers and within an opening formed in the glide plate support frame more specifically a longitudinal lateral cross member.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a glide plate support clip including spaced apart off-center upwardly extending projections or flanges adjacent to the opposing inner side walls of a lateral cross member and cooperatively engaging the inner curved edge of the lateral cross member.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a glide plate wherein the front portion of the spacer may be molded or formed so that the forward distal end of the flap includes a concave curve downward and a forms a flexible lip which is turned upward and having a leading edge spaced apart from the surface of an adjacent roller in order to eliminate scraping noises and facilitate smooth transition of an article moving from the conveyor roller to the conveyor glide plate.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a glide plate wherein the rear portion of the support clip strip defines a rear flap having a trailing edge which extends toward the following conveyor.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a glide plate assembly or diverter wheel assembly which can be substituted for conventional conveyor rollers and attached to conventional conveyor frame roller attachment brackets.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a diverter wheel assembly which takes up a minimal amount of conveyor space so that the size of the gap between supported sections of the conveyor rollers is relatively small, resulting in relatively higher efficiency, safety, and ease of operation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide such an assembly which is characterized by a plurality of diverter wheels which are mounted in the diverter assembly in engagement and mountable to the glide plate frame.

It is an object of the present invention to provide such an assembly in which the articles are supported, within the gap, by the diverter wheels.

It is an object of the present invention to provide such a diverter wheel assembly which is relatively easy to deploy and disassemble.

It is an object of the present invention to provide such a diverter wheel assembly which is relatively inexpensive to produce.

It is an object of the present invention to include a plurality of skewed rollers disposed in a conventional skewed roller conveyor to produce a lateral component for urging or driving items in a selected direction;.

It is an object of the present invention to include a plurality of skewed rollers disposed in a conventional skewed roller conveyor to produce a lateral component for urging or driving items against a wall.

It is an object of the present invention and to provide such a diverter wheel assembly which is easy to manufacture, simple to use, and which is particularly well adapted for the proposed usage thereof.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent with the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment of the invention.

A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and wherein:.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to described the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications fo the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

As used herein, the term "about" can be reasonably appreciated by a person skilled in the art to denote somewhat above or somewhat below the stated numerical value, to within a range of + <NUM>%.

The information included in this section, data or specifications, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for exemplary purpose only and is not to be regarded as subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto is to be bound.

The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments of present disclosure. The description is to be constructed as exemplary only and dose not describes every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical if not impossible. It will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the disclosure date of the invention.

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

As shown in <FIG> and labeled as prior art, conventional conveyor roller assembly <NUM> include a plurality of conveyor rollers <NUM> positioned within a frame whereby each roller can freely rotate about its axis in the absence of an applied braking force. The conveyor can be belt driven and/or include gravity driven conveyor rollers and the rollers can be positioned to provide both forward and lateral motion to articles conveyed thereover.

The present invention as depicted in <FIG> provides an inexpensive modular conveyor roller replacement assembly including a modular conveyor glide plate assembly <NUM> providing a removable and insertable spacer which can be substituted for conveyor rollers <NUM> in a roller conveyor assembly <NUM>, (preferably replacing alternate rollers), to maintain a substantially solid surface when supporting a lighter load. The modular conveyor roller glide plate assembly <NUM> mounts to an existing conveyor roller frame for easy attachment and removal and bridges the gap between alternating conveyor rollers <NUM> replacing selected alternating rollers <NUM> and providing a substantially solid surface for conveyance of articles there over.

Conventional powered skewed conveyor rollers <NUM> are supported by left and right longitudinal frame members <NUM>. A plurality of conveyor angle brackets <NUM> are attached to the inner wall <NUM> of each longitudinal frame member <NUM> in spaced apart alignment with opposing angle brackets <NUM> affixed to the opposing frame member <NUM>. The angle brackets <NUM> may be mounted flat adjacent the surface of the wall <NUM> of the frame member <NUM>, or juxtaposed whereby a portion of the angle bracket <NUM> extends at a selected angle defining a tab <NUM> having a aperture <NUM> therein for holding a bolt <NUM> or hinge pin to cooperatively engage a holding means such as a nut <NUM> securing a support clip <NUM> on the distal end of a conveyor roller <NUM> thereto.

The glide plate assembly <NUM> comprises or consists of a longitudinal lateral cross member <NUM> which extends a selected length between the left and right longitudinal frame members <NUM>. The lateral cross member is formed typically by extrusion and comprises a generally "U-shaped" cross sectional area having a bottom base <NUM> with opposing side walls <NUM>, <NUM> extending upward and having an open top. The upper edges <NUM> of the upper portion of the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> curve inward forming a flange or lip <NUM> extending inwardly and downward along the edge of the lateral cross member <NUM>. More particularly, the curved inwardly extending lips <NUM> can terminate at selected intervals along the length of the lateral cross member <NUM> and still provide a holding means for securing a glide plate <NUM> covering the lateral cross member <NUM> and cooperatively engaging a support clip <NUM> removably attaching to each end for attaching the lateral cross member <NUM> to the conveyor frame brackets <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lateral cross member <NUM> comprises a U-shaped cross-section defining side walls <NUM>, <NUM> extending upward from an integrally formed flat bottom base <NUM> with upper curved side wall edges <NUM> defining spaced apart parallel side flanges or lips <NUM>. It is contemplated that the cross-sectional shape of the lateral cross member can comprise a rectangular, semicircular, hexagonal, solid bar, or other shape so long as the upper portion includes means for cooperatively engaging the glide plate <NUM> such as the lip <NUM> extending from opposing sides of a lateral cross member <NUM>.

As shown best in <FIG> the glide plate <NUM> comprises or consists of at least one molded, extruded, or printed unitary strip of material formed from a polymer which is flexible and resilient. The glide plate <NUM> may be a hard plastic, soft plastic, rubber or fabric coated material, a copolymer having a surface of a particular texture, hardness, friction coefficient, or material such as aluminum or stainless steel, chrome steel or combinations thereof. The exterior surface of the glide plate may be a selected to provide a friction altering material to enhance or reduce friction such as polyurethane coating, paint coating, or metallic coating, ceramic material, silicone, TEFLON, or tape. Moreover, the insert surface or tread design may be solid or include pores, cross-hatching, irregularities, dimples, webbing or apertures there through or molded into a top surface thereof. The glide plate surface may include portions which are reinforced, thicker, or composed of a selected material to provide a desired amount of flexibility of spring to the front flap and/or rear flap of the inserted support member or support member strip.

The glide plate <NUM> includes a substantially rigid medial main body portion <NUM> which includes an upper surface <NUM> spanning between the outer surfaces of adjacent conveyor rollers with a length along the longitudinal axis greater than the gap between the adjacent conveyor rollers to substantially close the gap between the alternating conveyor rollers.

The spaced apart opposing legs or prongs <NUM> extending perpendicular from a lower surface <NUM> of the glide plate <NUM> main body <NUM> include outwardly an extending shoulder <NUM> for cooperative engagement with the inwardly projecting distal edges defining lips <NUM> of the lateral cross member side walls. <NUM>, <NUM>. The shoulder is formed on the outer surface of the prong <NUM> at a selected position spaced a selected distance from the lower surface. The shoulders <NUM> may comprise an outwardly angled portion <NUM> or a thicker region of the prong <NUM>. The prongs <NUM> cooperatively engage the inwardly turned edge or lip <NUM> along the top inner edge of the lateral cross member member <NUM>. The prongs <NUM> can be comprised of a flexible resilient material with sufficient elasticity and memory to snap or lock into a friction fit position cooperatively engaging the lip <NUM> or the glide plate <NUM> may be flexible enough to permit sufficient flexing at the center portion to enable the prongs <NUM> to be flexed and locked into position cooperatively engaging the lips <NUM> of the lateral cross member <NUM>.

The glide plate <NUM> comprises a substantially rigid body with an upper surface <NUM> spanning between the outer surfaces of adjacent load conveyor rollers and has a length along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor that is slightly less than the gap between the adjacent conveyor rollers to substantially close the gap between the adjacent conveyor rollers. The glide plate <NUM> includes a front tab or flap <NUM> and rear projecting tab or flap <NUM> which extend to the adjacent conveyor rollers generally aligning the upper surface of the glide plate with the upper surface of the adjacent load rollers or slightly below the upper surface of the adjacent rollers. The terminal front end <NUM> of the front tab and terminal rear end <NUM> of the rear tab are formed to be positioned at a selected level with respect to the adjacent conveyor in accordance with the type of material to be conveyed whether it be aggregate material in bags, boxes and parcels, or consumer goods or merchandise.

<FIG> show the front tab <NUM> of the glide plate member <NUM> is formed having a curved portion <NUM> extending below the upper surface of the glide plate member <NUM> main body <NUM> and having a front tab terminal front end <NUM> extending upward to a selected position whereby the terminal front end <NUM> is spaced slightly apart from the outer surface of the adjacent conveyor roller <NUM> providing a spring and flexing capability for the transfer of packages or parcels there over. The rear tab <NUM> has a horizontal or straight proximate portion <NUM> extending from the medial body portion <NUM> of the glide plate member <NUM> and a rear distal portion <NUM> which is angled downward slightly so that the terminal rear end <NUM> is positioned below the upper surface <NUM> of the glide plate main body <NUM> in order to flex as packages are transported there over to the adjacent conveyor roller <NUM>. The terminal rear end <NUM> of tab <NUM> is spaced apart from the outer edge of the adjacent conveyor roller <NUM>. As shown in the figures, the glide plate member <NUM> is disposed at a selected level slightly below the top surface of the adjacent front and rear conveyor rollers <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. As best illustrated in <FIG>, the upper surface <NUM> glide plate <NUM> including the main body <NUM>, front tab <NUM>, and rear tab <NUM> are positioned below the top surface of the adjacent conveyor rollers <NUM>, <NUM>.

The front tab <NUM> and rear tab <NUM> extending from the main body <NUM> which are straight or angle upward or downward depending upon the required flexibility of the glide plate main body member <NUM>; however, the front tab <NUM> could be angled instead of curved to provide the requisite flexibility and support and be of a longer or shorter length depending upon the requirement determined by the types of articles conveyed there over.

The glide plate member <NUM> and lateral cross member <NUM> shown in <FIG> include the support clip <NUM> removably disposed within the distal end <NUM> of the lateral cross member <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> has a central aperture <NUM> for removably connecting same by a bolt <NUM> and washer <NUM> to the angle bracket <NUM> of the conveyor frame <NUM>. The support clip <NUM> is molded from a polymer, or cast or stamped from metal. The support clip <NUM> includes a pair of spaced apart straight side walls <NUM> and <NUM> extending to a base plate <NUM> having a pair of support ridges <NUM> and <NUM> which extend to the bottom corner <NUM> of the side walls <NUM> and <NUM> defining legs. A pair of medial reinforcement tabs <NUM> and <NUM> protrude inwardly from the side walls <NUM> and <NUM>. The top <NUM> of the support clip <NUM> extends from an inner surface <NUM> of the opposing side walls <NUM> and <NUM> downward toward the center aperture <NUM> and upward over the center aperture to a selected point <NUM> forming opposing reinforcement arms <NUM> and <NUM>. The portion of the support clip <NUM> between the central aperture <NUM>, the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, and the legs <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a solid web of material defining a wall <NUM> including the aperture <NUM> for holding a bolt <NUM> which removably secures the wall <NUM> and support clip to the bracket <NUM> of the conveyor frame member <NUM>. The portion of the side walls <NUM> and <NUM> extending above the reinforcement arms <NUM> and <NUM> define a pair of opposing flanges <NUM> and <NUM> which cooperatively engage the inwardly and downwardly curved edges forming the lips <NUM> of the lateral cross member <NUM> for slidable engagement therewith.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a conveyor having conventional rollers can substitute the instant glide plate modules for the conventional conveyor rollers in an alternating manner to provide a substantially solid surface while reducing the number of rollers necessary for transport of the goods there over.

<FIG> show powered skewed conveyor rollers <NUM> supported by left and right longitudinal frame members <NUM> showing the glide plate assembly <NUM> with a longitudinal lateral cross member <NUM> extending a selected length between the left and right longitudinal frame members <NUM>. A bolt <NUM> holds an attachment plate <NUM> to the bottom of the cross member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a deflector <NUM> is removably attached to a base plate <NUM> shown in <FIG> mounted to the side of the transverse axle <NUM> opposite to the diverter wheel <NUM>. The deflector helps to lift portions of the packages up and off of the conveyor rollers reducing friction and facilitating lateral movement of the package coming in contact with the high friction surface of the diverter wheels <NUM>.

The diverter wheel spindle assembly <NUM> includes a spindle shaft <NUM> removably affixed to the plate <NUM> and held in position by a bushing <NUM> or other holding member and is affixed to the cross member <NUM> disposed in a gap between adjacent conveyor rollers. A tension spring <NUM> is axially mounted onto the spindle shaft <NUM> below the plate and a transverse axle <NUM> extends from the top portion of the spindle shaft <NUM> for removably mounting a diverter wheel <NUM>. It is contemplated that other spring means or actuators or rubber mounts or other means of biasing the edge of the diverter wheel against a powered conveyor roller may be used in the instant invention.

The conveyor diverter wheel assembly of extends above said conveying surface a distance of up to <NUM>,<NUM> (one inch) more preferably about <NUM>,<NUM> (one half inch). The conveyor diverter wheel assembly is disposed at an angle of up to <NUM> degrees, more preferably at an angle of from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, and more preferably at an angle of about to <NUM> degrees.

The outer wheel surface contacting the conveyor roller of a wheel using a rim or of a wheel formed from a single compound or material comprises a high friction surface and may composed of a solid rubber, elastomer, or polymer or composite material, or plastic or metal wheel coated with a high friction material or a rubber, a polymer, or composite material disposed on a rotating hub <NUM> rotating and connecting to the transverse axle <NUM>. The conveyor diverter wheel is selected from the group of high friction imparting materials consisting of a solid rubber, an elastomer, or a polymer, a composite material, a polyblend compound comprising plastic and rubber, a vinyl material, a polyethylene material, a meal wheel rim holding a polymeric outer wheel, a solid polymeric wheel, a metal wheel coated with a polymer, and a composite material.

An opening <NUM> is formed in the frame member <NUM> and glide plate to provide suitable clearance for the diverter wheel spindle assembly <NUM>. The selected section of the glide plate <NUM> is removed to provide contact with the packages or articles conveyed thereover. The longitudinal lateral cross member <NUM> is shown in alignment with the diverter wheel assembly spindle <NUM> positioned between adjacent conveyor rollers so that the diverter wheel <NUM> and deflector <NUM> have a portion extending above the conveyor rollers for contacting packages. A corner edge <NUM> of the diverter wheel <NUM> makes frictional contact with the surface <NUM> of the powered conveyor roller <NUM> biasing and rotating the diverter wheel <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A conveyor and diverter wheel assembly, comprising:
a roller conveyor (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of powered skewed rollers having a low friction conveying surface moving items in a forward and lateral direction, said roller conveyor (<NUM>) including a vertical sidewall extending along a lateral edge thereof;
at least one diverter wheel assembly comprising at least one diverter wheel (<NUM>) affixed to a frame (<NUM>) supporting said roller conveyor (<NUM>);
characterized in that said at least one diverter wheel (<NUM>) is in frictional contact with a selected one of a first conveyor roller and a second conveyor roller rotating said diverter wheel (<NUM>);
said at least one diverter wheel assembly disposed at a selected angle between the first conveyor roller and the second conveyor roller of said roller conveyor;
said at least one diverter wheel having a portion extending above a conveying surface (<NUM>) of said roller conveyor (<NUM>);
said at least one diverter wheel assembly spaced apart from said vertical sidewall by a selected distance;
said at least one diverter wheel (<NUM>) affixed at an effective angle and an effective height whereby said portion of said diverter wheel (<NUM>) extends above the surface of said conveying surface (<NUM>) and contacts articles conveyed by said roller conveyor (<NUM>) having a selected width greater than a distance between said diverter wheel (<NUM>) and said vertical side wall, wherein said articles wider than said distance between said diverter wheel (<NUM>) and said vertical side wall are diverted from said roller conveyor.