A retractable conveyor, also known as a retracting tail conveyor, is a type of conveyor designed to optimize flexible use of conveyor sections. This conveyor can be retracted to create openings along a production line to allow for cross-traffic, access for operators, or facilitate the integration of other machinery processes. The retractable feature can be manual or powered, and it helps in situations where space is limited or where the conveyor needs to be adaptable to various operational setups. Retractable conveyors are used in a variety of industries, including packaging, manufacturing, and distribution, where they improve the efficiency of production lines by allowing temporary access or the ability to quickly change the layout.