Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a conveyor assembly.

The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to apron feeders.

Background Art

Apron feeders are typically used in the mining, cement, and other bulk materials industries for extracting bulk materials from bins, hoppers, silos, stockpiles, and the like. The apron feeders then transfer the material to another location. Some specific uses of apron feeders are feeding and withdrawing materials from primary crushers, loading and unloading goods of considerable weight such as, trucks or railcars, removing frozen materials from storage, and transporting high abrasion materials such as scrap metals.

The apron feeders include a feeder frame upon which a drive roller is rotatably mounted. A tail roller is located at an opposite end of the feeder frame from the drive roller. Apron feeders further typically include a series of interconnected metal pans that are wrapped about the drive roller and tail roller. Strands of endless conveyor chain are often used to drive the pans and material or goods carried thereon.

The pans define a carrying surface which carries the materials or goods. During operation, the carrying surface is subject to great tensile loads and weight due to the material or goods carried thereon. The large tensile loads and heavy weight applied to the carrying surface has made it difficult to define carrying surfaces for apron feeders that are similar to the carrying surfaces defined by, for example, belt conveyors.

It is against this background that the invention has been developed. Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an endless belt structure adapted for cyclical movement around an endless path having an upper run presenting a load-carrying face, the endless belt structure comprising an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion being adapted to be driven to cause movement thereof around the endless path and the outer portion being supported on the inner portion for movement therewith, the inner portion comprising a plurality of spaced apart slats extending laterally of the direction of cyclical movement around the endless path.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a conveyor assembly comprising a frame structure and an endless belt structure adapted for cyclical movement around an endless path having an upper run presenting a load- carrying face, wherein the endless belt structure comprises an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion being adapted to be driven to cause movement thereof around the endless path and the outer portion being supported on the inner portion for movement therewith, the inner portion comprising a plurality of spaced apart slats extending laterally of the direction of cyclical movement around the endless path, and wherein the inner portion is supported on the frame structure to transmit a loading imposed on the endless belt structure to the frame structure.

Preferably, the inner portion further comprises two endless chains between which the slats are supported.

Preferably, each endless chain passes around end rollers.

Preferably, at least one of the end rollers is adapted to be driven to cause cyclical movement of the endless belt structure around an endless path.

Preferably, the end rollers comprise sprockets. Preferably, the slats are spaced sufficiently close to each other to provide appropriate support for the outer portion while also being spaced sufficiently apart to avoid interference with one another as they move through a curvilinear section of the endless path.

Preferably, the slats are configured to avoid damage to the upper portion. In particular, the slats are configured to avoid penetrating the underside of the outer portion, particularly when moving through the curvilinear section of the endless path. This may be achieved by configuring the slats so as to avoid presenting a sharp edge to the underside of the outer portion.

Preferably, the outer portion is provided by a pliant membrane around the inner portion for providing a load carrying face through which material carried thereon cannot pass. With this arrangement the membrane is not subjected to tensile loading of any real consequence as it moves in conjunction with the inner portion.

With this arrangement, the inner portion can experience tensile forces exerted thereon arising from vertical loadings imposed on the belt structure, and the outer portion need not necessarily do so. Indeed, it is preferable that there be limited (if any) tensile loading on the outer portion so as to avoid damage thereto.

The outer portion may comprise a conveyor belt material such as a reinforced rubber material, polyurethane, or any other appropriate material that may withstand abrasion of the materials or goods to be carried by the outer portion.

Preferably, the outer portion is affixed to the inner portion at spaced intervals along the length thereof.

Preferably, the outer portion is affixed to the plurality of slats of the inner portion.

The pliant membrane may comprise a plurality of sections. The plurality of sections are releasably united to provide the outer portion. Preferably, the plurality of sections are united at the locations at which the outer portion is affixed to the inner portion.

Preferably, the union between the pluralities of sections is sandwiched between a gripping element and a slat via a bolt assembly.

Preferably, the gripping element comprises a bottom surface having friction means.

Preferably, the friction means comprise indentations or projections.

Preferably, the frame structure of the conveyor assembly comprises support means adapted to receive the inner portion of the belt structure.

Preferably, the inner portion of the belt structure that travels in the upper run of the endless path is supported by the support means. In this way the weight of the material transported by the belt structure is transferred to the frame structure of the conveyor assembly.

Preferably, the support means are releasably attached to the frame structure of the conveyor assembly. The support means may be detached from the frame structure during operation of the conveyor assembly.

Preferably, the support means comprise a plurality of support rollers.

Preferably, the plurality of support rollers are adapted to receive the endless chains.

Preferably, each of the endless chains are supported by at least one of the plurality of support rollers.

In an arrangement, the frame structure comprises a plurality of sections, the orientation of travel of the belt structure at each of the plurality of sections being different with respect to the section neighbouring the each of the plurality of sections, wherein at the interface between neighbouring sections are located means for maintaining contact of the endless chain with at least one of the plurality of support rollers.

Preferably, the means for maintaining contact comprise at least one wheel rotatably fastened to the frame structure such that a clearance space is formed between the at least one wheel and at least one support roller.

The clearance space is adjustable.

Preferably, the clearance space is adjustable by adjusting the height of the at least one wheel with respect to the frame structure.

Preferably, a plurality of chain links of the endless chain comprise each at least one wear plates adapted to contact the at least one wheel.

Preferably, each of the at least one wear plates comprise mating surfaces such as to .provide when arranged side by side on the endless chain a surface to contact the at least one wheel but maintaining the flexibility of the chain.

Preferably, the wear plates are releasably attached to the plurality of chain links.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an endless belt structure adapted for cyclical movement around an endless path having an upper run presenting a load-carrying face, the endless belt structure comprising an inner portion and an outer portion, the endless belt structure comprising a membrane having a plurality of sections wherein the plurality of sections are releasably united to provide the outer portion.

Preferably, the plurality of sections are united at the locations at which the outer portion is affixed to the inner portion.

Preferably, the union between the pluralities of sections is sandwiched between a gripping element and a slat via a bolt assembly. Preferably, the gripping element comprises a bottom surface having friction means.

Preferably, the friction means comprise indentations or projections.

Preferably, each of the plurality of sections are adapted to be replaced upon damage.

Preferably, each of the plurality of sections comprise reinforced rubber material.

In an arrangement, each of the plurality of section comprise more than one sheet of material.

In a further arrangement, each of the plurality of section are adapted to receive metal sheets or mesh.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conveyor assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross section along the line 2-2' shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary bottom view of a belt structure of the conveyor assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the belt structure of the conveyor assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of the belt structure shown in figure 4 in curved condition; Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the conveyor assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional view along the line 7-7' shown in figure 6;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view along the line 8-8' shown in figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a conveyor assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional view along the line 10-10' shown in Figure 9;

Figure 1 1 is a fragmentary sectional view of two sections of the pliant membrane prior to assembly of the belt structure of the conveyor assembly according to the second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is a sectional view of a gripping element for fastening of the sections of the pliant membrane;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a conveyor assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is a side view of the conveyor assembly according to the third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 is a top view of the conveyor assembly according to the third embodiment of the invention;

Figures 16 to 20 are a perspective, top, front, side and rear view of the conveyor assembly according to the third embodiment of the invention; Figures 21 and 22 are fragmentary perspective views of the conveyor chain comprising wear plates according to the third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 23 is fragmentary top view of the conveyor chain comprising, wear plates according to the third embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 24 to 28 are respectively perspective, top, front, side and rear views of the conveyor assembly according to the third embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiment(s)

Figure 1 shows a conveyor assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The conveyor assembly 10 may be used as an apron feeder for transporting, for example, bulk materials or goods. The conveyor assembly 10 comprises a frame 22 having end beams 24 and side beams 26. The frame 22 is supported by pillars 30 spaced apart along the side beams 26. Pillars 30 extend above the side beams 26 and are adapted to receive protective walls (not shown). The protective walls avoid spillage of the material to be transported by the conveyor assembly 10 outside the conveyor zone.

Bearing assemblies 28 are located at each corner of frame 22 adapted to receive rollers 14. In the arrangement shown there are four rollers 14a to 14d. Rollers 14b and 14c are powered by a drive motor 18 to provide rotary motion to conveyor chains 16. Rollers 14a and 14d are idler rollers 14. The rollers 14 are configured to drivingly engage the chains 16. In the arrangement shown, the rollers are configured as sprockets 17.

In the arrangement shown in figure 1 there are two chains 16a and 16b that extend alongside side each beam 26a and 26b and wrap around rollers 14a, 14b and 14c,14d. Referring to figures 2 and 3, each chain 16 comprises a plurality of chain links 54 moveably attached to each other. The chain links 54 are adapted to engage teeth 5 of the sprockets 17 (see figure 2). A plurality of support members 20 extend at spaced intervals along the side beams 26 of the conveyor assembly 10. Each support member 20 comprises a support roller 32 extending beyond the side beams 26 to support the adjacent chain 16 during travel thereof from an end of the conveyor assembly to the opposing end.

Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the conveyor assembly 10. The conveyor assembly 10 comprises an endless belt structure 13 having an inner portion 19 and outer portion 21.

Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the belt structure 13. As shown in figure 3, the inner portion 19 comprises a plurality of slats 36 supported between the chains 16. The slats 36 are attached to the chain links 54 of chains 16 via attachment elements 78. Each attachment elements 78 have a first end fastened to the adjacent chain link 54 and a second end extending beyond the chain links 54 to attach the ends of slats 36.

The outer portion 21 of the belt structure 13 is provided by a pliant membrane such as a conveyor belt 12. The conveyor belt material may be, for example, reinforced rubber material.

The belt 12 is arranged around the inner portion 19 for providing a load carrying face 23 when travelling on the upper run 25 of the endless conveyor path (see figure 2). With this arrangement the belt 12 is not subjected to tensile loads of any real consequence as it moves in conjunction with the inner portion 19. The inner portion 19 can experience tensile forces exerted thereon arising from vertical loadings imposed on the belt 12, and the outer portion 21 need not necessarily do so. Indeed, it is preferable that there be limited (if any) tensile loading on the outer portion 21 so as to avoid damage thereto.

The belt 12 prevents bulk material carried on the carrying face 23 falling through the belt structure 13. The belt 12 is affixed to inner portion 19 at spaced intervals along the length of the inner portion 19 of the belt structure 13. In the arrangement shown, the belt 12 is fastened to the slats 36 via bolt assemblies 38. As shown in figure 4, a bolt assembly 38 comprises a bolt 40 extending through the belt 12 and the slat 36. A nut 46 is screwed at the end of the bolt 40 so as to fasten the slat 36 to the bottom surface of the belt 12 thus securing the belt 12 to the slat 36. A washer 44 may be located between the nut 46 and bottom surface of the slat 36.

The slats 36 may be hollow and configured to have rounded edges 48. The rounded configuration of the edges 48 avoid biting of the slat 36 into the lower surface of the belt 12. This is particularly important during curving of the belt 12 when chains 16 wrap around the rollers 14 (see figure 5). The slats 36 are spaced sufficiently close to each other to provide appropriate support for the outer portion 21 while be spaced sufficiently apart to avoid interference between adjacent slats 36 as they pass around rollers 14. Moreover, the slats 36 are spaced sufficiently closely to each other to provide support which avoids bowing or formation of undulations in the curved belt 12 to provide proper cleaning of the belt 12 as will be explained below.

The conveyor assembly 10 may include means for cleaning the belt 12. The cleaning means include a scraping knife (not shown) for removing material adhered to the belt 12. The scraping knife traverses the conveyor assembly 10 and contacts the upper surface, of the belt 12. In an arrangement, the means for cleaning the belt 12 may be located at an end of the conveyor assembly 10. For example, the scrapping knife may be located adjacent to the curved belt 12 shown in figure 5. As explained before, the slats 36 impede bowing of the curved belt 12, thus, the cutting edge of the scraping knife is always in contact with the surface of the belt 12. In this way it is assured that all material adhered to the belt is scraped off.

The belt 12 comprises a sheet of pliant material 34. The sheet of material 34 may be rubber, plastic materials, among others. Also, the sheet of material 34 may consist of one or more layers of materials (see figures 10 and 1 1). In other arrangements, the sheet of material 34 may be covered by metal sheets or mesh. The metal sheets or mesh may be attached to the belt 12 at the locations of the slats 36.

As said before, the belt 12 is supported on the slats 36 and the slats 36 are attached to chains 16. This arrangement reduces (during operation of the conveyor assembly 10) the tensile load that normally would be applied to the belt 12 to the chain assembly 15. The chain assembly 15 is formed by the chains 16 and traversing slats 36 (see figure 3). The chains 16 are supported on the support members 20 attached to frame 22. This arrangement transfers the weight of the material transported by the belt 12 to the frame 22 of the conveyor assembly 10.

Referring to figures 6 to 8, the support members 20 are arranged on the side beams 26 at spaced apart locations. Each support member 20 comprises a support roller 32 adapted to receive the chain links 54 (see figure 8). Bearing assembly 50 of support member 20 is adapted to receive a shaft 52 of support roller 32. The support rollers 32 are free to rotate. For this, a shaft 52 attached to a side of each support rollers 32 is inserted in a bearing assembly 50 of the support member 20. Each support wheel 32 may comprise two outer rollers 32a and 32b united by an axel 33. Outer rollers 32a and 32b are adapted to receive each side of chain links 54.

Fastening means 56 releasably attach the support members 20 to the side beams 26 of the conveyor assembly 10. In this arrangement, the support member 20 may be released from the side beams 26 for replacement, maintenance or repair. This may even be accomplished during operation of the conveyor assembly 10.

Figure 9 shows a conveyor assembly 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The conveyor assembly 10 according to the second embodiment is similar to the conveyor assembly 10 described with reference to the first embodiment and similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.

In the conveyor assembly 10 according to the second embodiment of the invention comprises a belt 12 comprises a plurality of belt sections 58 united by connection assemblies 62. Figures 10 is a cross-sectional view of one of the connection assemblies 62.

Each connection assembly 62 co-operates with recesses 66 formed in adjacent ends of the belt section 58.

Referring to figure 11 , each belt section 58a and 58b comprises a plurality of layers 34a to 34c. The union between sections 58a and 58b is formed by removing from each end 64, 65 the layers 34a of the sheet 34. In this way the recess sections 66 are formed. Each recess section 66 is adapted to receive a gripping element 68 (see figure 12).

Each connection assembly 62 comprises a gripping element 68. As shown in figure 10, sections 58a and 58b are fastened together by sandwiching, between the gripping element 68 and slat 36, the ends 64 and 65 of the sections 58a and 58b. A screw 70 traverses the gripping element 68 and the slat 36. The threaded portion of the screw 70 engages a fastening block 74. The slat 36 comprises an opening 76 in which the fastening block 74 fits.

The bottom surface of the gripping element 68 comprises a high friction surface to increase friction between the upper surface of layer 24b and the bottom surface of the gripping element 68. As shown in figure 12, the bottom surface of the gripping element 68 is configured to provide a plurality of indentations 72. "Alternatively, other high friction surfaces may be provided between the gripping element 68 and the layer 34b of the belt 12 so as to increase friction to ensure fastening of the sections 58a and 58b.

As explained with reference to the first embodiment, the ends of the belt 12 are united to form a loop allowing continuous rotational movement of the belt 12 (see figure 2). The fastening means for uniting the ends of the belt 12 may also comprise a connection assembly 62 as previously described.

It is evident that the arrangement of the second embodiment of the invention provides an efficient and effective procedure for repairing the belt 12 of the conveyor assembly 10. As explained, the belt 12 may comprise separate sections 58. If the belt is damaged at a particular location only the section 58 containing the damage needs to be replaced.

Moreover, because the belt 12 is secured to the slats 36, the belt 12 is not under tensile load. This impedes propagation of any tear due to the belt 12 being punctured or torn. Also, as explained before, the support members 20 can be extracted for repair even during operation of the conveyor assembly 10. Upon removal of one support member 20, the remaining support members 20 can provide sufficient support to the chain 16.

The slats 36 traversing the bottom surface of the belt 12 impedes bowing of the belt 12 as the belt 12 curves at the ends of the conveyor assembly 10. This is advantageous because a straight upper surface of the belt 12 is formed which can be easily scrapped with the scrapping knife of the cleaning means as previously described.

Figures 13 to 28 show a conveyor assembly 10 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The conveyor assembly 10 according to the third embodiment is similar to the conveyor assembly 10 described with reference to the first embodiment and similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.

Referring to Figures 13 to 15, the conveyor assembly 10 according to the third embodiment of the invention comprises first and second sections 78 and 80. The first section 78 is adapted to receive bulk material and transport the bulk material to the second section 80. The second section 80 comprises at its end a platform area 81. The platform area 81 is located at an elevated position with respect to the first section 78 so as to allow delivery to trucks or storage areas.

The conveyor assembly 10 of the third embodiment of the invention are similar to the conveyor assembly 10 described with reference to the first embodiment. The conveyor assembly 10 comprises end beams 24 and side beams 26 forming a frame 22. The frame 22 is supported by pillars 30 spaced apart along the side beams 26. The pillars 30 extend above the side beams 26. In the arrangement shown in figures 13 to 15, the pillars 30 of the first section 78 are adapted to receive a hopper 82 for feeding the bulk material onto the belt structure 12. The side beams 26 of the second section are adapted to receive protective walls 84. The protective walls 84 avoid spillage of the bulk material outside the conveyor zone.

The endless belt structure 12 rotates from one end of the frame 22 to the opposing end of the frame 22 where the platform 81 is located. The belt structure 12 transports the bulk material from the first section 78 to the platform 81.

The belt structure 12 comprises along its sides a conveyor chain 16. The conveyor chain 16 is adapted to be driven by a drive motor 18 so as to provide cyclical movement to the belt structure 12. As described with respect to the first embodiment of the invention, bearing assemblies 28 are located at each corner of frame 22 adapted to receive rollers 14. In the arrangement shown there are four rollers 14a to 14d. Rollers 14b and 14c are powered by a drive motor 18 to provide rotary motion to conveyor chains 16. Rollers 14a and 14d are idler rollers 14. The rollers 14 are configured to drivingly engage the chains 16. In the arrangement shown, the rollers are configured as sprockets 17. As described with respect to the first embodiment of the invention, there are two chains 16a and 16b that extend alongside side each beam 26a and 26b and wrap around rollers 14a, 14b and 14c,14d. Referring to figures 2 and 3, each chain 16 comprises a plurality of chain links 54 moveably attached to each other. The chain links 54 are adapted to engage teeth 15 of the sprockets 17 (see figure 2).

A plurality of support members 20 extend at spaced intervals along the side beams 26 of the conveyor assembly 10. Each support member 20 comprises a support roller 32 extending beyond the side beams 26 to support the adjacent chain 16 during travel thereof from an end of the conveyor assembly to the opposing end (see figure 6).

Referring to figure 14, as said before, the platform 81 is located at an elevated position with respect to the first section 78. The end of the second section 80 is supported on the pillars 86. Pillars 86 extend higher than pillar 30 of the first section. Thus, section 80 provides an inclined surface that transports the bulk material from a lower location (the first section 78) to a higher location (the platform 81).

The first and second sections 78 and 80 of the conveyor assembly 10 are joined forming an obtuse angle 88 (see figure 14). This is because the the platform 81 is located at an elevated position with respect to the first section 78. At the vertex of the angle 88 the belt structure 12 as well as the conveyor chains 16 experience a change of direction. The change of direction may affect the movement of the belt structure 12.

To avoid disruption of the movement of conveyor chains 16 as the chains 16 pass through the transition between the first and second sections 78 and 80, guide means 90 are located at that interface.

The guide means 90 facilitate reverse bending of the conveyor chains 16 at the transition of the first section 78 and the second section 80. Thus, movement of conveyor chains 16 is not disrupted as to passes through the transition between the first and second sections 78 and 80.

Figures 16 to 20 show a first arrangement of the guide means 90. Figures 24 to 28 show a second arrangement of the guide means 90.

The guide means 90 comprise roller means 92 that maintain the conveyor chain 16 in contact with the support rollers 32 as the conveyor chain 16 travels from the first section 78 to the second section 80. As shown in figures 16 to 20 and 24 to 28, the chain links 54 are sandwiched between the roller means 92 and the support rollers 32.

In the first arrangement shown in figures 16 to 20, the roller means 92 comprise a single wheel 94 which is rotatably engaged to a support structure 96. The support structure 96 is fastened to the side beam 26 and extending upward and perpendicularly therefrom. The support structure 96 comprises a first column 98 and a second column 100. The first column 98 is fastenend to the side beam 26. The second column 100 is at its lower, end fastened to the side beam 26. An upper corner of the second column 100 is fastened to the first column 98.

The wheel 94 is rotatably engaged to the second column 100 via a bearing assembly 102 located at a specific height along the second column 100. The specific location at which the bearing assembly is fastened to the second column 100 is adjustable. This allows varying the dimensions of the clearance space formed between the wheel 94 and the support rollers 32.

The height at which the bearing assembly 102 is located along the second column 100 can be adjusted through screws 104 (see figure 20). To unfasten screws 104 allows adjustment of the height at which the bearing assembly 102 is located along the second column 100. Fasten screws 104 fixes the bearing assemble in place at the specific height.

The second arrangement comprises a pair of wheels 94. As shown in figures 24 to 28, the guide means 90 comprise first and second columns 98 and 100 fastened to the side beam 26. The second column 100 comprises on each side plates 106. Bearing assemblies 102 are adjustably fastened to the side plates 106. Each of the plurality of wheels are ratably fastened to the bearing assemblies 102. As described with reference to the first arrangement of the reverse bending means 90, the height of the plurality of wheels may be adjusted to specific heights along the second columns.

The second arrangement of the guide means 90 allows sandwiching the chain links 54 between the roller means 92 and the support rollers 32 at more than one location. As shown in figure 28, a first roller means 92 maintans the chain links 54 in contact with on the support rollers 32 at the first section 78 of the conveyor assembly 10. A second roller means 92 maintains the chain links 54 in contact with the support rollers 32 at the second section 80 of the conveyor assembly 10. This arrangement also provides a smooth transition of the conveyor chain 16 from the first section 78 to the second section 80 of a conveyor assembly 10. Other arrangements are of course possible; for example, the guide means 90 may comprise a plurality of roller means 92. With such an arrangement, the plurality of roller means 92 would provide a plurality of locations at which the chain links 54 are sandwiched between the roller means 92 and the support rollers 32.

In the first and second arrangement of the guide means 90 shown in figure 16 to 20 and 24 to 28, the chain links 54 comprise wear plates 108. The wear plates 108 protect the chain links 54 from wear as they pass between the support rollers 32 and the roller means 92 of the reverse bending means 90.

Referring to figure 21 , the wear plates 108 comprise a main body 1 10 including side wings 112 and a central opening 114. The side wings 1 12 are adapted for attachment to the chain links 54. The main body 1 10 is adapted to contact the roller means 92, thus, protecting the chain links 54 as the conveyor chain 16 passes between the roller means and the support rollers 12.

The wear plates 108 are configured so that when located side by side on the chain links 54 they provide a substantial surface area for contacting the roller means 92 but do not diminish the flexibility of the conveyor chain 16. As shown in figure 23, the main body 10 of each wear plate 108 comprises end sections 109 which match with the end section 109 of each of the neighbouring wear plates 108.

In the arrangement shown, adjacent end sections 109 of neighbouring wear plates 108 are configured to be located alongside one another of the wear plates 108. Specifically, the end most portion of each end section 109 of the wear plate 108 on one of the chain links 54 overlaps the neighbouring chain link 54, as best seen in Figure 23.

In operation, the bulk material is delivered through the hopper 82 to the first section 78. The bulk material resting on the belt structure 12 is transferred to the second section 80. The second section raises the bulk material to the platform 81 located at an elevated location with respect to the first section 78. The platform 81 comprises a chamber 116 for collection and further delivery of the bulk material through access 120. Staircase assembly 1 18 allows personnel to access platform 81.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. As an example, the conveyor assembly according to the invention may not be limited for use as an apron feeder. The conveyor assembly 10 may be used in any type of conveyor systems for transporting any type of material or goods.

Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.