Title:
KNUCKLE DRIVE LINK CONVEYOR BELT SYSTEMS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2000027732
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
This invention provides integrated knuckle drive link conveyor belt systems with improved long wear-high load bearing link coupling joints of a universal joint nature for permitting the belts to travel on straight or curvaceous paths which also feature expedited insertion of spindle rods (45) extending through the knuckles (35), diverse sprocket drive capabilities (37, 38) and replaceable load conveying platform (26) accessories of the plug-in or snap-in variety. A cylindrical knuckle, when the loaded belt is under tension, has a substantially semi-cylindrical high wear contact surface that handles heavy peak loads. That knuckle is installed expeditiously at a joint between end-to-end connected links (25) constituting a special interfitted jig comprising a seat in the nose end of a link (25) resting the knuckle in a registered operational position to receive the connecting spindle rod through trailing edge bifurcated arms (48, 49) of a leading modular link without a concurrent manual orientation of the knuckle. Diverse sprocket drive structure permits the belt to be driven from beneath or on either lateral side. The knuckle and surrounding seat provides three dimensional moving tolerances to provide the universal joint type operation at each link joint. Other features include side rollers (23) to reduce friction on inner curve radii, and hold down flanges that keep the belt from fluttering off a base support surface. The rugged molded resulting plastic links are long wearing and resist catastrophic failure. The versatility and ruggedness of the system is significantly enhanced by the removable platform structure for heavy industrial use.
Inventors:
BOGLE DAVID W (US)
HORTON PAUL L (US)
STEEBER DORIAN F (US)
DUTERTE OLIVIER (US)
HORTON PAUL L (US)
STEEBER DORIAN F (US)
DUTERTE OLIVIER (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US1999/025380
Publication Date:
September 21, 2000
Filing Date:
October 28, 1999
Export Citation:
Assignee:
LAITRAM CORP (US)
HARTNESS INT INC (US)
BOGLE DAVID W (US)
HORTON PAUL L (US)
STEEBER DORIAN F (US)
DUTERTE OLIVIER (US)
HARTNESS INT INC (US)
BOGLE DAVID W (US)
HORTON PAUL L (US)
STEEBER DORIAN F (US)
DUTERTE OLIVIER (US)
International Classes:
B65G17/08; B65G17/06; B65G17/38; (IPC1-7): B65G17/08
Domestic Patent References:
| WO1981000244A1 | 1981-02-05 |
Foreign References:
| US3768631A | 1973-10-30 | |||
| FR2564810A1 | 1985-11-29 | |||
| DE2142649A1 | 1973-03-15 | |||
| EP0083119A1 | 1983-07-06 |
Other References:
See also references of EP 1135313A2
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