Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transfer systems, and, more particularly, to a modular chute for the transport of articles.

Background

[0002] Chutes are well-known devices for the transport of articles from a first location to another location. Commonly, articles in the chute move from an upper location to a lower location by sliding down the chute via the force of gravity. Some chutes may also provide for mechanical or human assistance in applying the necessary force to transport articles down the chute. It is further common for spiral type chutes to rotate downwardly to a selected rotational degree.

[0003] Chutes known to the art are commonly constructed of metal, fiberglass, wood, polymer, or any combination thereof. However, chutes known to the art suffer a number of disadvantages. Fiberglass and polymer chutes often must be created from molds. Such molds are expensive and can only be used to create exact duplicates of the mold. Additionally, molds cannot be readily adapted to

accommodate desired changes in the chute structure.

[0004] Metal chutes are typically constructed from steel components that must be prefabricated by welding each component together. When a component fails or is damaged, repairs are expensive and time consuming. Repairs commonly require cutting or removal of one or more of the components. In many cases, the entire chute must be removed to make repairs. The chute must also be re-welded after repairs are finished. While metal chutes may often accommodate heavier articles, such chutes are often heavy and, therefore, expensive and difficult to install, remove, or modify in any manner. Further, prefabricated metal chutes are difficult and expensive to ship to a desired location.

[0005] Despite the existence of such chutes, further advancements in transfer systems may be desirable in certain applications. Summary

[0006] The present invention is directed to an improved modular chute for the transportation of articles. Embodiments of the present invention offer greater modularity and will provide substantially cheaper and faster assembly, disassembly, repairs, and modification than devices known to the prior art.

[0007] A modular chute for the transport of articles is disclosed. The modular chute includes a stanchion having a plurality of rib connection points, and a plurality of rib assemblies extending from the plurality of rib connection points. Each rib assembly is spaced apart from an adjacent rib assembly and each has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal ends are removably coupled to a respective rib connection point. The modular chute also includes a plurality of linings carried by the adjacent rib assemblies forming a continuous pathway for the articles to be transported from a first end of the modular chute to a second end of the modular chute. In addition, the modular chute may include a plurality of tie rods spanning between distal ends of the adjacent rib assemblies, and a support wire coupling the plurality of linings together and carried by the plurality of rib assemblies.

[0008] The rib connection points include apertures configured to receive the proximal ends of the rib assemblies, and may comprise slots. The plurality of rib assemblies include a plurality of ribs, and a shape of the pathway of the chute curves around the stanchion. The modular chute may also include a plurality of inner radius guards carried by the plurality of rib assemblies and be configured to form a longitudinal barrier along an inner edge of the pathway of the chute. The proximal ends of the rib assemblies may also include a plurality of rib connection members that extend from the stanchion outward along the respective rib. In addition, the modular chute may include a plurality of hinge members to rotationally secure at least one of the inner radius guards and linings about the stanchion. The plurality of linings form a longitudinal barrier along an outer edge of the pathway of the chute. In a particular aspect, the plurality of linings comprise ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and the plurality of inner radius guards comprise ultra-high-molecular- weight polyethylene. The rib connection members may comprise a planar shape, and the modular chute may have an infeed unit coupled to the first end of the modular chute and a discharge unit coupled to the second end of the modular chute. [0009] In another aspect, a modular chute for the transport of articles includes a plurality of rib assemblies each spaced apart from an adjacent rib assembly and each having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of inner radius supports are removably coupled to the proximal ends of the plurality of rib assemblies and configured to support the plurality of rib assemblies. In addition, a plurality of linings are carried by the adjacent rib assemblies forming a continuous pathway for the articles to be transported from a first end of the modular chute to a second end of the modular chute.

[0010] A method of assembling a modular chute for the transport of articles is also disclosed. The method includes providing a stanchion having a plurality of rib connection points, removably coupling proximal ends of a plurality of rib assemblies to the stanchion using the plurality of rib connection points so that each rib assembly is spaced apart from an adjacent rib assembly, and positioning a plurality of linings on the adjacent rib assemblies forming a continuous pathway for the articles to be transported from a first end of the modular chute to a second end of the modular chute.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular chute according to the invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of the modular chute of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the modular chute of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the modular chute of FIG. 1 shown without a lining for clarity;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view of the modular chute of FIG. 1 shown without a lining for clarity.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the modular chute of FIG. 1 shown without a lining for clarity.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a top view of the modular chute of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the modular chute of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular chute of FIG. 1. [0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the modular chute of FIG. 9.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular chute of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a top view of the modular chute of FIG. 11.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the modular chute of FIG. 1.

Detailed Description

[0024] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in other embodiments.

[0025] It would be advantageous for an improved chute to be readily assembled and disassembled for timely and cost-efficient transportation and installation of the chute. It would also be advantageous for the chute to be readily repairable and to accommodate easy replacement of any portion or component of the chute. Further, it would be advantageous for an improved chute to be readily adaptable to a desired size, slope, and rotational degree.

[0026] Accordingly, a modular chute for the transport of articles is disclosed to address the shortcomings of the prior art and generally designated 100 in the drawings. The modular chute 100 may be used to transport such articles from a first location to a desired second location. For example, the first location may be positioned at a selected height above the desired second location and the modular chute 100 extends from the selected first location to the desired second location.

The modular chute 100 provides several advantages compared to devices known to the prior art. For example, the modular chute 100 is readily assembled and disassembled for timely and cost-efficient shipping and installation. The modular chutel OO is also readily repairable and can accommodate easy replacement of any portion or component of the chute 100. Further, the modular chute 100 is readily adaptable to a desired size, slope, shape, and rotational degree.

[0027] Referring initially to FIGs. 1-3, the modular chute 100 (also referred to as“chute”) includes a stanchion 1 and a plurality of rib assemblies 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g extending outwardly and cantilevered from the stanchion 1. The stanchion 1 comprises a plurality of rib connection points 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g by which a proximal end of each of the respective rib assemblies 5a-5g is removably coupled to the stanchion 1.

[0028] A rib assembly 5a, for example, is coupled to point 3a of the stanchion 1. The rib assembly 5a includes a rib 7a having proximal and distal ends, and rib assembly 5b similarly includes rib 7b having proximal and distal ends. The rib assembly 5b is spaced apart from the rib assembly 5a and is coupled to point 3b of the stanchion 1 above point 3a and rotated around the stanchion 1 from point 3a. A tie rod 11a spans between the distal ends of the ribs 7a and 7b for structural support. The modular chute 100 may also include a lining 21 a carried by the adjacent ribs 7a, 7b for the articles to slide upon.

[0029] Similarly, rib assembly 5c is coupled to the stanchion 1 at point 3c and rib 7c is spaced apart from rib 7b. Tie rod 11 b spans between rib assembly 7b and 7c and lining 21 b is carried by ribs 7b and 7c. Point 3c on the stanchion 1 is above point 3b and rotated around the stanchion 1 from 5b. The modular chute 100 is assembled similarly with adjacent rib assemblies 5d-5g secured to the stanchion 1 and does not require further discussion. In addition, the number of rib assemblies that comprise the chute 100 will depend on the particular configuration desired and is not limited to the number shown or positioned herein.

[0030] Moreover, the stanchion 1 of the modular chute 100 may comprise different shapes, sizes, and materials suitable to support the rib assemblies 5a-5g. For example, the stanchion 1 may be tubular and comprise an ultra-high-molecular- weight polyethylene. In other aspects, the stanchion 1 may be cylindrical or polygonal. The stanchion 1 may also comprise other desired polymers or plastics, fiberglass, wood, or metals such as steel or aluminum. The stanchion 1 may extend vertically at least as high as a selected first location where articles may be inserted into the chute 100 and further extends at least as low as a desired second location where articles may be discharged from the chute 100. The stanchion 1 may also comprises a base portion 102 and be free standing. The base portion 102 may comprise a base support 105 extending outwardly from the base portion 102 to provide structural support and stability to the stanchion 1.

[0031] The linings 21a-21f comprise an inner edge, an outer edge, an upper edge, and a lower edge. Each of these edges defines a shape to form the pathway for the chute 100. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the lining 21a-21f may comprise a number of selected shapes, sizes, and materials. For example, the lining 21 a-21f may substantially comprise ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene such as DuraSurf™ Silicon Treated Surface. In other aspects, the ultra-high- molecular-weight polyethylene of the lining 21 a-21 f comprises Tivar ® 1000 ESD, Tivar ®Dry Slide, SIMONA® Low Friction PE, or King Hy-Pact®. Further, the shape defined by the edges of the lining 21a-21f may be trapezoidal, whereby the inner edge is substantially equidistant from the outer edge and the upper edge and the lower edge diverge from each other in a direction from the inner edge to the outer edge. In other aspects, the shape defined by the edges of the linings 21 a-21f may comprise any number of selected sizes and shapes suitable to form the pathway of the chute 100 such as circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, or any selected polygonal shape.

[0032] In addition, each of the inner edges of the lining 21 a-21f may extend substantially horizontally from inner radius guards 49a-49f discussed below with respect to FIG. 7. Further, each of the outer edges extends substantially vertically, thereby forming an outer radius wall. However, the outer edges of the lining 21a-21f may extend upwardly at any selected angle. For example, the outer edges may extend substantially horizontally to provide uniplanar or substantially horizontal pathway for the chute 100. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the outer radius wall and the inner radius guards 49a-49f decrease the risk of an article falling off either side of the chute 100 as it is being transported down the chute 100.

[0033] Except for the uppermost lining 21f, each of the upper edges of the linings 21 a-21 e is disposed under and removably coupled to a lower edge of the adjacent lining. This configuration of linings 21 a-21f accommodates a downward slope for a selected size and shape of chute as described herein. In certain aspects, the upper edge of the uppermost lining 21f further comprises a lip portion. The lip portion may comprise any selected size and shape suitable to facilitate the insertion of articles into the pathway of the chute. The lip portion corresponds to a conveying surface, wherein the conveying surface inserts articles into the chute via the lip portion. The lip portion may also facilitate the insertion of articles into the chute by hand or by any other selected suitable mechanical means.

[0034] As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the linings 21a-21f may be removably coupled by any suitable mechanical means. For example, the upper edges and lower edges of a particular may be removably coupled by a strap to any selected rib and further coupled to adjacent edges of the linings by self-tapping screws. The upper and lower edges of the linings may also be removably coupled by rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof. Further, the downward slope of the linings 21 a-21f may be adjusted by altering the rib

assemblies 5a-5g, whereby a greater height displacement between the downslope rib 7a and the adjacent upstream rib 7b results in a steeper slope for the lining 21 a. The displacement of the rib assemblies 5a-5g may be readily adjusted by moving the respective rib assembly 5a-5g to the desired connection point 3a-3g on the stanchion 1. Any desired downward slope between zero and ninety degrees may be selected for the pathway of the chute 100. By way of non-limiting example only, the slope may be approximately 15 degrees, approximately 30 degrees, or

approximately 45 degrees down the chute 100. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a steeper slope would result in faster transportation of an article down the chute 100, whereas a shallower slope would result in slower transportation of an article down the chute 100.

[0035] Referring now to FIGs. 4-6, the modular chute 100 is depicted without the lining 21 a-21f for clarity. In particular, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the structure of the chute 100, FIG. 5 is a front elevational view, and FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view thereof. As shown in the drawings, each of the rib assemblies 5a-5g comprises a proximal end coupled to the stanchion 1 , and a distal end coupled to a respective tie rod 11 a-11 f. As explained above, the tie rods 11 a-11 f are removably coupled to the distal ends of the rib assemblies 5a-5g, however, the tie rods 11 a-11 f may be positioned spaced apart from the respective distal ends along the respective ribs 7a- 7g and/or more than one tie rod may be used.

[0036] As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the tie rods 11 a-11 f may be coupled to the respective rib assemblies 5a-5g by any suitable mechanical means, such as nuts and bolts, rivets, brackets, straps, clips, self-tapping screws, welds, magnets, etc. or any combination thereof. The ribs 7a-7g may also comprise any size, shape, and material suitable to provide support to the structure of the chute 100. For example, the ribs 7a-7g may be tubular and substantially comprise ultra- high-molecular-weight polyethylene. The ribs 7a-7g may also be cylindrical or polygonal in shape, for example, and may comprise such suitable materials as other desired polymers or plastics, wood, fiberglass, or metals such as steel or aluminum.

[0037] Referring now to FIGs. 7 and 8, rib connection members 19a-19g of the respective rib assemblies 5a-5g provide additional strength to the connection to the stanchion 1. The rib connection members 19a-19g extend partially from the stanchion 1 outward along the respective rib 7a-7g. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the rib connection members 19a-19g may comprise a number of selected shapes, sizes, and materials. For example, the rib connection members 19a-19g may comprise a vertical panel and substantially comprise ultra-high- molecular-weight polyethylene. The rib connection members 19a-19g may also comprise such suitable materials as other selected polymers or plastics, wood, fiberglass, or metals such as steel or aluminum. A proximal end 31 a-31 g (only 31a- 31 c are shown in FIG. 8 for clarity) of the respective rib connection members 19a- 19g may be removably inserted into and secured to the respective connection points 3a-3g located on the stanchion 1. For example, the proximal ends 31 a-31 g of the rib connection members 19a-19g may comprise a flange that is removably inserted into a corresponding connection point 3a-3g such as a slot in the stanchion 1. In addition, the distal end of the rib connection members 19a-19g are configured to support inner radius guards 49a-49f when it is disposed vertically along an edge of the lining 21 a-21f.

[0038] As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the ribs 7a-7g extend outwardly from the stanchion 1 at a length and configuration suitable to support the full width and height of the lining 21 a-21f. Flowever, in another aspect the ribs 7a-7g may support only a selected portion of the lining 21a-21f. As described herein, the distal portions of the ribs 7a-7g extend substantially vertically to accommodate upwardly bent or curved lining sections 21 a-21f. Likewise, the proximal portions of the ribs 7a-7g extend substantially horizontally to support and carry a bottom surface of the lining 21 a-21f. In another aspect, the ribs 7a-7g may extend substantially horizontally without any vertical portions in order to accommodate uniplanar or substantially horizontal lining sections.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 8, the rib connection points 3a, 3b, 3c comprise apertures in the stanchion 1. For example, the connection points 3a, 3b, 3c may comprise a slot in which a portion of the ribs may be removably inserted. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the rib connection points 3a, 3b, 3c may be formed in the stanchion 1 in a number of ways. This may include, for example, laser cutting, hand drilling or hand cutting. The tie rods such as tie rod 11 a shown in FIG.

8 may be secured to the ribs 7a, 7b using screws or nuts 13a, 13b or any suitable means. The ribs 7a and 7b may have tabs 25a, 27a that are used to secure the lining 21 a thereto and/or used to secure support wire 29. The other linings 21 b-21 f can be secured similarly to the respective ribs.

[0040] The support wire 29 may be arranged along the entire length of the linings 21 a-21f and tightened to provide additional structural support and stability to the chute 100. The support wire 29 may also be arranged along any selected linings 21 a-21f rather than the entire length. The support wire 29 may comprise steel cables. Alternatively, the support wire 29 may comprise ropes, cords, or cables, or any combination thereof, comprising steel, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or fibrous materials that are suitable to provide additional structural support and stability to the chute.

[0041] The modular chute 100 may also include inner radius guards 49a-49f arranged around the stanchion 1 as shown in FIG. 7 and corresponding to the respective rib assemblies 5a-5g and chute lining 21 a-21f. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the inner radius guards 49a-49f may comprise a number of selected shapes, sizes, and materials. For example, the inner radius guards 49a-49f may be substantially rectangular in shape and substantially comprise ultra-high- molecular-weight polyethylene. The ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene of inner radius guards 49a-49f may comprise DuraSurf™ Silicon Treated Surface. The inner radius guards 49a-49f may also comprise ultra-high- molecular-weight polyethylene such as Tivar ® 1000 ESD, Tivar ®Dry Slide, SIMONA® Low Friction PE, or King Hy-Pact®. The inner radius guards 49a-49f may also comprise such suitable materials as other selected polymers or plastics, wood, fiberglass, or metals such as steel or aluminum.

[0042] Each of the inner radius guards 49a-49f is removably coupled to the distal ends of the rib connection members 19a-19g. Each of the plurality of lining sections 21 a-21f may also be removably coupled to the inner radius guards 49a-49f. In certain aspects, the inner radius guards 49a-49f may comprise an opening, such as a slot. The lining sections 21 a-21f may further comprise a flange member that is removably inserted into the respective inner radius guards 49a-49f opening. The inner radius guards 49a-49f may also be removably coupled by a hinge member 51 a, 51 b as shown in FIG. 8. For example, the inner radius guards 49a-49f may be removably coupled to the distal ends of the rib connection members 19a-19g by a plurality of hinge members 51 a-51f (only 51 a and 51 b are shown for clarity). As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the hinge members 51 a-51f may be removably coupled to the inner radius guards 49a-49f by any suitable mechanical means. For example, the hinge members 51 a-51f may be removably coupled to the inner radius guards 49a-49f by screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof. Connecting the inner radius guards 49a-49f to the distal ends of the rib connection members 19a-19g with respective hinge members 51 a-51 g allows for adjustments in the selected total degree of rotation for the inner radius guards 49a-49f and the corresponding lining sections 21 a-21 g, thus providing a chute pathway that is readily adaptable to a desired size and shape.

[0043] In certain aspects, the chute 100 may comprise a substantially straight linear pathway that rotates approximately zero degrees or slightly greater than zero degrees around the stanchion 1 . In further additional aspects, the chute 100 may comprise a helical pathway, a linear pathway, a u-shaped pathway, a v-shaped pathway, an outwardly flared shape, a winged shape, an angled shape chute, or any desired combination thereof. A number of different sizes and shapes may be selected for the chute by providing rib assemblies 5a-5g arranged in a manner to support the desired size and shape of the chute.

[0044] In use, the modular chute 100 is adaptable for the transportation of a variety of sizes and shapes articles. The speed with which the articles are

transported may vary by altering the slope of the chute 100 as described herein.

The modular chute 100 is readily assembled and disassembled for timely and cost- efficient shipping and installation. Each of the ribs 7a-7f, linings 21 a-21 f , inner radius guards 49a-49f, and tie rods 1 1 a-1 1 f may be readily disassembled and assembled. As such, in use, the chute 100 may be transported and shipped completely disassembled. The chute 100 may then be readily assembled at the desired destination in any number of sizes and configurations. The chute 100 is readily modifiable to any number of selected sizes and shapes by adding, removing, or adjusting components, as described herein, such as ribs 7a-7f, linings 21 a-21 f, and inner radius guards 49a-49f, for example. Additionally, the chute 100 is readily repairable and can accommodate easy replacement of any portion of the chute, such as the stanchion 1 , ribs 7a-7f, linings 21 a-21 f, inner radius guards 49a-49f, and tie rods 11 a-11 f. Further, in use, the modular chute is readily adaptable to a desired overall size and readily configured to any desired shape and rotational degree, as described herein.

[0045] Referring now to FIGs. 9-10, in another aspect a modular chute 100’ is not supported by a center stanchion 1. Such alternative embodiments comprise an infeed mounting portion 61 and a discharge mounting portion 63 to provide structural support. The infeed mounting portion 61 comprises a conveying surface, which is used to feed articles into the chute for transportation. The discharge mounting portion 63 comprises a conveying surface, table, or bin, which is the desired discharge location for articles exiting the chute. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the infeed mounting portion 61 may be removably coupled to the chute 100’ by any suitable mechanical means, such as by screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof. Likewise, the discharge mounting portion 63 may be removably coupled to the chute 100’ by any such suitable mechanical means. When assembled, the chute is structurally supported by both the infeed mounting portion 61 and the discharge mounting portion 63.

[0046] The chute 100’ may comprise the inner radius guards 49a’-49f removably coupled to inner radius supports 59a’ -59f, which provides additional structural support to the chute 100’. In order to help structurally support the chute 100’, the inner radius supports 59a’ -59f are removably coupled to the infeed mounting portion 61 at the inner radius upper end and further removably coupled to the discharge mounting portion 63 at the inner radius lower end. Each of the inner radius supports 59a’-59f are removably coupled to respective ribs 7a’-7f and the respective inner radius guards 49a’-49f. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the inner radius supports 59a’ -59f may be removably coupled to the inner radius guards 49a’-49f by any suitable mechanical means, such as by screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof.

[0047] The inner radius supports 59a’-59f may be removably coupled to the ribs 7a’-7g’ by a respective hinge member, for example 51a’ as shown in FIG. 10. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the hinge member 51 a’ may be removably coupled to the support section by any suitable mechanical means, such as screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof.

Connecting the inner radius supports 59a’ -59f to the ribs 7a’-7g’ with hinge members 51 a’ allows for adjustments in the selected total degree of rotation for the inner radius supports 59a’-59f and the corresponding inner radius guards 49a’ -49f, as well as the corresponding lining sections 21 a’-21f, thus providing a chute that is readily adaptable to a desired size and shape.

[0048] The inner radius supports 59a’-59f may comprise a number of selected shapes, sizes, and materials. In certain aspects, the inner radius supports 59a’-59f are substantially rectangular in shape and substantially comprise ultra-high- molecular-weight polyethylene. The inner radius supports 59a’ -59f are substantially the same size and shape as the corresponding inner radius guards 49a’-49f where they couple together. The ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene of inner radius supports 59a’-59f may comprise DuraSurf™ Silicon Treated Surface. In other aspects, the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene of inner radius supports 59a’- 59f may comprise Tivar ® 1000 ESD, Tivar ® Dry Slide, SIMONA® Low Friction PE, or King Hy-Pact®. The inner radius supports 59a’-59f may also comprise such suitable materials as other selected polymers or plastics, wood, fiberglass, or metals such as steel or aluminum.

[0049] Referring now to FIGs. 11 and 12, another embodiment of a modular chute 200 is depicted having a straight pathway and formed of first side panels 114a- 114d and second side panels 116a-116d that are coupled together by lining 210a- 21 Od. Tie rods 110a-110e couple second side panels 116a-116d together and tie rods 112a-112e couple first side panels 114a-114d together. In addition, vertical supports 72a-72f provide additional support to the first side panels 114a-114d and vertical supports 70a-70e provide additional support to second side panels 116a- 116d. The chute 200 also includes posts 101 a and 101 b that provide additional support. Horizontal supports 205a-205d also provide additional support to the linings 210a-210e and the horizontal supports 205a-205d may be coupled to the respective vertical supports 70b-70e and 72b-72e.

[0050] An infeed mounting portion 61’ at a first end of the modular chute 200 comprises a conveying surface, which is used to feed articles into the chute 200 for transportation. A discharge mounting portion 63’ also comprises a conveying surface, table, or bin, which is the desired discharge location for articles exiting the chute 200. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the infeed mounting portion 61’ may be removably coupled to the chute 200 by any suitable mechanical means, such as by screws, rivets, bolts, nuts, brackets, straps, or any combination thereof. Likewise, the discharge mounting portion 63’ may be removably coupled to the chute 200 by any such suitable mechanical means. When assembled, the chute 200 is structurally supported by both the infeed mounting portion 61’ and the discharge mounting portion 63’.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 13, in a particular aspect, the rib assemblies 5a- 5g are arranged downwardly in a helical configuration so that the linings 21 a-21f form a helical pathway from a first location 150 that rotates downwardly around the stanchion 1 to a selected rotational degree to a seconds location 152. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any rotational degree may be selected for the helically arranged rib assemblies 5a-5g to accommodate for the displacement (i.e. , vertical drop) between the first location and a second location. For example, the rib assemblies 5a-5g may rotate approximately 90 degrees around the stanchion 1. In another aspect, the rib assemblies 5a-5g may rotate at any selected degree around the stanchion 1. By way of non-limiting example only, the rib assemblies 5a-5g may rotate around the stanchion 1 to a total of approximately 30 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, approximately 180 degrees, approximately 270 degrees, or

approximately 360 degrees. The rib assemblies may rotate around the stanchion 1 to a total of greater than 360 degrees as shown in FIG. 13. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any rotational degree may be selected that is suitable to accommodate a selected size and shape of the chute.

[0052] A method of assembling a modular chute for the transport of articles is also disclosed. The method includes providing a stanchion having a plurality of rib connection points, removably coupling proximal ends of a plurality of rib assemblies to the stanchion using the plurality of rib connection points so that each rib assembly is spaced apart from an adjacent rib assembly, and positioning a plurality of linings on the adjacent rib assemblies forming a continuous pathway for the articles to be transported from a first end of the modular chute to a second end of the modular chute.

[0053] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.