Abstract: A single-line parts coating system comprises plural coating sections each housing plural coating booths, horizontally-movable nonflexible rails located in the respective coating sections, a first fixed nonflexible rail for introducing parts to be coated into a first coating section, intermediate fixed non-flexible rails located between the coating sections, a last fixed nonflexible rail for discharging the parts from a last coating section, and horizontally-flexible rails located between the nonflexible rails to connect the nonflexible rails. Each flexible rail comprises rail pieces and connecting plates connecting the rail pieces together. The rail pieces are in contact with each other. Each connecting plate is fixed to one of adjacent rail pieces, and is pivotally connected to the other rail piece. Thus, the rail pieces, together with the connecting plates fixed thereto, are capable of horizontal arcing motion relative to adjacent rail pieces.

Abstract: A flexible conveyor line comprises (i) an integrally-formed central nonflexible rail which is movable in a horizontal plane, (ii) a first integrally-formed outer nonflexible rail which is immovable, (iii) a second integrally-formed outer nonflexible rail which is immovable, (iv) a first horizontally-flexible rail connected between the first outer nonflexible rail and the central nonflexible rail, and (v) a second horizontally-flexible rail connected between the central nonflexible rail and the second outer nonflexible rail. Each flexible rail comprises rail pieces and connecting plates connecting the rail pieces together. The rail pieces are in contact with each other. Each connecting plate is fixed to one of adjacent rail pieces, and is pivotally connected to the other rail piece. Thus, the rail pieces, together with the connecting plates fixed thereto, are capable of horizontal arcing motion relative to adjacent rail pieces.

Abstract: A horizontally-flexible rail which comprises rail pieces and connecting plates connecting the rail pieces together, the rail pieces being in contact with each other, each connecting plate being fixed to one of adjacent rail pieces, and pivotally connected to the other rail piece, the rail pieces, together with the connecting plates fixed thereto, being capable of horizontal arcing motion relative to adjacent rail pieces, the connecting plates serving to limit the arcing motions to a relatively small range.

Abstract: A flexible rail comprises rail pieces arranged in line, laterally opposed side plates, and laterally opposed connecting plates. Each rail piece includes a generally I-shaped member and a shelter member which is fixed to a top of the I-shaped member. The opposed side plates are fixed to respective side walls of the shelter member. The side plate overlaps one side of the rail piece. The connecting plate is fixed to a rear one of adjacent side plates, and is connected to the front side plate for pivotal movement. Thus, the rail piece, the side plates fixed thereto, and the connecting plates fixed to the side plates, as one body, are capable of pivotal movement.

Abstract: A flexible rail according to one preferred embodiment of the invention comprises (a) hollow rail pieces each having a generally inverted U-shaped vertical cross section, opposed open ends, a pair of laterally opposed bottom portions for supporting rollers of a roller chain, and a bottom space located between the opposed bottom portions from which hangers may be hung from the roller chain, (b) a pair of laterally opposed side plates fixed to the respective side walls of each rail piece such that the side plates overlap the side walls, (c) a pair of laterally opposed connecting plates each associated with adjacent side plates on one of opposed sides, each of the connecting plates overlapping both of the adjacent side plates, but being fixed to only a rear one thereof, and (d) a pair of pivotal means provided in conjunction with the opposed side plates, respectively, and each connecting a front one of adjacent side plates on one of the opposed sides and a connecting plate on the same side for pivotal movements a