WEB BRACKET FOR AN OPEN FRAME CONVEYOR
This patent teaches and claims web brackets for open frame continuous conveyor systems and open frame continuous conveyor systems utilizing these web brackets. An exemplary web bracket is comprised of a plate; a side grip slot defining an opening within the interior area that extends from the peripheral edge which is shaped to have a pair of oppositely opposed skid rail grip tips, a wash out gap and a skid rail base and is adapted to friction fit a skid rail and a perimeter defining an opening for receiving a frame rail within the interior area.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains generally to conveyor frames and more particularly, to web brackets for open frame continuous conveyor systems.
2. Related Art
A continuous conveyor system (CCS) is a mechanism for transporting articles from one location to another. In a common CCS, there is a belt in an elongated loop configuration where a top portion of the belt loop is above a bottom portion of the belt loop. The belt is driven round and round by a motor. An article is placed on the belt and is held in place on the belt by gravity. As the belt moves, the article rides along the belt from a first point to another point.
The CCS may include legs to support the conveyor belt a distance above the ground/floor. The system may include guide rails to retain articles on the conveyor belt.
Continuous conveyor systems are used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. During operation, small pieces of meat, powders and/or other debris collect on or within the continuous conveyor system. Accordingly, the CCS requires routine cleaning which is labor intensive and/or not effective to sanitize the CCS. The cleaning CCS is made difficult by debris collecting within casings, in lap seams between components and/or in the interstitial spaces around penetrating fasteners.
An improved CCS is an open frame continuous conveyor system (“OFCCS”) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,591,979 issued to applicant, Daniel P. Karpy, on Jul. 15, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference. An OFCCS is easier to clean than a common CCS.
In an OFCCS there is a frame rail (also called an elongated conveyor support) that is like a horizontal spinal cord. When the OFCSS is fully assembled, the frame rail is located between the top and bottom portions of the endless conveyor loop and is approximately the length of the loop.
There are web brackets (also called frame members) mounted to the frame rail in a perpendicular fashion and spaced apart along the frame rail. When the OFCSS is fully assembled, the web brackets are located between the top and bottom portions of the continuous conveyor loop. The web bracket is of a sufficient length that its distal edges extends beyond the width conveyor belt.
At each of the distal ends of a web bracket, there is an arm in the plane of the bracket that further extends outward. Formed at the end of the arm is a right angle bend. This results in a skid rail tab (also called a leg.) The skid rail tab is for the attachment of a Skid Rail (also called a track guide or wearstrip.)
A skid rail is an elongated strip on which the conveyor belt slides. The skid rail has a wide width and a short height and is said to be lying on Flat. The skid rail is attached to the skid rail tab through a connector aperture in the skid rail tab, an aperture in the skid rail and a fastener such as a bolt and nut.
As mentioned, the conveyor belt slides along the skid rail and there is abrasion of the surface of the skid rail. The short height of the skid rail becomes the limiting dimension for the life of the skid rail. That is, the short height defines an abrasion zone. A skid rail lying on flat provides strength for supporting articles on the conveyor belt; but, it does not provide great strength.
Typically, at the distal of the web bracket, there are additional arms for the attachment of support legs and guide rails.
In a typical application of OFCCS in the food and pharmaceutical industries there is a daily routine in which the OFCCS is run for 1 to 2 eight hour shifts and one eight hour sanitizing shift (usually at night.) During this sanitizing shift the conveyor is sanitized by in-place cleaning, followed by partial disassembly, followed by an out-of-place cleaning of some components and then re-assembly.
In more detail, the cleaning shift is begun with “clean in place” (CIP) cleaning to attempt to remove solids and visible dirt. A CIP cleaning is begun by foaming of the conveyor frame with a caustic foam to disinfect. This is followed by a hot water rinse. The CIP cleaning can leave behind solids in the lap seam between a skid rail and the skid rail tab and in the interstitial spaces of penetrating fasteners. There can be thermal expansion of the skid rail with concomitant bowing of the skid rails between attachment points at successive web brackets. This in turn results in an uneven carrying surface for the belt which in turn causes articles to shift as they ride on the belt and higher wear of the skid rail.
The CIP is followed by a “clean off place/premises” (COP) cleaning of some components. This COP cleaning can be somewhat laborious. More precisely, there is a disassembly of the skid rails from the web brackets. This disassembly requires the use of tools to remove the penetrating fasteners that attach the skid rails to the skid rail tabs of the web bracket. The skid rails and other removed components are put in a tank for a washing cycle. This is followed by re-assembly. As with disassembly, reassembly requires the use of tools and is somewhat laborious.
There is a need for an improved OFCCS which does not require tools for disassembly of skid rails for a COP cleaning.
There is a need for an improved OFCCS with skid rails that have enhanced mechanical strength compared to that in current OFCCS.
There is a need for an improved OFCCS with skid rails that wear longer compared to that in current OFCCS.
There is a need for an improved OFCCS that has web brackets that provides the utility of securing skid rails that is less expensive and easier to manufacture.
There is a need for an improved OFCCS that has web brackets that are stronger and more resistant to longitudinal bending
There is a need for an improved OFCCS that reduces or eliminates heat deflection of skid rails during CIP.
There is a need for an improved OFCCS that reduces or eliminates solids remaining in lap seams and the interstitial spaces of penetrating fasteners after CIP.
The present invention satisfies these needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the presently known deficiencies in the art.
SUMMARRY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to web brackets for open frame continuous conveyor systems (OFCCS) and to open frame continuous conveyor systems utilizing these web brackets.
An objective of the present invention is an OFCCS which does not require tools for disassembly of skid rails for a COP cleaning.
An object of the present invention is an OFCCS with skid rails that have enhanced mechanical strength compared to that in current OFCCS.
An objective of the present invention is an OFCCS with skid rails that wear longer compared to that in current OFCCS.
An objective of the present invention is a web bracket that provides the utility of securing skid rails that is less expensive and easier to manufacture compared to current OFCCS.
An objective of the present invention is a web bracket that is stronger and more resistant to longitudinal bending
An objective of the present invention is an OFCCS that reduces or eliminates heat deflection of skid rails during CIP.
An object of the present invention is an OFCCS that reduces or eliminates solids remaining in lap seams and the interstitial spaces of penetrating fasteners after CIP.
One aspect of the present invention is an end web bracket for use in an open frame continuous conveyor system. The end web bracket is comprised of a plate having an interior area and a peripheral edge. The plate has a side grip slot defining an opening within the interior area that extends from the peripheral edge which is shaped to have a pair of oppositely opposed skid rail grip tips, a wash out gap and a skid rail base and is adapted to frictionally fit a skid rail.
Another aspect of the present invention is a middle web bracket for use in an open frame continuous conveyor system. The middle web bracket is comprised of comprised a plate having an interior area and a peripheral edge. The plate has a side grip slot defining an opening within the interior area that extends from the peripheral edge which is shaped to have a pair of oppositely opposed skid rail grip tips, a wash out gap and a skid rail base and is adapted to friction fit a skid rail. The plate also has a perimeter defining an opening for receiving a frame rail within the interior area.
Another aspect of the present invention is an open frame continuous conveyor system comprised of a frame rail having an interior length and ends. Onto this frame rail there are a plurality of web brackets (as described above) mounted along the frame rail in spaced apart relation. A skid rail mounted lying on edge is in the side grip slots of web brackets. A continuous conveyor belt is running parallel over the skid rail. There is a drive which is in mechanical connection to the conveyor belt which locomotes the conveyor belt along the skid rail.
The previously described versions of the present invention has many advantages which include lower manufacturing costs and the utilization of less material; lower operating and maintenance costs and enhance performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThese and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:
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The frame rail 12 is made out of out a material that provides suitable durability and strength such as metal or plastic. A preferred material is stainless steel (SS) and a most preferred material is SS304 or SS316. Carbon steal and aluminum should be avoided. Carbon steal is avoided because of its lack of cleanliness and legal prohibitions against its use in sanitary conveyor. Aluminum should be avoided because of its reactivity with the caustic foam used in cleaning. A most preferred frame rail 12 is a hollow two inch square of 11 gauge SS 304 or 306.
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The skid rail 18 is made out of a material that provides suitable durability and strength to perform the aforementioned such as plastics or stainless steal. A preferred material is ultrahigh molecular weight plastic. A more preferred material is antimicrobial UHMW plastic based on silver ions. A highly preferred skid rail 18 is made from antimicrobial UHMW plastic having a ⅝ inch by 1¼ inch rectangular cross-section. Another highly preferred skid rail 18 is made from antimicrobial UHMW plastic having a ⅝ inch by 1⅜ inch rectangular cross-section.
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The plate 32 is typically formed from an extruded or molded material with sufficient rigidity for the application specified herein such as metal or plastic. A preferred material is gauge 7 stainless steel 304 or 306. As mentioned above, carbon steel and aluminum should be avoided based on considerations of cleanliness, legal requirements and reactivity to caustic foam. The overall shape of the plate and the features described herein are formed by stamping, machining (e.g., drilling, cutting, routing and the like) and/or laser cutting. Laser cutting is a preferred method.
The overall shape of the plate 32 is usually substantially rectangular; however other shapes can be utilized which are of suitable geometry for performing the functions specified herein. Optionally, the plate 32 can have rounded corners and/or slightly tapered sides. Also, optionally, the plate 32 can have lip 38 of slightly lesser length than the length of the plate 32 for use in connection with a stiffener bend 36 (explained below) and optionally, the corners of the lip 38 can be rounded. The thickness of the plate is such to provide suitable strength to support the conveyor with articles disposed on it and accessories (explained below) and takes into consideration cost, weight and durability. A preferred outside dimensions for the plate is 14.56 inches by 6.20 inches for use in conveyor system having a 14 inch wide belt.
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The skid rail base 44 is a feature that forms a contact surface for a the inferior side of a skid rail 18. That is, it is a surface for supporting the skid rail 18. Typically, the skid rail Base 44 is linear; however it be of other shape.
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Utilization of lying on edge is a preferred orientation for insertion over lying on flat. A skid rail 18 lying on flat is subject to more bending and bowing compared to a skid rail 18 lying on edge. This is because lying on flat involves the short side 28 being vertical and lying on edge involves the long side 30 being vertical. The longer the vertical side, the greater the mechanical resistance to bending and bowing. A skid rail 18 lying on flat wears out sooner compared to the skid rail 18 lying on edge. Again, this is because lying on flat involves the short side 28 being vertical and lying on edge involves the long side 30 being vertical. The longer the lateral side, the more material there is to abrade away and hence a longer useful life of the skid rail 18.
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The previously described versions of the present invention have many advantages. One advantage of the present invention is that skid rails can be securely mounted to web brackets with no fasteners, such as, for example, nuts and bolts. This allows for it easier disassembly and assembly during routine cleaning. It alleviates the is a need for tools for disassembly of skid rails for a COP cleaning. This also reduces or eliminates heat deflection of skid rails during CIP.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the lap seam between the skid rail on edge and the skid rail base of a side grip slot is a much reduced area compared to the lap seam between a skid rail and a skid rail tab. This reduces or eliminates the buildup of debris in the lap seam and facilitates a more sanitary operation and an easier routine cleaning. Likewise, since there are no penetrating fasteners to attach skid rails to skid rail tabs, there are no interstitial spaces about these fasteners to collect debris. Accordingly, this further reduces or eliminates the buildup of debris during operation for a more sanitary operation and facilitates an easier routine cleaning.
Another advantage of the present invention is the utilization of an edge orientation of skid rails such that the skid rails have enhanced mechanical strength compared to that in current OFCCS. The on edge orientation also provides the advantage of a longer wear life for the skid rails that compared to that in current OFCCS.
Another advantage of the present invention is web brackets that have enhanced mechanical strength through a stiffener bend.
EXAMPLESThe following examples further describe and demonstrate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations or restrictions of the present invention, as persons skilled in the art will quickly realize many variations thereof are possible that are all within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Example 1 This example is a parts list for an open frame conveyor system according to the present invention and illustrated in
Example two is an assembly of 2 frame rails, three middle web brackets and 2 end web brackets as depicted in
Example three is a middle web bracket as depicted in
Example four is a middle bracket as depicted in
Examples six is a middle web bracket. The length of the superior edge of the bracket is 28 9/16 in. The perimeter defining an opening for the frame rail has a spacing between oppositely opposed relief welds of 2 15/16 in. The bracket is intended for use with a frame rail that is a tube that is a 2 square by 11 gauge.
Example 6 Example six is an assembly of two frame rails, two end web brackets three middle web brackets as depicted in
Example seven is an assembly of two frame rails, two end web brackets three middle web brackets as depicted in
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible with substituted, varied and/or modified materials and steps are employed. These other versions do not depart from the invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.
Claims
1. An end web bracket for use in an open frame continuous conveyor system comprised of:
- a. a plate having an interior area and a peripheral edge and
- b. a side grip slot defining an opening within the interior area that extends from the peripheral edge which is shaped to have a pair of oppositely opposed skid rail grip tips, a wash out gap and a skid rail base and is adapted to frictionally fit a skid rail.
2. The end web bracket of claim 1 where side grip slot is adopted to frictionally fit a skid rail lying on edge.
3. The end web bracket of claim 1 where there is an aperture within the interior area to receive a penetrating fastener for attaching a frame rail.
4. The end web bracket of claim 1 where the skid rail grip tips have a rounded configuration.
5. The end web bracket of claim 1 where the side grip slot is shaped to have a pair oppositely opposed wash out gaps.
6. The end web bracket of claim 1 where the plate has a stiffener bend.
7. The end web bracket of claim 1 having a perimeter defining an opening for attachment of an accessory.
8. A middle web bracket for use in an open frame continuous conveyor system comprised of:
- a. a plate having an interior area and a peripheral edge;
- b. a side grip slot defining an opening within the interior area that extends from the peripheral edge which is shaped to have a pair of oppositely opposed skid rail grip tips, a wash out gap and a skid rail base and is adapted to friction fit a skid rail and
- c. a perimeter defining an opening for receiving a frame rail within the interior area.
9. The middle web bracket of claim 8 where said side grip slot is adopted to frictionally fit a skid rail lying on edge.
10. The middle web bracket of claim 8 where the skid rail grip tips have a rounded configuration.
11. The middle web bracket of claim 8 where the side grip slot is shaped to have a pair of oppositely opposed wash out gaps.
12. The middle web bracket of claim 8 where the plate has a stiffener bend.
13. The middle web bracket of claim 8 having a perimeter defining an opening for attachment of an accessory.
14. The middle web bracket of claim 8 where the perimeter defining an opening for receiving a frame rail is shaped to have a relief weld and a wash out gap.
15. An open frame continuous conveyor system comprised of
- a. frame rail having an interior length and ends;
- b. a plurality of middle web brackets of claim 8 mounted along the interior length of the frame rail in spaced apart relation;
- c. skid rail mounted lying on edge is in the side grip slots of web brackets;
- d. a continuous conveyor belt running parallel over the skid rail;
- e. a drive which is in mechanical connection to the conveyor belt which locomotes the conveyor belt along the skid rail.
16. The continuous conveyor system of claim 15 where there is an end web bracket of claim 1 mounted at an end of the frame rail.
17. A middle web bracket for use in an open frame continuous conveyor system comprised of:
- a. a plate having an interior area and a peripheral edge;
- b. a side grip slot defining an opening within the interior area that extends from the peripheral edge which is shaped to have a pair of oppositely opposed skid rail grip tips in a rounded configuration, a pair of oppositely opposed wash out gaps and a skid rail base and is adapted to friction fit a skid rail lying on edge and
- c. a perimeter defining an opening for receiving a frame rail within the interior area which is shaped to have a relief weld and a wash out gap.
18. The middle web bracket of claim 17 where the plate has a stiffener bend.
19. The middle web bracket of claim 17 having a perimeter defining an opening for attachment of an accessory.
20. An open frame continuous conveyor system comprised of
- a. frame rail having an interior length and ends;
- b. a plurality of middle web brackets of claim 17 mounted along the interior length of the frame rail in spaced apart relation;
- c. a skid rail mounted lying on edge is in the side grip slots of web brackets;
- d. a continuous conveyor belt running parallel over the skid rail;
- e. a drive which is in mechanical connection to the conveyor belt which locomotes the conveyor belt along the skid rail.
21. (The continuous conveyor system of claim 20 where there is an end web bracket of claim 2 mounted at an end of the frame rail.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 20, 2005
Publication Date: Oct 26, 2006
Inventor: Daniel Karpy (Odessa, FL)
Application Number: 11/111,000
International Classification: B65G 21/00 (20060101);