Patent US3994689A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5263574A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Interlocking flight for conveyor systems
Assignee: T K F Inc
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Filing: 1993-04-06
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Granted: 1993-11-23
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Expires: 2013-04-06
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to an interlocking flight for forming a flexible platform of a conveyor which may be of the continuous, vertical type. The flight is provided with oppositely-disposed first and engaging surfaces and an elongate portion having an upper surface generally normal to the engaging surfaces for forming a portion of the top surface of the platform. The flight is also provided with a pair of flanged portions which extend from opposite ends of the elongate portion. The flanged portions have opposing inner surfaces disposed generally normal to the elongate portion upper surface and a pair of opposing pivot pins, each of which extends from an inner surface. Also disposed at opposite ends of the elongate portion are a pair of land portions configured for rotatably receiving a corresponding flanged portion from another flight and having an opening for receiving a corresponding pivot pin therefrom to effect an interlocking engagement therebetween. Rotation of the flight is provided in a first direction about the pivot pins of another flight interlocked therewith to thereby make the platform flexible in the first direction. However, rotation of the flight in a second direction opposite the first direction is delimited by the second engaging surface of the flight abuttingly engaging a corresponding first engaging surface of the flight interlocked therewith to thereby make the platform rigid for supporting a load when extended horizontally.
Inventors
- 👤 Marcus Hix
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:21
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G17/00; B65G17/12; B65G17/123; B65G2201/00; B65G2201/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
255 words
A flight adapted for interlocking engagement with another said flight for forming at least a portion of a flexible platform having a top surface for supporting a load, a first end and a second end, said flight comprising: (a) a first engaging surface; (b) a second engaging surface disposed opposite said first engaging surface; (c) an elongate portion having an upper surface generally normal to said engaging surfaces for forming a portion of said platform top surface; (d) a pair of flanged portions extending from opposite ends of said elongate portion and having opposing inner surfaces disposed generally normal to said elongate portion upper surface; (e) a pair of opposing pivot pins, each extending from a said flanged portion inner surface; and (f) a pair of land portions disposed at opposite ends of said elongate portion, each said land portion configured for rotatably receiving a corresponding flanged portion from another said flight and each having an opening for receiving a corresponding pivot pin therefrom to effect an interlocking engagement therebetween; whereby rotation of said flight is provided in a first direction about the pivot pins of another said flight interlocked therewith so that said platform is provided to be flexible in said first direction and is delimited in a second direction opposite said first direction by said second engaging surface abuttingly engaging a corresponding first engaging surface of the flight interlocked therewith so that said platform is provided to be rigid for supporting said load when extended horizontally between said first and said second ends.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
255 words
A flight adapted for interlocking engagement with another said flight for forming at least a portion of a flexible platform having a top surface for supporting a load, a first end and a second end, said flight comprising: (a) a first engaging surface; (b) a second engaging surface disposed opposite said first engaging surface; (c) an elongate portion having an upper surface generally normal to said engaging surfaces for forming a portion of said platform top surface; (d) a pair of flanged portions extending from opposite ends of said elongate portion and having opposing inner surfaces disposed generally normal to said elongate portion upper surface; (e) a pair of opposing pivot pins, each extending from a said flanged portion inner surface; and (f) a pair of land portions disposed at opposite ends of said elongate portion, each said land portion configured for rotatably receiving a corresponding flanged portion from another said flight and each having an opening for receiving a corresponding pivot pin therefrom to effect an interlocking engagement therebetween; whereby rotation of said flight is provided in a first direction about the pivot pins of another said flight interlocked therewith so that said platform is provided to be flexible in said first direction and is delimited in a second direction opposite said first direction by said second engaging surface abuttingly engaging a corresponding first engaging surface of the flight interlocked therewith so that said platform is provided to be rigid for supporting said load when extended horizontally between said first and said second ends.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The flight of claim I wherein said elongate portion is provided to be flexible for insertion of said pivot pins into the land portions of another said flight to effect an interlocking engagement therebetween.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The flight of claim 1 further comprising a pair of upstanding members extending from opposite ends of said elongate portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The flight of claim 3 wherein each said upstanding member has a first surface forming said first engaging surface and a second surface forming said second engaging surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The flight of claim 1 wherein each said land portion is configured to abuttingly engage a corresponding land portion of another said flight interlocked therewith at a predetermined angle delimiting rotation in said first direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
The flight of claim 5 wherein each said land portion extends from said elongate portion to form a rearward should portion about said opening and a forward shoulder portion for abutting engagement at said predetermined angle with a corresponding rearward shoulder portion of another said flight interlocked therewith.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The flight of claim 1 wherein said flight is integrally-formed from a polymeric material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The flight of claim 7 further comprising support ribs integrally-formed into a lower surface of said elongate portion opposite said upper surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
The flight of claim 1 wherein said pivot pins and said land openings are provided as a pair of elongate members, each said elongate member extending between a first end adapted to form a said land opening and a second end adapted to form a said pivot pin.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The flight of claim 9 wherein a said elongate member is formed of a metallic material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The flight of claim 9 wherein a said elongate member is molded into a said land portion and an adjacent said flanged portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The flight of claim 11 wherein said elongate member is formed of a metallic material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The flight of claim 12 further comprising support ribs integrally-formed into a lower surface of said elongate portion opposite said upper surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
A platform formed by a plurality of interlocked flights of claim 1.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The platform of claim 14 further comprising means for attaching said platform between a pair of drive chains of a conveyor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
170 words
The platform of claim 15 wherein said means for attaching said platform between a pair of drive chains of a conveyor comprises: a first elongate bar extending between and through the flanged portions in place of the pivot pins of a said flight at said first end of said platform; a first pair of coupling blocks for attaching said first bar to each said drive chain, each said first coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said drive chain and a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said first bar, a second elongate bar extending between and through the land portion openings of a said flight at said second end of said platform; and a second pair of coupling blocks for attaching said second bar to each said drive chain, each said second coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said drive chain and a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said second bar.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
A platform formed by a plurality of interlocked flights of claim 9.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The platform of claim 17 further comprising means for attaching said platform to the drive chain of a conveyor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
170 words
The platform of claim 18 wherein said means for attaching said platform between a pair of drive chains of a conveyor comprises: a first elongate bar extending between and through the flanged portions in place of the pivot pins of a said flight at said first end of said platform; a first pair of coupling blocks for attaching said first bar to each said drive chain, each said first coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said drive chain and a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said first bar; a second elongate bar extending between and through the land portion openings of a said flight at said second end of said platform; and a second pair of coupling blocks for attaching said second bar to each said drive chain, each said second coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said drive chain and a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said second bar.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
379 words
In a continuous vertical conveyor for cyclically conveying articles infed thereto at a first elevational level to a second elevational level, said conveyor having a pair of inside chains, a pair of outside chains, and an arrangement of sprocket pairs engaging said pairs of said chains for driving said chains, a flexible platform movable by said chains from said first to said second elevational level, said platform having a top surface for supporting a said article, a first end mounted between said inside chains and a second end mounted between said outside chains, said platform comprising: (a) a plurality of interlocking flights, each said flight comprising: (i) a first engaging surface; (ii) a second engaging surface opposite said first engaging surface; (iii) an elongate portion having an upper surface generally normal to said engaging surfaces for forming a portion of said platform top surface; (iv) a pair of flanged portions extending from opposite ends of said elongate portion and having opposing inner surfaces disposed generally normal to said elongate portion upper surface; (v) a pair of opposing pivot pins, each extending from a said flanged portion inner surface; and (vi) a pair of land portions disposed at opposite ends of said elongate portion adjacent a said flanged portion, each said land portion configured for rotatably receiving a corresponding flanged portion from another said flight and each having an opening for receiving a corresponding pivot pin therefrom to effect an interlocking engagement of said flights forming said platform; whereby rotation of each said flight is provided in a first direction about the pivot pins of an adjacent said flight interlocked therewith so that said platform is provided to be flexible in said first direction about said sprockets for movement from said second to said first elevational level after a said article is discharged therefrom and is delimited in a second direction opposite said first direction by said second engaging surface abuttingly engaging a corresponding first engaging surface of a said adjacent said flight so that said platform is provided to be rigid for supporting said articles when extended horizontally between said first and second ends; (b) means for attaching said platform first end to said inside chains; and (c) means for attaching said platform second end to said outside chains.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
379 words
In a continuous vertical conveyor for cyclically conveying articles infed thereto at a first elevational level to a second elevational level, said conveyor having a pair of inside chains, a pair of outside chains, and an arrangement of sprocket pairs engaging said pairs of said chains for driving said chains, a flexible platform movable by said chains from said first to said second elevational level, said platform having a top surface for supporting a said article, a first end mounted between said inside chains and a second end mounted between said outside chains, said platform comprising: (a) a plurality of interlocking flights, each said flight comprising: (i) a first engaging surface; (ii) a second engaging surface opposite said first engaging surface; (iii) an elongate portion having an upper surface generally normal to said engaging surfaces for forming a portion of said platform top surface; (iv) a pair of flanged portions extending from opposite ends of said elongate portion and having opposing inner surfaces disposed generally normal to said elongate portion upper surface; (v) a pair of opposing pivot pins, each extending from a said flanged portion inner surface; and (vi) a pair of land portions disposed at opposite ends of said elongate portion adjacent a said flanged portion, each said land portion configured for rotatably receiving a corresponding flanged portion from another said flight and each having an opening for receiving a corresponding pivot pin therefrom to effect an interlocking engagement of said flights forming said platform; whereby rotation of each said flight is provided in a first direction about the pivot pins of an adjacent said flight interlocked therewith so that said platform is provided to be flexible in said first direction about said sprockets for movement from said second to said first elevational level after a said article is discharged therefrom and is delimited in a second direction opposite said first direction by said second engaging surface abuttingly engaging a corresponding first engaging surface of a said adjacent said flight so that said platform is provided to be rigid for supporting said articles when extended horizontally between said first and second ends; (b) means for attaching said platform first end to said inside chains; and (c) means for attaching said platform second end to said outside chains.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
The platform of claim 20 wherein said elongate portion of each said flight is provided to be flexible for insertion of said pivot pins into the land portions of another said flight to effect an interlocking engagement therebetween.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The platform of claim 20 wherein each said flight further comprises a pair of upstanding members extending from opposite ends of said elongate portion.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
The platform of claim 22 wherein each said upstanding member of each said flight has a first surface forming said first engaging surface and a second surface forming said second engaging surface.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
40 words
The platform of claim 20 wherein each said land portion of each said flight is configured to abuttingly engage a corresponding land portion of an adjacent said flight interlocked therewith at a predetermined angle delimiting rotation in said first direction.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
53 words
The platform of claim 24 wherein each said land portion of each said flight extends from said elongate portion to form a rearward should portion about said opening and a forward shoulder portion for abutting engagement at said predetermined angle with a corresponding rearward shoulder portion of an adjacent said flight interlocked therewith.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
The platform of claim 20 wherein each said flight is integrally-formed from a polymeric material.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The platform of claim 26 wherein each said flight further comprises support ribs integrally-formed into a lower surface of said elongate portion opposite said upper surface.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
52 words
The platform of claim 20 wherein said pivot pins and said land openings of each said flight are provided as a pair of elongate members, each said elongate member extending between a first end adapted to form a said land opening and a second end adapted to form a said pivot pin.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
The platform of claim 28 wherein a said elongate member is formed of a metallic material.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The platform of claim 28 wherein a said elongate member is molded into a said land portion and an adjacent said flanged portion.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The platform of claim 30 wherein a said elongate member is formed of a metallic material.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The platform of claim 31 wherein each said flight further comprises support ribs integrally-formed into a lower surface of said elongate portion opposite said upper surface.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
206 words
The platform of claim 20 wherein: said means for attaching said platform first end to said inside chains comprises: a first elongate bar extending between and through the flanged portions in place of the pivot pins of a said flight at said first end of said platform; and a first pair of coupling blocks for attaching said first bar to each said inside chain, each said first coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said inside chain and a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said first bar; and said means for attaching said platform second end to said outside chains comprises: a second elongate bar extending between and through the land portion openings of a said flight at said second end of said platform; and a second pair of coupling blocks for attaching said second bar to each said outside chain, each said second coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said inside chain, a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said second bar, and a cross-section configured to allow a said inside chain to pass between said an end of said second bar and a said outside chain.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
206 words
The platform of claim 28 wherein: said means for attaching said platform first end to said inside chains comprises: a first elongate bar extending between and through the flanged portions in place of the pivot pins of a said flight at said first end of said platform; and a first pair of coupling blocks for attaching said first bar to each said inside chain, each said first coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said inside chain and a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said first bar; and said means for attaching said platform second end to said outside chains comprises: a second elongate bar extending between and through the land portion openings of a said flight at said second end of said platform; and a second pair of coupling blocks for attaching said second bar to each said outside chain, each said second coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said inside chain, a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said second bar, and a cross-section configured to allow a said inside chain to pass between said an end of said second bar and a said outside chain.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
434 words
A method for conveying articles infed to a vertical conveyor at a first elevational level to a second elevational level wherein said vertical conveyor has a pair of inside chains, a pair of outside chains, and an arrangement of sprocket pairs engaging said pairs of said chains for driving said chains, said method comprising: (a) providing a platform having a top surface for supporting said articles, a first end mounted between said inside chains and a second end mounted between said outside chains, said platform comprising: (i) a plurality of interlocking flights, each said flight comprising: a first engaging surface; a second engaging surface disposed opposite said first engaging surface; an elongate portion having an upper surface generally normal to said engaging surfaces for forming a portion of said platform top surface; a pair of flanged portions extending from opposite ends of said elongate portion and having opposing inner surfaces disposed generally normal to said elongate portion upper surface; a pair of opposing pivot pins, each extending from a said flanged portion inner surface; and a pair of land portions disposed at opposite ends of said elongate portion adjacent a said flanged portion, each said land portion configured for rotatably receiving a corresponding flanged portion from another said flight and each having an opening for receiving a corresponding pivot pin therefrom to effect an interlocking engagement of said flights forming said platform; whereby rotation of each said flight is provided in a first direction about the pivot pins of an adjacent said flight interlocked therewith so that said platform is provided to be flexible in said first direction about said sprockets for movement from said second to said first elevational level after said articles are discharged therefrom and is delimited in a second direction opposite said first direction by said second engaging surface abuttingly engaging a corresponding first engaging surface of a said adjacent said flight so that said platform is provided to be rigid for supporting said articles when extended horizontally between said first and second ends; (ii) means for attaching said platform first end to said inside chains; and (iii) means for attaching said platform second end to said outside chains; (b) infeeding a said article to said conveyor at said first elevational level; (c) receiving said infed article on said platform top surface; (d) extending said platform first and second ends between said inside and outside chains to horizontally dispose said platform; (e) moving said platform from said first to said second elevational level; (f) discharging said article from said conveyor; and (g) returning said platform to said first elevational level.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
434 words
A method for conveying articles infed to a vertical conveyor at a first elevational level to a second elevational level wherein said vertical conveyor has a pair of inside chains, a pair of outside chains, and an arrangement of sprocket pairs engaging said pairs of said chains for driving said chains, said method comprising: (a) providing a platform having a top surface for supporting said articles, a first end mounted between said inside chains and a second end mounted between said outside chains, said platform comprising: (i) a plurality of interlocking flights, each said flight comprising: a first engaging surface; a second engaging surface disposed opposite said first engaging surface; an elongate portion having an upper surface generally normal to said engaging surfaces for forming a portion of said platform top surface; a pair of flanged portions extending from opposite ends of said elongate portion and having opposing inner surfaces disposed generally normal to said elongate portion upper surface; a pair of opposing pivot pins, each extending from a said flanged portion inner surface; and a pair of land portions disposed at opposite ends of said elongate portion adjacent a said flanged portion, each said land portion configured for rotatably receiving a corresponding flanged portion from another said flight and each having an opening for receiving a corresponding pivot pin therefrom to effect an interlocking engagement of said flights forming said platform; whereby rotation of each said flight is provided in a first direction about the pivot pins of an adjacent said flight interlocked therewith so that said platform is provided to be flexible in said first direction about said sprockets for movement from said second to said first elevational level after said articles are discharged therefrom and is delimited in a second direction opposite said first direction by said second engaging surface abuttingly engaging a corresponding first engaging surface of a said adjacent said flight so that said platform is provided to be rigid for supporting said articles when extended horizontally between said first and second ends; (ii) means for attaching said platform first end to said inside chains; and (iii) means for attaching said platform second end to said outside chains; (b) infeeding a said article to said conveyor at said first elevational level; (c) receiving said infed article on said platform top surface; (d) extending said platform first and second ends between said inside and outside chains to horizontally dispose said platform; (e) moving said platform from said first to said second elevational level; (f) discharging said article from said conveyor; and (g) returning said platform to said first elevational level.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 35 wherein said elongate portion of each said flight is provided to be flexible for insertion of said pivot pins into the land portions of another said flight to effect an interlocking engagement therebetween.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 35 wherein each said flight further comprises a pair of upstanding members extending from opposite ends of said elongate portion.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 37 wherein each said upstanding member of each said flight has a first surface forming said first engaging surface and a second surface forming said second engaging surface.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 35 wherein each said land portion of each said flight is configured to abuttingly engage a corresponding land portion of an adjacent said flight interlocked therewith at a predetermined angle delimiting rotation in said first direction.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 39 wherein each said land portion of each said flight extends from said elongate portion to form a rearward should portion about said opening and a forward shoulder portion for abutting engagement at said predetermined angle with a corresponding rearward shoulder portion of an adjacent said flight interlocked therewith.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 35 further comprising the step of: (h) returning to step (b) of the method.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 35 wherein each said flight is integrally-formed from a polymeric material.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 42 wherein each said flight further comprises support ribs integrally-formed into a lower surface of said elongate portion opposite said upper surface.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 35 wherein said pivot pins and said land openings of each said flight are provided as a pair of elongate members, each said elongate member extending between a first end adapted to form a said land opening and a second end adapted to form a said pivot pin.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 44 wherein a said elongate member is formed of a metallic material.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 43 wherein a said elongate member is molded into a said land portion and an adjacent said flanged portion.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 46 wherein a said elongate member is formed of a metallic material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 47 further comprising support ribs integrally-formed into a lower surface of said elongate portion opposite said upper surface.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
206 words
The method of claim 35 wherein: said means for attaching said platform first end to said inside chains comprises: a first elongate bar extending between and through the flanged portions in place of the pivot pins of a said flight at said first end of said platform; and a fist pair of coupling blocks for attaching said first bar to each said inside chain, each said first coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said inside chain and a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said first bar, and said means for attaching said platform second end to said outside chains comprises: a second elongate bar extending between and through the land portion openings of a said flight at said second end of said platform; and a second pair of coupling blocks for attaching said second bar to each said outside chain, each said second coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said inside chain, a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said second bar, and a cross-section configured to allow a said inside chain to pass between said an end of said second bar and a said outside chain.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
206 words
The method of claim 44 wherein: said means for attaching said platform first end to said inside chains comprises: a first elongate bar extending between and through the flanged portions in place of the pivot pins of a said flight at said first end of said platform; and a first pair of coupling blocks for attaching said first bar to each said inside chain, each said first coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said inside chain and a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said first bar; and said means for attaching said platform second end to said outside chains comprises: a second elongate bar extending between and through the land portion openings of a said flight at said second end of said platform; and a second pair of coupling blocks for attaching said second bar to each said outside chain, each said second coupling block having a first end adapted for interlocking engagement with a said inside chain, a second end configured to pivotally receive one end of said second bar, and a cross-section configured to allow a said inside chain to pass between said an end of said second bar and a said outside chain.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-11-22 | 1997-05-24 | 1997-11-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-11-22 | 2001-05-24 | 2001-11-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-11-22 | 2005-05-24 | 2005-11-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |