Trolley wheel assembly
a technology of trolley wheels and trolley wheels, which is applied in the direction of trolley wheels, locomotives, transportation and packaging, etc., can solve the problems of rust starting to flake off the trolley wheels, iron tends to rust, and contamination is a significant concern
Inactive Publication Date: 2007-11-15
VGK
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Benefits of technology
[0011] The present invention provides an improved trolley wheel assembly having a wheel provided around a plurality of spindles which, in turn, are provided around a hub. An axle is provided through the hub and retainers are provided on either side of the wheel to prevent the trolley from becoming dislodged from the rail system. Preferably, the wheel is provided with a highly abrasion-resistant, heat-resistant plastic and the interior is const
Problems solved by technology
While the iron construction of the wheels does reduce the amount of wear on the track, iron tends to rust.
Over time, this rust begins to flake off the wheel.
If rust flakes off the wheel and onto the animal carcass hanging below, contamination is a significant concern.
An additional drawback associated with prior art wheels is the difficulty in cleaning such wheels.
Although the heat of the trolley exiting the caustic agent dries the trolley very quickly, the freshly clean metal is exposed to the atmosphere for a short time before the oil is applied.
During this short period of time, oxygen in the atmosphere oxidizes the trolley to form a thin coat of rust over the trolley.
While most of this rust is removed during the next cleaning cycle, the constant rusting and rust removal subjects the trolley to premature wear.
Still another downside associated with the prior art is the likelihood of contamination as the light coating of oil slides down the trolley and drips down to contaminate the animal carcass.
Another drawback associated with the prior art is the short lifespan of the trolley wheel.
The trolley wheel is constructed of iron, is continually moved over a steel or otherwise hard surface, and is constantly worn down.
After the curing, the trolleys are typically subjected to a blast chill, which may or may not incorporate the application of chilled brine.
This heating, cooling and application of brine works to wear the trolleys even more than the trolleys in a typical meatpacking operation.
These conditions are especially aggressive toward the bearings or other materials provided within the trolley to facilitate movement.
For a sealed bearing system, the temperatures are so high for so long, the grease or other lubricant typically boils out of the trolley.
While the bearings may be provided with oil, grease or other lubricant to facilitate rotation, the curing process often removes the lubricant which may drip down onto and contaminate the meat under the trolley.
In situations where the bearings are not lubricated, the aggressive conditions often cause premature wearing on the bearings, causing the trolley to “slide” rather than rotate, thereby drastically decreasing the lifespan of the trolley.
Method used
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[0016] With reference to the drawings, a trolley is indicated generally as (10) in FIG. 1. The trolley (10) includes a wheel assembly (12) secured to a strap (14). Secured to the strap (14) is an eye ring (16). Secured to the eye ring (16) is a basket (18) and meat (20), such as those well known in the art of curing meat.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the wheel assembly (12) includes a wheel (22) which, in turn, includes a center wheel (24) and two endplates (26) and (28). The endplates (26) and (28) are preferably constructed of stainless steel. The center wheel (24) includes an outer tire (30), preferably constructed of an acetal resin such as Delrin or any high heat-resistant, high-wear plastic material. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer tire (30) is preferably provided with a grooved perimeter (32) the radius of which fits into mating alignment with the radius (34) formed in the trolley track (36). In the preferred embodiment, the radius (34) is between 0.25 and 0.75 inches, and...
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An improved trolley for use in a smokehouse. The improved trolley is of a sandwich construction, having a wear-resistant outer tire and non-metal spindles to facilitate rotation of the trolley wheel on an axle. The tire is designed to avoid damaging a track along which the trolley rides, and to reduce the abrasion of the track which can cause contamination to meat carried by the trolley. The non-metallic spindles not only do not require lubrication, but are also substantially less prone to freezing when subjected to brine chill or similar cleaning procedures. The spindles are designed to withstand temperatures of 180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in excess of six hours, and are designed to support loads in excess of one thousand pounds.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates in general to a trolley wheel and, more particularly, to an improved trolley wheel having improved, superior heat resistant, wear and anti-contamination characteristics. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Animal carcasses are transported in a meatpacking plant typically through the use of a trolley system. A carcass or container of meat is typically secured to a wheel by a strap or other connection means to form a trolley. The trolleys move along a track to transport the meat from place to place. Each trolley typically includes a wheel having a recessed rolling surface which rides along the track system, and a pair of perimeter flanges to prevent the wheel from “jumping the track.” A meatpacking operation may employ hundreds or thousands of such trolleys. [0005] Prior art trolleys are typically constructed of iron, or similarly soft material, so as not to cause excessive wear...
Claims
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Login to View More IPC IPC(8): B61B3/00
CPCB65G9/002
InventorDYKE, VERLAN VANKLEIN, PERRY
OwnerVGK