Basket support and stabilization system for basket transport equipment

Abstract

A carrier basket support and stabilization system for a carrier basket conveying apparatus, the carrier basket support and stabilization system having vehicles configured to travel along a path, at least some support groups including three vehicles, each three-vehicle support group including a front vehicle, a middle vehicle, and a rear vehicle, and a carrier basket support connected to the middle vehicle. The carrier basket support includes a center panel, a support column connected to the middle vehicle, and a first wing panel and a second wing panel located on opposite sides of the center panel and pivotally connected to the center panel. The front vehicle and the rear vehicle slidably support the corresponding wing panel as the vehicle pivots while moving along the path. The carrier basket is pivotally connected to the support column and has rollers configured to roll in contact with the center wing panel, the first wing panel, and / or the second wing panel depending on the orientation of the carrier basket support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of conveyor systems for moving products, such as for delivery orders in chain restaurants, bars, cafeterias, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for supporting and stabilizing a carrier basket as it is moved between loading and / or unloading stations via conveyor equipment. Background Art

[0002] The applicant has developed and marketed an overhead conveyor system based on a continuous track forming a closed loop, which includes a "train" of several small wheeled vehicles connected together. The track is typically suspended from a ceiling or wall and can snake through a building from a loading point to an unloading point and back again. Food to be transported is placed in packages or bags, which are placed in baskets carried by some of the wheeled vehicles. Various devices are provided to unload or release the packages or bags from the baskets and place the food into trays.

[0003] US Pat. No. 7,708,135 describes another food conveyor system for vertically transporting packaged food from one floor of a restaurant to another. This food conveyor system includes a conveyor device that transports food support carriers along a closed loop path defined by a belt or chain. These carriers are pivotally connected to the closed loop path defined by the belt or chain. While convenient for transporting food placed on support carriers, conveyor systems based on belts or chains suffer from significant space flexibility and require a winding conveyor path.

[0004] The applicant's US 2021 / 0094761 also relates to a conveyor system for transporting packaged food in restaurants, etc., which allows for flexible layout design. This provides a track-based conveyor system with a support carrier on which the food to be transported can be placed on a loading station. These foods are then transported to a customer delivery point away from the loading station. Here, the packaged items are loaded onto the carrier at the loading station and the unloading station. In a preferred configuration, the carrier is defined by a basket (carrying basket) having a series of support fingers that are cantilevered from a single back support pivotally mounted to a vehicle that can travel in a conveyor track. The carrier support fingers are aligned with the spaces between the loading station / unloading station support fingers or between the rollers. The entire contents of US 2021 / 0094761 are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

[0005] While known devices have successfully functioned, supporting the basket during loading presents challenges because the weight of the item being transported cantilevers off the back support, causing the basket to tilt. Separate buffers have been used for the back support to transfer the load to the vehicle and / or conveyor track, or to additional support rails below the conveyor track. However, improved functionality is desired, particularly around curves in the track. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a carrier basket support and stabilization system for a carrier basket transport apparatus, the carrier basket transport apparatus comprising a conveyor system having a path. The system includes a plurality of vehicles configured to travel along the path, at least some support groups comprising three vehicles, and each support group of three vehicles comprising a front vehicle, a middle vehicle, and a rear vehicle connected in series via a pivotal connection, and a carrier basket support member connected to the middle vehicle. While three vehicles are preferred, groups of three or more vehicles are possible, and the three-vehicle group herein comprises at least a front vehicle, a middle vehicle, and a rear vehicle, and may also include other vehicles interspersed therewith. The carrier basket support member comprises a center plate fixedly connected to the middle vehicle, and first and second wing panels located on opposite sides of the center plate and pivotally connected to the center plate. Preferably, the first and second wing panels are formed of or comprise a ferromagnetic material. Preferably, the first and second wing panels are located on one side of the path. In addition, a support column is provided, preferably connected to the center plate, and the support column is configured to connect to the carrier basket on a side facing away from the path. In a preferred embodiment, the leading car includes a first magnet for slidably securing the first wing as the leading car pivots relative to the middle car as the vehicle moves along the path, and the trailing car includes a second magnet for slidably securing the second wing as the trailing car pivots relative to the middle car as the vehicle moves along the path. However, these first and second magnets are optional, and torsion springs may be used to bias the first and second wing toward the respective leading and trailing cars, or the first and second wing may be allowed to pivot freely and be held in place by contact with the carrier basket.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, a carry basket is provided that includes a back support and a product support surface extending generally laterally from the back support in a direction opposite to a path. A pivot connection is provided on the back support, the pivot connection being connected or connectable to a support post. A low-friction contact element is connected to the back support and is configured to make low-friction moving contact with at least one of the center panel, the first wing panel, or the second wing panel, depending on the orientation of the carry basket support as the carry basket support moves along the path via a support group of multiple vehicles. The low-friction contact element can be a roller or a low-friction slider, preferably made of a polymer material.

[0008] In a preferred configuration, the first sliding contact plate can be located on the leading vehicle, and the second sliding contact plate can be located on the trailing vehicle. The first wing plate and the second wing plate are in sliding contact with the first and second sliding contact plates, respectively. Preferably, the first and second magnets are embedded below the respective sliding contact surfaces of the first and second sliding contact plates, respectively.

[0009] In a preferred configuration, the path includes curved portions, horizontal curved portions (curves extending in the XZ plane), and vertical curved portions (curves extending in the XY plane), and the leading and trailing vehicles are configured to pivot relative to the center vehicle as the support group of multiple vehicles travels around the curved portion. For the horizontal curved portion, the first wing and the second wing are configured to pivot relative to the center vehicle, and preferably, the first wing and the second wing are maintained in contact with the leading and trailing vehicles, respectively, via a first magnet or a second magnet or a spring. For the vertical curved portion, preferably, the plurality of wing members are in sliding contact with the leading and trailing vehicles, via a first magnet and a second magnet or a spring, such that as the leading and trailing vehicles pivot relative to the center vehicle, the plurality of wing members maintain their generally in-plane positions relative to the center vehicle.

[0010] In one preferred arrangement where a roller is provided, the roller may be pivotally mounted in an opening in the back support, the opening being located below the pivot connection.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the product support surface may include a plurality of spaced apart fingers.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle may include track rollers configured to travel on tracks defining a path.

[0013] In a preferred configuration, each of the vehicles can be connected to an adjacent one of the plurality of vehicles via a ball and socket connection. This provides for pivoting in multiple directions to allow the vehicles to travel along a path. Alternatively, a universal joint or other type of pivotable connection can be used.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, support rollers may be fixed to opposite sides of the center plate, with the support rollers aligned to roll in the direction of the path. These may be used in conjunction with optional additional guide rails located below the path to stabilize the carrier basket support during movement along at least a portion of the path.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the first wing panel and the second wing panel may be connected to the central panel via two pivot bearings respectively.

[0016] Use of one or more of the above features in conjunction with the base system provides enhanced performance by maintaining oriented alignment of the carry baskets and reducing the likelihood of shifting of products (including heavy products) carried on the carry baskets as they travel along a path defined by the conveyor system.

[0017] Furthermore, the configuration of the center plate, first wing plate, and second wing plate provides a solid support surface against which the rollers connected to the back support can roll a full 360 degrees of travel to transfer cantilever loads on the basket to the carrier basket support. This support surface is generally coplanar except in the area of ​​horizontal (XZ) curves.

[0018] This system is unique in that it allows for a roller contact surface on which the rollers can ride during basket transition, but it also allows for the support surface formed by the center plate, first wing plate, and second wing plate to conform to the contour of the track as it passes through the inboard 90° and outboard 90° corners, during which time the basket does not need to be supported by the wings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art conveyor system of the present application that utilizes a plurality of carrier baskets conveyed along a path defined by a track having a plurality of vehicles traveling along the track.

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a carrier basket support and stabilization system for a carrier basket transport apparatus including a conveyor system having a path similar to Figure 1 The conveyor system shown in , shows a curved portion of the path.

[0022] Figure 3 is used for Figure 2 Elevation view of the front portion of the carrier basket support of the carrier basket support and stabilization system shown in FIG.

[0023] Figure 4 is with Figure 2A perspective view of a carrier basket support used with a carrier basket support and stabilization system is shown in FIG.

[0024] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The 5-5 line in the Figure 4 A side elevation view of the carrier basket support shown in FIG.

[0025] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 The 6-6 line in the Figure 4 A top view of the carrier basket support shown in FIG.

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 3-6 Rear elevation view of the carrier basket support shown in .

[0027] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 3 A front elevation view of a vehicle with one of the fenders shown in dotted lines to allow for a detailed view of the vehicle supporting the fender.

[0028] Figure 9 A perspective view of an assembly of a carrier basket support with a carrier basket is shown.

[0029] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Front elevation view of the assembly shown in .

[0030] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 and Figure 10 Left side elevation view of the assembly shown in .

[0031] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 Rear elevation view of the assembly shown in .

[0032] Figure 13 is a front perspective view of the carrier basket shown alone.

[0033] Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of the carrier basket shown alone.

[0034] Figure 15 is a front elevational view of the carry basket shown alone.

[0035] Figure 16 is a right side elevational view of the carry basket shown alone.

[0036] Figure 17 is a rear elevational view of the carry basket shown alone.

[0037] Figure 18 is a top plan view of the carry basket shown alone.

[0038] Figure 19 Shown is a perspective view of a carrier basket support and stabilization system in a portion of track defining a path for a conveyor system shown passing through an inner curve.

[0039] Figure 20 is similar to Figure 19 , looking upwards at the carrier basket support.

[0040] Figure 21 A perspective view of the carrier basket support and stabilization system is shown along a path defined by the conveyor system through an outer corner.

[0041] Figure 22 is similar to Figure 21 A perspective view of a carrier basket support member showing a carrier basket support member passing through an outside curve along a path defined by a conveyor system.

[0042] Figure 23 is shown from different directions similar to Figure 22 Stereoscopic image.

[0043] Figure 24 Shown is an elevation view of a carrier basket support and stabilization system traversing a portion of a path having a vertical curve to a horizontal curve.

[0044] Figure 25 Shown is an elevation view of a carrier basket support and stabilization system as it travels through various vertical to horizontal curves along the path of a conveyor system.

[0045] Figure 26 Another elevation view of the carrier basket support and stabilization system is shown traversing another vertical curve to a horizontal curve along the path defined by the conveyor system.

[0046] Figure 27 An enlarged view of a carrier basket support is shown as it travels along a horizontal curve to a vertical curve in a path defined by a transport system.

[0047] Figure 28 is similar to Figure 27 , wherein one of the two wings for a carrier basket support is shown in dotted lines, the carrier basket support traveling along a vertical curve to a horizontal curve in a path defined by the conveyor system.

[0048] Figure 29 is a rear elevation view of another embodiment of a carry basket support having springs biasing the first and second wings toward the vehicle.

[0049] Figure 30 It is along Figure 29 The 30-30 line in the intercept is similar to Figure 6 view.

[0050] Figure 31 is similar to Figure 14 FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a carry basket showing low friction contact elements, such as sliders, on the back support of the carry basket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and are not limiting. The terms "right", "left", "upper" and "lower" refer to directions referenced in the accompanying drawings. The terms "any" and "a" used in the claims and corresponding parts of the specification are defined to include one or more of the referenced items, unless otherwise specifically stated. This term includes the terms specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and terms of similar meanings. The phrase "at least one" followed by a list of two or more items, such as "A, B or C", refers to any one of A, B or C and any combination thereof. Unless otherwise stated, the term "approximately" or "approximately" means within ±10% of the specified value and within ±25° of a specified angle or direction.

[0052] Figure 1 A view of one embodiment of a conveyor system 10 from the applicant's US 2021 / 0094761 is shown, which embodiment is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. This includes a path 12 defined by a track 13 having one or more curved portions 14 and a straight portion 15 in which a plurality of vehicles 20 are guided. Motors drive the vehicles 20 along the track 13, either directly connected to one another or with intermediate portions provided between the vehicles 20. A carrier basket 30 is pivotally mounted to at least some of the vehicles, the carrier basket 30 including a carrier support finger 32 cantilevered from one side of the carrier basket 30 pivotally mounted to the vehicle 20. Preferably, at least one of a loading station 40 or an unloading station 42 is provided along the path 12. The loading station 40 and the unloading station 42 include support fingers 44 for removing the items being transported from the carrier basket 30 by means of carrier basket support fingers 32 that move between the loading station or unloading station support fingers 44 to pick up or place down the items being transported through the conveyor system 10. These support fingers 44 can be motorized, i.e., formed by motorized rollers, belts, or chains, to further convey the items along the transport path or delivery path. As discussed in US 2021 / 0094761, the conveyor system 10 allows for enhanced layout design flexibility to accommodate specific application requirements and space requirements.

[0053] Reference Figure 2-18, shows an embodiment of a carrier basket support and stabilization system 50 according to the present disclosure. The carrier basket support and stabilization system 50 is used in conjunction with a carrier basket conveying device 52, which includes a conveyor system 54 having a path 56 (similar to Figure 1 ), the carrier basket 100 is conveyed along the path 56. The path 56 is defined by a track 57 (similar to the track 13 described above), which can be arranged in various configurations with curved and straight sections to move products (e.g., fast food) placed in the carrier basket 100, preferably between loading and unloading stations (e.g., Figure 1 40 and 42) between the carrier basket 100 shown.

[0054] The system 50 includes a plurality of vehicles 60, such as Figure 2 and Figure 8-12 As shown, the vehicles 60 are configured to travel along the path 56. At least some of the support groups 62 include three vehicles 60. Although three vehicles are preferred, the support group 62 may include three or more vehicles 60. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, each support group 62 includes a front car 60a, a middle car 60b and a rear car 60c connected in series by a pivot connection 64, and a carrier basket support 70 connected to the middle car 60b. Preferably, these pivot connections 64 include a ball 65 extending from one of the multiple vehicles, which engages with a socket 66 on the adjacent vehicle 60 to provide a ball and socket connection. However, other types of connectors may also be used. In addition, preferably, the vehicles 60 include track rollers 61, which are configured to travel on the track 57 that defines the path 56. These track rollers 61 can be set on both sides of each vehicle 60 and on the bottom of each vehicle 60 facing the inside of the track 57. The support group 62 consisting of three vehicles 60 mentioned herein includes at least the front car 60a, the middle car 60b and the rear car 60c, and may have other interspersed vehicles.

[0055] Now refer to Figure 2-12 The system 50 includes at least one carrier basket support 70 connected to the middle car 60 b in the group 62 of three vehicles 60 , and the system 50 may include several carrier basket supports 70 connected to the middle cars 60 b in corresponding groups 62 of vehicles 60 , depending on specific system requirements.

[0056] Each carrying basket support member 70 includes a center plate 72 that is fixedly connected to the intermediate vehicle 60b. This can be achieved with screws or by other connection methods. A first wing 74 and a second wing 76 are located on opposite sides of the center plate 72 and are pivotally connected to the center plate 72. The first wing 74 and the second wing 76 can have flanges 75 and 77 along one or both sides for reinforcement. In addition, the center plate 72 can also be provided with flanges 73 for reinforcement in the area where the first wing 74 and the second wing 76 are mounted. Based on the size of the flanges 75 and 77 and the spacing between the flanges 75 and 77 and the adjacent flanges 73 on the center plate 72, the flanges 75 and 77 also serve as stops for the pivotal movement of the first wing 74 and the second wing 76. The pivot connection is formed by a pivot bearing 80 that includes a bushing 82 mounted to the center plate 72 and a pivot post 84 extending from opposite sides of the first and second wing plates 74, 76 in the pivot connection area. While the pivot bearing 80 is preferred, other types of pivot connections may be used. The first and second wing plates 74, 76 are formed of or include a ferromagnetic material, preferably at least on one side 74a, 76a of the path of the first and second wing plates 74, 76.

[0057] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in detail in FIG, a support column 90 is provided on a side 72b of the center panel 72 facing away from the path 56, and the support column 90 is configured to be connected to the carrier basket 100. The center column 90 may include an enlarged end portion adapted to be received in a pivot connection 108 located on the rear support 102 of the carrier basket 100. Preferably, the pivot connection 108 is provided in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIG. Figure 14 The form of the keyhole type socket shown.

[0058] Reference Figure 8In a preferred embodiment, the leading car 60a includes a first magnet 86a for slidably retaining the first wing 74 in place as the leading car 60a pivots relative to the middle car 60b as the vehicle 60 moves along the path 56. Additionally, the trailing car 60c includes a second magnet 86c for slidably retaining the second wing 76 in place as the trailing car 60c pivots relative to the middle car 60b as the vehicle 60 moves along the path 56. This configuration allows for sliding contact between the first and second wing 74, 76 with the leading and trailing cars 60a, 60c, which is particularly advantageous in allowing the vehicle set 62 having the basket support 70 to traverse horizontal inner and outer corners along the path 56, while also providing the basket support 70 with the ability to operate along other portions of the path 56 as needed, as discussed herein. Alternatively, the first wing plate 74 and the second wing plate 76 may use torsion springs 87a, 87b (eg Figure 29 and Figure 30 Instead of using magnets 86a, 86c to bias the respective front and rear carts 60a, 60c, a spring (as shown) or other type of spring may be used. As a further alternative, the first and second flaps 74, 76 may be allowed to pivot freely, with their outward pivoting motion limited by flanges 75, 77 and pressed into position by contact with the carrier basket 100.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 9-18 Preferably, the system 50 further includes a carrier basket 100, which is connected or connectable to the support column 90 on the carrier basket support 70. Depending on the system configuration and the number of carrier basket supports 70 provided, a corresponding number of carrier baskets 100 can be provided.

[0060] Each carrier basket 100 includes a back support 102 and a product support surface 104 extending generally laterally from the back support 102 in a direction opposite to the path 56. Preferably, the support surface 104 is formed by a plurality of fingers 106a-106c to allow the carrier basket 100 to pass through the loading station 40 and the unloading station 42, as described above in conjunction with Figure 1 As discussed above, the carrier basket 100 is used to load and unload products to be transported. A pivot connection 108 is provided on the back support 102 so that the carrier basket 100 can be connected to the support column 90. Preferably, the pivot connection 108 is formed by a Figure 14 and Figure 17 The form of the keyhole socket shown.

[0061] like Figure 2 and Figure 9-18As shown, a low friction contact element (preferably in the form of a roller 110) is connected to the back support 102, and the low friction contact element is configured to be in low friction moving contact, preferably rolling contact, with at least one of the center plate 72, the first wing plate 74, or the second wing plate 76 (e.g., along the Figure 3 , which extends over the horizontal portions of the center panel 72, the first wing panel 74, and the second wing panel 76, if present, avoiding the flanges 73, 75, 77), depending on the orientation of the carrier basket support 70 as it moves along the path 56 via the support group 62 of the vehicle 60. In addition, Figure 31 The slider 114 shown in FIG, 1 is preferably made of a polymer material and can be fixed to the back support 102 of the carrier basket 100 to provide low-friction sliding contact with at least one of the center plate 72, the first wing plate 74, or the second wing plate 76, which, as described above, will follow a similar contact path 111. Through these arrangements, any cantilever loads on the product support surface 104 are transferred to at least one of the center plate 72, the first wing plate 74, or the second wing plate 76 via the rollers 110 or the slider 114, regardless of the particular orientation of the carrier basket support 70 along the path 56. This provides 360° support for various positions of the carrier basket support 70 as it travels along the path 56 defined by the track 57. Figure 19-28 Furthermore, the basket support 70 passes through the center plate 72, based on the first wing 74 and the second wing 76 being pivotally connected to the center plate 72. Figure 19-23 The illustrated inboard and outboard horizontal (XZ plane) rotation angles are not a problem because the first and second flaps 74, 76 can pivot relative to the middle car 60b along with the leading and trailing cars 60a, 60c while being held in place by the first and second magnets 86a, 86c. Furthermore, since the first and second magnets 86a, 86c are formed of or include ferromagnetic material, the first and second magnets 86a, 86c attract and hold the first and second flaps 74, 76 there, preferably on their path sides. Alternatively, springs 87a, 87b bias the first and second flaps 74, 76 toward the respective leading and trailing cars 60a, 60c.

[0062] To reduce friction during any such sliding, e.g. Figure 8As shown, first sliding contact plate 88a is preferably located on leading car 60a, and second sliding contact plate 88c is preferably located on trailing car 60c. First wing plate 74 and second wing plate 76 then slide in contact with respective first and second sliding contact plates 88a, 88c to reduce friction. Preferably, first and second sliding contact plates 88a, 88c are made of a self-lubricating material or polymeric material, and can be formed, for example, from a polyamide such as nylon.

[0063] Preferably, when the first and second magnets 86a, 86c are used, the first and second magnets 86a, 86c are embedded below the corresponding sliding contact surfaces 89a, 89c of the respective first and second sliding contact plates 88a, 88c.

[0064] like Figure 19-23 As shown, the path 56 may include a horizontally curved portion including an inward curve 58a and an outward curve 58b, and as the vehicles 60 travel around these curved portions 58a, 58b, the leading vehicle 60a and the trailing vehicle 60c of the vehicle group 62 are configured to pivot relative to the center vehicle 60b of the support group 62. Based on the pivotal mounting of the first and second wings 74, 76 to the center plate 72, the first and second wings 74, 76 pivot relative to the center plate 72 while maintaining the first and second wings 74, 76 in contact with the leading and trailing vehicles 60a, 60c, preferably by attracting respective first and second magnets 86a, 86c of ferromagnetic material or by springs 87a, 87b biasing the first and second wings 74, 76.

[0065] In order to pass along the vertical curved portion of the path 56, as Figures 24-28 As shown, as the vehicles 60a, 60b, 60c pivot relative to each other along the path 56, the first wing 74 and the second wing 76 can slide along the surface of the respective leading vehicle 60a and the trailing vehicle 60c. Preferably, the first wing 74 and the second wing 76 slide on the respective first sliding contact plates 88a and the second sliding contact plates 88c to remain generally coplanar with the center plate 72 to provide 360° support when the carrier basket 100 having the rollers 110 or the sliders 114 that contact the carrier basket support 70 pivots on the support column 90.

[0066] Refer again Figure 13-18, rollers 110 are preferably rotatably mounted in openings 112 of the back support 102 of the carrier basket 100, which are located below the pivot connection 108. This ensures that any cantilever load on the product support surface 104 is transferred via the rollers 110 to at least one of the center panel 72, the first wing panel 74, or the second wing panel 76. Based on the pivot connection 108, the carrier basket can be rotated 360 degrees in different positions while the rollers 110 are in contact with the carrier basket support, and the carrier basket remains fully supported, as shown. Figures 24-28 shown.

[0067] Now refer to Figure 22 as well as Figure 4-6 The basket support 70 may further include support rollers 78 fixed to opposite sides of the center plate 72, these support rollers 78 being aligned to roll in the direction of the path 56. These support rollers 78 may contact separate support rails 59. Figure 22 In the figure, only dashed lines are shown for providing additional support along part of the path 56 or the entire path 56. Sliders can also be used instead of support rollers.

[0068] It should be understood that the foregoing is presented by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. It is contemplated that various substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, may be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It will also be understood that many embodiments are possible that incorporate only a portion of the preferred embodiments, but with respect to such portions, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein shall not be altered. The present embodiments and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and / or illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and therefore all alternative embodiments and changes thereto within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A carrier basket support and stabilization system for a carrier basket conveying apparatus, the carrier basket conveying apparatus (52) comprising a conveying system (54) having a path (56), characterized in that: The carrier basket support and stabilization system (50) includes: a plurality of vehicles (60), the plurality of vehicles (60) being configured to travel along the path (56), at least some support groups (62) including three of the vehicles (60), each of the support groups (62) including three of the vehicles (60) including a front vehicle (60a), a middle vehicle (60b), and a rear vehicle (60c) connected in series via a pivot connection (64), and a carrier basket support (70) connected to the middle vehicle (60b); The carrying basket support (70) comprises: a center plate (72) fixedly connected to the intermediate vehicle (60b); a first wing panel (74) and a second wing panel (76), the first wing panel (74) and the second wing panel (76) being located on opposite sides of the center panel (72) and being pivotally connected to the center panel (72); and a support column (90), the support column (90) being located on the intermediate vehicle (60b), the support column (90) being configured to be connected to a side (72b) of the carrier basket (100) facing away from the path (56); as well as The carrying basket (100) comprises: back support (102); a product support surface (104) extending generally laterally from the back support (102) in a direction opposite to the path (56); a pivot connection (108) located on the back support (102), the pivot connection (108) being connected to the support post (90); and A low friction contact element is connected to the back support (102), the low friction contact element being configured to be in low friction moving contact with at least one of the center panel (72), the first wing panel (74), or the second wing panel (76) depending on the orientation of the carrier basket support (70) as the carrier basket support (70) moves along the path (56) through the support group (62) of the plurality of vehicles (60).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first wing (74) and the second wing (76) are formed of or include a ferromagnetic material, and the front vehicle (60a) includes a first magnet (86a) for slidably securing the first wing (74) when the front vehicle (60a) pivots relative to the intermediate vehicle (60b) as the vehicle (60) moves along the path (56). The rear car (60c) includes a second magnet (86c) for slidably securing the second wing (76) when the rear car (60c) pivots relative to the middle car (60b) as the car (60) moves along the path (56).

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that It also includes a first sliding contact plate (88a) located on the front car (60a) and a second sliding contact plate (88c) located on the rear car (60c), and the first wing plate (74) and the second wing plate (76) are in sliding contact with the first sliding contact plate (88a) and the second sliding contact plate (88c), respectively.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that The first magnet (86a) and the second magnet (86c) are respectively embedded under the corresponding sliding contact surfaces (89a, 89c) of the first sliding contact plate (88a) and the second sliding contact plate (88c).

5. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The path (56) includes a horizontal curved portion (58a, 58b), the leading vehicle (60a) and the trailing vehicle (60c) are configured to pivot relative to the middle vehicle (60b) when the support group (62) of the plurality of vehicles (60) travels around the curved portion (58a, 58b), and the first wing panel (74) and the second wing panel (76) are configured to pivot relative to the center panel (72) while maintaining contact with the leading vehicle (60a) and the trailing vehicle (60c) via a first magnet (86a) and a second magnet (86c), respectively.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The low friction contact element includes a roller (110) configured to roll on at least one of the center panel (72), the first wing panel (74), or the second wing panel (76) depending on the orientation of the carrier basket support (70) as the carrier basket support (70) moves along the path (56) through the support group (62) of multiple vehicles (60).

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The roller (110) is pivotally mounted in an opening (112) of the back support (102), the opening (112) being located below the pivot connection (108).

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The product support surface (104) includes a plurality of spaced apart fingers (106a-106c).

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of the vehicles (60) include track rollers (61) configured to travel on tracks (57) defining the path (56).

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the vehicles (60) is connected to an adjacent one of the plurality of vehicles (60) via a ball and socket connection (65, 66).

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Also included are support rollers (78) secured to opposite sides of the center plate (72), the support rollers (78) aligned for rolling in the direction of the path (56).

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first wing (74) and the second wing (76) are connected to the center plate (72) via two pivot bearings (80), respectively.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The invention also includes springs (87a, 87b), wherein the springs (87a, 87b) bias the first wing (74) and the second wing (76) toward the front vehicle (60a) and the rear vehicle (60c), respectively.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: It also includes a first sliding contact plate (88a) located on the front car (60a) and a second sliding contact plate (88c) located on the rear car (60c), and the first wing plate (74) and the second wing plate (76) are in sliding contact with the first sliding contact plate (88a) and the second sliding contact plate (88c), respectively.

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