Conveyor providing an electrical continuity clip

Abstract

A continuity clip 10 for a conveyor (Fig 5) is provided to reduce static accumulation associated with movement of conveyor components. Clip 1, made from a conductive material such as steel comprises h

Description

FIELD The present invention relates to conveyors, to the use of an electrical continuity clip between a support stand and a conveyor frame, and to an electrical continuity clip. BACKGROUND Conveyors are used to move objects in a variety of commercial and industrial settings. For example, conveyors are commonly used in loading and unloading transport vehicles, to assist in moving large numbers of items into or out of vehicles, and for moving products around warehouses. Conveyors are also used in manufacturing lines, and for sorting components into categories based on appearance, shape, weight or information displayed on the items. Typically, conveyors have a conveyor frame supporting a conveying arrangement of some type, for carrying the items. The conveying arrangement may include driven belts, multiple rollers, an array of swivelling balls in sockets, or an array of skatewheels supported on spindles, and may be powered (i.e., using a motor to drive the belts or rollers, for example), or may convey items under gravity (i.e., where the conveying surface slopes downwards, or where the conveying surface is level and loads are pushed by manual intervention, for example). In some settings, the conveying arrangement may provide a relatively low-friction surface across which items may be slid to ease their movement. The conveyor frame provides a structure supporting the conveying arrangement according to the type of arrangement being used, as is known in the art. The conveyor frame is secured to a support stand, on which it rests in use. The support stand is typically adjustable so that the conveyor frame, and conveying arrangement, can be manoeuvred into position and adjusted to suit the purpose for which it is being installed, and the environment in which it is installed. A difficulty encountered commonly is accumulation of static within the conveyor as the components of the conveyor move during use. With the use of traditional ‘wet’ paints to coat the conveyor frame, and support stand, a limited amount of static charge was generated. However, wet paints have been found less reliable in terms of durability than the use of powder-coating, and powder-coating is considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wet paint as it does not require use of such relatively ‘aggressive’ chemicals (solvents and volatile organic compounds) commonly involved in liquid paint processes. An issue that arises with power coating, however, is increased static generation. It is also good practice to ensure the entire conveyor frame and supporting structure is electrically earthed. The insulation, due to paint, between conveyor frames and support stands means it is necessary to provide electrical earthing for conveyor frames and stands separately, and individually, to ensure this is achieved. This can be a very labour intensive and costly exercise. The present invention aims to reduce or overcome one or more problems associated with the state of the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a conveyor having: a support stand, a conveyor frame providing a conveying arrangement configured to carry items, and an electrical continuity clip formed of a conductive material and providing one or more first teeth penetrating the support stand, and one or more second teeth penetrating the conveyor frame, each of the support stand and conveyor frame providing a respective opening for receiving a bolt of a fastening arrangement to secure the conveyor frame to the support stand, and the electrical continuity clip at least partially surrounding a portion of the bolt, and an alignment formation of the electrical continuity clip at least partially lying within the opening formed in the support stand. The electrical continuity clip may define a channel providing an elongate slot profile, and optionally the elongate slot profile is a stadium-shaped profile. The electrical continuity clip may provide a body having a flange overlying a portion of the support stand, and the first teeth and / or second teeth extend from the flange. The flange may be formed generally in a plane and the first teeth and / or second teeth form an angle relative to the plane, wherein the angle is between 5 and 90 degrees, and optionally the angle is between 15 and 45 degrees, and optionally the angle is 35 degrees. The first teeth and / or second teeth may extend by a distance in the range of 0.1mm to 4mm, and more preferably in the range of 1mm to 3mm, and more preferably still 2mm. At least a portion of the alignment formation may lie against a wall of the opening formed in the support stand so as to align the electrical continuity clip with the opening, and optionally, portions of the alignment formation lie against portions of the wall on opposing sides of the opening. A portion of the alignment formation may be formed as a sleeve having a profile matching the profile of the opening formed in the support stand. The support stand may provide one or more coupling brackets each secured to a respective support leg by one or more securing formations. Each coupling bracket may provide one or more openings and a corresponding number of electrical continuity clips. The first teeth and second teeth may be integrally formed with the electrical continuity clip. The alignment formation may be integrally formed with the electrical continuity clip. The electrical continuity clip may be formed of an electrically conductive metal, and preferably of steel. A portion of the support stand and / or conveyor frame may be powder-coated, and optionally the portion penetrated by the first teeth and / or second teeth is powder-coated around a site of engagement between the teeth and stand / frame. The conveying arrangement may provide one or more of the following components: belts, rollers, motors, swivelling balls in sockets, skatewheels supported on spindles. According to a second aspect, we provide an electrical continuity clip for a conveyor, the conveyor being of the type having: a support stand and a conveyor frame providing a conveying arrangement configured to carry items, each of the support stand and conveyor frame providing a respective opening for receiving a bolt of a fastening arrangement to secure the conveyor frame to the support stand; the electrical continuity clip being formed of a conductive material, and providing: one or more first teeth for penetrating the support stand, one or more second teeth for penetrating the conveyor frame, a body defining a channel configured to surround a bolt at least partially, and an alignment formation configured for extending into the opening formed in the support stand. The channel may define an elongate slot profile or a stadium-shaped profile. The body may provide a flange configured to overlie a portion of the support stand. The first teeth and / or second teeth may extend from the flange, and preferably by a distance in the range of 0.1 mm to 4mm, and more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3mm, and more preferably still about 2mm. The first teeth may extend in a first direction from a face of the flange, and the second teeth may extend in a second direction, from an opposite face of the flange. The flange may be formed generally in a plane and the first teeth and / or second teeth form an angle relative to the plane, wherein the angle is between 5 and 90 degrees, and optionally the angle is between 15 and 45 degrees, and optionally the angle is 35 degrees. Multiple portions of the alignment formation may be spaced apart from each other and configured to lie against opposing sides of the opening formed in the support stand so as to align the electrical continuity clip with the opening when installed, those portions of the alignment formation each forming an angle of between 70 and 89 degrees relative to the flange of the electrical continuity clip and in the direction away from the channel. At least a portion of the alignment formation may be configured to lie against a wall of the opening formed in the support stand so as to align the electrical continuity clip with the opening, and optionally, portions of the alignment formation are configured to lie against portions of the wall on opposing sides of the opening. The electrical continuity clip may be formed of an electrically conductive metal, and preferably of steel. According to another aspect, we provide a support stand for a conveyor, the support stand providing an opening for receiving a bolt of a fastening arrangement, and an electrical continuity clip of the second aspect mounted to the support stand such that the alignment formation of the electrical continuity clip at least partially lies within the opening formed in the support stand. According to a further aspect we provide a method of forming the electrical continuity clip of the second aspect, including the following steps: a) forming a body of a clip as a single piece from a sheet of material; b) bending the first teeth and second teeth from the body such that an angle is formed between the first teeth and body, and between the second teeth and body; c) cutting an inner part and bending an alignment formation from the cut portion of the body to define a channel, such that an angle is formed between the alignment formation and the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In orderthatthe present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of an electrical continuity clip, and a portion of a support stand, embodying aspects of the described technology; FIGURE 2 is an isometric view of an electrical continuity clip embodying aspects of the described technology; FIGURE 3 is an isometric view of a portion of a support stand, in combination with two electrical continuity clips embodying aspects of the described technology; FIGURE 4 is an isometric view of a support stand of a conveyor; FIGURE 5 is an isometric view of a conveyor; FIGURE 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the conveyor of Figure 5, illustrating a connection between a support stand and a conveyor frame of the conveyor; FIGURE 7 is a view of a portion of the underside of the conveyor frame, and a portion of a support stand, of FIGURE 6; FIGURE 8 is a side cross-sectional view through a portion of a conveyor; and FIGURE 9 is a side cross-sectional view through a fastening arrangement securing a conveyor frame to a support stand, including an electrical continuity clip, embodying aspects of the described technology; FIGURE 10 is an isometric view of another electrical continuity clip, embodying aspects of the described technology; FIGURE 11 is a side view of the electrical continuity clip of FIGURE 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE We now describe conveyors and electrical continuity clips according to embodiments of the present technology. The conveyors may be of any type, such as the following non-exhaustive list: gravity conveyors including ball tables and roller conveyors, and driven conveyors such as belt conveyors, sorting conveyors (such as those providing a driven belt below a layer of ball conveyors), motorised rollers or belt driven rollers. Such conveyors typically provide a conveyor frame supporting a conveying arrangement of some type (i.e., the belt, balls, or rollers forming the conveying surface), for carrying the items. The conveyor frame provides a structure for holding the conveying arrangement in position. When assembling a conveyor on site, the unit may be provided as single modular conveyor unit formed of the conveying arrangement and its conveyor frame already assembled, for ease of assembly. Where required, multiple such units may be installed in combination (e.g., end to end, forming a longer conveying surface). Each conveyor frame is secured to one or more support stands. The support stands typically provide one or more leg structures to support the conveyor frame at a suitable height from the ground on which it is installed. The support stands are adjustable so that the conveyor frame and conveying arrangement can be positioned as required, and adjusted to suit the location and intended use. The conveyor frame is secured to the support stand(s) so that the two parts have limited or no movement relative to one another in use. Preferably, when connected, there is no discernible relative movement between the two parts aside from natural vibration caused by use of the conveyor. This connection of the conveyor frame to the support stand may be carried out on site, or may be carried out during manufacturing and provided pre-assembled to site. One or more electrical continuity clips are installed between the conveyor frame and support stand, ensuring there is a strong conductive connection between the conveyor frame (formed at least in part of metal), and the conveyor stand (again formed substantially of metal). The conveyor frame, support stand, and electrical continuity clip are formed of a conductive material and are typically formed substantially, or entirely, of an electrically conductive metal such as steel. The electrical continuity clip(s) provides barbs, or teeth, configured to provide a point suitable for digging into and penetrating the respective parts to which the clip is connected. Where the conveyor frame and support stand are painted, the teeth penetrate through the painted surface so as to establish an electrically conductive connection between the metal object beneath the paint. In this way, the electrical continuity clip(s) ensure there is a continuing electrical connection between the conveyor frame and the support stand, via the clip(s), so that static and / or any other voltage present can discharge from the conveyor frame via the support stand. In embodiments of the technology, as described below, either one or both of the support stand and conveyor frame are powder-coated. A portion of the support stand and / or conveyor frame may be powder-coated. A portion of the support stand penetrated by the first teeth and / or second teeth may be powder-coated around a site of engagement between the teeth and stand / frame. Now in more detail, Figure 1 of the drawings illustrates an electrical continuity clip 10, next to an opening 14 in a portion of a support stand 12. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the electrical continuity clip 10 is formed of a body which provides a flange 16, which may be formed generally in a plane, configured to overlie a portion of the support stand 12, and an alignment formation 18 adapted to lie within the opening 14 of the support stand 12 such that in use at least a portion of the alignment formation 18 extends within the opening 14. The alignment formation 18’ defines the channel 24’ which at least partially surrounds a portion of the bolt 52. In embodiments, more than one alignment formation 18 is provided. The purpose of the alignment formation(s) 18 is to align the electrical continuity clip 10 with the opening 14 of the support stand 12, so as to retain its position relative to the support stand 12. The body defines a channel 24 configured to surround a bolt at least partially, either to fully retain the bolt by surrounding a portion of the shaft of the bolt, or at least to surround a portion of the shaft - in a c-shape, for example. When installed on the support stand 12, a portion of the alignment formation 18 and the channel 24 defined by the electrical continuity clip 10 lies within the opening 14 formed in the support stand 12. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 for example, the alignment formation 18 is formed as a sleeve. In this embodiment and as shown, the sleeve provides a formation extending from the flange 16 of the clip and providing a continuous wall around the channel 24. It should be understood that the sleeve may not be continuous - it may instead be formed of multiple sections each forming a portion of the sleeve, or adopting the general shape of a sleeve. In this way, the alignment formation 18 may be provided by multiple portions, between them defining the channel 24 which at least partially surrounds a portion of the bolt. In some embodiments, and as can be seen from Figures 1 and 3 of the drawings, the opening 14 in the support stand is not circular. The reason for this is to provide some room for adjusting the relative positioning of the support stand 12 and the respective conveyor frame 44 to which it is connected on site. Commonly, a conveyor is formed of multiple support stands 12 and one or more conveyor frames 44, and those parts may be heavy and difficult to manoeuvre to a high accuracy during installation. Therefore, there is a need for the parts used to secure the components together on site to provide flexibility where possible, so that minor discrepancies in positioning of the conveyor components relative to each other may be accounted for when securing them to each other, without requiring the components all to be repositioned until finding an exact alignment. Therefore, the openings 14 are formed as slots rather than circles. The width of the slot may approximately match the width of the bolts being used (i.e., the slot being slightly wider to accommodate the bolt and sleeve 18). However, the slot is elongate, and may be formed as a stadium (i.e., two parallel sides, and two semi-circular ends). Of course, the slot may be formed in other elongate shapes, such as a rectangle. The channel 24 of the electrical continuity clip 10 defines an elongate slot profile, preferably matching that of the opening 14 in the support stand, such that a bolt extending through the channel may move in a direction transverse to the length of the bolt (i.e., the ‘length’ being the shaft of the bolt, so radially to the central axis of the shaft of the bolt). This means that during installation, where a bolt is inserted through the channel 24, there is a degree of play in the positioning of the bolt within the electrical continuity clip 10 and opening 14 of the support stand 12, thus allowing flexibility. In embodiments of the technology, and as shown, the length ofthe channel 24 (i.e., the direction in which it is elongate, and where the slot is stadium-shaped, the parallel sides of the stadium) is aligned with a lengthwise direction of the conveyor. A portion of the alignment formation 18 is formed as a sleeve having a profile matching the profile of the opening 14 formed in the support stand 12. The electrical continuity clip 10 is provided with one or more first teeth 20 for penetrating the support stand 12. In embodiments of the technology, and as shown in Figure 2, the first teeth 20 are formed as spikes or barbs each forming a sharp point. The first teeth 20 extend from a first face of the flange 16. The first face may be formed on, or parallel to, the plane which defines flange. The electrical continuity clip 10 may include between one and five first teeth 20, preferably between two and four first teeth 20, more preferably (and as shown) three first teeth 20. In the orientation shown in Figure 2, the flange 16 is at the top - facing towards the underside of a conveyor frame in use - and the alignment formation 18 extends downwards away from the flange 16. In this orientation the first teeth 20 extend downwardly from the first face on an underside of the flange 16. Figure 3 illustrates a pair of electrical continuity clips 10a, 10b, installed on a coupling bracket 26 of a support stand 12. The coupling bracket 26 provides an adjustable fixture at an upper part of a support stand 12 to which a conveyor frame 44 is connected in use. An upper surface of the coupling bracket 26 provides a support portion 28 for connecting fastening arrangements to provide the coupling between the conveyor frame 44 and support stand 12. During manufacturing of the support stand 12, the alignment formation 18 of each electrical continuity clip 10 (10a, 10b) is inserted into a respective opening 14 in the support portions 28 of the coupling bracket 26. As the electrical continuity clip 10 (10a, 10b) is inserted, the first teeth 20 rest against the surface of the support portion 28 of the support stand 12. These can be left in this condition as the first teeth 20 will bite into the surface of the support portion 28 when the support stand 12 is secured to the conveyor frame 44 as the fastening arrangement 48 is tightened. Alternatively, they may be struck with a hammer or other tool to cause them to penetrate the paint of the support portion 28 at this stage. It should be noted that once an electrical continuity clip 10 is installed on a coupling bracket 26, with its alignment formation 18 within the opening 14, the electrical continuity clip 10 is held in place relative to the support stand 12. Since the clip 10 sits within the opening 14, its alignment formation 18 being generally aligned with the walls forming the opening 14, the clip 10 is very unlikely to be dislodged from that position accidentally unless for some reason the support stand 12 is inverted and shaken / vibrated, for example. In this way, the electrical continuity clips 10 are held in position once installed, and so unlikely to be misplaced or dropped during assembly of the conveyor 42. Where the first teeth 20 are engaged with and have penetrated the support stand 12, the accidental disconnection of the electrical continuity clip 10 from the support stand 12 becomes even less likely still. The electrical continuity clip 10 is also provided with one or more second teeth 22 for penetrating the conveyor frame 44. In embodiments of the technology, and as shown in Figure 2, the second teeth 22 are formed as spikes or barbs, similar to the first teeth 20. The second teeth 22 extend from the flange 16. The electrical continuity clip 10 may include between one and five first teeth 20, preferably between two and four second teeth 22, more preferably (and as shown) three first teeth 22. In embodiments of the technology, and as shown, the second teeth 22 extend from a second face of the flange, in a direction opposite to the first teeth 20. The second face may be formed on, or parallel to, the plane which defines flange. In the orientation illustrated, the second teeth 22 extend upwards from an upper surface of flange 16. The second teeth 22 are configured such that as the conveyor frame 44 is secured to a support stand 12, at the support portions 28 of the coupling brackets 26, the second teeth 22 are brought into contact with an underside of a portion of the conveyor frame 44. As a securing formation (e.g. using fasteners such as nuts and bolts) tightens to secure the conveyor frame 44 to the support stand 12, the second teeth 22 penetrate the conveyor frame 44, so as to establish an electrically conductive connection between the two parts. In embodiments of the technology, the first teeth 20 and / or the second teeth 22 extend from the flange 16 by a distance in the range of 0.1mm to 4mm. Preferably, the first teeth 20 and / or second teeth 22 extend by a distance is in the range of 1 mm to 3mm, and more preferably about 2mm. What is important is that the teeth are sufficiently long to penetrate a layer of paint on the surface of the respective support stand 12 and conveyor frame 44. It should be understood that the first teeth 20 may have a length that differs from the second teeth 22. The first teeth 20 and second teeth 22 are integrally formed with the electrical continuity clip 10. In embodiments of the technology, and as shown, one or more first teeth 20 and one or more second teeth 22 are provided at positions on either side of the channel 24 formed by the clip. In embodiments, the first teeth 20 and second teeth 22 may be provided at positions spaced around the periphery of the clip. In this way, multiple points of engagement are provided between the clip and the support stand 12 and conveyor frame 44. Looking now at Figures 3 and 4, the coupling bracket 26 provides the support portion 28 at its upper surface, and a side plate 30 lying below the support portion 28. The side plate 30 provides apertures 32 for receiving fasteners such as bolts 32, for connecting the side plate 30 relative to a support leg 36 which descends from the coupling bracket 26 towards the ground. A support stand 12 typically comprises a pair of such support legs 36, each providing a respective coupling bracket 26 at its upper end, and a support foot 40 at its lower end, configured to engage a surface. The support feet 40 may be adjustable, to change the height of the support leg 36 and coupling bracket 26 relative to the ground. A brace 38 extends between the support legs 36, fixing the support legs 36 at a predefined spacing apart from each other so as to match the width of a respective conveyor frame 44 to which the support stand 12 will be connected. The brace 38 also provide structural rigidity to the support stand 12. Figure 5 illustrates the broad layout of a conveyor 42 according to embodiments of the technology. The conveyor 42 provides multiple support stands 12, each connected to a conveyor frame 44. The conveyor frame 44 supports a conveying arrangement 46, for carrying items. In this case the conveying arrangement 46 provides a belt for carrying items, which is driven by a motor assembly and one or more rollers, as is known. As noted above, other types of conveying arrangement are equally suited to the technology described herein. Figures 6 to 9 illustrate the connection between the support stand 12 and the conveyor frame 44 in more detail. A support portion 28 of the coupling bracket 26 is secured to a contact portion 50 of the conveyor frame 44 using fastening arrangements 48 as follows. An electrical continuity clip 10 is installed at an opening 14 of a support portion 28 of the coupling bracket 26. The first teeth 20 of the electrical continuity clip 10 penetrate the support portion 28 of the coupling bracket 26. The conveyor frame 44 is subsequently aligned with the coupling bracket 26, so that an opening 60 in the contact portion 50 of the conveyor frame 44 aligns with the channel 24 provided by the electrical continuity clip 10, defined by its sleeve 18. A fastening arrangement 48 is used to secure the coupling bracket 26 to the contact portion 50 by insertion of a bolt 52 through the openings 60, 14 in the contact portion 50 and support portion 28, the opening 14 in the support portion being lined by the sleeve 18, and so the shaft of the bolt 52 extending through the channel 24 defined by the sleeve 18. Washers 54, 56 are provided between a head of the bolt 52 and the contact portion 50 of the conveyor frame 44, and between the support portion 28 of the coupling bracket 26 and a nut 58 used to tighten and secure the bolt 52. A second embodiment of the present technology is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. The second embodiment is similar to the embodiment described previously and may include any of the features already described. For ease of reference, features in common with the first embodiment have been given the same reference numeral with the addition of a prime symbol. As described above, the alignment formation 18’ may be provided by multiple portions. This may, for example, include multiple alignment tabs 70. In embodiments, and as shown in Figures 10 and 11, two alignment tabs 70 are provided. The alignment tabs 70 have the same general purpose as the sleeve of the previous described embodiment. The alignment tabs 70 are preferably spaced apart from each other and configured to lie against opposing sides of the opening 14 formed in the support stand 12 so as to align the electrical continuity clip 10’ with the opening 14 when installed. In other words, in such embodiments, the alignment formation 18’ is formed of multiple alignment tabs 70, each spaced from one another about a periphery of the opening formed in the support stand, each adapted to contact a portion of the wall of the opening. The alignment formation 18’ may be integrally formed with the electrical continuity clip. In other words, the electrical continuity clip 10’ is formed from a single piece of material which includes the alignment formations 18’. Referring to Figure 11, the first teeth 20’ and second teeth 22’ each form an angle A with the plane of flange 16’. The angle A may be between 5 and 90 degrees, preferably the angle A is between 15 and 45 degrees, more preferably the angle A is 35 degrees. A benefit of having a relatively smaller angle A, for example 35 degrees (compared to the alignment tabs 70 extending at a right angle, for example), is that the first teeth 20’ and second teeth 22’ are less likely to break off during use. An advantage of this is that the electrical continuity clip 10’ is reusable. The electrical continuity clip 10’ is shown in Figures 10 and 11 with one first tooth 20’ and two second teeth 22’ on one side of the flange 16’ and two first teeth 20’ and one second tooth 22’ on the other side. By a “side of the flange”, in this context, we mean to one side of the central opening and alignment formation; there being a first group of first and second teeth on one side, and a second group of first and second teeth on the other side. It should be understood that this is just one example configuration and that the teeth 20’, 22’ of electrical continuity clip 10’ may be configured in other ways. For example, one side of the flange 16’ may include all of the first teeth 20’ and the other side of the flange 16’ may include all of the second teeth 22’. Alternatively, all first and second teeth may be provided on one die of the flange 16’. Of course, it should be noted that these features of the teeth of this embodiment also apply equally to those of the earlier-described embodiments. In embodiments, and as shown, the alignment formation 18’ includes a main portion 72 which lies against a wall of the opening 14’ formed in the support stand 12’ so as to align the electrical continuity clip with the opening 14. The main portions 72 of the alignment formation 18’ lie against portions of the wall on opposing sides of the opening 14. The multiple alignment tabs 70, of the alignment formation 18’ each form an angle B of between 70 and 89 degrees relative to the flange 16’ of the electrical continuity clip 10’ and in the direction away from the channel 24’. The angle B is preferably between 85 and 90 degrees, more preferably the angle B is 88 degrees. In this way, the alignment tabs 70 are angled into the surface forming the surrounding walls of the opening in the support stand, improving engagement between the surfaces. To aid in inserting the electrical continuity clip 10’ into the opening 14’, each of the alignment tabs 70 may include an end portion 74, which extends in a direction towards the channel 24’ (prior to insertion of the clip). An angle C is formed between the main portion 72 and end portion 74 of each alignment tab 70, which is between 5 and 15 degrees in embodiments, and preferably the angle C is between 8 and 12 degrees, more preferably the angle C is 10 degrees. In some embodiments of the technology, the alignment formation 18’ extends a distance H from the flange 16’ (specifically H is shown as a measurement from its upper surface in Figure 11) . Distance H may be selected such that at least a portion of the alignment formation 18’ extends within the opening 14, but the alignment formation 18’ may not extend all the way through the opening 14’ (i.e. to extend through the opening and out of the underside of the support portion of the support stand). This is to prevent the alignment formation 18’ from interfering with other components, such as a washer, which may be located on or near the bottom of the opening. A method of manufacturing the electrical continuity clip 10, 10’ will now be described. As described above, the electrical continuity clip 10, 10’ may be formed from a single piece from a sheet of material. For example, the single piece may be a sheet of metal. The term ‘forming’ may include various different known manufacturing processes, for example stamping of a shape from the sheet of material. The first teeth 20, 20’ and second teeth 22, 22’ are bent from the body such that angle A is formed between the first teeth 20, 20’ and body, and second teeth 22, 22’ and body. The alignment formation 18’ is formed by cutting an inner part and bending an alignment formation 18’ from the cut portion of the body to define the channel 24’, such that an angle B is formed between the alignment formation 18’ and the body. The end portion 74 of the alignment formation 18’ may then be bent away from the rest of the alignment formation 18’, and towards the channel 24’, to form angle C. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein. Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure. Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents. 5

Claims

1. A conveyor providing:a support stand,a conveyor frame providing a conveying arrangement configured to carry items, andan electrical continuity clip formed of a conductive material and providing one or more first teeth penetrating the support stand, and one or more second teeth penetrating the conveyor frame, each of the support stand and conveyor frame providing a respective opening for receiving a bolt of a fastening arrangement to secure the conveyor frame to the support stand, andthe electrical continuity clip at least partially surrounding a portion of the bolt, and an alignment formation of the electrical continuity clip at least partially lying within the opening formed in the support stand.

2. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the electrical continuity clip defines a channel providing an elongate slot profile, and optionally the elongate slot profile is a stadium-shaped profile.

3. The conveyor of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical continuity clip provides a body having a flange overlying a portion of the support stand, and the first teeth and / or second teeth extend from the flange.

4. The conveyor of claim 3, wherein the flange is formed generally in a plane and the first teeth and / or second teeth form an angle relative to the plane,wherein the angle is between 5 and 90 degrees, andoptionally the angle is between 15 and 45 degrees, andoptionally the angle is 35 degrees.

5. The conveyor of any preceding claim, wherein the first teeth and / or second teeth extend by a distance in the range of 0.1mm to 4mm, and more preferably in the range of 1mm to 3mm, and more preferably still 2mm.

6. The conveyor of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the alignment formation lies against a wall of the opening formed in the support stand so as to align the electrical continuity clip with the opening, and optionally,portions of the alignment formation lie against portions of the wall on opposing sides of the opening.

7. The conveyor of any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the alignment formation is formed as a sleeve having a profile matching the profile of the opening formed in the support stand, ORwherein the alignment formation is formed of multiple alignment tabs, spaced from one another about a periphery of the opening formed in the support stand, each adapted to contact a portion of the wall of the opening.

8. The conveyor of any preceding claim, wherein the support stand provides one or more coupling brackets each secured to a respective support leg by one or more securing formations.

9. The conveyor of claim 8, wherein each coupling bracket provides one or more openings and a corresponding number of electrical continuity clips.

10. The conveyor of any preceding claim, wherein the first teeth and second teeth are integrally formed with the electrical continuity clip.

11. The conveyor of any preceding claim, wherein the alignment formation is integrally formed with the electrical continuity clip.

12. The conveyor of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical continuity clip is formed of an electrically conductive metal, and preferably of steel.

13. The conveyor of any preceding claim, in which a portion of the support stand and / or conveyor frame is powder-coated, and optionally wherein the portion penetrated by the first teeth and / or second teeth is powder-coated around a site of engagement between the teeth and stand / frame.

14. The conveyor of any preceding claim, wherein the conveying arrangement provides one or more of the following components: belts, rollers, motors, swivelling balls in sockets, skatewheels supported on spindles.

15. An electrical continuity clip for a conveyor, the conveyor being of the type having:a support stand and a conveyor frame providing a conveying arrangement configured to carry items, each of the support stand and conveyor frame providing a respective opening for receiving a bolt of a fastening arrangement to secure the conveyor frame to the support stand;the electrical continuity clip being formed of a conductive material, and providing:one or more first teeth for penetrating the support stand, one or more second teeth for penetrating the conveyor frame, a body defining a channel configured to surround a bolt at least partially, and an alignment formation configured for extending into the opening formed in the support stand.

16. The electrical continuity clip of claim 15, wherein the channel defines an elongate slot profile or a stadium-shaped profile.

17. The electrical continuity clip of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the body provides a flange configured to overlie a portion of the support stand.

18. The electrical continuity clip of claim 17 wherein the first teeth and / or second teeth extend from the flange, and preferably by a distance in the range of 0.1mm to 4mm, and more preferably in the range of 1mm to 3mm, and more preferably still about 2mm.

19. The electrical continuity clip of claim 18 wherein the first teeth extend in a first direction from a face of the flange, and the second teeth extend in a second direction, from an opposite face of the flange.

20. The electrical continuity clip of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the flange is formed generally in a plane and the first teeth and / or second teeth form an angle relative to the plane, wherein the angle is between 5 and 90 degrees, and optionally the angle is between 15 and 45 degrees, and optionally the angle is 35 degrees.

21. The electrical continuity clip of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the alignment formation is provided by multiple alignment tabs spaced apart from each other and configured to lie against opposing sides of the opening formed in the support stand so as to align the electrical continuity clip with the opening when installed.

22. The electrical continuity clip of claim 21, each alignment tab forming an angle of between 70 and 89 degrees relative to the flange of the electrical continuity clip and in the direction away from the channel.

23. The electrical continuity clip of any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the electrical continuity clip is formed of an electrically conductive metal, and preferably of steel.

24. A support stand for a conveyor, the support stand providing an opening for receiving a bolt of a fastening arrangement, and an electrical continuity clip of any one of claims 15 to 23 mounted to the support stand such that the alignment formation of the electrical continuity clip at least partially lies within the opening formed in the support stand.

25. A method of forming the electrical continuity clip of any one of claims 15 to 23 including the following steps:a) forming a body of a clip as a single piece from a sheet of material;b) bending the first teeth and second teeth from the body such that an angle isformed between the first teeth and body, and between the second teeth and body;c) cutting an inner part and bending an alignment formation from the cut portion5 of the body to define a channel, such that an angle is formed between the alignmentformation and the body.

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