Retention device for adjustable conveyor belt guide rails and related methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for supporting guide rails for guiding one or more articles along a conveyor having a path in a conveying direction, and a method for adjusting the guide rails. The apparatus includes at least one support rail extending along an arcuate portion of the conveying path. Movable supports are attached to the at least one support rail for supporting and adjusting the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The at least one support rail has at least one linear portion extending along the arcuate portion of the conveying path.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 406,363, filed September 14, 2022, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to article handling technology, and more particularly to adjustable conveyor belt guide rail retention devices and related methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Conveyors typically have guide rails along each side of the conveyor chain or belt that guides the items along the conveyor path. The items travel between the guide rails, which are positioned to keep them on the conveyor path. The guide rails must be adjusted accordingly when transporting larger or smaller items, or when the width of the conveyor path needs to be adjusted to accommodate the flow of larger or smaller items.

[0004] Traditional guide rail adjustment systems use cable-driven supports that move forward or backward to change the distance between the guide rails. While these systems have proven effective, they present challenges, including the accumulation of slack in the cables used to drive the supports. This buildup is particularly problematic around arcuate conveyor paths (also known as smooth bends, rounded curves, bends, sections, sections, or corners).

[0005] Thus, there is a need for an arrangement that can solve the above problems and other problems that have yet to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides a support device for a guide rail that guides one or more articles conveyed in a conveying direction along a conveying path of a conveyor. The device includes at least one support rail extending along an arcuate portion of the conveying path, e.g., a curved portion of the conveyor. The at least one support rail has at least one linearly straight section, and a support is attached to the at least one support rail to support the guide rail. The support is configured to advance and reverse the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction.

[0007] In one embodiment, the at least one linear portion extends along the entire arcuate portion of the transport path, and the support has a pair of shuttles configured to move along the at least one linear portion, the pair of shuttles being movable coaxially with respect to one another along the linear path.

[0008] The at least one support rail may include a plurality of linear portions disposed in an oblique relationship to one another, and the support may include a pair of shuttles, one of which is configured to move along one of the linear portions and the other of which is configured to move along the other of the linear portions.

[0009] In this or another embodiment, the at least one support rail comprises an inner support rail and an outer support rail spaced apart, at least one of the inner and outer support rails having a linear portion. The inner support rail and the outer support rail can extend substantially the same distance. The inner support rail can be a complete arc, and the outer support rail has a linear portion.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for supporting guide rails for guiding one or more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes an inner support rail extending along an arcuate portion of the conveying path. An outer support rail extends along the arcuate portion of the conveying path and is spaced apart from the inner support rail. At least one movable inner support is attached to the inner support rail for supporting and adjusting the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. At least one movable outer support is attached to the outer support rail for supporting and adjusting the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. At least one of the inner support rail and the outer support rail has a straight portion extending along the arcuate portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the outer support rail has at least one linear portion that extends along the arcuate portion along which the at least one movable outer support moves. In one embodiment, the inner support rail does not have at least one linear portion that extends along the arcuate portion along which the at least one movable inner support moves. The at least one linear portion may extend along the entire arcuate portion.

[0012] The support may include a pair of shuttles movable along the at least one linear portion. The pair of shuttles may be configured to move toward and away from each other in a coaxial relationship along a linear path. In either embodiment, the at least one linear portion may include a plurality of linear portions disposed obliquely relative to each other. When the movable support includes a pair of shuttles, one of the pair of shuttles may be movable along one of the linear portions, and the other of the pair of shuttles may be movable along the other of the linear portions.

[0013] In either embodiment, the support may include a linkage connected to the guide rail. The linkage may include a pair of pivoting arms, each connected to a shuttle movably mounted on the support rail. This configuration allows the arms to pivot as the guide rail advances and retreats, and the shuttles can be adjusted or moved along the support rail in the conveying direction to control the relative amount of advancement and retreat of the guide rails.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for adjusting the position of a guide rail for guiding one or more articles conveyed along an arcuate path of a conveyor by mounting supports for the guide rail along a linear portion of the support rail extending along the arcuate path and moving the guide rail in a direction generally transverse to the conveying direction of the conveyor.

[0015] In one embodiment of the method, a pair of shuttles are provided on the support in a configuration in which the shuttles are coaxially spaced from and approach each other along linear paths. The method can further include providing a pair of shuttles on the support in a configuration in which the shuttles are coaxially spaced from and approach each other along separate linear paths that extend obliquely relative to each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] Certain aspects of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, and which together with the disclosure serve to explain certain principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view showing one embodiment of a conveyor guide rail adjuster (adjusting device) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view showing the adjuster shown in FIG. [Figure 3-5] 3, 4 and 5 are a top view, a rear view and a bottom view, respectively, of the adjuster shown in FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a front view showing the adjuster of FIG. [Figure 7-8] 7 and 8 are left and right side views, respectively, of the adjuster of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a folding guide rail support member that constitutes a part of the adjuster shown in FIGS. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is an exploded view showing how one arm is connected to one of the supports (shuttle) to allow pivotal movement. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a top view showing the assembled configuration of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9C] 9C is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of FIG. 9A taken along line 9C-9C in FIG. 9B during assembly. [Figure 10-11] 10 and 11 are top views showing the support of FIG. 9 in forward and reverse positions. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the support of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the shuttle connected to the support for manual operation. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the shuttle of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the shuttle connecting to the support for automated operation. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the shuttle of FIG. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a top view, including a partial cross section, of the shuttle of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view showing an embodiment of an actuator for operating an adjustable guide rail support. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a tensioner for a cable that forms part of the actuator of an adjustable support. [Figure 19-23] 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 are diagrams showing other forms of actuators. [Figure 24-26]Figures 24, 25 and 26 show a system with two opposing guide rails that accommodate multiple adjusters. [Figure 24A] FIG. 24A shows another system having two opposing guide rails that accommodate multiple adjusters. [Figure 25A] FIG. 25A shows another system having two opposing guide rails that accommodate multiple adjusters. [Figure 26A] FIG. 26A shows another system having two opposing guide rails that accommodate multiple adjusters. [Figure 27-28] 27 and 28 are diagrams showing various embodiments of extendable guide rails. [Figure 29-31] 29, 30 and 31 are views showing a guide (guiding member) that guides the endless cable along the curved portion of the support rail of the adjuster. [Figure 32-34] 32, 33 and 34 are schematic diagrams illustrating the formation of various zones using adjustable guide rails according to the present invention. [Figure 35-42] 35 to 42 show manually adjustable guide rail supports. [Figure 43-54] 43-54 show a retaining device for mounting an adjustable guide rail to a conveyor.

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the mount of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, will now be described in detail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 1-9 illustrate one possible embodiment of a guide rail adjuster 10 constituting one aspect of the present invention. As shown, the adjuster 10 is connected to a guide rail 12 and can guide articles along a conveying path and in a conveying direction D (see, for example, FIG. 19). The guide rail 12 can be supported by a support 14 that forms part of the adjuster 10 and can be flexible or collapsible (i.e., can be folded into a more compact configuration). Thus, the adjuster 10 with the support 14 can advance or retract the guide rail 12 to change the relative position of the conveying path without the overall width of the corresponding conveyor increasing in the transverse direction as a result of such adjustment.

[0019] In one embodiment, support 14 may comprise a link in the form of interconnected first and second supports or arms 16, 18. Arms 16, 18 are vertically rigid but pivotally connected at their inner ends, for example by connector 20. Arms 16, 18 and connector 20 thus comprise a linkage (which may be a two-bar linkage, although other forms of linkages may be used).

[0020] Each arm 16, 18 connects at its opposite end to a structural portion designed to reduce or eliminate friction or to provide support or bearing. In the illustrated embodiment, this structure takes the form of movable bolsters or shuttles 22, 24 that frictionally engage (by sliding or rolling) an elongated support rail 26 that generally extends parallel to the guide rail 12 in the conveying direction D. These connections / engagements and corresponding relative movement therefore result in flexing or collapsing of the support 14 in a direction transverse to the conveying direction D.

[0021] Support 14 is also configured to connect to guide rail 12. In the illustrated embodiment, this connection is achieved by providing connector 20 with one or more receiving portions, such as clips 20a, 20b, which may either engage guide rail 12 to secure it in place or may provide a relative sliding / combined motion, as described in more detail below. As can be seen in FIG. 6, this configuration allows the entire adjuster 10 to have a very low vertical profile, with a height that is only slightly greater than the height of guide rail 12. As shown in FIGS. 1-8, an optional cover 28 may also be provided (not shown in FIG. 9). This cover engages support rail 26 and provides a measure of protection for the moving parts of adjuster 10, but does not interfere with their relative movement or operation.

[0022] Continuing with reference to Figures 9 and 12, these figures illustrate the pivoted nature of the arms 16, 18 that form the support 14 relative to the guide rail in one embodiment. Each arm 16, 18 may be provided with a trunnion 16a, 16b, the ends of which are received and rotatably captured in upper and lower receiving portions 20c on each side of the connector 20. Other configurations are possible, including simple hinges (with mechanical pins or living hinges). In either case, as the shuttles 22, 24 move toward each other along the support rail 26, the connector 20, and thus the corresponding guide rail (not shown), moves transversely to the conveying direction along the adjacent conveying surface. This movement is considered flexible in the sense that the flexible joint formed by the pivoting movement of the arms 16, 18 relative to the connection flexes. Similarly, when the shuttles 22, 24 move in opposite directions (away from each other), the arms 16, 18 flex relative to each other (and relative to the connector 20) and the guide rail 12 retracts.

[0023] It is undesirable for the arms 16, 18 forming the linkage to "bottom out" (β=180 degrees or more) and potentially become locked in position (especially when the adjuster 10 is automated rather than manually operated). Therefore, as can be seen from FIGS. 10 and 11, this condition can be avoided by providing a protrusion or extension 20d on the side of the connector 20 opposite the guide rail 12 that projects transversely to the conveying direction, thereby maximizing the flexion of the joint formed between the arms 16, 18. The protrusion or extension 20d on the connector 20 can be sized and positioned to engage the support rail 26 when the linkage is fully flexed. This configuration avoids bottoming out or locking the position. Of course, a protrusion could be provided on either or both of the arms 16, 18, or on the support rail 26, to achieve similar results.

[0024] As can be seen from FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, selective forward and backward movement of the support 14 provides an improved level of adjustment for the corresponding guide rail 12. This adjustment is simple and efficient, and does not significantly increase the overall footprint of the conveyor system. Specifically, by moving the support 14 forward and backward, the guide rail 12, which is pivotally attached to the support 14 by the connector 20, can change the width of the conveying path for a variety of different sized articles to be conveyed. For example, if conveying smaller sized articles is desired, the guide rail 12 can simply be moved inward or inboard I relative to the conveying direction D, thereby achieving folding in that direction (thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the flexible joint can be an acute angle α of approximately 5 degrees, or a smaller angle if the arms 16, 18 are arranged side by side). In other words, the arms 16, 18 are moved from a position where the relative angle between them is greater to a position where it is reduced or smaller. This narrows the conveying path, allowing for easy customization of configurations to guide various different sized articles.

[0025] Similarly, if it is desired to convey a larger-sized article or object, or if it is desired to widen the conveying path relative to the conveyor below, the guide rail 12 need only be moved outward or outboard O transverse to the conveying direction D (which flexes the joint and establishes a larger obtuse angle β between the arms 16, 18, which may be less than 180 degrees and, as shown, is limited by the presence of the extension or protrusion 20d so that a lockout condition does not occur). In other words, the arms 16, 18 move from a position where the relative angle between them is smaller to a position where it is larger. In either case, because there are no rod-like or other structures extending outward from the support rail 26, the overall width of the configuration does not change as a result of forward or backward movement. Therefore, the footprint of the conveyor system of the present invention can be smaller than if transversely extending rods and corresponding retention devices were used.

[0026] Adjustment of the support 14 may be manual or automated. In the manual embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, each shuttle 22, 24 may be provided with a retainer 30 that selectively engages the support rail 26 to hold the shuttle in a desired position. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 30 includes a post 32 that supports an actuator, mounted in the form of a pivotable lever 34, in a clip 32a, such as by snap-fit ​​engagement. The lever 34 includes a wedge 36 on its interior side. The wedge 36 is sized and aligned to not engage the rail 26 in one position, but to frictionally engage it in another position (see free position 34' and retained position 34'' in FIG. 9). Opposing plates 38, 40 may be held in place by fasteners F to hold the post 32 in place, and each plate 38, 40 may include a guide 42 that slidably receives a portion of the support rail 26. Additionally, plates 38, 40 include openings 38a, 40a that receive corresponding fasteners (such as keyway plug 16c, see Figures 9A, 9B and 9C) depending from the proximal ends of arms 16, 18 to pivotally connect the ends of arms 16, 18 to shuttles 22, 24.

[0027] It will also be appreciated that by disengaging the retaining device 30 using the lever 34, the corresponding shuttle 24 is free to slide or otherwise move back and forth along the support rail 26, thereby causing the support 14, and thus the corresponding guide rail 12, to move back and forth. Once the position corresponding to the desired forward or reverse movement of the guide rail 12 is reached, the retaining device 30 is reactivated, locking it into engagement with the support rail 26. It will be appreciated that because the pivoting connecting arms 16, 18 allow the support 14 to fold, only one of the shuttles 22, 24 may need to be moved to effect the desired forward or reverse movement of the guide rail 12.

[0028] The shuttles 22, 24 also facilitate operation in an automated environment. Specifically, at least one, and possibly each, shuttle 22, 24 engages an actuator, the degree of actuation of which moves the shuttle back and forth along the support rail 26, thereby moving the arms 16, 18 back and forth. As shown in FIG. 17, the actuator may include a connector, such as a flexible cable 44, that connects to the shuttles 22, 24. The cable 44 may extend around a pulley 46 at each end (although FIG. 17 shows only one pulley attached to one end of the support rail 26, the other end of the support rail 26 may have essentially the same configuration, as shown, for example, in FIG. 19). This configuration forms an endless track (with a plurality of associated adjusters 10, as further outlined below).

[0029] To traverse the endless track, the cable 44 may be mounted around a driver such as a capstan 48. The driver may include a motor 50 (e.g., a servo motor) which in this embodiment forms part of the actuator. As shown in Figure 18, the cable 44 may also be provided with a tensioner such as a turnbuckle 44a to allow the tension to be adjusted as needed or desired.

[0030] In this embodiment, as will be described with reference to Figure 16, each plate 38, 40 may be provided with a retaining device 52 for selectively engaging the cable 44. The retaining device 52 may comprise a clamp (only the upper clamp is shown in Figure 16) in the form of a pivotable cam 54, although other forms are possible (e.g., a bolt with a flange that captures a portion of the cable 44 against a corresponding surface on the shuttle). The cam 54 may be mounted on a reduced diameter end 56a of a post 56 that may be held in place by a fastener F.

[0031] 16 and 16A, cam 54 has an enlarged, circular inner surface 54a that engages and presses against the cable, which includes plates 38, 40 (which are identical in shape but inverted; i.e., plate 38 is the same shape as plate 40 in FIG. 16, resulting in the upper plate having a friction-enhancing portion 55), and cam 54 has a free end 54b that can move between a retained position and a released position for tactile engagement. A locking member, such as a removable locking tab 58 with flexible legs that engage protrusions 58a in a snap-fit ​​engagement, is also provided to engage cam 54 and secure cam 54 in a locked or closed position, thereby engaging the cable (shown in phantom in FIG. 16A). A roller or pulley 60 may be rotatably journaled on opposed reduced diameter ends 56b of post 56 (upper when cam 54 is on lower plate 38, and lower when cam 54 is on upper plate 38, as shown in FIG. 16).

[0032] As can be seen, in the endless run formed, cable 44 has a forward run and a reverse run. By connecting one shuttle 22 to the upper run using a clamp (cam 54) in the position shown in Figure 16 and connecting the other shuttle 24 to the return run at a corresponding position using a clamp (cam 54 on plate 40 shown in Figure 16A), actuation using a single actuator causes shuttles 22, 24 to move toward or away from each other, thereby bending the joint of support 14 formed by arms 16, 18 and moving guide rail 12 forward or backward. The alternate run of cable 44 not secured to shuttles 22, 24 simply engages rotor / pulley 60, so that relative movement is not impeded.

[0033] 16, each shuttle 22, 24 may also be formed with a rotor 62 for low-friction engagement with the support rail 26. The rotors 62 are connected to the plates 38, 40 by fasteners 64 and may have individual rotors 62a that engage the outer surface of the support rail 26, as well as rotors 62b that are journaled within the plates 38, 40 and engage the inner surface of the support rail 26. As can be appreciated, the spaced rotors 62a allow a portion of the rail 26 to pass through and engage and support the cover 28.

[0034] Alternative modes of operation are possible and advantageously allow for the use of a single actuator to actuate multiple adjusters 10 and adjust the width of the conveying path. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, a connector such as cable 44 can have associated therewith a rack 66 which engages a rotatable pinion 68. Because cable 44 is endless and its corresponding connections to shuttles 22, 24 as described above, actuation of pinion 68 in one direction simultaneously actuates multiple adjusters 10. This actuation advances guide rail 12 (shown as two disconnected sections with phantom portions for illustrative purposes) in a transverse direction T of conveyor C (which, as shown, has a conveying path P defined by a conveying surface (chain or belt B) in conveying direction D; the width of conveying path P' is reduced as a result of the transverse advancement of guide rail 12). Specifically, clockwise rotation of the pinion causes the rack to advance to the right in Figure 19, resulting in the forward travel shown because the forward run of cable 44 connects to shuttle 22 of each guide rail adjuster 10 and the return run connects to shuttle 24. Reversing the direction of rotation of pinion 68 results in the reverse travel.

[0035] Actuation of the adjusters 10 associated with a conveyor C can also be performed manually or automatically. That is, as shown in FIGS. 20-22, a handwheel 70 is connected to the associated conveyor C and rotated to actuate one or more of the adjusters 10. (Basically, a similar number of adjusters (2, 5, 10, 20, or more) are connected to a single connector or cable 44, depending on the strength of the actuator configuration used.) In the embodiment of FIG. 23, a motor 72 (such as a servo motor) is used to automate operation.

[0036] FIGS. 24-26 are schematic diagrams illustrating possible configurations of an adjustable guide rail support system 100 incorporating multiple adjusters 10 for use with a conveyor having a non-linear or arcuate path (not shown). Opposing inner and outer guide rails 12a, 12b are shown for guiding articles (not shown) along the path. Adjustable inner guide rail supports 14a, 14b support inner guide rail 12a, and adjustable outer guide rail support 14c supports outer guide rail 12b. That is, if it is desired to adjust the width W of the path to accommodate different sized articles (or groups of articles), inner guide rail 12a (with inner guide rail supports 14a, 14b) and outer guide rail 12b (with outer guide rail 14c, etc.) can be run. This running action may again be performed manually or automatically. In this case, a single actuator (such as cable 44) transverse to the conveying direction D along each support rail 26 (with a corresponding motor whose operation can be coordinated by a single controller) can be used to increase or decrease the width W of the conveying path. (Note that width W' in FIG. 25 is narrow, and width W" in FIG. 26 is narrower, corresponding to a single row of conveyed articles, such as bottles or cans.) In this situation, it is preferred that the receiving members (e.g., clips 20a, 20b, etc.) be rigidly engaged with guide rails 12a, 12b by alternate adjusters 10, but they can also be slidably engaged with other adjusters to achieve the desired forward or backward movement.

[0037] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figures 24-26, inner guide rail support 14a runs along the arcuate portion, also known as the non-linear portion, arcuate bend, arcuate runway, or rounded corner, of inner and outer guide rails 12a, 12b, while extending along the linear portion of inner and outer guide rails 12a, 12b. Inner guide rail support 14a is supported by a first inner support rail 26a, while inner guide rail support 14b is supported by a second inner support rail 26b. Outer guide rail support 14c is supported by an outer support rail 26c.

[0038] To facilitate smooth and uniform adjustment of the inner and outer guide rails 12a, 12b extending along the arcuate portion of the conveyor, the linear distance of each first inner support rail 26a extending along the arcuate portion can be set to be the same or substantially the same as the linear distance of the corresponding opposing outer support rail 26c. The shuttles 22a, 24a traversing along the first inner support rail 26a and the shuttles 22c, 24c traversing along the outer guide rail support rail 26c themselves can be set to move the same distance or substantially the same distance relative to each other during adjustment of the inner guide rail support 14a and the outer guide rail support 14c. Thus, any mechanism, whether mechanical or automatic, used to facilitate adjustment of the inner and outer guide rails 12a, 12b, such as the cable(s) 44 used to drive the shuttles 22a, 24a, 22c, 24c, can be configured to move the same or substantially the same distance, preventing the accumulation of slack in the corresponding mechanism and facilitating uniform forward and reverse travel of the shuttles regardless of position.

[0039] 24-26, shuttles 22a, 24a of inner guide rail support 14a are configured to move along linear paths that are coaxial with one another during adjustment. This inner guide rail support 14a can be configured as a single guide rail support extending along the entire arcuate portion, or multiple inner guide rail supports (any number, if desired) can be provided with shuttles that can travel relative to one another along linear or substantially linear paths. The above description of first inner support rail 26a extending along an arcuate portion also applies to outer support rail 26c, which can therefore have one or more linear portions.

[0040] Furthermore, the first inner support rail 26a can be formed of an arcuate portion, while the outer support rail 26c forming the arcuate portion can be formed of one or more linear portions, so that the travel distance along the arcuate outer support rail 26c is the same or substantially the same as the travel distance along the first inner support rail 26a. The inner and outer guide rail supports 14a, 14c can be configured as a single guide rail support extending along the entire arcuate portion, or multiple (or any number of, if desired) inner and outer guide rail supports can comprise a shuttle configured to travel along a linear or substantially linear path.

[0041] The non-limiting embodiment shown in Figures 24A-26A illustrates another adjustable guide rail support system 100' incorporating multiple adjusters 10. In this system, inner guide rail support 14a runs along the arcuate portion, also known as the arcuate bend, arcuate run, or rounded corner, of inner and outer guide rails 12a, 12b, while inner guide rail support 14b runs along the straight portion of inner and outer guide rails 12a, 12b. Inner guide rail support 14a is supported by a first inner support rail 26a', and inner guide rail support 14b is supported by a second inner support rail 26b'. Outer guide rail support 14c is supported by an outer guide rail support rail 26c'. To facilitate smooth and uniform adjustment of the inner and outer guide rails 12a, 12b extending along the arcuate portion of the conveyor, the linear distance of the first inner support rail 26a' extending along the arcuate portion can be the same or substantially the same as the linear distance of the corresponding opposing outer support rail 26c'. The shuttles 22a, 24a traversing the first inner support rail 26a' and the shuttles 22c, 24c traversing the outer support rail 26c' can themselves be configured to move the same or substantially the same distance relative to one another during adjustment of the inner and outer guide rail supports 14a, 14c. Accordingly, any drive mechanism(s) used to facilitate adjustment of the inner and outer guide rails 12a, 12b, whether mechanical or automatic, can be configured to move the same or substantially the same distance along the direction of travel D, such as, by way of example and not limitation, the cable(s) 44 used, thereby preventing slack from accumulating in the corresponding drive mechanisms.

[0042] 24A-26A, the shuttles 22a, 24a of the inner guide rail support 14a are configured to travel along separate linear paths of the first inner support rail 26a', which are inclined and disposed diagonally relative to one another. That is, the shuttle 22a travels along a first linear path, and the shuttle 24a travels along a second linear path that is inclined and disposed diagonally relative to the first linear path. Note that the above description of the first inner support rail 26a' extending along an arc-shaped portion equally applies to the outer support rail 26c', which can be formed of one or more linear segments. Furthermore, because the first inner support rail 26a' can be formed as a whole from an arc-shaped portion, and the outer support rail 26c' forming the arc-shaped portion can be formed from one or more linear segments, the travel distance along the arc-shaped outer support rail 26c' is the same or substantially the same as the travel distance along the first inner support rail 26a'. The inner and outer guide rail supports 14a, 14c can be formed as a single guide rail support extending along the entire arcuate portion, or multiple inner and outer guide rail supports (any number required) can be provided with shuttles configured to move relative to one another along linear or substantially linear paths.

[0043] 27 and 28 show that the guide rail 12 can have a telescopic joint 74 consisting of legs 12c, 12d, etc., each with a small vertical dimension (essentially equal to half the total height of the guide rail). These legs 12c, 12d may overlap each other vertically and are slidably received in a receiving portion 76. These receiving portions take the form of a C-clamp that allows the legs to move relative to one another (toward a common center when the guide rail 12 is retracted and away from it when it is advanced). Thus, the receiving portion 76 holds the legs 12c, 12d together, but also allows them to move relative to one another in the conveying direction when the corresponding guide rail portion advances or retreats. This allows the guide rail 12 to achieve desired forward and backward movement, for example, by means of a support 14, to accommodate specific conveyed articles or to form specific conveying paths. Therefore, one or both of the legs 12c, 12d can be curved, but it is also possible to use a support 14 with a straight portion connected by a telescopic joint. FIG. 28 shows that the opposing guide rails 12 can move forward and backward by different amounts, which occurs when one corresponds to the inner curved portion and the other corresponds to the outer curved portion.

[0044] Depending on the size or shape of the lower conveyor C, it may be desirable to provide a guide, such as cable 44, for guiding the connector midway through the adjuster 10. As shown in Figures 29-31, this can be accomplished using the manual shuttles 22 or 24 of Figures 13 and 14. These shuttles may include pulleys 60 that engage the upper and lower runs of the cable 44. The positions of the shuttles 22, 24 may be selectively set using corresponding retaining devices 30. The stationary bracket 78 may also include upper and lower guides 78a, 78b that guide the respective runs of the cable 44.

[0045] FIGS. 32-34 are schematic diagrams illustrating possible applications of adjusters 10 to create zones of different widths on a single conveyor or conveyor system (e.g., consisting of multiple conveyors). As shown in FIG. 32, a first series of adjusters 10a corresponding to the lower conveyor C may be used to create a first zone Z1 with spaced-apart guide rails 12a, 12b on the upstream portion of the conveyor, while a second series of adjusters 10b may be used to create a second zone Z2 with closer-spaced downstream guide rails 12e, 12f. Adjusters 10a, 10b may be manually adjusted or may be associated with different actuators (e.g., the cable system described above). After a predetermined time, adjusters 10a, 10b may be changed to make zones Z1 and Z2 the same width, as shown in FIG. 33, or to make zone Z2 wider than zone Z1, as shown in FIG. 34. As can be appreciated, the material of the guide rails 12a, 12b can be flexible or can be constructed with a flexible interconnection (such as joint 74 above) that allows for relative movement (which is intentionally exaggerated in the illustration).

[0046] Referring to Figures 35-42, another embodiment of an adjuster having one or more manually adjustable movable supports 100 is described. As can be seen in Figures 35 and 36, each movable support 100 has a connector in the form of a shuttle 102 that engages a stationary support rail 104, which in turn connects to a guide rail support arm 106. The shuttle 102 has a body 108 with a pair of retainers 110 that support clamps 112. The clamps 112 are configured with an actuator, such as a lever 114 configured to move vertically along the retainers 110. When the lever 114 is actuated, a movable retainer, such as a wedge 116, forcibly engages a corresponding (outer) surface of the support rail 104 (compare the position of the lever 114 and wedge 116 in Figure 38 with the higher position of the lever 114' and wedge 116' in Figure 39, which engages the support rail (not shown) when present within the opening Q).

[0047] The lever 114 may have a receiving portion 114a for receiving a wedge 116 and forcing it into engagement with the support rail 104 upon movement of the lever, for example, vertically. The lever 114 further has a channel 114b for receiving a retainer 110 which may provide enhanced friction (such as by threading as shown) to optimise the retention force and the wedge 116 exerts an outward force to hold the lever 114 in an actuated position, which can be easily released with a finger (handle 114c is provided for this purpose; moving the lever 114 upward forces the wedge 116 into engagement with the support rail).

[0048] As previously mentioned and as shown in FIG. 40, a movable support 100 may be associated with each support arm, including the second support arm 118. The movable support 100 does not require any retainers to fix its position along the support rails, since it is connected to the fixed support by the arms 106, 118. The second support 100 may include one or more rollers 120 to facilitate low-friction rolling contact with the support rail (not shown) that is (presumably) located within the opening Q. Note that, as shown in FIG. 41, each support 100 may be provided with a clamp 112 that can be independently secured to the corresponding support rail 104.

[0049] 42, in the above embodiment, each support 100 can be independently moved along the support rail 104 (e.g., toward or away from each other in the conveying direction), and a guide rail connector, shown as a receiver 124, can be associated with each support arm 106, 118 (which, in turn, engages the support rail 104 in the folded position of the support 100, preventing bottoming out). This configuration allows the relative positioning of the guide rails (not shown) to be independently and selectively adjusted by a user using a manual approach that does not require power, motors, or the like. Nevertheless, the thinness of the supports 100 allows a conveyor system to be provided without the use of outwardly pointing rods or the like.

[0050] Continuing with reference to Figures 43-50, one or more support devices 200 may be provided for mounting the adjustable guide rails 212 from a corresponding conveyor 202. Each support device(s) 200 may include a thin bracket 204 configured for connection to the conveyor 202. This connection may be along the outer surface of the guide rail 206 for guiding the conveyor belt 208, or may be along an endless run having a forward runway, or up / down runway, or a return runway, as the case may be.

[0051] In a specific embodiment, the bracket 204 is generally T-shaped, but can take other forms (H-shaped, inverted U-shaped, L-shaped), in each case having an upper portion 204a that extends along the conveying surface at or above the level of the conveying surface, and a depending lower portion 204b that attaches to the guide rail 212. The lower portion 204b is angled or sloped so that its horizontal portion extends out of the conveying surface, but does not protrude outwardly a significant distance (a maximum of less than a few inches (<3)) from the conveyor 202, thereby maintaining a desired low profile. The vertical lower portion 204b may include an elongated slot 204c that receives one or more fasteners F that connect the retainer 200 to the conveyor 202, allowing for height adjustment relative to the retainer 200.

[0052] That is, the upper portion 204a of the bracket 204 forms a support rail that supports one or more of the adjusters or movable guide rail supports 10, 100 described above. As can be appreciated, the support rail formed by the upper portion 204a only needs to extend a sufficient distance in the conveying direction D so that the adjusters or supports 10, 100 can fully advance or reverse the guide rail the desired distance along the conveying path, and thus does not need to extend the entire length of the conveyor 202. This reduces material usage, cost, weight, and complexity compared to a full-length support rail that extends along the entire length of the conveyor 202.

[0053] The upper and lower portions 204a, 204b may also extend in different vertical planes, as shown in Figure 47. This can be achieved by providing a curved portion 204d in the lower vertical portion 204b. In one embodiment shown in Figure 47, curved portion 204d is configured to bring the upper portion 204a, and therefore the corresponding support(s), closer to the conveyor 202. In the embodiment shown in Figure 43, curved portion 204d moves the upper portion 204a further away from the conveyor 202, which in turn causes the corresponding support(s) to be similarly configured.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, each bracket 204 has a pair of supports 100 in the embodiment of Figures 35-42. The brackets 204 may also have one or more motion stops 210 at their end(s) that define the maximum movement of the adjuster in a direction parallel to the conveying direction D of the belt 208 accompanying the conveyor 202. As can be appreciated, a single motion stop can achieve the desired results, since the supports 100 are interconnected such that limiting the movement of one in the conveying direction will also limit the movement of the other.

[0055] As can perhaps best be seen from Figures 45 and 46, the supports 100 can be adjusted (see position 212' in Figure 44, or note the inward position of the adjuster / supports 100) to set the width of the conveyance path by moving the guide rails 212 closer to or further from the brackets 204 (see transverse direction T). They are then locked in place on the brackets, for example, by using the wedging action described above. Alternatively, the brackets 204 can be used with interconnected adjusters 10 (such as by wires) which can be operated by an actuator (such as a motor) in the usual way. As can be seen, adjustable guide rails can be provided on both sides of the belt 208, in which case the retainers 204 can be provided on each side of the conveyor 202.

[0056] As can also be seen from Figures 45 and 46, there is a relationship between the length of the upper portion 204a of the support 200 and the extension of the guide rails 212. Specifically, the length of the upper portion 204a need only be such that when the guide rails 212 are in their inwardly facing position closest to the inner surface of the upper portion 204a, the supports 100 are furthest apart and located at or near the end of this portion 204a (i.e., adjacent the stops 210). Similarly, as the guide rails 212 travel fully toward and enter the conveyor path, as shown in Figure 46, the supports 100 advance toward and are adjacent to the second portion 204b. Also, as can be seen from Figures 45 and 46, the lower portion 204b attached to the conveyor 202 is always located between the interconnected supports 100.

[0057] Referring back to Figures 51-54, one or more support devices 300 may be provided for mounting adjustable guide rails 312 from or along a curved conveyor 302 (which may be part of an overall conveyor having a linear portion). Each support device 300 may include a bracket 304 that connects to the conveyor, for example, along the outer surface of the guide rail 306, and guides the conveyor belt 308 along an endless run, possibly having a forward or upper run and a lower or return run. In a specific embodiment, the bracket 304 is generally T-shaped, having an upper portion 305 that extends along the conveying surface at or above the conveying surface, and a depending lower vertical portion 307 that is attached to the guide rail 312. (Note that the lower portion 307 may be angled or sloped so that its horizontal portion extends outside the conveying surface, but does not protrude outwardly a significant distance (less than a few inches (<3)) from the conveyor 302 to maintain a desired low profile.) The vertical lower portion 307 may include slots 307 a for receiving one or more fasteners F that connect the retainer 300 to the conveyor 302 .

[0058] Because the conveyor 302 has curved characteristics, the upper portion 305 of the bracket 304 is provided with a corresponding curve or contour. This can be achieved by providing two curved portions 305a, 305b that extend outward at a predetermined angle in opposite directions from a central portion 305c that is generally tangent to the curved portion of the conveyor 302. The upper portion 305 of the bracket 304, and particularly the curved portions 305a, 305b, together form a support rail that supports one or more of the adjusters 10, 100. If the upper portion is such a support rail, it only needs to extend a sufficient distance in the conveying direction D (which is curved due to the curved nature of the conveyor 302) so that the adjuster or support 10, 100 can advance or retract the guide rail 312 the desired distance along the conveying path, rather than extending the entire length of the conveyor 302. This reduces material usage and reduces cost, weight, and complexity.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, each bracket 304 supports a pair of supports 100 of the embodiment shown in Figures 35-42. The bracket 304 also sets the maximum travel of the adjuster in a direction parallel to the conveying direction D of the belt 308 accompanying the conveyor 302. The bracket 304 also has a pair of stops 310 at its end(s). As can be appreciated, a single stop could be used to achieve the desired effect, since the supports 100 are interconnected, limiting the movement of one support in the conveying direction will also limit the movement of the other support.

[0060] As can perhaps best be seen from Figures 51 and 52, the support 100 can be adjusted (see position 312' in Figure 51, and note the inboard position of the adjuster / support 100) to move the guide rails 312 closer to or further from the brackets 304 (note the transverse direction T) to set the width of the conveying path. The guide rails can then be locked in place on the brackets, such as by using the wedging action described above. Alternatively, the brackets 304 can be used in conjunction with an adjuster 10 that is interconnected (such as by a wire) and typically actuated by an actuator (such as a motor). As can also be seen, adjustable guide rails 312 can be provided on both sides of the belt 308, in which case a retaining device 300 can be provided on each side of the conveyor 302.

[0061] As shown in Figure 53, the upper and lower portions 305, 307 may also extend in different vertical planes. To achieve this, the lower portion 307 may be provided with a bent portion 309. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 53, the bent portion 209 may be provided such that this configuration results in the upper portion 305, and therefore the corresponding support(s), being closer to the conveyor 302. In another embodiment (not shown), the bent portion 309 may be provided such that the curved upper portion 305 is further away from the conveyor 302, and the corresponding support(s) are similarly positioned.

[0062] The present invention can be summarized in the following items. 1. A device for supporting guide rails that guide one or more articles in the direction of conveyance along the conveying path of a conveyor, comprising: at least one support rail having at least one linear portion and extending along the arcuate portion of the transport path; a support attached to the at least one support rail that supports the guide rail, the support advancing and retracting the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction; An apparatus comprising: 2. The device of item 1, wherein the at least one linear portion extends along the entire arcuate portion of the conveying path. 3. The apparatus described in item 1 or 2, wherein the support has a pair of shuttles configured to move along the at least one linear portion of the at least one support rail. 4. The device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the pair of shuttles are configured to move along a linear path in a coaxial relationship with each other. 5. The apparatus of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the at least one support rail has a plurality of linear portions that are in an oblique relationship to one another. 6. The apparatus described in any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the support has a pair of shuttles, one of the pair of shuttles configured to move along one of the plurality of linear portions, and the other of the pair of shuttles movable along the other of the plurality of linear portions. 7. The device described in any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the at least one support rail has an inner support rail and an outer support rail spaced apart from each other, and at least one of the inner support rail and the outer support rail has the linear portion. 8. The apparatus of item 7, wherein the inner support rail and the outer support rail extend along approximately the same distance. 9. The apparatus of item 8, wherein the inner support rail is a complete arc and the outer support rail has the at least one straight section. 10. The device according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the support has a link mechanism connected to the guide rail. 11. The apparatus of item 10, wherein the linkage has a pair of pivot arms. 12. Apparatus for supporting guide rails for guiding one or more articles in a conveying direction along a conveyor having a conveying path, comprising: an inner support rail extending along the arcuate portion of the conveying path; an outer support rail extending in spaced relation from the inner support rail along the arcuate portion of the transport path; at least one movable inner support attached to the inner support rail for supporting and adjusting the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction; at least one movable outer support attached to the outer support rail for supporting and adjusting the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction; At least one of the inner support rail and the outer support rail has at least one linear portion extending along the arcuate portion. An apparatus characterized in that 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the outer support rail has the at least one linear portion extending along an arcuate portion of the transport path, and the at least one movable outer support moves along the arcuate portion of the transport path. 14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein the inner support rail does not have the at least one straight portion extending along an arcuate portion of the transport path along which the at least one movable inner support moves. 15. The device according to any one of items 12 to 14, wherein the at least one linear portion extends along the entire arcuate portion of the conveying path. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the movable support has a pair of shuttles movable along the at least one linear portion. 17. The apparatus of item 15, wherein the pair of shuttles move along linear paths toward and away from each other in a coaxial relationship with each other. 18. The device according to any one of items 12 to 17, wherein the at least one linear portion has a plurality of linear portions that are in an oblique relationship to one another. 19. The apparatus described in item 18, wherein the movable support has a pair of shuttles, one of which is movable along one of the plurality of linear portions and the other of which is movable along the other of the plurality of linear portions. 20. The device according to any one of items 12 to 19, wherein the support has a linkage connected to the guide rail. 21. The apparatus of item 20, wherein the linkage has a pair of pivot arms. 22. A method of adjusting the position of a guide rail for guiding one or more articles conveyed along an arcuate portion of a conveyor, comprising: a support member configured to support the guide rail along a linear portion of the support rail extending along the arcuate portion and to move the guide rail generally transversely to the conveying direction of the conveyor; A method characterized by: 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing the support with a pair of shuttles configured to move toward and away from each other along linear paths in a coaxial relationship with each other. 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, further comprising providing the support with a pair of shuttles configured to move toward and away from each other along separate linear paths extending in oblique relationship to each other.

[0063] Any element described herein as singular may be plural (e.g., "one" may refer to one or more), and plural elements may be used individually. Features described for a single embodiment of an element, device, method, or combination thereof may also be used or applied to other variations, such as dimensions, shapes, materials, and combinations thereof. The terms "generally," "substantially," "about," or "approximately" mean as close as reasonably possible to the corresponding term, generally not more than 10% greater than the term unless otherwise specified. Any species of a genus of elements can have the properties of other species of elements of the genus. The term "having" is not intended to be limiting. The structures, elements, or complete structures and methods for carrying out the invention, as well as these elements and their various aspects, may be combined with and modified by each other in any combination.

[0064] The above description of various embodiments of the retention device for any adjustable guide rail and related methods illustrates the concepts of the present invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described. Modifications, variations, and the like are possible in light of the teachings disclosed herein. For example, the connector forming part of the actuator can be a flexible ribbon that can be manually operated by a lever or similar protrusion that activates or adjusts a mechanism. While shuttles 22, 24 are shown overlying and sliding on support rail 26, they can also be provided in cavities within support rail 26 and function as shuttles. The shuttles can also take different forms, such as elongated flexible ribbons connected to arms 16, 18 that can move along support rail 26 or within cavities formed therein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10, 100 Support or adjuster 10a, 10b adjuster 100, 100´ Adjustable Guide Rail Support System 108 Main Unit 110 Holding body 112 Clamp 114c handle 12, 206, 212, 306, 312 guide rails 12a Inner guide rail 12b Outer guide rail 12c, 12d legs 12e, 12f downstream guide rail 14 Support 14a, 14b Inner guide rail support 14c Outer guide rail support 16, 18, 106, 118 Arms 16a, 16b trunnions 16c keyway plug 20 Connectors 200, 204, 300 holding device 202, 302, C Conveyor 204, 304 bracket 204a, 305 upper part 204b, 307 lower part, lower vertical part 204c, 307c slots 204d, 305a, 305b curved section 208, 308 Conveyor belt 209, 309 Bending section 20a, 20b, 32a clips 20c, 76, 114a Receiving section 20d, 58a protrusion 210, 310 stop body 212´, 312´ position 22, 24 Bolster or Shuttle 22a, 24a, 22c, 24c, 102 Shuttle 26, 104, 114b Support rails 26a, 26b, 26a´, 26b´ Inner support rails 26c, 26c´ Outer Support Rails 28 Cover 30, 34´´, 52 holding position 32, 56 posts 34, 114, 114´ lever 34´ free position 36, 116, 116´ wedges 38, 40 plates 38a, 40a opening 42, 78a, 78b Guide 44 Cable 44a turnbuckle 48 Capstan 50, 72 motor 54 Cam 54a Circular inner surface 54b Free end 55 Friction reinforcement part 56a, 56b Reduced diameter end 58 Locking tab 60 Roller or pulley 66 racks 68 Pinion 70 Handwheel 74 joints 78 Stationary Bracket B Chain or belt D Conveying direction F zipper P´ conveyor path W´, W´´ width Z1 and Z2 zones

Claims

1. A device for supporting guide rails for guiding one or more articles in a conveying direction along a conveyor path, comprising: at least one support rail having at least one linear portion and extending along the arcuate portion of the transport path; a support attached to the at least one support rail that supports the guide rail, the support advancing and retracting the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction; An apparatus comprising:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said at least one linear portion extends along the entire arcuate portion of said transport path.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support comprises a pair of shuttles configured to move along the at least one linear portion of the at least one support rail.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pair of shuttles are configured to move along a linear path in a coaxial relationship with one another.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one support rail has a plurality of linear portions in an oblique relationship to one another.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the support has a pair of shuttles, one of the pair of shuttles movable along one of the plurality of linear portions and the other of the pair of shuttles configured to move along the other of the plurality of linear portions.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one support rail comprises an inner support rail and an outer support rail spaced apart from one another, at least one of the inner support rail and the outer support rail having the linear portion.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the inner support rail and the outer support rail extend along approximately the same distance.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the inner support rail is a complete arc and the outer support rail has the at least one straight portion.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support comprises a linkage connected to the guide rail.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the linkage comprises a pair of pivot arms.

12. 1. An apparatus for supporting guide rails for guiding one or more articles in a conveying direction along a conveyor having a conveying path, comprising: an inner support rail extending along the arcuate portion of the conveying path; an outer support rail extending in spaced relation from the inner support rail along the arcuate portion of the transport path; at least one movable inner support attached to the inner support rail for supporting and adjusting the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction; at least one movable outer support attached to the outer support rail for supporting and adjusting the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction; At least one of the inner support rail and the outer support rail has at least one linear portion that extends along the arcuate portion of the transport path. An apparatus characterized in that

13. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the outer support rail has the at least one linear portion extending along an arcuate portion of the transport path, and the at least one movable outer support moves along the arcuate portion of the transport path.

14. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the inner support rail does not have the at least one straight portion extending along an arcuate portion of the transport path along which the at least one movable inner support moves.

15. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said at least one linear portion extends along the entire arcuate portion of said transport path.

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the movable support comprises a pair of shuttles movable along the at least one linear portion.

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the pair of shuttles move toward and away from each other along linear paths in a coaxial relationship with each other.

18. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one linear portion comprises a plurality of linear portions in an oblique relationship to one another.

19. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the movable support comprises a pair of shuttles, one of the pair of shuttles movable along one of the plurality of linear portions and the other of the pair of shuttles movable along the other of the plurality of linear portions.

20. An apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the support comprises a linkage connected to the guide rail.

21. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the linkage comprises a pair of pivot arms.

22. 1. A method for adjusting the position of a guide rail for guiding one or more articles conveyed along an arcuate portion of a conveyor, comprising: a support member configured to support the guide rail along a linear portion of the support rail extending along the arcuate portion and to move the guide rail generally transversely to the conveying direction of the conveyor; A method characterized by:

23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing the support with a pair of shuttles configured to move toward and away from each other along linear paths in a coaxial relationship with one another.

24. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing the support with a pair of shuttles configured to move toward and away from each other along separate linear paths extending in diagonal relationship to each other.

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