Customizable covers for conveyors and related methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to covers for conveyor components, such as supports for guide rails that guide one or more articles during conveyance. The supports can form part of an actuator that actuates the guide rails to move them transverse to the conveying direction. The covers are interconnected and articulate with each other to form straight or curved configurations or lengths of the covers. Related methods are also disclosed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This international (PCT) patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 414,609, filed October 10, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to article handling technology, and more particularly to customizable covers for use with conveyor components and related methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Typically, conveyors have guide rails located along each side of a conveyor chain or belt that guides articles along a conveying path. The articles travel between the guide rails, which are positioned to ensure the articles stay on the conveying path. When larger or smaller articles are being conveyed, or when the width of the running path needs to be adjusted to accommodate a flow of larger or smaller articles, the guide rails must be adjusted to accommodate this situation.

[0004] Guide rail adjustment systems may utilize actuators that move in and out in response to a shuttle driven along the support rails, changing the distance between the guide rails. It is desirable to at least partially cover the actuators and other support components to prevent contamination that could affect performance. While rigid, monolithic covers can be used for this purpose, they can be significantly more expensive to manufacture and assemble, in part because they must be configured in a way to accommodate individual conveyor layouts, which typically have a variety of straight and curved sections. Furthermore, such covers lack indirect actuation capabilities.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for a cover construction that solves the above problems, and possibly other unsolved problems as well. The cover is easily customizable in both length and orientation. The cover can be effectively used with a variety of conveyor configurations without increasing cost or complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a conveyor having a conveying surface for conveying one or more articles in a conveying direction, and guide rails for guiding the one or more articles during conveyance. The apparatus also includes a support for supporting the guide rails against the conveying surface, and a cover for at least partially covering the support. The cover has a plurality of interconnected segments arranged to articulate with one another.

[0007] In one embodiment, adjacent ones of the plurality of segments overlap one another, and the plurality of segments can be joined together by an interference fit. The interference fit includes male and female portions, with the male portion provided on a first segment and the female portion provided on an adjacent segment, thereby ensuring the ability of the first segment to articulate relative to the second segment. In one example, the male portion is defined by a protrusion extending outward from the wall of the first segment, and the female portion is defined by an opening in the wall of the second segment, with the protrusion configured to snap into engagement with the opening.

[0008] The wall may include a middle region having opposing edges extending between opposing end regions, which may extend at an angle relative to the middle region. The projection and opening may be formed in the middle region. The middle region and the opposing end region of the first segment may be configured in a mating relationship with the middle region and the opposing end region of the second segment.

[0009] In these and other embodiments, each of the plurality of segments is generally C-shaped. The segments may also be configured to occupy a first position aligned along a linear axis, and the plurality of segments may be articulated relative to one another to form at least a portion of a linear cover extending or extending along an arcuate path. The arcuate path may be a circular arc. The plurality of segments may be maximally articulated relative to one another in a first direction to form the arc having a first radius of curvature, and the plurality of segments may be maximally articulated relative to one another in a second direction opposite the first direction to form the arc having a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature being different from the second radius of curvature. Opposing edges of the intermediate region may converge toward one of the opposing end regions.

[0010] At least some of the segments have at least one connector that facilitates connection of the cover in overlapping relation to the support, and the at least one connector may be a snap-fit ​​connector that may include a pair of spring clips, one of which may provide lost-motion attachment.

[0011] In any of the above or other embodiments, the support supports the guide rail and may form at least part of an actuator that actuates the guide rail and moves it transversely to the conveying direction.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes a conveying surface for conveying one or more articles in a conveying direction, corresponding to a guide rail for guiding the one or more articles, and further including a support for supporting the guide rail against the conveying surface, the support including a cover at least partially covering the support, the cover including a plurality of interconnected segments that are articulatable with respect to one another.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for covering a support for a conveyor guide rail, the method comprising at least partially covering the support with a cover having a plurality of interconnected segments, the method further comprising articulating at least one of the plurality of segments relative to another of the plurality of segments to direct the cover in an arcuate path, and the method further comprising articulating at least some of the plurality of segments about a pivot axis (pivot, horizontal, or vertical) formed by an interference fit connecting adjacent segments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] Several 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 several 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 of FIG. [Figure 3-5] 3, 4 and 5 are top, rear and bottom views of the adjuster of 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 showing the adjuster of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a collapsible guide rail support forming part of the adjuster of FIGS. 1-8. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is an exploded view showing how the arm can be connected to one of the supports (shuttle) to perform a pivoting (swivel) movement. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a top view showing the assembled configuration of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the assembled configuration of FIG. 9A taken along line 9C-9C of FIG. 9B. [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 connecting 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 a 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, partially in cross section, of the shuttle of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view showing an embodiment of an actuator that operates an adjustable guide rail support. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a tensioner for a cable forming part of the actuator for the 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 a system with two opposing guide rails that accommodate multiple adjusters. [Figure 25A] FIG. 25A shows a system with two opposing guide rails that accommodate multiple adjusters. [Figure 26A] FIG. 26A shows a system with two opposing guide rails that accommodate multiple adjusters. [Figure 27-28] 27 and 28 are diagrams showing various embodiments of the extendable guide rail. [Figure 29-31]29, 30 and 31 are views showing a guide (guide 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 use of adjustable guide rails according to the present invention to form various zones. [Figure 35-42] 35-42 show an embodiment of a manually adjustable guide rail support. [Figure 43-54] 43-54 show a holding device (also called a mount) for attaching an adjustable guide rail to a conveyor. [Fig. 55A-D] 55A-55D show an embodiment of a cover that covers the mechanical portion of a conveyor with adjustable guide rails. [Figure 56] FIG. 56 is an end view of the cover of FIGS. 55A-55D taken generally along line 56 in FIG. 55B. [Figure 57A] FIG. 57A is a top perspective view of one segment of the cover of FIGS. 55A-55D. [Figure 57B] FIG. 57B is a top plan view of the segment of FIG. 57A. [Figure 57C] FIG. 57C is a side elevational view of the segment of FIG. 57A. [Figure 57D] FIG. 57D is an end view of the segment of FIG. 57A. [Figure 58A] FIG. 58A is a perspective view showing the cover of FIGS. 55A-55D extending along a linear track. [Figure 58B] FIG. 58B is a top view of the cover of FIG. 58A. [Figure 58C] FIG. 58C is an enlarged partial top view of the cover shown in FIG. 58B. [Figure 59A] FIG. 59A is a perspective view of the cover of FIGS. 55A-55D in a connected state extending in a first direction along an arcuate path. [Figure 59B] FIG. 59B is a top view of the cover of FIG. 59A. [Figure 59C] FIG. 59C is an enlarged partial top view of the cover of FIG. 59B. [Figure 60A] FIG. 60A is a perspective view showing the cover of FIGS. 55A-55D in a connected state extending along an arcuate path in a second direction opposite the first direction of FIG. 59A. [Figure 60B] FIG. 60B is a top view of the cover of FIG. 60A. [Figure 60C] FIG. 60C is an enlarged partial top view of the cover of FIG. 60B.

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the present invention for a customizable cover for a conveyor component, several examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, will now be described in detail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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).

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 end of each arm 16, 18 to pivotally connect the ends of said arms 16, 18 to said shuttles 22, 24.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 inner guide rail support 14b runs 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. 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. 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 thus have one or more linear portions. Additionally, 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 inner and outer guide rail supports (any number, if desired) can be configured to provide a shuttle arrangement that travels relative to one another along linear or substantially linear paths.

[0036] 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. 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 the desired shuttle arrangement for movement relative to one another along linear or substantially linear paths.

[0037] 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 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. As can be seen, FIG. 28 shows that the expandable joints 74 allow opposing guide rails 12 to move forward and backward by different amounts, which occurs when one corresponds to an inner curve and the other corresponds to an outer curve.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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 34, 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 a support rail (not shown) that may be present in the opening Q).

[0041] 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).

[0042] As previously mentioned and as shown in FIG. 40, a movable support 100 may correspond to 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.

[0043] 42, in this 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 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 and other potentially problematic structures, as previously described.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The upper and lower portions 204a, 204b may also extend in different vertical planes, as shown in Figure 47. To this end, the lower vertical portion 204b may have a curved portion 204d. In one embodiment shown in Figure 47, the 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, the 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.

[0048] 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, because the supports 100 are interconnected, limiting the movement of one in the conveying direction necessarily limits the movement of the other.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Referring back to Figures 51-54, one or more support devices 300 may be provided for mounting adjustable guide rails 312 from the curved conveyor 302. 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 the horizontal portion extends outside the conveying surface, but does not protrude outwardly from the conveyor 302 by a significant distance (maximum of less than a few inches (<3)) to maintain a desired low profile. In particular, the vertical lower portion 307 may include an elongated slot 307 a for receiving one or more fasteners F that connect the retaining device 300 to the conveyor 302 .

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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, restricting the movement of one support in the conveying direction necessarily restricts the movement of the other support.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] FIG. 55A illustrates a portion of conveyor C. This conveyor C may be configured as described above for the conveyors disclosed herein, or may take other forms. In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 55A-55D, cover 428 is provided to cover one or more components of conveyor C, such as, by way of example and not limitation, components used to support and / or adjust guide rail 412 of conveyor C. The covered components may have features corresponding to guide rail actuators, such as adjuster 410, which may include, by way of example and not limitation, a pair of shuttles 422, 424, a support rail 426, and / or a cable 444 used to drive shuttles 422, 424 along support rail 426. Other components include guide brackets, also referred to as mounting brackets 429, for example, to guide cable 444 and to support side shields, also referred to as side shrouds 431, and support rods, also referred to as rods 443.

[0057] The cover 428 may have multiple segments 428a (best embodiment shown in Figures 57A-57D) that are interconnected and articulate relative to one another, thus facilitating customization. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, each segment 428a includes at least one, but not limited to, a pair of attachment means 435a, 435b as shown, for easy operative fastening onto the component(s) of the conveyor C. In the non-limiting embodiment of the attachment means 435a, 435b, these attachment means 435a, 435b are snap-fit.

[0058] In one embodiment, the snap-fit ​​means may include spring clips 435a, 435b having opposed spring fingers configured to snap-engage with the upper edges of side shroud 431 and rod 433. At least one of spring clips 435b supports a lost-motion attachment such that rod 433, despite being received by the snap-fit ​​and captured between spring clips 435b, can move in a lost-motion relationship within an elongated slot 437 (best shown in FIG. 57D) extending between the opposed spring fingers of spring clip 435b. The lost-motion of rod 433 within slot 437 facilitates articulated movement of cover segments 428a relative to one another, allowing cover 428 to be freely pulled along an arcuate path.

[0059] The segments 428a can be configured to overlap one another, thereby preventing the passage of contaminants, such as solid debris. Furthermore, the overlapping of the segments 428a prevents external access to pinch points formed by actuators or other components, allowing personnel to perform tasks freely and without inadvertent pinching. Thus, adjacent segments of the segments 428a partially overlap one another in a nested (or interlocking) relationship. This nesting relationship is achieved by a slightly smaller portion 439a of one cover segment 428a being telescopically received within a slightly larger portion 439b of an adjacent cover segment 428a (see FIGS. 57A-57C).

[0060] The segments 428a can be interconnected by an interlocking interference fit, which in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment has a single spaced apart male portion 441a and a single spaced apart female portion 441b. The male portion 441a of one segment 428a is positioned within the female portion 441b of an adjacent segment 428a, thereby causing adjacent segments 428a to pivotally articulate with one another about a pivot axis PA (FIG. 55C) that extends between the male portion 441a and the female portion 441b.

[0061] Thus, the articulation is a rotational movement about a single axis PA between the connected cover segments 428a. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the male portion 441a is defined by a protrusion extending outward from a slightly larger portion 439b of the wall of the segment 428a, and the female portion 441b is defined by an opening in a slightly smaller portion 439a of the wall of the cover segment 428a. Note that because the male portion or protrusion 441a snaps into the female portion or opening 441b, assembly is easy and requires no tools.

[0062] Each wall of cover segment 428a may have an intermediate region 443 (FIG. 57A) with opposing edges 445 extending between opposing end regions 447. The opposing end regions 447 may extend or extend in an oblique relationship from intermediate region 443. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, segment 428a is generally C-shaped, with intermediate region 443 forming a generally planar central region of the C-shape, and opposing end regions 447 extending generally transversely from intermediate region 443 to form opposing ends of the C-shape.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 441 a and the openings 441 b are formed in the intermediate region 443. A portion of the intermediate region 443 and a corresponding portion of the opposing end region 447 of one cover segment 428 a are configured in a nested relationship with a portion of the intermediate region 443 and a corresponding portion of the opposing end region 447 of an adjacent segment 428 a that forms the cover 428.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 58A-58C, the segments 428a can be aligned along a linear axis SA to form the cover 428 as a straight cover 428. As shown in FIGS. 59A-60C, the segments 428a can be articulated relative to one another to form at least a portion of the cover 428 extending along an arcuate path (e.g., a non-linear path or a curved path), where the arcuate path forms a circular arc. The segments 428a articulate relative to one another to their fullest extent in a first direction, also referred to as the radially inward direction, to form an arc having a first radius of curvature r1 ( FIGS. 59A-59C ), and the segments 428a articulate relative to one another to their fullest extent in a second direction, also referred to as the radially outward direction, opposite the first direction, to form an arc having a second radius of curvature r2 ( FIGS. 60A-60C ). The first radius of curvature r1 is different from the second radius of curvature r2. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first radius of curvature r1 is smaller than the second radius of curvature r2, with r1 forming a tighter curve compared to r2.

[0065] To allow for a tighter curve of radius r1, opposing edges 445 of intermediate region 443 can be tapered to converge toward one of opposing end regions 447 (FIG. 57B shows this taper, with the desired angle of inclination α). In one non-limiting embodiment, r1 is an inner diameter of, for example, 10 inches. Furthermore, segments 428a can be vertically pivotable relative to one another, such that, in one non-limiting embodiment, cover 428 can roll vertically upward about a first diameter (e.g., approximately 19 inches) and vertically downward about a second diameter (e.g., approximately 10 inches).

[0066] The segments 428a are lightweight and can be economically manufactured, such as by molding. In a non-limiting embodiment, the segments 428a can be formed by molding, such as by injection molding, of a plastic material of the type desired for the cover segments 428. The segments 428a can be economically assembled to form the cover 428, in the sense that no tooling is required to assemble the segments 428a together to form the cover 428, and can be adjusted to a specific order length by simply adding or removing segments. At least some or all of the segments 428a can be configured to allow for easy operative securing of the cover 428 in overlapping relationship with the component(s) of the conveyor C desired to cover.

[0067] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for covering at least a portion of one or more components of a conveyor C. These components may include supports for supporting adjustable guide rails. The method includes at least partially mounting a cover 428 having a plurality of interconnected cover segments 428a on the supports. The method further includes articulating at least a portion of the plurality of cover segments 428a relative to one another to direct the cover 428 along an arcuate path. The method further includes articulating the cover segments 428a relative to one another about a pivot axis defined by interference-fit members 441a, 441b interconnecting adjacent ones of the cover segments 428a.

[0068] In summary, the present invention can be considered to relate to any one of the following items, or any combination of these items: Item 1 a conveyor having a conveying surface for conveying one or more articles in a conveying direction; guide rails for guiding said one or more articles during transport; a support for supporting the guide rail against the conveying surface; and a cover at least partially covering the support and having a plurality of interconnected segments configured to articulate with one another; An apparatus comprising: Item 2 Item 10. The apparatus of item 1, wherein adjacent segments of the plurality of segments overlap each other. Item 3 Item 3. The device of item 2, wherein the plurality of segments are connected to one another by an interference fit. Item 4 Item 4. The device of item 3, wherein the interference fit has a male portion and a female portion, the male portion being provided on a first segment and the female portion being provided on an adjacent segment, configured to articulate the first segment relative to the second segment. Item 5 Item 5. The device of item 4, wherein the male portion is provided by a protrusion extending outwardly from a wall of the first segment, the female portion is provided by an opening in a wall of the second segment, and the protrusion is configured for snap-fit ​​engagement within the opening. Item 6 Item 6. The device of item 5, wherein the wall has an intermediate region having opposing edges extending between opposing end regions, the opposing end regions extending in an oblique relationship from the intermediate region. Item 7 7. The device according to item 5 or 6, wherein the protrusion and the opening are formed in the intermediate region. Item 8 Item 8. The device of item 7, wherein the intermediate region and the opposing end region of the first segment are configured in a mating relationship with the intermediate region and the opposing end region of the second segment. Item 9 9. The device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of segments has an overall C-shape. Item 10 Item 10. The apparatus of item 9, wherein the cover is formed as a linear cover in a configuration in which the plurality of segments occupy a first position aligned along a linear axis, and the plurality of segments are articulatable relative to one another to form at least a portion of the cover extending along an arcuate path. Item 11 Item 11. The apparatus of item 10, wherein the arcuate path is a circular arc. Item 12 Item 12. The apparatus of item 11, wherein the plurality of segments are maximally articulatable relative to one another in a first direction to form the arc having a first radius of curvature, and the plurality of segments are maximally articulatable relative to one another in a second direction opposite the first direction to form the arc having a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature being different from the second radius of curvature. Item 13 Item 13. The device of item 12, wherein the opposing edges of the intermediate region converge toward one of the opposing end regions. Item 14 14. The device according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein at least some of the plurality of segments have at least one connector to facilitate connection of the cover in an overlapping relationship to the support. Item 15 Item 15. The device of item 14, wherein the at least one connector comprises a snap-fit ​​connector. Item 16 Item 16. The device of item 15, wherein the snap-fit ​​connector has a pair of spring clips. Item 17 Item 17. The device of item 16, wherein one of the spring clips provides lost motion attachment. Item 18 18. The device according to any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the support has at least a part of an actuator that operates the guide rail to move it in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Item 19 1. An apparatus for a conveyor having a conveying surface for conveying one or more articles in a conveying direction, a guide rail for guiding the one or more articles, and a support for supporting the guide rail relative to the conveying surface, comprising: a cover at least partially covering the support and having a plurality of interconnected segments configured to articulate with one another; An apparatus comprising: Item 20 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein adjacent segments of the plurality of segments overlap one another. Item 21 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the plurality of segments are connected to one another by an interference fit. Item 22 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the interference fit has a male portion and a female portion, the male portion of a first segment being positioned in the female portion of an adjacent segment to articulate the first segment relative to the second segment. Item 23 Item 23. The device of item 22, wherein the male portion is provided by a protrusion extending outward from a wall of the first segment and the female portion is provided by an opening in a wall of the second segment, the protrusion configured for snap-fit ​​engagement within the opening. Item 24 Item 24. The device of item 23, wherein the wall has an intermediate region with opposing edges extending between opposing end regions, the opposing end regions extending in an oblique relationship from the intermediate region. Item 25 Item 25. The device of item 24, wherein the protrusion and the opening are formed in the intermediate region. Item 26 Item 26. The device of item 25, wherein the intermediate region and the opposing end region of the first segment are configured in a mating relationship with the intermediate region and the opposing end region of the second segment. Item 27 27. The device according to any one of items 19 to 26, wherein each of the plurality of segments has an overall C-shape. Item 28 28. The apparatus of any one of items 19 to 27, wherein the cover is formed as a linear cover in a configuration in which the plurality of segments occupy a first position aligned along a linear axis, and the plurality of segments are articulatable relative to one another to form at least a portion of the cover extending along an arcuate path. Item 29 Item 29. The apparatus of item 28, wherein the arcuate path is a circular arc. Item 30 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the plurality of segments are maximally articulatable relative to one another in a first direction to form the arc having a first radius of curvature, and the plurality of segments are maximally articulatable relative to one another in a second direction opposite the first direction to form the arc having a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature being different from the second radius of curvature. Item 31 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the opposing edges of the intermediate region converge toward one of the opposing end regions. Item 32 32. The device of any one of items 19 to 31, wherein at least some of the plurality of segments have at least one connector to facilitate connection of the cover in an overlapping relationship to the support. Item 33 Item 33. The device of item 32, wherein the at least one connector comprises a snap-fit ​​connector. Item 34 Item 34. The device of item 33, wherein the snap-fit ​​connector has a pair of spring clips. Item 35 Item 35. The device of item 34, wherein one of the spring clips provides lost motion attachment. Item 36 1. A method for covering a support for a guide rail of a conveyor, comprising: at least partially covering the support with a cover having a plurality of interconnected segments; and Articulating at least one of the plurality of segments relative to another segment to move the cover along an arcuate path. A method characterized by: Item 37 Item 37. The method of item 36, further comprising mutually articulating at least some of the plurality of segments about a pivot axis formed by an interference fit connecting adjacent segments of the plurality of segments to each other.

[0069] Any element described herein as singular may be plural (e.g., "one" may be more than one), and multiple elements may be used separately. Features described for a single variation of an element, device, method, or combination thereof may also be used or applicable to other variations, such as dimensions, shapes, materials, and combinations thereof. The terms "as a whole," "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 element of a genus of elements can have properties or elements of other species of the genus. The term "comprises" is not intended to be limiting. The compositions, elements, or complete assemblies and methods for carrying out the invention, as well as variations of these elements and aspects thereof, may be combined with and modified by each other in any combination.

[0070] The above description of various embodiments of conveyor component covers and related methods illustrates the concepts of the present invention. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described. Modifications, variations, and variations 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 and 24 are shown overlying and sliding on support rail 26, they can also function as shuttles and reside within cavities in support rail 26. The shuttles can also take different forms, such as elongated flexible ribbons connected to arms 16 and 18 that can move along support rail 26 or within cavities formed therein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10, 10a, 10b adjuster 100, 100´ Guide Rail Support System 108 Main Unit 110 Holding body 112 Clamp 114c handle 12, 12a, 12b, 206, 212, 306, 312, 412 guide rails 12c, 12d legs 14, 14a, 14b, 14c, 10,100 support 16, 18, 106, 108 Arms 16a, 16b trunnions 16c keyway plug 20 Connectors 200, 300 holding device 204, 304, 429 bracket 204a upper part 204b lower part 204c, 307c, 437 slots 204d curved section 208, 308 Belt 209 Bending section 20a, 20b, 32a clips 20c, 76, 114a, 124 Receiving section 20d extension part 210, 310 stop body 22, 22a, 22c, 24, 24a, 24c, 102, 422, 424 Shuttle 26, 26a, 26a´, 26b´, 26c, 26c´, 104, 114b, 426 Support rails 28 Cover 30, 52 Retaining device 305 Upper 305a, 305b, 309 curved section 307 Lower part, lower vertical part 32, 56 posts 34, 114, 114´ lever 34´ free position 34´´ Holding position 36, 116, 116´ wedges 38, 40 plates 42 Guide 428 Cover 428a, 438a segments 431 Side shroud 435a, 435b Attachment means, spring clip 439a Slightly smaller part 439b Slightly larger part 44, 444 cable 441a Male part, convex part 441b Female part, opening 443 Rod 443 Intermediate area 445 Opposite Edge 447 End area 44a turnbuckle 46, 60, 62 rotor or pulley 48 Capstan 50, 72 motor 54 Cam 54a Circular inner surface 54b Free end 55 Friction reinforcement part 56a Reduced diameter end 58 Detachable locking tab 58a Protrusion 62a Spaced rotor 66 racks 68 Pinion 70 Handwheel 74 joints 78 Stationary Bracket 78a, 78b Guide B Chain or belt C, 202, 302 Conveyor D Conveying direction F, 64 zipper P´ conveyor path Q, 38a, 40a aperture r1 1st radius of curvature r2 Second radius of curvature SA linear axis T transverse direction W, W´, W´´ Width Z1 and Z2 zones

Claims

1. a conveyor having a conveying surface for conveying one or more articles in a conveying direction; guide rails for guiding said one or more articles during transport; a support for supporting the guide rail against the conveying surface; and a cover at least partially covering the support and having a plurality of interconnected segments configured to articulate with one another; An apparatus comprising:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein adjacent segments of the plurality of segments overlap one another.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of segments are connected to one another by an interference fit.

4. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the interference fit has a male portion and a female portion, the male portion being provided on a first segment and the female portion being provided on an adjacent segment, configured to articulate the first segment relative to the second segment.

5. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the male portion is provided by a protrusion extending outwardly from a wall of the first segment, and the female portion is provided by an opening in a wall of the second segment, and the protrusion is configured for snap-fit ​​engagement within the opening.

6. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the wall has an intermediate region having opposed edges extending between opposed end regions, the opposed end regions extending in an oblique relationship from the intermediate region.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the protrusion and the opening are formed in the intermediate region.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the intermediate region and the opposing end region of the first segment are configured in a mating relationship with the intermediate region and the opposing end region of the second segment.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of segments has a generally C-shaped shape.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of segments are configured to occupy a first position aligned along a linear axis to form the cover as a linear cover, and the plurality of segments are articulatable relative to one another to form at least a portion of the cover extending along an arcuate path.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the arcuate path is a circular arc.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of segments are maximally articulatable relative to one another in a first direction to form the arc having a first radius of curvature, and the plurality of segments are maximally articulatable relative to one another in a second direction opposite the first direction to form the arc having a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature being different from the second radius of curvature.

13. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the opposed edges of the intermediate region converge toward one of the opposed end regions.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of segments have at least one connector to facilitate connection of the cover in overlapping relationship to the support.

15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the at least one connector comprises a snap-fit ​​connector.

16. The device of claim 15 , wherein the snap-fit ​​connector comprises a pair of spring clips.

17. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein one of the spring clips provides lost motion attachment.

18. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support comprises at least a portion of an actuator that operates to move the guide rail transversely to the conveying direction.

19. 1. An apparatus for a conveyor having a conveying surface for conveying one or more articles in a conveying direction, comprising guide rails for guiding the one or more articles, and supports for supporting the guide rails relative to the conveying surface, comprising: a cover at least partially covering the support and having a plurality of interconnected segments configured to articulate with one another; An apparatus comprising:

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein adjacent segments of the plurality of segments overlap one another.

21. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the segments are connected to one another by an interference fit.

22. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the interference fit has a male portion and a female portion, the male portion on a first segment being positioned in the female portion of an adjacent segment to articulate the first segment relative to the second segment.

23. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the male portion is provided by a protrusion extending outward from a wall of the first segment and the female portion is provided by an opening in a wall of the second segment, the protrusion configured for snap-fit ​​engagement within the opening.

24. 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the wall has an intermediate region having opposed edges extending between opposed end regions, the opposed end regions extending in an oblique relationship from the intermediate region.

25. The device of claim 24 , wherein the protrusion and the opening are formed in the intermediate region.

26. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the intermediate region and the opposing end region of the first segment are configured in a mating relationship with the intermediate region and the opposing end region of the second segment.

27. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of segments has a generally C-shaped shape.

28. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the plurality of segments are configured to occupy a first position aligned along a linear axis to form the cover as a linear cover, and the plurality of segments are articulatable relative to one another to form at least a portion of the cover extending along an arcuate path.

29. 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the arcuate path is a circular arc.

30. 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the plurality of segments are maximally articulatable relative to one another in a first direction to form the arc having a first radius of curvature, and the plurality of segments are maximally articulatable relative to one another in a second direction opposite the first direction to form the arc having a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature being different from the second radius of curvature.

31. 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the opposed edges of the intermediate region converge toward one of the opposed end regions.

32. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein at least some of the plurality of segments have at least one connector to facilitate connection of the cover in overlapping relationship to the support.

33. 33. The device of claim 32, wherein the at least one connector comprises a snap-fit ​​connector.

34. 34. The device of claim 33, wherein the snap-fit ​​connector comprises a pair of spring clips.

35. 35. The device of claim 34, wherein one of the spring clips provides lost motion attachment.

36. 1. A method for covering a support for a guide rail of a conveyor, comprising: at least partially covering the support with a cover having a plurality of interconnected segments; and Articulating at least one of the plurality of segments relative to another segment to move the cover along an arcuate path. A method characterized by:

37. 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising inter-articulating at least some of the plurality of segments about a pivot axis formed by an interference fit interconnecting adjacent segments of the plurality of segments.

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