Mechanical fastening structure assembly for curved belt conveyors and method of use

Abstract

The present invention provides a curved belt conveyor assembly having at least one single spine-type structural column (100), the structural column (100) having a plurality of through holes, at least one through hole having a pair of outdents (101), a pair of spring clips (102) coupled to the plurality of through holes, the pair of outdents (101), a first roller assembly (200), the first roller assembly (200) having a first body (210) having a through hole and a pair of protrusions (220), The present invention relates to a method of performing maintenance on a curved belt conveyor, the method comprising: a second roller assembly (300) disposed opposite the first roller assembly (200); a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) connected to the first roller assembly (200) for movement between fastened and unfastened positions; and an engagement member (103) extending through the first assembly (200) and the outdent (101), wherein a horizontal force applied to the pair of protrusions (220) twists the pair of spring clips (102) to displace the first assembly (200) for movement between the engaged and disengaged positions. The present invention also relates to a method of performing maintenance on a curved belt conveyor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to curved belt conveyors, and more particularly to a single-spine structural column installed on a curved belt conveyor that is designed to reduce maintenance effort and time. [Background technology]

[0002] A powered curved belt conveyor is a conveying system designed to move material along a curved conveyor belt in continuous motion. Curved conveyor systems have existed in the commercial market for many years and are essential conveyor systems for airport parcel handling, shipping, cargo handling, and baggage handling.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 8,186,504 disclosed a curved belt conveyor in which the conveyor belt assembly had an integral frame with a first holder and a second holder located opposite the first holder. The conveyor belt assembly was further defined by a third holder and a fourth holder positioned opposite the third holder. A roller coupled to each respective holder engaged the conveyor belt, and each roller rotated on its own axis relative to its respective position.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 9,120,628 discloses a curved belt conveyor having rollers for guiding a conveyor belt. The rollers are arranged in a U-shaped support element having two fastening points connected to the side walls. Each support element has at least one roller holder with a roller attached thereto, which is pivoted so that the roller contacts the conveyor belt.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 7,232,030 disclosed a conveyor belt having a spring-loaded bolt actuated by a lever to connect an L-shaped upper bracket holding a first roller to an L-shaped lower bracket holding a second roller. The lever uses the force stored by the spring-loaded bolt to move the L-shaped upper bracket upward and backward. When both L-shaped brackets are connected, the first roller from the upper bracket and the second roller from the lower bracket are positioned so that both rollers engage the conveyor belt.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 10,392,191 disclosed a quick-release mechanism for a structural column in which a bearing holder is held in its engaged position via detent elements in both the bearing holder retaining arm and the C-shaped channel. Upon release from the engaged position, the bearing holder is then held in the C-shaped channel in a disengaged position via a screw or pin engaged in the holder. This screw or pin must be removed to effectively remove the bearing holder from the structural column.

[0007] The conveyors described in the prior art have several drawbacks and limitations because maintenance performed on curved conveyor belts requires a great deal of time and effort. Disassembly for further inspection and replacement of defective parts increases the time and effort involved. Therefore, there is a need to provide a device that can overcome the drawbacks of the prior art to facilitate maintenance work simply and efficiently. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a single-spine structural column assembled to a powered curved belt conveyor, which allows maintenance work to be performed on the powered curved belt conveyor without removing the single-spine structural column. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] It is also an object to provide a mechanism for manipulating the arrangement of roller assemblies engaged with a single spine-type structural column to facilitate maintenance operations.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to completely remove the single spine structural column from the powered curved belt conveyor for further inspection or replacement of components that do not affect the overall operation of the powered curved belt conveyor.

[0011] The present invention relates to a curved belt conveyor assembly having at least one single spine-type structural column, the structural column including a plurality of through holes, at least one through hole having a pair of outdents, a pair of spring clips coupled to the pair of outdents, a first roller assembly, the first assembly including a first body having through holes and a pair of protrusions, a second roller assembly positioned opposite the first assembly, a pair of rotatable fasteners connected to the first assembly for movement between fastened and unfastened positions, and an engagement member extending through the first assembly and the outdents, wherein a horizontal force applied to the pair of protrusions twists the pair of spring clips to displace the first assembly for movement between engaged and disengaged positions.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method for performing maintenance on a single-spine structural column, the method including manipulating a pair of rotatable fasteners toward a first bearing of a first roller assembly; manipulating a pair of opposing protrusions of the first roller assembly vertically away from a conveyor belt; visually inspecting the pair of spring clips to determine that the first roller assembly is in an unfastened position; performing a maintenance assessment of the single-spine structural column; and performing a maintenance assessment of the conveyor belt.

[0013] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, explain the principles of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a powered curved belt conveyor. [Figure 2] 1 depicts an exploded view of a single spine structural column having a pair of first roller assemblies and a pair of second roller assemblies. [Figure 3] 1 depicts a front isometric view of a single spine structural column with a first roller assembly in a closed position. [Figure 4a] 1 depicts an exploded isometric view of a first roller assembly. [Figure 4b] 1 depicts an isometric view of an assembled first roller assembly. [Figure 4c] 1 depicts an exploded isometric view of a second roller assembly. [Figure 4d] 1 depicts an exploded isometric view of an assembled second roller assembly. [Figure 5a] 1 depicts a side view of a single spine structural column with a first roller assembly in a fastened and engaged position; [Figure 5b] 1 depicts a side view of a single spine structural column with the first roller assembly in an unfastened and disengaged position; [Figure 6] 1 depicts a side view of a complete assembly of a single spine structural column having a conveyor belt bead engaging a first roller assembly and a second roller assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope of the embodiments. Additionally, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments. Furthermore, while the disclosed technology is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. However, there is no intention to unnecessarily limit the described embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover all suitable modifications, combinations, equivalents, and / or alternatives of technology falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] Various examples of the mechanisms, systems, and methods introduced above will now be described in more detail. The following description presents specific details to enable a thorough understanding and description of these examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the techniques and technologies discussed herein may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, those skilled in the art will also understand that the technology may include many other features not described in detail herein. Furthermore, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

[0017] The present invention provides a powered curved belt conveyor assembly having at least one single-spine structural column (100), the single-spine structural column (100) comprising: a plurality of through holes extending linearly between opposing side walls of a single spine-type structural column (100), at least one of the through holes having an outdent (101) at both open ends of the through hole; a pair of spring clips (102) coupled to the outdent (101); a first roller assembly (200) disposed adjacent to the pair of spring clips (102), the first roller assembly (200) comprising: a first body (210) having through holes in each of the opposing side walls of the first body (210); a first bearing (240) mounted on the front side of the first body (210); and a first roller assembly (200) including a pair of projections (220) arranged parallel to the base of the first body (210) and configured along each of the opposing side walls of the first body (210); a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) connected to the first roller assembly (200), the pair of fasteners (230) rotating relative to the first bearings (240) to move the first roller assembly (200) between a fastened position and an unfastened position; an engagement member (103) extending through both the through-hole of the first roller assembly (200) and the through-hole corresponding to the outdent (101) so that the first roller assembly (200) contacts the pair of spring clips (102); and a second roller assembly (300) disposed opposite the first roller assembly (200), the second roller assembly (300) comprising: a second body (310) having a pair of hollow outdents (320) with open ends on each of the opposing side walls of the second body (210); and The assembly includes a second roller assembly (300) having a second bearing (340) mounted on the front side of the second body (310), the first bearing (240) and the second bearing (340) engaging with a plurality of conveyor belt beads (410) sewn to the conveyor belt (400), and a horizontal force applied to a pair of protrusions (220) twists a pair of spring clips (102) to displace an engaging member (103) and the first roller assembly (200) for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

[0018] In one embodiment of the assembly, a pair of spring clips (102) a first portion contacting the outer surface of the outdent (101); a second portion contacting the periphery of the through hole corresponding to the outdent (101); and It further comprises a third portion extending away from the outdent (101) having each end connected to one end of the first portion and the second portion to form an indent that fixes the movement of the first roller assembly within the internal space of the pair of spring clips (102).

[0019] In one embodiment of the assembly, a pair of spring clips (102) have a visual indicator that shows when the first roller assembly (200) is in an engaged or disengaged position.

[0020] In one embodiment of the assembly, a portion of the single spine-type structural column (100) has a pair of indents (108) configured to receive a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) for fastening the first roller assembly (200).

[0021] In one embodiment of the assembly, a pair of support members fit into a pair of hollow outdents (320) to fasten the second roller assembly (300) to the single spine-type structural column (100).

[0022] In this embodiment of the assembly, the pair of support members comprises: a pair of braces (105) fitted into a corresponding pair of hollow outdents (320); Bolt Spinner (106), Bolt (107), and It consists of a nut (109).

[0023] In one embodiment of the assembly, a security pin (104) is fitted to one end of the engaging member (103) to secure the engaging member (103) in place relative to the single spine structural column (100).

[0024] In one embodiment of the assembly, a single spine-type structural column (100) has at least two pairs of first roller assemblies (200) and two pairs of second roller assemblies (300) fitted to the single spine-type structural column (100).

[0025] In one embodiment of the assembly, a single spine-type structural column (100) is configured such that a first roller assembly (200) is positioned opposite a second roller assembly (300), and both second roller assemblies (300) are positioned opposite each other.

[0026] In one embodiment of the assembly, a single spine-type structural column (100) is mated with two pairs of first roller assemblies (200).

[0027] In one embodiment of the assembly, a single spine-type structural column (100) is mated with two pairs of second roller assemblies (300).

[0028] The present invention relates to a method for carrying out maintenance of a single vertebral structural column (100) of an assembly according to claim 1, comprising: manipulating a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) toward a first bearing (240) of the first roller assembly (200); manipulating the pair of opposing projections (220) of the first roller assembly (200) vertically away from the conveyor belt (400); visually inspecting the pair of spring clips (102) to determine that the first roller assembly (200) is in an unclamped position; performing a maintenance assessment of the single-spine structural column (100); and performing a maintenance assessment of the conveyor belt (400).

[0029] In one embodiment of the method for performing maintenance, further method steps include: Replacing a single spine structural column (100); Replacing the conveyor belt (400); Replacing the first bearing (240); Replacing the second bearing (340) of the second roller assembly (300); Replacing the first roller assembly (200); Replacing the second roller assembly (300).

[0030] In one embodiment of the method for performing maintenance, further method steps include: manipulating a pair of opposing projections (220) of the first roller assembly (200) perpendicularly away from the conveyor belt (400); manipulating a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) toward the single spine-type structural column (100); and This includes visually inspecting the pair of spring clips (102) to determine that the first roller assembly (200) is in a fastened position.

[0031] The following description explains the invention in detail with reference to non-limiting embodiments.

[0032] Conventional curved belt conveyor 1 shows a conventional friction drive powered curved belt conveyor (500) in which a conveyor belt (400) rotates around the curved belt conveyor (500) via a drive pulley (502) and a tail pulley (503). Frames (501) are mounted on opposite sides of the curved belt conveyor (500), with the drive pulley (502) and tail pulley (503) each positioned at opposite ends of the frame (501). The drive pulley (502) is operably coupled via a gearbox to a drive motor with an associated driver and controller.

[0033] A plurality of structural columns are installed along the contour of the curved belt conveyor (500) provided by the frame (501). Each structural column includes a plurality of bearing assemblies with corresponding bearings that engage with a plurality of conveyor belt beads (410) sewn to the outer boundary of the conveyor belt (400). The conveyor belt beads (410) are polymer-based beads made from a polymer, such as polyurethane or similar material, commonly used for conveyor belt beads. The plurality of bearings are positioned so that the conveyor belt (400) and conveyor belt beads (410) are guided along a path that mimics the intended geometry. It is important that the conveyor belt (400) run precisely within the intended geometry to ensure minimal friction and wear as it rotates around the curved belt conveyor (500).

[0034] Each structural column has a parallel flange channel-like structure that allows the base flange of the structural column to be connected to the frame (501) and the top flange to be connected to a ring plate (504) positioned above the frame (501). The structural columns are fabricated from one or a combination of materials such as plastic, nylon, aluminum, wood, or fiberglass.

[0035] The structural connections between the multiple structural columns, frame (501), and ring plate (504) provide sufficient structural integrity to replace the need for side walls along the outer radius of the curved belt conveyor (500). Additionally, the ring plate (504) has multiple connection points arranged to define the placement of the structural columns, such that adjacent pairs of structural columns have unobstructed open space (505) between them. The unobstructed open space (505) then provides access to the interior area between the upper and lower portions of the conveyor belt (400), which can facilitate replacement and maintenance and labor, thus saving labor costs and reducing downtime.

[0036] Improvements of the present invention The following description describes improvements made to conventional structural columns and their corresponding roller assemblies.

[0037] The present invention is designed to allow a user full visibility of the first roller assembly (200) and the second roller assembly (300) inside a curved conveyor belt (500) installed with multiple single-spine structural columns (100). The user gains access and visibility to the first roller assembly (200) in the single-spine structural columns (100) through the unobstructed open space (505) between two corresponding adjacent single-spine structural columns (100).

[0038] Figure 2 shows all the components necessary to assemble a single-spine structural column (100) with two first roller assemblies (200) and two second roller assemblies (300). Figure 3 depicts the single-spine structural column (100) when fully assembled. Preferably, the single-spine structural column (100) has a double-flange channel construction manufactured from one or a combination of materials including plastic, nylon, steel, aluminum, wood, or fiberglass. The single-spine structural column (100) uses a double-flange channel construction like a conventional structural column, which allows it to be installed on a conventional curved belt conveyor (500) by connecting it to a frame (501) and ring plate (504).

[0039] In this embodiment, there are two first roller assemblies (200) and two second roller assemblies (300) fitted to a single spine-type structural column (100). However, it will be understood that alternative embodiments in which a single spine-type structural column (100) is fitted with four first roller assemblies (200) or four second roller assemblies (300) may be applied as needed.

[0040] The present invention embodies a single-spine structural column (100) having a plurality of through-holes extending linearly from both side walls. Each through-hole is open-ended, and at least one of the through-holes has an outdent (101) at each end of the through-hole. Preferably, there are five through-holes arranged in parallel along the height of the single-spine structural column (100). Additionally, there are two through-holes with corresponding outdents (101) located at the highest and lowest points among the plurality of through-holes.

[0041] A pair of spring clips (102) is fitted into the outdents (101) on each side wall of the single spine-type structural column (100). The pair of spring clips (102) is configured such that a first portion contacts the outer surface of the outdent (101) to secure the pair of spring clips (102) in place. A second portion of the pair of spring clips (102) contacts along the periphery of the corresponding through-hole, and a third portion extends away from the outdent (101) with each end connected to the first and second portions, creating an indent to secure the movement of the first roller assembly (200) within the internal space of the pair of spring clips (102).

[0042] In the present invention, the first roller assembly (200) can be moved vertically from one position to another. Figure 4a shows all components that form the first roller assembly (200), which is manufactured from one or a combination of materials including plastic, nylon, steel, aluminum, wood, or fiberglass. Figure 4b shows the assembled first roller assembly (200), with engagement members (103) passing through both the left and right sides of the first roller assembly (200). The first roller assembly (200) has a first body (210) with a C-shaped profile to facilitate easy mating of the first roller assembly (200) to the single-spine structural column (100). A first bearing (240) is installed at the front of the first roller assembly (200) using a first spinner (250), a first bolt (260), and a first nut (270). The first body (210) also has a pair of protrusions (220) formed along both side walls parallel to the base of the first body.

[0043] Preferably, the first body (210) has through-holes in the walls on both sides of the first body (210). As depicted in FIG. 4b, the first body (210) has two through-holes on both sides. One of the through-holes is used to allow access for the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) when the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) are connected and positioned within the internal space of the first roller assembly (200). The pair of rotatable fasteners (230) have flag-shaped protrusions that rotate relative to the direction of the first bearing (240). In another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) can be arranged on a single spine-type structural column (100).

[0044] The first roller assembly (200) is preferably aligned with the through-hole having the outdent (101), and the through-hole of the first body (210) and the corresponding through-hole having the outdent (101) are then aligned. Subsequently, the engagement member (103) is inserted through both the now-aligned through-hole of the first body (210) and the outdent (101) to properly engage the first roller assembly (200) with the single spine-type structural column (100). A pair of spring clips (102) also contact the first roller assembly (200) via the engagement member (103). Furthermore, a security pin (104) may be inserted into one end of the engagement member (103) to ensure that the engagement member (103) does not slip out of position when the curved conveyor belt (500) is in use.

[0045] Similar to the first roller assembly (200), the second roller assembly (300) is fabricated from one or a combination of materials including plastic, nylon, steel, aluminum, wood, or fiberglass. The components required for assembly of the second roller assembly (300) are shown in Figure 4c. The second roller assembly (300) has a C-shaped profile with an extension on the front side to facilitate fitting into the single-spine structural column (100), and has a second body (310) with hollow outdents (320) on the left and right sides with a second bearing (340) attached to the front side of the second body (310).

[0046] When assembled as shown in Figure 4d, the second roller assembly (300) functions as a roller assembly, albeit with a simpler design compared to the first roller assembly (200). However, the second roller assembly (300) is fixed in place and cannot be moved vertically from one position to another. The second roller assembly (300) is fitted to the single spine-type structural column (100) and positioned opposite the corresponding first roller assembly (200), as shown in Figure 3.

[0047] A preferred embodiment of the present invention embodies two second roller assemblies (300) positioned adjacent to one another, as shown in FIG. 3 . This arrangement allows a pair of braces (105) to fit into hollow outdents (320) on either side of the second roller assembly (300). The pair of braces (105) secure the second roller assembly (300) to the single-spine structural column (100) from falling off or moving from its preferred position. This preferred arrangement also aligns the hollow outdents (320) with one of multiple through-holes along the single-spine structural column (100). A corresponding bolt (107) can be inserted into the hollow outdents (320) and the corresponding through-holes and tightened with a spinner (106) and nut (109) to further secure the second roller assembly (300) to the single-spine structural column (100). The introduction of a pair of braces (105) provides additional structural integrity to the single spine structural column (100).

[0048] Figure 5a shows a close-up image of the first roller assembly (200) and corresponding second roller assembly (300) assembled on a single spine-shaped structural column (100) that engages with a conveyor belt bead (410) sewn into the edge of the conveyor belt (400), the diameter of the conveyor belt bead (410) being larger than the gap between the first bearing (240) and the second bearing (340). This assembly creates the tension necessary to ensure the smooth running of the conveyor belt (400) along the curved belt conveyor (500).

[0049] Conveyor belt replacement The following example describes a method for disengaging the first roller assembly (200) and retaining it within the footprint of the single-spine structural column (100), as shown in Figure 5b. The purpose of moving the first roller assembly (200) vertically away from the conveyor belt (400) is to increase the gap between the first bearing (240) and the second bearing (340) so that the resulting gap is larger than the diameter of the conveyor belt bead (410), allowing the conveyor belt bead (410) to be freed up for removal and replacement of a damaged or worn conveyor belt (400) without having to disassemble any of the components of the single-spine structural column (100) or the entire structural column (100) itself.

[0050] If the conveyor belt bead (410) or the conveyor belt (400) being inspected is damaged, the conveyor belt (400) can be replaced with a new conveyor belt (400).

[0051] As shown in Figure 5a, the first roller assembly (200) is currently in a fastened engagement position. The fastened position is achieved by rotating the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) away from the first bearing (240). Furthermore, a portion of the unitary spine-type structural column (100) has a pair of indents (108) that receive the pair of rotatable fasteners (230). The pair of indents (108) secure the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) so that the first roller assembly (200) does not easily move unless an external force is applied.

[0052] First, to place the first roller assembly (200) in an unclamped position, the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) are operated to rotate forward toward the first bearing (240), thereby unclamping the first roller assembly (200). The rotatable fasteners (230) can be manually operated to rotate toward the first bearing (240), or an external tool can be applied to operate the rotation of the pair of rotatable fasteners (230). Additionally, the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) are color-coded on each side to create a visual indicator of whether the first roller assembly (200) is in the clasped or unclamped position.

[0053] Once the first roller assembly (200) is in the unfastened position, the first roller assembly (200) can be moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and a vertical force is applied upward to the pair of protrusions (230) of the first roller assembly (200) to create a gap between the first bearing (240) and the second bearing (340) by moving the first roller assembly (200) away from the conveyor belt (400).

[0054] Due to the proximity between the pair of spring clips (102) and the first roller assembly (200) via the engagement members (103), the vertical force applied to the pair of protrusions (230) is distributed to other portions of the first roller assembly (200) and further distributed to the pair of spring clips (102). As a result, the pair of spring clips (102) twist, which in turn displaces the engagement members (103) and moves them vertically upward. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the top and bottom of the pair of spring clips (102) are differently colored to create another visual indicator to identify whether the first roller assembly (200) is in the engaged or disengaged position.

[0055] Movement of the engaging member (103) also allows the first roller assembly (200) to move a distance W, thereby moving from an engaged position to a disengaged position as shown in Figure 6. However, vertical movement of the first roller assembly (200) is limited within the interior space of a pair of spring clips (102), which have indents at opposite ends to limit further movement of the first roller assembly (200) and secure the first roller assembly (200) at one end of the pair of spring clips (102).

[0056] This technique also ensures that the first roller assembly (200) cannot accidentally or intentionally become dislodged from the curved conveyor belt (500), which could result in loss or damage if left inside the unit, or if removed entirely and placed in the aisle.

[0057] However, the user must first repeatedly displace each first roller assembly (200) positioned within every single spine-type structural column (100) to a disengaged position, where each corresponding first bearing (240) no longer contacts the conveyor belt bead (410). Disengagement results in the conveyor belt (400) losing the tension created when engaged with the multiple first bearings (240). The user can then proceed to remove the conveyor belt (400) and conveyor belt bead (410) for inspection without having to disassemble the entire curved belt conveyor (500).

[0058] Re-engagement of conveyor belt Once the replacement of the conveyor belt (400) is complete and the new conveyor belt (400) is in place within the curved belt conveyor (500), the user must move each first roller assembly (200) from the disengaged and unfastened positions to the engaged and fastened positions after allowing each corresponding first bearing (240) to re-engage with the conveyor belt bead (401).

[0059] Initially, with the first roller assembly (200) in the disengaged position shown in FIG. 5b, a user applies another vertical force to the pair of opposing protrusions (220) of the assembly (200) in a direction toward the conveyor belt (400). Due to the proximity between the pair of spring clips (102) and the first roller assembly (200) via the engagement members (103), the vertical force applied to the pair of protrusions (230) is distributed to other portions of the first roller assembly (200) and further to the pair of spring clips (102). As a result, the pair of spring clips (102) twist, which in turn displaces the engagement members (103) and moves them vertically downward. The movement of the engagement members (103) also allows the first roller assembly (200) to move a distance W, thereby moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

[0060] The user repeats the above steps for each first roller assembly (200) installed on the curved belt conveyor (500). When each first roller assembly (200) is in the engaged position, the first roller assembly (200) can be moved from the unfastened position to the fastened position by operating the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) to rotate the first roller assembly (200) away from the corresponding first bearing (240) and toward the corresponding pair of indents (108) to fasten the first roller assembly (200) from vertical movement.

[0061] The user repeats this step for all corresponding first roller assemblies (200) positioned within each single spine-type structural column (100) until all corresponding first bearings (240) and second bearings (340) are engaged with the conveyor belt beads (410). Further, tension on the conveyor belt (400) can be reapplied via tension screws on the drive pulley (502) and tail pulley (503).

[0062] Performing maintenance on the first roller assembly The following example describes how the first roller assembly (200) can be removed from the single spine structural column (100) for inspection and, if necessary, replacing the first bearing (240) or the entire first roller assembly (200).

[0063] First, the adjustable roller assembly (200) is released from the locked position with the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) rotating toward the first bearing (240), which disengages the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) away from the indent (108) located on the single-spine structural column (104). Second, the security pin (104) securing the engagement member (103) is manually removed to allow the engagement member (103) to be withdrawn through the first body (210) and the single-spine structural column (100). The first roller assembly (200) can then be removed from the single-spine structural column (100) to perform maintenance operations.

[0064] Replacing the first roller assembly (200) is a reverse procedure, in which first, the C-shaped profile of the first body (210) is positioned on each side of the single-spine structural column (100) and vertically aligned with either the locked or unlocked position of the pair of spring clips (102). Second, the engagement member (103) is manually inserted into the through-holes on one side of the first body (210), the corresponding pair of spring clips (102), and the single-spine structural column (100) until the ends of the engagement member (103) protrude from the first body (210) on the opposite side. Third, the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) are reinserted through the two protruding arms of the engagement member (103) and manually rotated toward the first body (210) until they are positioned in the pair of indents (108) for locking.

[0065] Performing maintenance on the second roller assembly The following example describes how the second roller assembly (300) can be removed from the single spine structural column (100) for inspection and, if necessary, the corresponding second bearing (340) or the entire second roller assembly (300) can be replaced.

[0066] First, the connecting bolt (107) and the third nut (109) are removed. Second, the pair of braces (105) are removed from the outdents (320) located on both sides of the second body (310). Then, the second roller assembly (300) can be removed from the single-spine structural column (100) to perform maintenance work.

[0067] Replacing the static roller assemblies (300) is the reverse procedure, in which first, the rear C-shaped profile of the second body (310) is slid through the locating indents (108) of the single-spine structural column (100) until it is flush with the surface of the single-spine structural column (104). Second, the connecting braces (105) are replaced with outdents (320) positioned on both sides of the second body (310) to connect both corresponding second roller assemblies (300) to each other. Third, the connecting bolts (107) and third nuts (109) are replaced and tightened to lock both second roller assemblies (300) in place.

[0068] Single-spine structural column replacement The present invention also allows the powered curved belt conveyor (500) to continue operating even if one or more single-spine structural columns (100) are removed. The single-spine structural columns (100) can be separately removed from between the frame (501) and the ring plate (504) and quickly replaced in their entirety with minimal interruption to operation and without disassembling the entire curved belt conveyor (500). Once a new single-spine structural column (100) is removed and replaced, the removed single-spine structural column (100) can be remotely inspected to assess any issues, such as the integrity of the first and second bearings (240 and 340) or the respective first and second roller assemblies (200 and 300). Damaged components can be easily repaired or replaced. Once inspection and maintenance work is complete, the single-spine structural columns (100) can be stored and reused as needed on the curved belt conveyor (500) or on an entirely different conveyor by replacing any damaged single-spine structural columns (100) with repaired units held in inventory.

[0069] References herein to "one embodiment" or "embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, nor are they mutually exclusive separate or alternative embodiments. Furthermore, various features are described that may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by other embodiments. Similarly, various features are described that may be requirements of some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0070] The terms used herein generally have their ordinary meaning in the art, within the context of this disclosure and in the specific context in which each term is used. It will be understood that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Thus, alternative wording and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and no particular importance is placed on whether a term is recited or discussed herein. Synonyms for some terms are provided. The listing of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any term discussed herein, is merely illustrative and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or any exemplified term. Similarly, this disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments provided herein. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

Claims

1. 1. A powered curved belt conveyor assembly having at least one single-spine structural column (100), said single-spine structural column (100) comprising: a plurality of through holes extending linearly between opposing side walls of the single spine-type structural column (100), at least one of the through holes having an outdent (101) at both open ends of the through hole; a pair of spring clips (102) coupled to the outdent (101); a first roller assembly (200) disposed adjacent to the pair of spring clips (102), the first roller assembly (200) comprising: a first body (210) having a through hole in each opposing side wall; a first bearing (240) mounted on the front side of the first body (210); and a first roller assembly (200) including a pair of projections (220) arranged parallel to a base of the first body (210) and configured along opposing side walls of each of the first body (210); a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) connected to the first roller assembly (200), the pair of fasteners (230) rotating relative to the first bearings (240) to move the first roller assembly (200) between a fastened position and an unfastened position; an engaging member (103) extending through both a through-hole of the first roller assembly (200) and the through-hole corresponding to the outdent (101) so that the first roller assembly (200) contacts the pair of spring clips (102); and a second roller assembly (300) disposed opposite the first roller assembly (200), the second roller assembly (300) comprising: a second body (310) having a pair of hollow outdents (320) with open ends on each opposing side wall; and a second roller assembly (300) comprising a second bearing (340) mounted on the front side of the second body (310); The first bearing (240) and the second bearing (340) engage with a plurality of conveyor belt beads (410) sewn to the conveyor belt (400), and a horizontal force applied to the pair of protrusions (220) twists the pair of spring clips (102) to displace the engaging member (103) and the first roller assembly (200) for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

2. The pair of spring clips (102) a first portion contacting the outer surface of the outdent (101); a second portion contacting the periphery of the through hole corresponding to the outdent (101); and a third portion extending away from the outdent (101) and connected at each end to one end of the first portion and one end of the second portion to form an indent that secures the movement of the first roller assembly (200) within the interior space of the pair of spring clips (102); The assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the pair of spring clips (102) have a visual indicator that indicates when the first roller assembly (200) is in the engaged or disengaged position.

4. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of the single spine structural column (100) has a pair of indents (108) configured to receive the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) for fastening the first roller assembly (200).

5. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a pair of support members are fitted into the pair of hollow outdents (320) to fasten the second roller assembly (300) to the single spine-type structural column (100).

6. The pair of support members are a pair of braces (105) fitted into a corresponding pair of hollow outdents (320); Bolt Spinner (106), Bolt (107), and Nut (109) 6. The assembly of claim 5, comprising:

7. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a security pin (104) is fitted to one end of said engaging member (103) to secure said engaging member (103) in position relative to said single spine structural column (100).

8. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the single-spine structural column (100) has at least a pair of first roller assemblies (200) and a pair of second roller assemblies (300) fitted to the single-spine structural column (100).

9. 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the single spine structural column (100) is configured such that the first roller assembly (200) is positioned opposite the second roller assembly (300) and both second roller assemblies (300) are positioned opposite each other.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the single spine structural column (100) is mated with two pairs of first roller assemblies (200).

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the single spine structural column (100) is mated with two pairs of second roller assemblies (300).

12. 10. A method for performing maintenance on a single vertebral structural column (100) of an assembly according to claim 1, comprising: manipulating a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) toward a first bearing (240) of the first roller assembly (200); manipulating the pair of opposing protrusions (220) of the first roller assembly (200) vertically away from the conveyor belt (400); visually inspecting a pair of spring clips (102) to determine that the first roller assembly (200) is in an unfastened position; performing a maintenance assessment of the single-spine structural column (100); and performing a maintenance assessment of said conveyor belt (400); A method comprising:

13. A further method step comprises Replacing the single spine structural column (100); Replacing the conveyor belt (400); Replacing the first bearing (240); Replacing the second bearing (340) of the second roller assembly (300); Replacing the first roller assembly (200); Replacing the second roller assembly (300); 13. The method of performing maintenance according to claim 12, comprising one or a combination of:

14. A further method step comprises manipulating the pair of opposing protrusions (220) of the first roller assembly (200) perpendicularly away from the conveyor belt (400); manipulating the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) toward the single spine structural column (100); and visually inspecting the pair of spring clips (102) to determine that the first roller assembly (200) is in a fastened position; 14. A method for performing maintenance according to claims 12 and 13, comprising:

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