ADJUSTABLE CONVEYOR BELT GUIDE RAIL MOUNTING AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

An apparatus for supporting a guide rail to guide one or more items along a conveyor having a conveying path in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a mounting for attachment to the conveyor. The mounting includes a support rail to support the guide rail; such support rail may have a length in the conveying direction less than the length of the conveyor. The support rail may include one or more stops for engaging with one of a pair of movable supports. The supports may be slidably mounted on the support rail to adjust the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Related methods are also described.

Description

ADJUSTABLE CONVEYOR BELT GUIDE RAIL MOUNT AND qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi RELATED METHODS Field of Invention This description refers to the techniques of. transport of articles and, in particular, to an assembly for an unstable conveyor belt guide rail and related methods. Background of the Invention Conveyors typically have rails positioned along each side of the chain or conveyor belt to guide an item along a transport path. Items travel between the rails, which are positioned to ensure the items remain on the transport path. When conveying a larger or smaller item, or when the width of the transport path needs to be adjusted to accommodate an increased or decreased flow of items, the guide rails must be adjusted accordingly. Conventional guide rail adjustment systems use extendable guide rods that support a support plate fixed to the guide rail. These guide rods also protrude outward from the conveyor and into the surrounding area, thus increasing the overall width and space occupied by the conveyor. I laughed. 34285 guide rails that include rigid rods also create an unattractive appearance, as the extended portions of the rods project from the sides of the conveyor. Some also require motorized adjustments, which can increase cost and complexity. According to eszo, the need was identified for a provision that overcomes the previous limitations and possibly other problems that still need to be resolved. Summary of the Invention According to the first aspect of the description, an apparatus is provided for supporting a guide rail to guide one or more items being transported in a particular direction of transport along the entire conveyor path. The apparatus comprises an assembly for mounting on the conveyor. The assembly includes an upper portion forming a support rail, which has a lower portion adapted for connection to the conveyor. A pair of movable supports are mounted on the support rail to support and adjust the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the direction of transport. In one embodiment, the upper portion has a length in the conveying direction shorter than the length of the conveyor. The upper portion is generally horizontal, and the lower portion is generally vertical. When the conveyor is curved, the upper portion may be bent to correspond to the curvature of the conveyor. In such a case, the upper portion may include a first angled portion to receive a first movable support of the pair of movable supports and a second angled portion to receive a second movable support of the second movable support. In this or other configurations, the upper portion of the assembly includes a stop at each end. The length of the assembly in the transport direction may correspond to the maximum extension distance of the guide rail in the direction transverse to the transport direction. The upper and lower portions may be arranged in different vertical planes, such that, in one example, the upper portion is closer to the transport path than the lower portion. According to another aspect of the description, an apparatus is provided for supporting a guide rail to guide one or more items transported along a conveyor in a direction of transport. The apparatus comprises a plurality of assemblies for mounting on the conveyor, each assembly including a support rail. A pair of movable supports are mounted on each support rail of the plurality of assemblies to support and adjust a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor. NC* conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction. In one embodiment, each assembly comprises an upper portion forming the support rail and a vertical portion adapted for connection to the conveyor. The upper portion of the assembly may include a stop at each end. A length of the assembly in the transport direction may correspond to a maximum extension distance of the guide rail in the direction transverse to the transport direction. A further aspect of the description refers to an apparatus for supporting a guide rail to guide one or more items being transported in a particular direction of transport along the entire length of a conveyor's transport route. The apparatus comprises an assembly that includes a support rail having an upper portion with opposing end portions and a lower portion that hangs from the upper portion and is adapted for mounting on the conveyor. A pair of movable supports are mounted on the upper portion of the support rail to support and adjust the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the direction of transport. The pair of movable supports includes a maximum separation at or near the opposite end portions of the guide rail nearest to the support rail and a minimum separation at or near the lower portion of the support rail. At least one of the opposite end portions of the upper portion includes a stop to prevent further movement of at least one of the pair of movable supports. An additional aspect of the description relates to an apparatus for mounting on a conveyor that includes a conveying surface for transporting articles. The apparatus comprises a guide rail for guiding articles along the conveyor's conveying surface. A plurality of pairs of adjustable brackets are provided for adjusting the position of the guide rail. A support rail supports each pair of adjustable brackets; the support rail includes a hanging portion for connection to the conveyor. In one embodiment, the hanging portion includes one or more openings to receive one or more fasteners for securing the support rail to the conveyor. Each support rail may comprise a stop for engaging with at least one of the fasteners supported thereon. Yet another aspect of the description relates to a support apparatus—a guide rail for guiding one or more items transported along a conveyor having a transport path in a transport direction. The apparatus comprises an assembly for mounting on the conveyor; the assembly includes a support rail having a first end portion that includes a first stop. A pair of movable supports are mounted on the support rail to support and adjust the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction. In one embodiment, the support rail includes a second end portion that includes a second stop. The assembly may comprise an upper portion, extending in the transport direction, which forms the support rail, and a lower transverse portion adapted for connection to the conveyor. The length of the assembly in the transport direction corresponds to the maximum extension distance of the guide rail in the direction transverse to the transport direction. An additional aspect of the description relates to an apparatus for supporting a guide rail to guide one or more items transported along a conveyor having a transport path in a transport direction. The apparatus comprises an assembly for mounting on the conveyor; the assembly includes a support rail that fills a bent portion. A pair of movable supports are mounted on the bent portion of the support rail to support and adjust the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction. qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi In one embodiment, the bent portion includes a first angled portion to receive a first movable support of the pair of movable supports and a second angled portion to receive a second movable support of the second movable support. The bent portion may have a length in the conveying direction less than the length of the conveyor. The bent portion may be located between an upper portion of the support rail that supports the pair of movable supports and a lower portion of the support rail adapted to connect to the conveyor. When the conveyor is curved, the upper portion of the support rail may be bent to correspond to the curved conveyor. Yet another aspect of the description refers to a device for guiding one or more transported items along a curved conveyor having a transport path in one direction of transport. The device comprises a mounting for attachment to the conveyor; the mounting includes a support rail having a first portion with a bend in the direction of transport corresponding to the The curved conveyor and a second portion adapted to connect to the curved conveyor. A guide rail is supported by the support rail. In one embodiment, the assembly further includes a third portion having an elbow to connect the first and second portions. The apparatus may also include a pair of movable supports mounted on the first portion of the support rail to support and adjust the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the direction of transport. A further aspect of the description relates to an apparatus for supporting a guide rail to guide one or more items being transported in a particular direction along the entire length of a conveyor's conveyor path. The apparatus comprises an assembly for mounting on the conveyor. The assembly includes an upper portion comprising a support rail and a lower portion for attachment to the conveyor. A pair of interconnected supports can be repositioned along the support rail to support and adjust the position of the guide rail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the direction of transport. The lower portion of the assembly is located at least partially between the pair of interconnected supports. This description also refers to a method for adjusting the position of a guide rail to guide one or more items transported along a conveyor that has a transport path in a transport direction. The method comprises mounting a support rail that includes a pair of movable supports to support the guide rail on the conveyor by means of an assembly that extends transversely to the transport direction. The method may further comprise the step of fixing the position of at least one of the movable supports on the support rail. The method may also comprise manually moving a first movable support along a first support rail mounted on the conveyor, and may further include the step of manually moving a second movable support along a second support rail mounted on the conveyor, each of the movable supports supporting the guide rail. Brief Description of the Figures The accompanying figures, which form part of the description, illustrate various aspects of the inventions described and, together with the textual description, serve to explain certain principles thereof. In the figures: Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a single-adjuster embodiment of the conveyor guide rail according to an embodiment of the description; Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the adjuster in Figure 1; Figures 3, 4 and 5 are top, rear, and bottom views of the adjuster in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a front view of the adjuster in Figure 1; qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi Figures 7 and 8 are left and right side views of the adjuster in Figure 1; Figure 9A is a perspective view of a folding guide rail support that is part of adjuster 5 in Figures 1-8; Figure 9B is an exploded view illustrating one way of connecting an arm to one of the supports (shuttles) for rotary motion; Figure 9C is a top view of the assembled configuration of Figure 9B; Figure 9D is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 9B when assembled, taken along line 9C-9C of Figure 9C; Figures 10 and 11 are top views of the support of Figure 9A in an extended and retracted condition; Figure 12 is a rear view of the support in Figure 9A; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a shuttle for connection to the support for a manual operation 20; Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the shuttle in Figure 13; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a shuttle for connection to the support for an automated qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi operation; Figure 16A is a perspective view, in qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi exploded view, of the shuttle in Figure 15; Figure 16B is a partially cross-sectional top view of the shuttle in Figure 15; Figure 17 is a side view illustrating aspects of an actuator for driving the adjustable guide rail support; Figure 18 illustrates a cable tensioner that is part of the adjustable support actuator; Figures 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 illustrate alternative forms of the actuators; Figures 24, 25 and 26 illustrate a system comprising two opposing guide rails associated with a plurality of adjusters; Figures 27 and 28 illustrate various aspects of an extendable guide rail; Figures 29-31 illustrate guides for guiding an endless cable along a curved section of a support rail for adjusters; Figures 32, 33 and 34 are schematic views illustrating the creation of various zones using the adjustable guide rails according to the description; Figures 35-42 illustrate one embodiment of a manually adjustable guide rail support; and Figures 43-54 illustrate an assembly for mounting an adjustable guide rail on a conveyor. Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of a manually adjustable guide rail for a conveyor, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Detailed Description of the Invention With reference to Figures 1-9A, a possible embodiment of a guide rail adjuster 10, which forms an aspect of the invention, is illustrated. As illustrated, the adjuster 10 can be adapted to connect with a guide rail 12 to guide items along a conveying path and in a conveying direction D (see, for example, Figure 19). The guide rail 12 can be supported by a bracket 14 that forms part of the adjuster 10, which can be flexible 15 or foldable (i.e., has the ability to fold into a more compact shape). Accordingly, the adjuster 10, including the bracket 14, has the ability to extend or retract the guide rail 12 to change the relative position of the conveying path without increasing the overall width of the associated conveyor 20 in a transverse direction as a result of the adjustment. In one embodiment, the support 14 may comprise links in the form of first and second supports or arms 16, 18 connected to each other. The arms 16, 18 are rigid in the vertical direction, but are rotatably connected at their inner end portions, for example, by means of a connector 20. Accordingly, the arms 16, 18 and the connector 20 create a joint (which may be in the form of a two-bar joint, but other forms could be used). At the opposite end, each arm 16, 18 is connected to a structural part designed to reduce or eliminate friction or to provide support or bearing. In the illustrated embodiment, this structure takes the form of a movable crossbar or shuttle 22, 24 adapted to engage by friction (by sliding or rolling) with an elongated support rail 26, which generally extends parallel to the guide rail 12 in the transport direction D. Consequently, these connections and the established relative movement 15 allow the support 14 to be flexed or folded in a direction transverse to the transport direction D. The support 14 is also adapted to connect with the guide rail 12. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing the connector 20 with one or more receivers, such as the forks 20a, 20b (which, as will be described in more detail later, can provide a coupling such that the guide rail 12 is fixed in its position, or can be arranged to allow relative sliding movement). As can be seen in Figure 25 6, the arrangement is such that the general adjuster 10 has a very low vertical profile, with a height only slightly greater than the height of the guide rail 12. As can be seen in Figures 1-8, an optional cover 2 8 (removed in Figure 9A) can also be provided, which can be coupled 5 with the support rail 26 and provide a measure of protection for the moving parts of the adjuster 10, but without interfering with their relative movement and operation. With reference to Figures 9A and 12, one embodiment shows the nature of the rotated connection of the arms 16, 18 that form the support 14 for the guide rail. Each arm 16, 18 may be provided with a pin 16a, 18a, the ends of which are received and rotatably captured within the upper and lower receivers 20c on either side of the connector 20. However, alternative configurations, such as a simple hinge (with a mechanical pin or a flexible hinge), could be used. In either case, the movement of the shuttles 22, 24 toward each other along the support rail 26 causes the connector 20, and therefore the associated guide rail (not shown), to move along an adjacent transport surface in a direction transverse to the transport direction.The movement is considered flexible because the rotation of arms 16, 18 with respect to the connection allows the flexing of the flexible joint thus formed. Similarly, the movement of shuttles 22, 24 in the opposite direction (further apart) causes arms 16, 18 to flex relative to each other (and the connector 20) and thus retract the guide rail 12. It can be undesirable to allow the arms 16, 18 that form the joint to reach a bottom-out position (β = 180 degrees or more) and a potentially locked position (especially when the actuation of the adjusters 10 is automated, as opposed to manual). Therefore, as can be seen in Figures 10 and 11, this condition can be avoided by providing a projection or extension 20d on the side of the connector 20 opposite the guide 12, projecting transversely towards the direction of transport. This extension defines the maximum deflection of the joint formed between the arms 16, 18. This projection or extension 20d of the connector 20 can be sized and positioned to engage with the support rail 26 in the joint's fully folded position, thus preventing it from bottoming out and locking in position.Of course, the projection could also be provided on one or both of the 16, 18, or even the 26 support rail, to achieve a similar result. As can be seen with reference to Figures 10, 11, and 12, by selectively extending or retracting the support 14, an enhanced level of adjustability is created for an associated guide rail 12. Adjustments can be achieved easily and efficiently without significantly increasing the footprint of the overall conveyor system. Specifically, extending or retracting the support 14 allows the rotatably fixed guide rail 12, attached to it by means of connector 20, to be configured to provide a variable-width conveying path for transporting a range of items of varying sizes.For example, when a smaller item needs to be transported, the guide rail 12 only needs to move in an inward direction (10) perpendicular to the transport direction (D), causing it to fold in this direction (and thus causing the flexible joint to assume an acute angle α, such as, for example, as little as 5 degrees in the illustrated example, and possibly lower if the arms 15, 16, 18 can be arranged parallel to each other). In other words, the arms 16, 18 move from a position where the relative angle between them is greater than one where it is reduced or smaller. This narrows the transport path and, consequently, allows for an easily customizable arrangement 20 to guide a variety of items of different sizes. Similarly, if it is desired to transport a larger item / object or otherwise extend the width of the transport path relative to the underlying conveyor 25, the guide rail 12 only needs to move in an outward or external direction O transverse to the transport direction D (and, consequently, flexes the joint to create a large obtuse angle β between arms 16, 18, which can be up to, but does not include, 188 degrees, and 5 as shown is limited by the presence of the extension or projection 20d to avoid a blocking condition). In other words, arms 16, 18 move from a position where the relative angle between them is less than one where it is greater.In all cases, it can be seen that no rod or similar structure projects outward from the support rail 26, and consequently, the overall width of the arrangement does not change as a result of extension or retraction. Therefore, the resulting conveyor system can have a smaller footprint than might otherwise be the case if transversely extending rods and corresponding mounts were used. The adjustment of the support 14 can be performed manually or automatically. In the manual version, and with reference to Figures 13 and 14, each shuttle 22, 24 can be provided with a retainer 30 for selective engagement of the support rail 26, thereby holding the shuttle in the desired position. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 30 comprises a post 32 supporting an actuator in the form of a rotatably mounted lever 34, such as by means of a press-fit coupling with a fork 32a. The interior of the lever 34 includes a wedge 36, which is dimensioned and positioned not to engage the rail 26 in one position, but rather to engage by friction in a different position 5 (see positions 34' (free) and 34'' (retained) in Figure 9A).The opposing plates 38, 40 can be retained by means of a fastener F to hold the post 32 in position, and each plate 38, 40 can include a guide 42 to slide a portion of the support rail 26. The plates 38, 40 can also include holes. 38a, 40a to receive a corresponding fastener (such as a 16c keyway pin; see Figures 9B, 9C and 9D; gue hangs from a proximal end of each arm 16, 18 to rotatably connect the ends of arms 16, 18 15 with shuttles 22, 24. As can be seen, by disengaging the retainer using lever 34, the associated shuttle 24 is free to move back and forth, as if sliding, along the support rail 26 and, consequently, extends or retracts the support 14 and, therefore, the associated guide rail 12. When a position corresponding to the desired extension or retraction of the guide rail 12 is reached, the retainer 30 can be reactivated to establish a fixed coupling with the support rail 26. As can be seen, it is only necessary to move one of the shuttles. 22, 24 to achieve the desired extension or retraction of the guide rail 12 in view of the foldable nature of the support 14 created by the rotatably connected arms 16, 18. The shuttles 22, 24 can also be easily adapted to work in an automated environment. Specifically, at least one, and potentially each shuttle 22, 24, can be adapted to couple with an actuator to cause a forward and backward movement along the support rail 26, depending on the degree of actuation, and thus extend or retract the arms 16, 18. As shown in Figure 17, the actuator can comprise a connector for connecting to the shuttles 22, 24, such as a flexible cable 44. The cable 44 can be laid over pulleys 46 at each end (only one is shown in Figure 17 mounted at one end of the support rail 26, but the arrangement could be essentially the same as that shown at the opposite end of the support rail 26; see, for example, Figure 19).Therefore, the arrangement forms an endless loop (which may be associated with a plurality of adjusters 10, as will be described in more detail in the following description). To make the cable 44 traverse the endless path, it can be pulled around a drive, such as a winch 48, which can be associated with a motor 25 50 (for example, a servomotor) that is also part of the actuator in this configuration. As shown in Figure 18, the cable 44 can also be provided with a tensioner, such as a tensioning screw 44a, to allow the tension to be adjusted when necessary or desired. In this example, and with reference to Figure 16A, each plate 38, 40 may be provided with a retainer 52 for selective engagement with the cable 44. The retainer 52 may comprise a clamp in the form of a rotating cam 54 (only an upper one is shown in Figure 16A), but it could also take other forms (for example, a screw with a flange for capturing a portion of the cable 44 against a corresponding surface of the shuttle). The cam 54 may be hinged at a reduced-diameter end 56a of a post 56, which may be held in place by means of a fastener F. In the illustrated example, and with reference to Figures 16A and 16B, the cam 54 includes a rounded and enlarged inner face 54a for engaging and pressing the cable into engagement with a friction-enhanced portion 55 of plate 38, 40 (which may be identical, but inverted; in other words, plate 38 is identical in shape to plate 40 in Figure 16A, so it may be assumed that the upper plate includes a friction-enhanced portion 55), and a free end 54b adapted for tactile engagement for movement between the retained and released positions. A locking device, such as a removable locking tongue 58 with flexible legs, may also be provided to engage with a projection 58a on a press-fit coupling, to engage and secure the Ierra 54 in the locked or closed condition, thereby engaging the cable (shown on imaginary lines in Figure 16B). A roller or pulley 60 may be rotatably articulated at the opposite end 56b of the reduced-diameter post 56 (upper when the cam 54 is on the lower plate 38; lower when cam 54 is on the upper plate 38, as shown in figure 16A). As can be seen, cable 44 has a forward path and a return path in view of the established endless loop. By connecting one shuttle 22 to the upward stroke 15 using the clamp (cam 54) located as shown in Figure 16A, and by connecting the other shuttle 24 to the return stroke using a clamp qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi (cam 54 on plate 40, according to Figure 16B) in a corresponding location, the drive using a single actuator thus causes the shuttles 22, 24 to move closer to or further from each other, thereby flexing the support joint 14 created by the arms 16, 18 and extending or retracting the guide rail 12. The alternate path of the cable 44, which is not fixed to the shuttle 22, 24, simply engages with the roller / pulley 60 and thus does not impede relative movement. qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi Continuing with reference to Figure 16A, each shuttle 22, 24 may also be provided with rollers 62 to create a low-friction coupling with the support rail 26. The rollers 62 may comprise individual rollers 62a connected to the plates 38, 40 by means of fasteners 64 and arranged to engage with an outer face of the support rail 26, as well as rollers 62b hinged to the plates 38, 40 to engage with the inner face of the support rail 26. As can be seen, the spaced rollers 62a allow a portion of the rail 26 to pass through to engage and support the deck 28. Alternative drive mechanisms are possible, which advantageously can use a single actuator to activate a plurality of adjusters to adjust the width of the conveyor path. For example, as shown in Figure 19, the connector, such as the cable 44, can be associated with a rack 66, which is arranged to mesh with a rotating pinion 68. In view of the endless nature of the cable 44, and the corresponding connections with the shuttles 22, 24 as described above, driving the pinion 68 in one direction causes the simultaneous actuation of a plurality of adjusters.This advances the guide rail 12 (shown as two disconnected portions with an imaginary portion for illustrative purposes) in the transverse direction T of the conveyor C (which, as indicated, has a transport path P formed by a transport surface (chain or belt B) in the transport direction D, and note the reduced-width path 5 P' resulting from the advance of the guide rail 12 in the transverse direction). Specifically, clockwise rotation of the pinion moves the rack to the right in Figure 19, and in view of the connection of the forward travel of cable 4 with the shuttles 22 of each guide rail adjuster 10 and the return travel with the shuttles 24, causes the illustrated advance. Reversing the direction of rotation of pinion 68 produces the opposite movement. The operation of the adjusters 10 associated with the conveyor C 15 can again be manual or automated. Therefore, as shown in Figures 20-22, a handwheel 70 can be connected to the associated conveyor C and rotated to actuate one or more of the adjusters 10 (basically, as many as are connected 20 to a single connector or cable 44, which could be any number (2, 5, 10, 20 or more), depending on the strength of the actuator arrangement used). Figure 23 illustrates the use of a motor 72 (e.g., a servomotor) for automated operation. Figures 24-26 illustrate an overview of a possible arrangement of the adjustable guide rail support system incorporating a plurality of adjusters 10 for use in connection with a conveyor having a transport path (not shown). The opposing inner and outer guide rails 12a, 12b are shown for guiding items (not shown) along the transport path. The adjustable guide rail brackets 14a, 14b are supporting the inner guide rail 12a, and the adjustable guide rail bracket 14c is supporting the outer guide rail 12b. Therefore, if it is desired to adjust the width W of the transport route to accommodate items of different sizes (or groups thereof), the guide rail 12a (together with the guide rail supports 14a, 14b) and the guide rail 12b (together with the guide rail support 14c and any others present) can be moved.The movement can again be manual or automatic using a single actuator (including cable 44) transverse to the transport direction D along each support rail 26 (with an associated motor, the operation of which can be coordinated by a single controller) to widen or narrow the width W of the transport wheel (note the smaller width W in Figure 25, and the even smaller width W' in Figure 26, which may correspond to a single row of items being transported, such as bottles or cans). In such situations, it may be desirable for the receivers (e.g., forks 20a, 20b) to be firmly engaged with the guide rail 12b at each pair of adjusters 10, but to be slidably engaged at others, to allow the desired extension and retraction. Figures 27-28 illustrate that the guide rail 12 may comprise an extendable joint 74 made up of portions, such as legs 12c, 12d, which have a reduced vertical dimension (essentially each equal to half the total height of the guide rail). These legs 12c, 12d may overlap one another or overlap in a vertical direction and are slidably received in receivers 76, which may be in the form of C-shaped clamps that allow relative movement of the legs (towards a common center during retraction of the guide rail and away from it during extension). Consequently, the receivers 76 retain the legs 12c, 12d together, but with the ability to move relative to one another in the transport direction during the extension and retraction of the associated guide rail portions.This allows the guide rail 12 to provide the desired extension and retraction, as well as by means of the supports 14, to adapt to a particular item being transported or to form a particular transport route. Therefore, one or both of the bales 12c, 12d can be curved, but it is also possible to use the supports 14 in connection with the straight portions that are connected by the expandable joints. Also, as can be seen in Figure 28, the expandable joints 74 allow the opposing guide rails 12 to extend or retract by different amounts, which can occur when one is associated with an internal bend and the other with an external bend 5. Depending on the size or shape of the underlying conveyor C, it may also be desirable to provide an intermediate guide between the adjusters 10 to guide the connector, such as the cable 44. As shown in Figures 29-31, this can be achieved using the hand shuttle 22 or 24 of Figures 13 and 14, which can be fitted with pulleys 60 to couple the upward and downward runs of the cable 44. The shuttles 22, 24 can be selectively positioned using the associated retainers 30. The stationary support plates 78 can also be provided with the upper and lower guides 78a, 78b to guide the respective runs of the cable 44. Figures 32-34 schematically illustrate a possible application of the adjusters 10 to create zones of different widths on a single conveyor or conveyor system (e.g., composed of multiple conveyors). As shown in Figure 32, a first series of adjusters 10a associated with an underlying conveyor C can be used to provide an upstream portion of the conveyor with the guide rails 12a, qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi The guide rails 12b are spaced further apart, thus forming a first zone Z1, and a second set of adjusters 10b can be used downstream to position the guide rails 12e, 12f more closely spaced, thus forming a second zone Z2. The adjusters 10a, 10b can be adjusted manually or associated with different actuators (e.g., a cable system, as described above). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 33, the adjusters 10a, 10b can be modified so that zones Z1 and Z2 have the same width, or so that zone Z2 is wider than zone Z1, as shown in Figure 34. As can be seen, the material of the guide rails 12a-12b can be flexible or include flexible interconnections (including the joints 74 described above) to allow relative movement, which is exaggerated in the schematic figures for illustrative purposes. An alternative embodiment of an adjuster, including one or more movable supports 100 adapted for manual adjustment, is described with reference to Figures 35-42. From Figures 34, 35, and 36, it can be understood that each movable support 100 comprises a connector in the form of a shuttle 102 for coupling with a stationary support rail 104, and that it is connected to a support arm 106 of the guide rail. The shuttle 102 includes a body 108 which includes a pair of retainers 110 for supporting a clamp 112. The clamp 112 comprises an actuator in the form of a lever 114 adapted to move along the retainers 110, such as in a vertical direction. The movement of lever 114 forces a movable retainer, such as a wedge 116, to engage with the (external) surface. corresponding to the support rail 104 (compare the position of lever 114 and wedge 116 in Figure 38 with the raised position of lever 114' and wedge 116' in Figure 39 to engage with the support rail (not shown) that might be present in opening Q). The lever 114 may include a receiver 114a to receive the wedge 116 and force it to engage with the support rail 104 as the lever is moved, such as in a vertical direction. The lever 114 may have further channels 114b to receive the retainers 110, which may be improved by friction (e.g., by including threading, as shown) to create a suitable holding force and maintain the lever 114 in the actuated condition as a result of the outward-directed force created by the wedge 116, but which can be easily released using finger action (note the handle 114c for this purpose; i.e., the upward movement of the lever 114 to force the wedge 116 to engage with the support rail). As indicated above, each support arm can be associated with a movable support 100, including a second support arm 118, as shown in Figure 40. This movable support 100 does not need to include any retainer to be fixed in its position along the support rail, as it is connected by means of arms 106, 118 to the fixable support described above. This second support 100 can include one or more rollers 120 to facilitate low-friction rolling contact with the support rail (not shown), which could be located in opening Q. However, as indicated in Figure 41, it is possible to provide each support 100 with a clamp 112, which can be used to fix it independently to the associated support rail 104. As can be understood with reference to Figure 42, the modality described above allows each support 100 to move independently along the support rail 104 to a position (such as closer together 15 or further apart in the transport direction) to accommodate a guide rail connector, illustrated as a receiver 124, associated with the respective support arms 106, 118 (such receiver 124 may include an extension 124a to engage with the support rail 104 in a folded condition 20 of the support 100 to prevent it from blocking the bottom). In this case, the relative positioning of the guide rail (not shown) can be adjusted independently and selectively by a user, using a manual method that avoids the need for power, motors, etc.However, the low-profile nature of the 100 supports is retained, allowing the Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi to provide a conveyor system that lacks outward-facing rods or similar structures that can create various problems, as noted above. qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi Referring back to Figures 4 3-t>0, one or more assemblies 200 may be provided for mounting an adjustable guide rail 212 from an associated conveyor 202. Each of the assembly(s) 200 may comprise a low-profile support plate 204 adapted to connect to the conveyor 202. The connection may be along an external surface of a guide rail 206 to guide a conveyor belt 208, possibly along an endless path including a forward or upward and downward or return path. In the specific example, the support plate 204 is generally T-shaped, but could take other forms (H-shaped, inverted U-shaped, L-shaped), and in any case includes an upper portion 204a that extends along the carrying surface, at or above the level of the carrying surface, and a lower portion 204b that hangs from it to be sanded on the screed rail 212. The lower portion 204b may be angled or inclined to place the horizontal portion outside the carrying surface, but otherwise does not project outward from the conveyor 202 by any significant distance (less than a few (<7.62) centimeters (<3) inches) at most), and, consequently, the desired low profile is maintained.The vertical portion 204b may include elongated slots 204c to receive one or more fasteners F to connect the assembly 200 to the conveyor 202 and thereby allow adjustments to the height relative to the assembly 200. Therefore, the upper portion 204a of the support plate 204 forms a support rail to support one or more of the adjusters or supports 10, 100 of the movable guide rail described above. As can be seen, the support rail formed by the upper portion 204a only needs to extend a sufficient distance in the conveying direction D to allow the adjusters or supports 10, 100 to fully extend and retract the guide rail the desired distance in the conveying path, and, consequently, it is not necessary to extend the entire length of the conveyor 202. The resulting reduction in material usage compared to a full-length support rail extending the entire length of the conveyor 202 lands cosLos, and Lamblén reduces weight and complexity. The upper portion 204a and the lower portion 204b can also be extended in different vertical planes, as shown in Figure 47. This can be achieved by providing a folded portion 204d of the lower vertical portion 204b. In one version, as shown in Figure 47, the folded portion 204d is such that the upper portion 204a, and therefore the associated support(s), are positioned closer to the conveyor 202 as a result of this arrangement. In another version, as shown in Figure 43, the folded portion 204d is such that the upper portion 204a is positioned farther from the conveyor 202, and therefore the associated support(s) are positioned accordingly. In the illustrated embodiment, each support plate 204 supports a pair of the supports 100 of the embodiment in Figures 35-42. The support plate 204 may also include one or more stops 210 on its end portion(s) to define the maximum movement of the adjusters in a direction parallel to the transport direction D of the belt 208 associated with the conveyor 202. As can be seen, only one stop can achieve the desired result, since the supports 100 are connected to each other, and therefore limiting the movement of one in the direction of transport will necessarily limit the movement of the other. As can perhaps be better understood from the figures 45-46, the supports 100 can be adjusted to move the guide rail 212 toward and away from the support plate 204 (note the transverse direction C) to define the width of the conveying path (see position 212' in Figure 44, and note the internal position of the adjusters / supports 100), and then locked into position on the support plate, such as by using the wedging action described above. Alternatively, the support plates 204 can be used in connection with adjusters 10 that are interconnected (such as by means of a cable) and are commonly driven by an actuator (such as a motor). As can be seen, the adjustable guide rail can be provided on both sides of the belt 208; in this case, a mounting 204 could be provided on each side of the conveyor 202. From figures 45-46, it can also be understood that there is a relationship between the length of the upper portion 204a of the assembly 200 and the extension of the guide rail 212. Specifically, the length of the upper portion 204a only needs to be such that the supports 100 15 are as far apart as possible and located at or near the ends of this portion 204a (i.e., adjacent to the stops 210) when the guide rail 212 is in the fully inward position closest to the inner face of the upper portion 204a. Similarly, the supports 20 100 move towards the second portion 204b and are adjacent to it when the guide rail 212 advances completely towards or in the conveyor's transport path, as shown in Figure 46. It can also be seen in Figures 45-46 that the lower portion 204b for the attachment of the conveyor 202 is at all times located between the interconnected supports 10C. qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi Referring back to Figures 51-54, one or more assemblies 300 may be provided for mounting an adjustable guide rail 312 from a curved conveyor 302. Each of the 5 assemblies 300 may comprise a support plate 304 adapted to connect to the conveyor 302, such as along an outer surface of a guide rail 306 to guide a conveyor belt 308, possibly along an endless path that includes a forward or upward and downward or return path.In the specific example, the support plate 304 is generally T-shaped, and includes an upper portion 305 that extends at or above the level of the conveying surface, and a lower vertical portion 307 that hangs from it to be fixed to the guide rail 312 (which may be angled or inclined to place the horizontal portion outside the conveying surface, but otherwise does not project outward from the conveyor 302 to any significant distance (less than a few (<7.62) centimeters (<3) inches) at most), and, by 20 conslguleufe, the desired low profile is maintained). Specifically, the vertical portion 307 may include elongated slots 307a to receive one or more fasteners F to connect the assembly 300 to the conveyor 302. In view of the curved nature of the protractor 25 302, the upper portion 305 of the support plate 304 includes a matching curve or contour. This can be achieved by providing two bent portions 305a, 305b, which can be projected outward at an angle in opposite directions from a central portion 305c generally tangent to the curve of the protractor 302. The upper portion 305 of the support plate 304, and in particular the bent portions 305a, 305b, thus together form a support rail for supporting one or more of the adjusters 10, 100 described above.The support rail formed by the upper portion needs to extend only a sufficient distance in the transport direction D (which is curved in view of the curved nature of the conveyor 302) to allow the adjusters or supports 10, 100 to fully extend and retract the guide rail 312 the desired distance in the transport route, and, consequently, it is not necessary to extend the full distance of the conveyor 302. A resulting reduction in the use of materials saves costs, and also reduces weight and complexity. In the illustrated embodiment, each support plate 304 supports a pair of the supports 100 of the embodiment in Figures 35-42. The support plate 304 may also include one or more stops 310 on its end portion(s) to define the maximum movement of the adjusters in a direction parallel to the transport direction D of the belt 308 associated with the conveyor 302. As can be seen, only one stop can achieve the desired result, since the supports 100 are connected to each other γ, therefore, limiting the movement of one in the transport direction will necessarily limit the movement of the other. As can perhaps be better understood from the figures 51-52, the supports 100 can be adjusted to move the guide rail 312 toward and away from the support plate 304 (note the transverse direction T) to define the width of the transport path (see position 312' in figure 51, and note the internal position of the adjusters / supports 100), and then to lock it into position on the support, such as using the wedging action described above. Alternatively, the support plates 304 can be used in connection with the adjusters 10, which are interconnected (such as by means of a cable) and are commonly driven by an actuator (such as a motor). As can be seen, the adjustable guide rail 312 can be provided on both sides of the belt 308; in this case, a mounting 300 could be provided on each side of the conveyor 302. The upper portion 305 and the lower portion 307 can also extend in different vertical planes, as shown in Figure 53. This can be achieved by providing a folded portion 309 of the lower portion 307. In one version, as shown in Figure 53, the folded portion 309 is such that the upper portion 305, and therefore the associated support(s), are arranged closer to the conveyor 302 as a result of this arrangement. In another version (not shown), the folded portion 309 is such that the curved upper portion 305 is farther from the conveyor 302, and therefore the associated supports are positioned accordingly. The preceding descriptions of various embodiments of an assembly for any adjustable guide rail and related methods provide an illustration of the 10 inventive concepts. The descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the described invention to the precise form described. Modifications or variations are also possible in view of the foregoing teachings. For example, the connector forming part of the actuator may comprise a flexible strip, which may be manually actuated by means of a lever or similar projecting piece by which a mechanism is actuated or adjusted. Although the shuttles 22, 24 are shown overlapping and sliding on the support rail 26, the shuttles 20 could be embedded within cavities in the support rail 26, while still functioning as shuttles.The shuttles can also take different forms, such as, for example, elongated flexible belts connected to arms 16, 18 and designed to move along the support rail 26 or within a cavity formed in it. In summary, this description can be considered to refer to any or all of the following points: 1. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail for guiding one or more transported items in a transport direction along the entire transport route of a conveyor, comprising: An assembly for mounting on the conveyor, the assembly includes an upper portion forming a support rail having a lower portion adapted to connect to the conveyor; and a pair of movable supports mounted on the support rail to support and adjust a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the direction of transport. 2. The apparatus of point 1, wherein the upper portion has a length in the transport direction less than the length of the conveyor. 3. The apparatus of point 1 or point 2, wherein the upper portion is generally horizontal and the lower portion is generally vertical. 4. The apparatus of any of points 1-3, wherein the protractor is curved, and the upper portion is bent 25 to correspond to the curvature of the protractor. qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi 5. The apparatus of any of points 1-4, wherein the upper portion includes a first portion angled to receive a first movable support of the pair of movable supports and a second portion angled to receive a second movable support of the second movable support. 6. The apparatus of any of points 1-5, wherein the upper portion of the assembly comprises a stop at each end. 7. The apparatus of any of points 1-6, in 10 where the length of the assembly in the transport direction corresponds to a maximum extension distance of the guide rail in the direction transverse to the transport direction. 8. The apparatus of any of points 1-7, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are arranged in different vertical planes. 9. The apparatus at any of points 1-8, where the upper portion is closer to the transport route than the lower portion. 10. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail for guiding one or more transport items along a conveyor that has a transport route in a transport direction, comprising: a plurality of assemblies for mounting on the conveyor, each assembly including a support rail; and a pair of movable supports mounted on each support rail of the plurality of assemblies to support and adjust a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the direction of transport. 11. The apparatus of point 10, wherein each assembly comprises an upper portion that forms the support rail and a vertical portion adapted to connect to the conveyor. 12. The apparatus of point 10 or point 11, wherein the upper portion of the assembly comprises a stop at each end. 13. The apparatus of any of points 10-12, wherein the length of the assembly in the transport direction corresponds to a maximum extension distance of the guide rail in the direction transverse to the transport direction. 14. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail for guiding one or more transported items in a transport direction along the entire transport route of a conveyor, comprising: an assembly including a support rail having an upper portion with opposite end portions and an inner portion hanging from the upper portion and adapted to be mounted on the conveyor; and a pair of movable supports mounted on the upper portion of the support rail to support and adjust the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction 25 transverse to the conveying direction, the pair of movable supports having a maximum separation at or near the opposite end portions of the upper portion corresponding to a position of the guide rail closest to the support rail and a minimum separation at or near the lower portion of the support rail. 15. The apparatus of point 14, wherein at least one of the opposite end portions of the upper portion includes a stop to prevent further movement of at least one of the pair of movable supports. 16. An apparatus for mounting on a conveyor, including a transport surface for conveying articles, comprising: a guide rail to guide items along the conveyor's transport surface; a plurality of pairs of adjusters for adjusting the position of the guide rail; and a support rail to support each pair of adjusters, the support rail including a hanging portion for connecting to the conveyor. 17- The apparatus of point 16, wherein the hanging portion includes one or more openings to receive one or more fasteners to secure the support rail to the conveyor. 18. The apparatus of point 16 or point 17, wherein each support rail comprises a stop for coupling with the qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi minus one of the adjusters supported thereon. 19. A conveyor that includes the apparatus of any of points 1-18. 20. A curved protractor that includes the apparatus of any 5 of points 1-18. 21. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail for guiding one or more articles transported along a conveyor that has a transport path in a transport direction, comprising: An assembly for mounting on the conveyor, the assembly includes a support rail having a first end portion including a first stop; and a pair of movable supports mounted on the support rail to support and adjust a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. 22. The apparatus of point 21, wherein the support rail includes a second end portion which includes a second stop. 23. The apparatus of point 21 or point 22, wherein the assembly comprises an upper portion, which extends in the transport direction, which forms the support rail, and a lower cross portion adapted to connect to the conveyor. 24. The apparatus of any of points 21-23, in qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi where the length of the assembly in the transport direction corresponds to a maximum extension distance of the guide rail in the direction transverse to the transport direction. 25. A conveyor that includes the apparatus of any 5 of points 21-24. 26. A curved protractor including the apparatus of any of points 21-24. 27. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail for guiding one or more transported articles along a conveyor having a transport path in a transport direction, comprising: An assembly for mounting on the conveyor, the assembly includes a support rail having a bent portion; and a pair of movable supports mounted on the bent portion of the support rail to support and adjust a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction. 28. The apparatus of point 27, wherein the folded portion 20 includes a first angled portion to receive a first movable support of the pair of movable supports and a second angled portion to receive a second movable support of the second movable support. 29. The apparatus of point 27 or of point 28, wherein 25 the folded portion includes a length in the direction of qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi transport less than the length of the conveyor. 30. The apparatus of any of points 27-29, wherein the bent portion is between an upper portion of the support rail supporting the pair of movable supports and an inner portion of the support rail adapted to connect to the conveyor. 31. The apparatus at any of points 27-30, where the protractor is curved, and the upper portion of the support rail is bent to correspond to the curved protractor 10. 32. An apparatus for guiding one or more transported articles along a curved conveyor having a transport path in one transport direction, comprising: an assembly for mounting on the conveyor, the assembly includes a support rail having a first portion having an elbow in the direction of transport corresponding to the curved conveyor and a second portion adapted to connect to the curved conveyor; and a guide rail supported by the support rail. 33. The apparatus of point 32, wherein the assembly further includes a third portion having an elbow to connect the first portion and the second portion. 34. The apparatus of point 32 or point 33, which further includes a pair of movable supports mounted on the first portion of the support rail to support and adjust a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the direction of transport. 35. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail to guide one or more transported articles in a transport direction along the entire transport route of a conveyor, comprising: an assembly for mounting on the conveyor, the assembly includes an upper portion comprising a support rail and a lower portion for attachment to the conveyor; and a pair of interconnected supports that can be repositioned along the support rail to support and adjust a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction, the lower portion of the assembly is located at least partially between the pair of interconnected supports. 36. A method for adjusting the position of a guide rail to guide one or more articles transported along a transport path that fills a transport path in a transport direction, comprising: Mount a support rail that includes a pair of movable supports to support the guide rail on the conveyor by means of a mount that extends transversely to the direction of transport. 37. The method of point 36, which also includes the step of fixing the position of at least one of the movable supports on the support rail. 38. The method of point 36 or point 37, further comprising manually moving a first movable support along a first support rail mounted on the conveyor, and further including the step of manually moving a second movable support along a second support rail mounted on the conveyor, each of the movable supports supporting the guide rail. Any element described here as singular may be pluralized (i.e., anything described as one may be more than one), and the plural elements may be used individually. The characteristics described for a single variation of an element, device, method, or combination thereof may be applied or used for other variations, e.g., dimensions, shapes, materials, or combinations thereof. The terms generally, substantially, about, or approximately are understood to mean as close to the corresponding condition as reasonably possible and typically do not vary by more than 10%, unless circumstances otherwise indicate. Any species element of a genus element may have the characteristics or elements of any other species element of this genus. The term comprising is not intended to be limiting.The configurations, elements or complete assemblies described above and the methods and their elements for carrying out the invention, and the 5 variations of aspects of the invention, can be modified and combined with each other in any combination. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

5 1. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail for guiding one or more articles transported in a transport direction along a conveyor conveyor path, characterized in that it comprises: an assembly for mounting on the conveyor, the assembly comprising a support plate including an upper portion forming an elongated support rail in the transport direction connected to a lower portion extending transversely to the transport direction and adapted for connection to the conveyor; and a pair of movable supports slidably mounted on the upper portion of the support plate forming the support rail for supporting and adjusting a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction. 20 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper portion has a length in the transport direction less than the length of the conveyor.

3. The apparatus according to claim 25 1, characterized in that the upper portion is generally horizontal and the lower portion is generally vertical.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor is curved, and the upper portion is bent to correspond to the curvature of the 5 conveyor.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper portion includes a first angled portion to receive a first movable support of the pair of movable supports and a second angled portion to receive a second movable support of the second movable support.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper portion of the assembly comprises a stop at each end.

7. The apparatus according to claim 15 1, characterized in that the length of the assembly in the transport direction corresponds to a maximum extension distance of the guide rail in the direction transverse to the transport direction.

8. The apparatus according to claim 20 1, characterized in that the upper portion and the lower portion are arranged in different vertical planes.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper portion is closer to the transport route than the lower portion. 25 10. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail for guiding one or more transported articles along a conveyor having a transport path in a transport direction, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of assemblies for mounting on the conveyor, each assembly comprising a support plate including an upper portion forming an elongated support rail in the transport direction connected to a lower portion extending transversely to the transport direction and adapted for connection to the conveyor; and a pair of movable supports slidably mounted on the upper portion of each support rail of the plurality of assemblies for supporting and adjusting a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that each assembly comprises a horizontal upper portion forming the support rail and a vertical portion adapted to connect to the conveyor.

12. The apparatus according to claim 20 11, caraoLerlzade because the upper portion of the assembly comprises a stop at each end.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the length of the assembly in the transport direction corresponds to a distance of qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi maximum extension of the guide rail in the direction transverse to the transport direction.

14. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail for guiding one or more items carried in a transport direction along the entire transport route of a conveyor, characterized in that it comprises: an assembly that includes a support rail having an upper portion with opposite end portions and a lower portion that hangs from the upper portion and is adapted to be mounted on the conveyor; and a pair of movable supports slidably mounted on the upper portion of the support rail for supporting and adjusting the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction, the pair of movable supports having a maximum separation at or near the opposite end portions of the upper portion corresponding to a position of the guide rail closest to the support rail and a minimum separation at or near the lower portion of the support rail.

15. The apparatus according to claim 20 14, characterized in that at least one of the opposite end portions of the upper portion includes a stop to prevent further movement of at least one of the pair of movable supports.

16. An apparatus for mounting on a conveyor that includes a transport surface for conveying articles, characterized in that it comprises: a guide rail for guiding articles along the conveyor's transport surface; a plurality of pairs of supports for supporting the guide rail; and a support rail for supporting each pair of supports for sliding motion, the support rail comprising a support plate including an upper portion for supporting a pair of supports connected to a hanging portion for connection to the conveyor.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the hanging portion includes one or more openings for receiving one or more fasteners for securing the support rail to the conveyor. 15 18. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that each support rail comprises a stop for coupling and for limiting the movement of at least one of the supports supported thereon.

19. A conveyor, characterized in that it includes 20 the apparatus in accordance with any of claims 1-18.

20. A curved conveyor, characterized in that it includes the apparatus in accordance with any of claims 1-18.

21. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail for guiding one or more articles transported along a conveyor having a transport path in a transport direction, characterized in that it comprises: an assembly for mounting on the conveyor, the assembly including a support rail having a first end portion including a first stop; and a pair of movable supports slidably mounted on the support rail for supporting and adjusting a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction, the first stop engaging with one of the pair of movable supports to limit the movement thereof.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the support rail includes a second end portion which includes a second stop.

23. The apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the assembly comprises an upper portion, extending in the transport direction, forming the support rail and a lower transverse portion 20 adapted to connect to the conveyor.

24. The apparatus according to any of claims 21-23, characterized in that the length of the assembly in the transport direction corresponds to a maximum extension distance of the guide rail in direction 25 transverse to the transport direction. qc Lznn / eznz / E / YiAi 25. A conveyor, characterized in that it includes the apparatus in accordance with any of claims 21-24.

26. A curved conveyor, characterized in that 5 includes the apparatus in accordance with any of claims 21-24.

27. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail for guiding one or more articles transported along a conveyor having a transport path in a transport direction 10, characterized in that it comprises: an assembly for mounting on the conveyor, the assembly including a support rail having a bent portion; and a pair of movable supports slidably mounted 15 on the bent portion of the support rail for supporting and adjusting a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction.

28. The apparatus according to claim 20 27, characterized in that the bent portion includes a first angled portion to receive a first movable support of the pair of movable supports and a second angled portion to receive a second movable support of the second movable support.

29. The apparatus according to claim 25 27, characterized in that the folded portion includes a length in the transport direction less than the length of the conveyor.

30. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that the bent portion is between an upper portion of the support rail that supports the pair of movable supports and a lower portion of the support rail adapted to connect to the conveyor.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that the conveyor is curved, and the upper portion of the support rail is bent to correspond to the curved conveyor.

32. An apparatus for guiding one or more articles transported along a curved conveyor having a transport path in a transport direction, characterized in that it comprises: an assembly for mounting on the conveyor, the assembly including a support rail having a first portion having an elbow in the transport direction corresponding to the curved conveyor and a second portion adapted for connection to the curved conveyor; a guide rail supported by the support rail; and a pair of movable supports slidably mounted on the first portion of the support rail for supporting and adjusting a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that the assembly further includes a third portion having an elbow for connecting the first portion and the second portion.

34. The apparatus according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that it further includes a pair of movable supports slidably mounted on the first portion of the support rail to support and adjust a position of the guide rail 10 with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction.

35. An apparatus for supporting a guide rail for guiding one or more transported items in a transport direction along the entire transport path of a conveyor, characterized in that it comprises: a mounting for mounting on the conveyor, the mounting comprising a support plate including an upper portion comprising a support rail and a lower portion for fixing to the conveyor; and a pair of interconnected supports that can be repositioned along the support rail to support and adjust a position of the guide rail with respect to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the transport direction, the lower portion of the mounting being located at least partially between the pair of interconnected supports.

36. A method for adjusting a guide rail position to guide one or more transported items along a conveyor that follows a transport path in a transport direction, characterized in that it comprises: 5 mounting a support rail that includes a pair of sliding movable supports to support the guide rail on the conveyor by means of a mounting that comprises a support plate that includes an upper portion forming the support rail and a lower portion that extends transversely to the transport direction.

37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that it further includes the step of fixing the position of at least one of the movable supports on the support rail. 15 38. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that it further comprises manually moving a first movable support of the pair of movable supports along a first support rail mounted on the conveyor, and further includes the step of manually moving a second movable support of a second pair of movable supports along a second support rail mounted on the conveyor.

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