This disclosure relates to reciprocating floor slat conveyors.
Reciprocating floor slat conveyors are well-known. They consist of a series of side-by-side floor slats that are all moved in one direction at the same time. This moves or conveys a load that rests on the floor slats. Then, a lesser number of floor slats are moved in the opposite direction, sliding underneath the load. This is commonly done in sets of three, or in other words, one third of the slats are moved in the opposite direction, in sequence, until all are returned to their initial position. Moving a lesser number of slats during the return sufficiently reduces friction between the slats and the load above, such that the load holds its position during the return. Then, the slats are moved again, all at the same time, to further carry the load, and so forth, with the sequence just described being repeated until the load is moved off the reciprocating floor slat conveyor. Systems of this kind are often installed in trailers for hauling and unloading bulk materials, although there are also many other kinds of applications, including stationary applications.
The reciprocating floor slats are commonly made from extruded aluminum. However, there is a need and market for steel floor slats in lieu of using aluminum. Steel floor slats create different design issues relative to aluminum slats. The design disclosed here was created to address the elongated, lengthwise space or “gap” between formed steel floor slats after they are installed in a reciprocating floor slat system.
The design disclosed here is intended to be used in a reciprocating floor slat conveyor system that has a plurality of reciprocating floor slats formed of steel, which is different from conventional aluminum floor slat configurations. The steel slat has a top surface upon which a load rests, opposite sides, and opposite lower edges that are angled downwardly and inwardly.
A narrow space is present between side-by-side slats in the conveyor system. A steel wiper member closes the narrow space. The wiper member comprises a strip of steel having one portion that is attached to one of the slat's lower edges. Another portion of the steel strip spans the space and has an edge that contacts an adjacent slat, thus closing the space.
The accompanying drawings of this disclosure are described below as follows:
Referring now to the drawings, and first to
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As illustrated in
In accordance with the design disclosed here, a steel wiper (indicated generally at 24 in
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The foregoing is not intended to place limits on patent protection. Patent protection is limited by the patent claim or claims, the interpretation of which is to be made in accordance with established doctrines of patent claim interpretation.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62925901 | Oct 2019 | US |