CA2116151A1 - Reciprocating floor construction - Google Patents
Reciprocating floor constructionInfo
- Publication number
- CA2116151A1 CA2116151A1 CA 2116151 CA2116151A CA2116151A1 CA 2116151 A1 CA2116151 A1 CA 2116151A1 CA 2116151 CA2116151 CA 2116151 CA 2116151 A CA2116151 A CA 2116151A CA 2116151 A1 CA2116151 A1 CA 2116151A1
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- Prior art keywords
- base section
- construction
- unitary
- flange
- central
- Prior art date
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
A reciprocating floor construction comprises a plurality of base sections, each of the base sections having a bottom with an interior, a central rib on the bottom interior, and a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to the bottom. Bearings are located on the central rib and on the sides of each of the base sections. The reciprocating floor construction also includes a plurality of slats, with two of the slats located on each of the base sections. Each of the slats has a load bearing portion with an interior and pair of bearing guide channels on the interior.
One of the bearing guide channels of each slat contains the bearing on the base section central rib and the other bearing guide channel of the flat contains the bearing on one of the sides of the base section.
A reciprocating floor construction comprises a plurality of base sections, each of the base sections having a bottom with an interior, a central rib on the bottom interior, and a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to the bottom. Bearings are located on the central rib and on the sides of each of the base sections. The reciprocating floor construction also includes a plurality of slats, with two of the slats located on each of the base sections. Each of the slats has a load bearing portion with an interior and pair of bearing guide channels on the interior.
One of the bearing guide channels of each slat contains the bearing on the base section central rib and the other bearing guide channel of the flat contains the bearing on one of the sides of the base section.
Description
21 161 j l Thi6 application i8 a continuation-in-part of United States Patent Application Serial No. 07/g44,697, filet September 14, 1992, entitled LIQUID-TIGHT RECIPROCATING FLOOR CONSTRUCTION, which is a divisional of United States Patent Application 07/749,522 filed August 26, 1991, entitled LIQUID-TIGHT
RECIPROCATING FLOOR CONSTRUCTION, and now issued as United States Patent No. 5,165,525.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to 61at-type conveyors for movement of a load. More particularly, the present invention preferably pertain6 to a liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction for load movement.
Conveyors having interleaved slat6 in general are di6closed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,534,875; 4,143,760; and 4,856,645 all issued to Hall6trom; and U.S. Patent No. 4,611,708 i6sued to Foster. U.S. Patent Nos. 3,534,875 disclo6es a slat conveyor having three group6 of 61at6, two of which move 6imultaneously in a load-conveying direction, while at the same time, the third group moves in the opposite direction. In U.S. Patent Nos.
4,143,760 and 4,611,708, three groups of slat6 all move simultaneously in a first load conveying direction and then each individual group moves sequentially in the opposite direction.
U.S. Patent No. 4,856,645 teaches a slat conveyo~ having a group G~JtlJ\611-12YJ~.Olo 2/19/93 211~
of non-moving "dead" ~lAt~ spnced between two group~ of elnt~
that move simultaneously in a load conveying fir~t direction and sequentially in an opposite direction. All of the above sl~t conveyors suffer from leakage of liquid containing loads through the spacings between the individual slats and through the supporting floor. This leakage is extremely undesirable when toxic waste such as pesticides, paints, and other chemicals, or garbage is being conveyed. As will be readily apparent below, the liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction of the present invention can be employed with any of the slat reciprocation sequences of the above patents.
U.S. Patent No. 4,157,761 discloses a discharge mechanism for discharging particulate loads that includes first and second stoker rods each having a plurality of cross bar6. A fixed floor angle is located between each of the cross bars. The first and 6econd 6toker rods reciprocate lengthwise, rapid~y, and, at the same time but out of phase. Again, the above patent does not disclo~e a liguid-tight floor cGn6truction, and thu~ ~uffer~ from liquid leakage.
U.S. Patent Nos. 4,492,303; 4,679,686; 4,749,075; and 4,785,929 all is6ued to Foster di6close various components for reciprocating floor conveyor6 including hold-down members, - bearing sy6tem6, and drive/guide systems. However, none of the above references teach a reciprocating floor construction that is 25 liquid-tight. ~-Ol\JllJ\611-12PA.~lo ~/19/93 2 211ti1 .'.~. , A need thus exists for a reciproc~ting floor con~truction comprised of a plurality of 61ats slidable on a plurality of ~tationary liquid-tight bases. The unitary construction of the bases prevents liquid that leaks through the point~ of contact of each filat and each base from reaching the floor supporting the bases.
The need also exists for the above liquid-tight reciprocatinq floor construction in which a plurality of bearings cause reciprocation of each slat on each base without compromising the integrity of the base. A need also exists for the above type of liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction in which the base can be fixedly attached to a floor member without causing liquid leakage by compromising the unitary construction of the base.
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a reciprocating floor construction for movement of a load, and includes a plurality of 61ats slidable on a plurality of stationary preferably liquid-tight bases, with each base 6upporting an individual sla~. The preferably unitary construction of the bases prevents liquid that leaks through the points of contact of each slat and each base from reaching the floor 6upporting the bases.
The bases are interconnected, preferably by either mating flanges or a tongue-in-groove configuration on each base. Seals adjacent the mating flanges or the tongue-in-groove configuration e~J~lJ\CI~-12Pl~.Olc 2~19/93 3 2li61~ l ' prevent liquid from leaking through these points of attachment to the supporting floor.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mating flanges or tongue-in-groove configurations are located or~
the side of each base, and the seals are located between the mating flanges or tongue-in-groove configuration.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the side of each base has a top portion, and the seal is located in a channel formed in each top portion.
In another alternate embodiment of the present invention the side of each base has an outer beveled edge that forms a channel when fitted against the outer beveled edge of another base. The seal is located in the channel so formed. ~
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each -lS base is fastened to a flanged floor cross-member by a bolt ~ ~ -through the flange of the floor cross-member. The head of the bolt holds a lip on the exterior part of the side of the base against the flange of the floor cross-member. A nut on the bolt braces the bolt against the flange. The above configuration 20 allows attachment of the base to the floor cross-member without -causing liquid leakage by compromising the unitary construction of the base.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each -~
slat reciprocates relative to each base on three groups of --bearing6. A side bearing i8 located between each side of the ~lat and each side of the base. The slat and base sides are G~\JI~J\611-12P~.OIC ~/19~93 4 ~
21161~
shaped to receive these bearings. Additionally, a central bearing is located between longitudinal bearing eupport guides on the interior of the load bearing portion of the slat. This central bearing is also supported by a central rib longitudinally bisecting the base. In an alternate embodiment, two slats are located on each base and bearings are secured on the base sides and the base central rib by a pair of bearing guide channels on the interior of the load bearing portions of each slat. The central bearing is preferably cubstantially u-shaped and each of the side bearings have grooves which allow relative inward movement of the exterior sides of the side bearings such that each side bearing can be fitted into a bearing seat on the top of the base side.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ~:
These and other features of the invention will be more fully appreciated when considered in light of the following specification and drawings in which:
FIG. 1 i~ a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of a typical embodiment of the liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an end view of a first embodiment of the present invention of FIG. l;
FIG. 3 is an end view of a fragmentary portion of a second embodiment of the present invention;
G~\Jt~J\61~-12Pa.Olc 2/19/93 5 211t~1r~
FIG. 4 i~ a side view of the fragmentary portion of the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 i~ an end view of a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an end view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an end view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 8 is an end view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT ~ -The present invention is a reciprocating floor construction, -preferably liquid-tight, for movement of loads by 6equential 61at -~
movement with respect to base portions. Slat reciprocation iB .
accomplished by motor, gearing, and linkage means known in the art, and any one of numerous slat movement sequences also known in the art can be employed. Specific reference i8 ~ade to the patents described above for examples of slat drive means and 61at reciprocation eequences.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction 2 includes slat 4 61idably mounted on base 6. Side bearing~ 8 and central bearing 10, all preferably being substantially U-shaped, allow sliding reciprocation of 61at 4 relative to base 6. Central bearing 10 is braced between central bearing guides 12 on the interior portion of the top of slat 4 Gl\J~J~611-12PA.Olc 2/19/93 6 '~
and central rib 14 which longitudinally bi~ects ba~e 6. Each side bearing 8 is held between a side 16 of slat 4 and a ~ide 18 of base 6. Side 18 of ba6e 6 ha6 a sloped face 20 which facilitates attachment of side bearing 8. Side bearing 8 includes a lip 22 that engages side 18 of base 4 below sloped face 20. Side 16 of slat 4 includes a longitudinal groove 24 adapted to mesh with foot 26 located at the end of side bearing 8. Thus, side bearing 8 secures slat 4 to base 6 while allowing slat 4 to reciprocate relative to base 6.
The orientation of ~lat 4 on base 6 defines a chamber 28.
Liquid from a liquid-containing load which collect6 on the top surface of slat 4 may leak into chamber 28 through the points of contact of sides 16 of slat 4 and 6ide bearings 8. It is important to note, however, that, due to the preferably unitary construction of base 6, any liquid located in chamber 28 cannot pass through base 6 and contact floor member 30. Thus, liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction 2 prevents liquid in chamber 28 or on 61at 4 from exiting liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction 2 and contaminating the external environment.
It should be noted that the term ~unitaryU employed to define the construction of base 6 means that base 6 lacks any openings or orifices which communicate with floor member 30.
Base 6 can be fixedly attached to other bases 6~ and 6'' by a tongue-in-groove attachment con~truction. In this manner, numerous bases 6 are employed to gupport numerous slat6 4. In this tongue-in-groove construction, the side 18 of base 6 that is Gl \J~J~611-12Pa. t~lc 2/19/93 21 161~1 ' adjacent base 6~ has A groove 32 therein. ~ase 6' has a tongue 34 in its side that i5 oriented to mate with groove 32. On ~ide 18 of base 6 that i6 adjacent base 6~ i~ another tongue 34.
Another groove 32 is located on the side of base 6'' at an orientation to mate with the tongue 34 on side 18 of base 6. In this manner, base 6 can be attached to base 6' and base 6''.
In order to ensure that liquid in chamber 28 does not exit base 6 at the points of contact of base 6 with base 6' and base 6~, seal 36 is employed. Seal 36 i6 preferably comprised of an elastomeric or a semi-elastomeric polymer composition known in the art. Seal 36 is preferably located between each tongue 34 and groove 32 of the tongue-in-groove constructions connecting base 6 with base 6' and base 6''. However, seal 36 can also be located in a channel 38 located in the top of side 18 of base 6.
Alternatively, channel 38, containing seal 36, can be located in the top of the side of base 6~ andtor base 6~. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, two channels 38 containing two seal6 36 can be formed by beveling the outer edges of each 6ide 18 of base 6 and the outer edges of the sides of base 6' and 6''. In this manner, two V-6haped channel6 38 having 6eals 36 therein are formed.
For bases located adjacent a side wall 40 such as base 6~', 6eals or welds 42 are employed to prevent liquid leakage onto floor member 30. In the present embodiment of the invention as 6hown in FIGS. 1 and 2, slat 4, base 6 and floor member 30 are all preferably comprised of aluminum or alloys thereof. Thus C:\JllJ\611-12PJ~.Olc 2/19/93 8 21161Sl base 6 is preferably attached to floor member 30 (which i~
preferably an I-beam) by welding. Prior to welding, channel lockfi are employed to compress seal 36 when it is located between groove 32 and tongue 34 in order to ensure a liquid-tight attachment of base 6 with base 6' and with base 6''.
Referring now to FIGS . 3 and 4, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in which slat 4 and base 6 are ~referably comprised of aluminum or its alloys, and floor member 30 (which is preferably an I-beam) is preferably comprised of steel or the like. Due to the difficulties associated with welding aluminum and steel, this embodiment of the present invention contemplates mechanical attachment of base 6 to floor member 30. It is to be noted that reference numerals in FIGS. 3 and 4 which are the 6ame as reference numerals in FIGS. 1 and 2 identify component6 common to the two embodiments.
In this 6econd embodiment, instead of a tongue-in-groove construction for the attachment of base 6 with additional bases, complementary shaped flanges on adjacent ba6e6 are employed.
Specifically, side 18 of base 6 includes flange 44 which is preferably æubstantially L-shaped having an arm 46 oriented substantially downwardly. Base 6~ has a complementary flange 48 having an arm 50 oriented substantially upwardly such that flange 44 and flange 48 mate. Note that each of the L-shaped flanges 44 and 48 thus have a seat 52 in which the arm of the complementary flange reside6. Seal 36 can be located in one or both of these seats 52 in order to ensure a liquid-tight connection.
G~J~IJ\611-12P.~.011: 2/19/93 9 '.' ~
i ~ r~ 3 ~ ~
RECIPROCATING FLOOR CONSTRUCTION, and now issued as United States Patent No. 5,165,525.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to 61at-type conveyors for movement of a load. More particularly, the present invention preferably pertain6 to a liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction for load movement.
Conveyors having interleaved slat6 in general are di6closed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,534,875; 4,143,760; and 4,856,645 all issued to Hall6trom; and U.S. Patent No. 4,611,708 i6sued to Foster. U.S. Patent Nos. 3,534,875 disclo6es a slat conveyor having three group6 of 61at6, two of which move 6imultaneously in a load-conveying direction, while at the same time, the third group moves in the opposite direction. In U.S. Patent Nos.
4,143,760 and 4,611,708, three groups of slat6 all move simultaneously in a first load conveying direction and then each individual group moves sequentially in the opposite direction.
U.S. Patent No. 4,856,645 teaches a slat conveyo~ having a group G~JtlJ\611-12YJ~.Olo 2/19/93 211~
of non-moving "dead" ~lAt~ spnced between two group~ of elnt~
that move simultaneously in a load conveying fir~t direction and sequentially in an opposite direction. All of the above sl~t conveyors suffer from leakage of liquid containing loads through the spacings between the individual slats and through the supporting floor. This leakage is extremely undesirable when toxic waste such as pesticides, paints, and other chemicals, or garbage is being conveyed. As will be readily apparent below, the liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction of the present invention can be employed with any of the slat reciprocation sequences of the above patents.
U.S. Patent No. 4,157,761 discloses a discharge mechanism for discharging particulate loads that includes first and second stoker rods each having a plurality of cross bar6. A fixed floor angle is located between each of the cross bars. The first and 6econd 6toker rods reciprocate lengthwise, rapid~y, and, at the same time but out of phase. Again, the above patent does not disclo~e a liguid-tight floor cGn6truction, and thu~ ~uffer~ from liquid leakage.
U.S. Patent Nos. 4,492,303; 4,679,686; 4,749,075; and 4,785,929 all is6ued to Foster di6close various components for reciprocating floor conveyor6 including hold-down members, - bearing sy6tem6, and drive/guide systems. However, none of the above references teach a reciprocating floor construction that is 25 liquid-tight. ~-Ol\JllJ\611-12PA.~lo ~/19/93 2 211ti1 .'.~. , A need thus exists for a reciproc~ting floor con~truction comprised of a plurality of 61ats slidable on a plurality of ~tationary liquid-tight bases. The unitary construction of the bases prevents liquid that leaks through the point~ of contact of each filat and each base from reaching the floor supporting the bases.
The need also exists for the above liquid-tight reciprocatinq floor construction in which a plurality of bearings cause reciprocation of each slat on each base without compromising the integrity of the base. A need also exists for the above type of liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction in which the base can be fixedly attached to a floor member without causing liquid leakage by compromising the unitary construction of the base.
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a reciprocating floor construction for movement of a load, and includes a plurality of 61ats slidable on a plurality of stationary preferably liquid-tight bases, with each base 6upporting an individual sla~. The preferably unitary construction of the bases prevents liquid that leaks through the points of contact of each slat and each base from reaching the floor 6upporting the bases.
The bases are interconnected, preferably by either mating flanges or a tongue-in-groove configuration on each base. Seals adjacent the mating flanges or the tongue-in-groove configuration e~J~lJ\CI~-12Pl~.Olc 2~19/93 3 2li61~ l ' prevent liquid from leaking through these points of attachment to the supporting floor.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mating flanges or tongue-in-groove configurations are located or~
the side of each base, and the seals are located between the mating flanges or tongue-in-groove configuration.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the side of each base has a top portion, and the seal is located in a channel formed in each top portion.
In another alternate embodiment of the present invention the side of each base has an outer beveled edge that forms a channel when fitted against the outer beveled edge of another base. The seal is located in the channel so formed. ~
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each -lS base is fastened to a flanged floor cross-member by a bolt ~ ~ -through the flange of the floor cross-member. The head of the bolt holds a lip on the exterior part of the side of the base against the flange of the floor cross-member. A nut on the bolt braces the bolt against the flange. The above configuration 20 allows attachment of the base to the floor cross-member without -causing liquid leakage by compromising the unitary construction of the base.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each -~
slat reciprocates relative to each base on three groups of --bearing6. A side bearing i8 located between each side of the ~lat and each side of the base. The slat and base sides are G~\JI~J\611-12P~.OIC ~/19~93 4 ~
21161~
shaped to receive these bearings. Additionally, a central bearing is located between longitudinal bearing eupport guides on the interior of the load bearing portion of the slat. This central bearing is also supported by a central rib longitudinally bisecting the base. In an alternate embodiment, two slats are located on each base and bearings are secured on the base sides and the base central rib by a pair of bearing guide channels on the interior of the load bearing portions of each slat. The central bearing is preferably cubstantially u-shaped and each of the side bearings have grooves which allow relative inward movement of the exterior sides of the side bearings such that each side bearing can be fitted into a bearing seat on the top of the base side.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ~:
These and other features of the invention will be more fully appreciated when considered in light of the following specification and drawings in which:
FIG. 1 i~ a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of a typical embodiment of the liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an end view of a first embodiment of the present invention of FIG. l;
FIG. 3 is an end view of a fragmentary portion of a second embodiment of the present invention;
G~\Jt~J\61~-12Pa.Olc 2/19/93 5 211t~1r~
FIG. 4 i~ a side view of the fragmentary portion of the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 i~ an end view of a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an end view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an end view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 8 is an end view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT ~ -The present invention is a reciprocating floor construction, -preferably liquid-tight, for movement of loads by 6equential 61at -~
movement with respect to base portions. Slat reciprocation iB .
accomplished by motor, gearing, and linkage means known in the art, and any one of numerous slat movement sequences also known in the art can be employed. Specific reference i8 ~ade to the patents described above for examples of slat drive means and 61at reciprocation eequences.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction 2 includes slat 4 61idably mounted on base 6. Side bearing~ 8 and central bearing 10, all preferably being substantially U-shaped, allow sliding reciprocation of 61at 4 relative to base 6. Central bearing 10 is braced between central bearing guides 12 on the interior portion of the top of slat 4 Gl\J~J~611-12PA.Olc 2/19/93 6 '~
and central rib 14 which longitudinally bi~ects ba~e 6. Each side bearing 8 is held between a side 16 of slat 4 and a ~ide 18 of base 6. Side 18 of ba6e 6 ha6 a sloped face 20 which facilitates attachment of side bearing 8. Side bearing 8 includes a lip 22 that engages side 18 of base 4 below sloped face 20. Side 16 of slat 4 includes a longitudinal groove 24 adapted to mesh with foot 26 located at the end of side bearing 8. Thus, side bearing 8 secures slat 4 to base 6 while allowing slat 4 to reciprocate relative to base 6.
The orientation of ~lat 4 on base 6 defines a chamber 28.
Liquid from a liquid-containing load which collect6 on the top surface of slat 4 may leak into chamber 28 through the points of contact of sides 16 of slat 4 and 6ide bearings 8. It is important to note, however, that, due to the preferably unitary construction of base 6, any liquid located in chamber 28 cannot pass through base 6 and contact floor member 30. Thus, liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction 2 prevents liquid in chamber 28 or on 61at 4 from exiting liquid-tight reciprocating floor construction 2 and contaminating the external environment.
It should be noted that the term ~unitaryU employed to define the construction of base 6 means that base 6 lacks any openings or orifices which communicate with floor member 30.
Base 6 can be fixedly attached to other bases 6~ and 6'' by a tongue-in-groove attachment con~truction. In this manner, numerous bases 6 are employed to gupport numerous slat6 4. In this tongue-in-groove construction, the side 18 of base 6 that is Gl \J~J~611-12Pa. t~lc 2/19/93 21 161~1 ' adjacent base 6~ has A groove 32 therein. ~ase 6' has a tongue 34 in its side that i5 oriented to mate with groove 32. On ~ide 18 of base 6 that i6 adjacent base 6~ i~ another tongue 34.
Another groove 32 is located on the side of base 6'' at an orientation to mate with the tongue 34 on side 18 of base 6. In this manner, base 6 can be attached to base 6' and base 6''.
In order to ensure that liquid in chamber 28 does not exit base 6 at the points of contact of base 6 with base 6' and base 6~, seal 36 is employed. Seal 36 i6 preferably comprised of an elastomeric or a semi-elastomeric polymer composition known in the art. Seal 36 is preferably located between each tongue 34 and groove 32 of the tongue-in-groove constructions connecting base 6 with base 6' and base 6''. However, seal 36 can also be located in a channel 38 located in the top of side 18 of base 6.
Alternatively, channel 38, containing seal 36, can be located in the top of the side of base 6~ andtor base 6~. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, two channels 38 containing two seal6 36 can be formed by beveling the outer edges of each 6ide 18 of base 6 and the outer edges of the sides of base 6' and 6''. In this manner, two V-6haped channel6 38 having 6eals 36 therein are formed.
For bases located adjacent a side wall 40 such as base 6~', 6eals or welds 42 are employed to prevent liquid leakage onto floor member 30. In the present embodiment of the invention as 6hown in FIGS. 1 and 2, slat 4, base 6 and floor member 30 are all preferably comprised of aluminum or alloys thereof. Thus C:\JllJ\611-12PJ~.Olc 2/19/93 8 21161Sl base 6 is preferably attached to floor member 30 (which i~
preferably an I-beam) by welding. Prior to welding, channel lockfi are employed to compress seal 36 when it is located between groove 32 and tongue 34 in order to ensure a liquid-tight attachment of base 6 with base 6' and with base 6''.
Referring now to FIGS . 3 and 4, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in which slat 4 and base 6 are ~referably comprised of aluminum or its alloys, and floor member 30 (which is preferably an I-beam) is preferably comprised of steel or the like. Due to the difficulties associated with welding aluminum and steel, this embodiment of the present invention contemplates mechanical attachment of base 6 to floor member 30. It is to be noted that reference numerals in FIGS. 3 and 4 which are the 6ame as reference numerals in FIGS. 1 and 2 identify component6 common to the two embodiments.
In this 6econd embodiment, instead of a tongue-in-groove construction for the attachment of base 6 with additional bases, complementary shaped flanges on adjacent ba6e6 are employed.
Specifically, side 18 of base 6 includes flange 44 which is preferably æubstantially L-shaped having an arm 46 oriented substantially downwardly. Base 6~ has a complementary flange 48 having an arm 50 oriented substantially upwardly such that flange 44 and flange 48 mate. Note that each of the L-shaped flanges 44 and 48 thus have a seat 52 in which the arm of the complementary flange reside6. Seal 36 can be located in one or both of these seats 52 in order to ensure a liquid-tight connection.
G~J~IJ\611-12P.~.011: 2/19/93 9 '.' ~
i ~ r~ 3 ~ ~
2 1 1 ~
LipB 54 on base 6 and ba~e 6'~ Are located adjacent the points of contact of base 6~ and 6~ with rib or flange 56 of the preferably I-beam shaped floor member 30. Bolt 58 is sdapted to pass adjacent to rib 56 and brace lips 54 against rib 56 of floor member 30. Retainer 60 pas6es over bolt 58 and braces the underside of rib 56. Nut 62 is threadedly secured to bolt 58 and, when tightened, urges retainer 60 against flange 56 and tightens the contact between the head of bolt 58 and lips 54 such that base 6 and base 6'' are securely attached to rib 5Ç of floor member 30 and flange 44 and flange 48 compress seal 36 to ensure a liquid-tight connection. It is to be noted that the above attachment of base 6 and base 6~ to rib 56 of floor member 30 is accomplished without compromising the integrity of the unitary construction of base 6 (and base '') in chamber 28 or of floor member 30 thus reducing the likelihood of liquid leakage.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, third and fourth embodiments of the present invention are shown, respectively. The third embodiment of FIG. 5 employs the tongue-in-groove construction (tongue 34 and groove 32) of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 for connecting base 6 with additional bases. The fourth embodiment of FIG. 6 employs the interconnecting flange construction (flange 44 and flange 48) of the second embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 for connecting base 6 with additional bases. It is to be noted that the reference numerals in FIGS. 5 and 6 which are the same as reference numerals in FIGS. 1 through 4 identify common elements.
Gt\JilJ~611-12PA.OlC 2/19/93 10 2 1 1 (~
Both FIG. 5 ~nd FIG. 6 disclo~e embodiments which allow modular construction of a slnt 4 and a base 6 by the manufscturer to form a discrete pre-assembled unit prior to acqui~ition by the ultimate user. Thus, the user can more conveniently assemble liquid-tight floor construction 2 merely by connecting the desired number of these pre-assembled modular units comprised of slat 4 and base 6. Connection by the user is preferably either by the tongue-in-groove construction shown in FIG. 5 and described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, or by the interconnecting flange construction shown in FIG. 6 and described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4.
In contrast, the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the second embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 are not comprised of modular units of a slat 2 and a base 4 pre-assemblable by the manufacturer. In the first two embodiments, the ultimate user has to first interconnect all of the bases 6, 6', 6", etc., then position all of the required side bearings 8 and central bearings 10, and finally attach all of the slats 4. The above assembly requires the implementation of jigs by the user, and forces the user to undertake additio~al assembly steps.
The modular unit configuration of liquid-tight floor construction 2 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is mainly due to the use of two separate planar ~ide bearings 64a and 64b in place of the single u-shaped 6ide bearing 8 shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. These side bearings 64a and 64b are preferably comprised of a high density .
G~\J~J\6~-12~A.Olo 2/19t93 1 1 .
21161~ l ' plastic composition known in the art, as i~ side bearing 8 of FIGS. 1 through 4.
~ nlike side bearing 8 of FIGS. 1 through 4, which snap~ onto side 18 of base 6 and guides the reciprocation of slat 4 relative to base 6 by meshing of foot 26 of side bearing 8 in longitudinal groove 24 of slat 4, side bearings 64a and 64b of FIGS. 5 and 6 do not guide reciprocation of slat 4 on base 6. Instead, rib 66 on side 16 of slat 4 holds side 18 of base 6 and bearing 64a (or 64b) in channel 68 on side 16 of slat 4 to guide reciprocation of slat 4 relative to base 6.
~ o assemble each modular unit comprised of a base 6 and a slat 4, the 6ide bearings 64a, for example, are placed on side 16 of base 6 and central bearing 10 is placed on central rib 14.
Next, slat 4 is slidably mounted over 6ide bearings 64a and central bearing 10 on base 6 such that side 18 of base 6 is held in channel 68 on side 16 of slat 4 by rib 66. The above modular unit can then be supplied to the ultimate uses in the above pre- -assembled configuration. To assemble a liguid-tight floor construction 2 of a desired size, the user then connects the required number of the above pre-assembled modular units by either the above described tongue-in-groove construction or the interconnecting flange construction.
Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8 the fifth and 6ixth embodiments of the present invention are shown. As in FIGS. 5 and 6, the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8 disclose embodiments which allow modular construction of a slat 4 and a base 6 by the GI~JllJ\611,12P~.Olc ~/19/93 12 ` ,: .
'1.1~1~1 manufacturer to form a discreet prea~embled unit prior to acqui~3ition by the ultimate user. Thu~, the user can more conveniently assemble the liquid-tight floor construction merely by connecting the desired number of the~e pre-a~embled modular S units comprised of slat 4 and base 6. Connection by the user is preferably by either the interconnecting flange construction of FIG. 7 also previously shown in FIG. 6 and described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4, or by the tongue and groove construction of FIG. 8 previously shown in FIG. 5 and described in conjunction with FIGS. l and 2. The modular unit configuration of liquid-tight floor construction 2 of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 7 and the sixth embodiment of FIG. 8, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, is mainly due to the use of two separate planar side bearings 64a and 64b in place of the single ::
u-shaped side bearing 8 shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. It is to be noted that the reference numerals of FIGS. 7 and 8 which are the same reference numerals in FIGS. 1 through 6 identify elements in FIGS. 7 and 8 that are like elements in FIGS. 1 through 6.
~ow, more 6pecifically referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, two slats, 4a and 4b, are slidably mounted on base 6. Thus, in contrast to the above embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 6, the fifth and sixth embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 preferably discl~se a floor construction 2 which employs two slat6 per base instead of one slat per base. Each of slats 4a and 4b include a load bearing : 25 portion 70 having an interior 72. On interior 72 of load bearing portion 70 of 61ats 4a and 4b are ~lat sides 74 which are G~\J~ 61i-~2PA.Olt: 2/19~93 13 211~1Sl , preferably substantially perpendicular to load bearing portion 70. Fach side 74 includes a leg 76 which iB preferably 6ubstantially parallel with load bearing portion 70 of ~lats 4a and 4b. Thus, leg 76 and side 74, in part, form bearing guide channel 78. Each bearing guide channel 78 is adapted to hold either central bearing 10 or one of side bearings 64a or 64b.
Also comprising each bearing guide channel 78 is exterior edge 8Q, exterior edge 80 being located outwardly of side 74 and being a part of load bearing portion 70. The final element of bearing guide channel 78 is flange 82. Each flange 82 is attached to exterior edge 80 and is preferably substantially perpendicular to load bearing portion 70.
Now turning to base 6, base 6 includes central rib 14 and a pair of external sides 18. Each of external sides 18 includes a bearing 6eat 84 on the top of side 18. Bearing seat 84 preferably has sides 86 which are, more preferably, angled toward the interior of bearing seat 84. Immediately under bearing seat 84 of base 6ide 18 i6 lip 88, which i6 preferably configured to be oriented adjacent to leg 76 of 61at 6ide 74 such that reciprocation of 61at6 4a and 4b are guided on base 6.
Side bearings 64a and 64b preferably include body 90 and a pair of legs 92 spaced from body 90 by grooves 94. Each of legs ~ ;~
92 preferably have an exterior side 96 with an angle complementary to the angle of 6ides 86 of bearing seat 84. In order to fit side bearings 64a and 64b in bearing seat 84 of 6ides 18 of base 6, leg6 92 of bearings 64a and 64b can be bent G~JlL~\611-12P.~.Olo 2/19/93 14 21161~1 ~
toward bearing body 90 due to groove~ 94. The renilient quality of the high density plastic compo6ition of bearing~ 64a and 64b allow legs 92 to then return to their original configuration ~uch that exterior 6ides 96 of leg~ 92 are now abutting side~ 86 of bearing seat 84, with bearings 64a and 64b now fitted in one of bearing seats 84.
Referring now to central bearing 10, central bearing 10 preferably includes top groove 98 which is oriented such that two - .
adjacent flanges 82 from slat 4a and ~lat 4b fit into top groove 98 of central bearing 10. Central bearing 10 is preferably s~bstantially u-shaped with a pair of legs 100, each of legs 100 preferably having a lip 102 oriented 6ubstantially perpendicularly with respect to leg 100. Preferably, central rib 14 of base 6 is substantially t-shaped in cross-section such that 15 central bearing 10, being preferably comprised of a resilient ~ ~
high density plastic composition, fits over central bearing 14 : ~ -with lips 102 and legs 100 of central bearing 10 fitted on cross member 104 of central rib 14. Preferably, one of legs 76 of slat - ~:
side 74 i6 sdapted to be oriented adjacent lip 102 and leg 100 of .
central bearing 10 such that reciprocation of slat6 4a and 4b are guided on base 6 by the orientation of legs 76 of slat sides 74 with respect to lip 102 and leg 100 of central bearing 10, as - :
well as with respect to the orientation of flangec 82 of slat exterior edges 80 with respect to top groove 98 of bearing 10.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described in ~ome detail hereinabove, changes and G~\J~ 611-12PA.Olc 2/19/93 15 ~1161tr~l modifications may be made in the illustrMted embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention.
G~JllJ\611-12PJ~.Olo 2/19/93 16
LipB 54 on base 6 and ba~e 6'~ Are located adjacent the points of contact of base 6~ and 6~ with rib or flange 56 of the preferably I-beam shaped floor member 30. Bolt 58 is sdapted to pass adjacent to rib 56 and brace lips 54 against rib 56 of floor member 30. Retainer 60 pas6es over bolt 58 and braces the underside of rib 56. Nut 62 is threadedly secured to bolt 58 and, when tightened, urges retainer 60 against flange 56 and tightens the contact between the head of bolt 58 and lips 54 such that base 6 and base 6'' are securely attached to rib 5Ç of floor member 30 and flange 44 and flange 48 compress seal 36 to ensure a liquid-tight connection. It is to be noted that the above attachment of base 6 and base 6~ to rib 56 of floor member 30 is accomplished without compromising the integrity of the unitary construction of base 6 (and base '') in chamber 28 or of floor member 30 thus reducing the likelihood of liquid leakage.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, third and fourth embodiments of the present invention are shown, respectively. The third embodiment of FIG. 5 employs the tongue-in-groove construction (tongue 34 and groove 32) of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 for connecting base 6 with additional bases. The fourth embodiment of FIG. 6 employs the interconnecting flange construction (flange 44 and flange 48) of the second embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 for connecting base 6 with additional bases. It is to be noted that the reference numerals in FIGS. 5 and 6 which are the same as reference numerals in FIGS. 1 through 4 identify common elements.
Gt\JilJ~611-12PA.OlC 2/19/93 10 2 1 1 (~
Both FIG. 5 ~nd FIG. 6 disclo~e embodiments which allow modular construction of a slnt 4 and a base 6 by the manufscturer to form a discrete pre-assembled unit prior to acqui~ition by the ultimate user. Thus, the user can more conveniently assemble liquid-tight floor construction 2 merely by connecting the desired number of these pre-assembled modular units comprised of slat 4 and base 6. Connection by the user is preferably either by the tongue-in-groove construction shown in FIG. 5 and described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, or by the interconnecting flange construction shown in FIG. 6 and described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4.
In contrast, the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the second embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 are not comprised of modular units of a slat 2 and a base 4 pre-assemblable by the manufacturer. In the first two embodiments, the ultimate user has to first interconnect all of the bases 6, 6', 6", etc., then position all of the required side bearings 8 and central bearings 10, and finally attach all of the slats 4. The above assembly requires the implementation of jigs by the user, and forces the user to undertake additio~al assembly steps.
The modular unit configuration of liquid-tight floor construction 2 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is mainly due to the use of two separate planar ~ide bearings 64a and 64b in place of the single u-shaped 6ide bearing 8 shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. These side bearings 64a and 64b are preferably comprised of a high density .
G~\J~J\6~-12~A.Olo 2/19t93 1 1 .
21161~ l ' plastic composition known in the art, as i~ side bearing 8 of FIGS. 1 through 4.
~ nlike side bearing 8 of FIGS. 1 through 4, which snap~ onto side 18 of base 6 and guides the reciprocation of slat 4 relative to base 6 by meshing of foot 26 of side bearing 8 in longitudinal groove 24 of slat 4, side bearings 64a and 64b of FIGS. 5 and 6 do not guide reciprocation of slat 4 on base 6. Instead, rib 66 on side 16 of slat 4 holds side 18 of base 6 and bearing 64a (or 64b) in channel 68 on side 16 of slat 4 to guide reciprocation of slat 4 relative to base 6.
~ o assemble each modular unit comprised of a base 6 and a slat 4, the 6ide bearings 64a, for example, are placed on side 16 of base 6 and central bearing 10 is placed on central rib 14.
Next, slat 4 is slidably mounted over 6ide bearings 64a and central bearing 10 on base 6 such that side 18 of base 6 is held in channel 68 on side 16 of slat 4 by rib 66. The above modular unit can then be supplied to the ultimate uses in the above pre- -assembled configuration. To assemble a liguid-tight floor construction 2 of a desired size, the user then connects the required number of the above pre-assembled modular units by either the above described tongue-in-groove construction or the interconnecting flange construction.
Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8 the fifth and 6ixth embodiments of the present invention are shown. As in FIGS. 5 and 6, the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8 disclose embodiments which allow modular construction of a slat 4 and a base 6 by the GI~JllJ\611,12P~.Olc ~/19/93 12 ` ,: .
'1.1~1~1 manufacturer to form a discreet prea~embled unit prior to acqui~3ition by the ultimate user. Thu~, the user can more conveniently assemble the liquid-tight floor construction merely by connecting the desired number of the~e pre-a~embled modular S units comprised of slat 4 and base 6. Connection by the user is preferably by either the interconnecting flange construction of FIG. 7 also previously shown in FIG. 6 and described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4, or by the tongue and groove construction of FIG. 8 previously shown in FIG. 5 and described in conjunction with FIGS. l and 2. The modular unit configuration of liquid-tight floor construction 2 of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 7 and the sixth embodiment of FIG. 8, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, is mainly due to the use of two separate planar side bearings 64a and 64b in place of the single ::
u-shaped side bearing 8 shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. It is to be noted that the reference numerals of FIGS. 7 and 8 which are the same reference numerals in FIGS. 1 through 6 identify elements in FIGS. 7 and 8 that are like elements in FIGS. 1 through 6.
~ow, more 6pecifically referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, two slats, 4a and 4b, are slidably mounted on base 6. Thus, in contrast to the above embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 6, the fifth and sixth embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 preferably discl~se a floor construction 2 which employs two slat6 per base instead of one slat per base. Each of slats 4a and 4b include a load bearing : 25 portion 70 having an interior 72. On interior 72 of load bearing portion 70 of 61ats 4a and 4b are ~lat sides 74 which are G~\J~ 61i-~2PA.Olt: 2/19~93 13 211~1Sl , preferably substantially perpendicular to load bearing portion 70. Fach side 74 includes a leg 76 which iB preferably 6ubstantially parallel with load bearing portion 70 of ~lats 4a and 4b. Thus, leg 76 and side 74, in part, form bearing guide channel 78. Each bearing guide channel 78 is adapted to hold either central bearing 10 or one of side bearings 64a or 64b.
Also comprising each bearing guide channel 78 is exterior edge 8Q, exterior edge 80 being located outwardly of side 74 and being a part of load bearing portion 70. The final element of bearing guide channel 78 is flange 82. Each flange 82 is attached to exterior edge 80 and is preferably substantially perpendicular to load bearing portion 70.
Now turning to base 6, base 6 includes central rib 14 and a pair of external sides 18. Each of external sides 18 includes a bearing 6eat 84 on the top of side 18. Bearing seat 84 preferably has sides 86 which are, more preferably, angled toward the interior of bearing seat 84. Immediately under bearing seat 84 of base 6ide 18 i6 lip 88, which i6 preferably configured to be oriented adjacent to leg 76 of 61at 6ide 74 such that reciprocation of 61at6 4a and 4b are guided on base 6.
Side bearings 64a and 64b preferably include body 90 and a pair of legs 92 spaced from body 90 by grooves 94. Each of legs ~ ;~
92 preferably have an exterior side 96 with an angle complementary to the angle of 6ides 86 of bearing seat 84. In order to fit side bearings 64a and 64b in bearing seat 84 of 6ides 18 of base 6, leg6 92 of bearings 64a and 64b can be bent G~JlL~\611-12P.~.Olo 2/19/93 14 21161~1 ~
toward bearing body 90 due to groove~ 94. The renilient quality of the high density plastic compo6ition of bearing~ 64a and 64b allow legs 92 to then return to their original configuration ~uch that exterior 6ides 96 of leg~ 92 are now abutting side~ 86 of bearing seat 84, with bearings 64a and 64b now fitted in one of bearing seats 84.
Referring now to central bearing 10, central bearing 10 preferably includes top groove 98 which is oriented such that two - .
adjacent flanges 82 from slat 4a and ~lat 4b fit into top groove 98 of central bearing 10. Central bearing 10 is preferably s~bstantially u-shaped with a pair of legs 100, each of legs 100 preferably having a lip 102 oriented 6ubstantially perpendicularly with respect to leg 100. Preferably, central rib 14 of base 6 is substantially t-shaped in cross-section such that 15 central bearing 10, being preferably comprised of a resilient ~ ~
high density plastic composition, fits over central bearing 14 : ~ -with lips 102 and legs 100 of central bearing 10 fitted on cross member 104 of central rib 14. Preferably, one of legs 76 of slat - ~:
side 74 i6 sdapted to be oriented adjacent lip 102 and leg 100 of .
central bearing 10 such that reciprocation of slat6 4a and 4b are guided on base 6 by the orientation of legs 76 of slat sides 74 with respect to lip 102 and leg 100 of central bearing 10, as - :
well as with respect to the orientation of flangec 82 of slat exterior edges 80 with respect to top groove 98 of bearing 10.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described in ~ome detail hereinabove, changes and G~\J~ 611-12PA.Olc 2/19/93 15 ~1161tr~l modifications may be made in the illustrMted embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention.
G~JllJ\611-12PJ~.Olo 2/19/93 16
Claims (43)
1. A reciprocating floor construction comprising:
a plurality of base sections, each of said base sections having a bottom with an interior, a central rib on said bottom interior, and a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to said bottom;
a plurality of slats, each of said slats on one of said base sections and having a load bearing portion with an interior, a central bearing guide on said load bearing portion interior, a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to said load bearing portion, and a channel in each of said slat sides;
a plurality of central bearings, each of said central bearings being between one of said base section central ribs and one of said slat central bearing guides; and a plurality of substantially u-shaped side bearings, each of said side bearings being between slat sides and base section sides of an adjacent pair of said slats and said base sections, each of said side bearings having lips attaching said side bearing to said adjacent pair of base sections and having feet in said side channels of said adjacent pair of slats.
a plurality of base sections, each of said base sections having a bottom with an interior, a central rib on said bottom interior, and a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to said bottom;
a plurality of slats, each of said slats on one of said base sections and having a load bearing portion with an interior, a central bearing guide on said load bearing portion interior, a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to said load bearing portion, and a channel in each of said slat sides;
a plurality of central bearings, each of said central bearings being between one of said base section central ribs and one of said slat central bearing guides; and a plurality of substantially u-shaped side bearings, each of said side bearings being between slat sides and base section sides of an adjacent pair of said slats and said base sections, each of said side bearings having lips attaching said side bearing to said adjacent pair of base sections and having feet in said side channels of said adjacent pair of slats.
2. The reciprocating floor conveyor of claim 1 wherein said central bearings are substantially u-shaped.
3. The reciprocating floor conveyor of claim 1 wherein said central bearings are planar.
4. The reciprocating floor construction of claim 1 wherein each of said base sections are unitary in construction, each of said base sections further comprising:
attachment means connecting said base section to another of said base sections, said attachment means including liquid seal means adjacent said side of said base section for preventing liquid on said reciprocating floor construction from passing said liquid seal means and said side of said base section.
attachment means connecting said base section to another of said base sections, said attachment means including liquid seal means adjacent said side of said base section for preventing liquid on said reciprocating floor construction from passing said liquid seal means and said side of said base section.
5. The construction of claim 4, wherein said unitary base section includes a side, said side having a top portion with a channel therein, and said liquid seal means is a gasket in said channel.
6. The construction of claim 4, wherein said unitary base section includes a side, said side having an exterior edge beveled to form a channel upon attachment with another base section, and said liquid seal means is a gasket in said channel.
7. The construction of claim 4, wherein said means adapted for attachment of said unitary base section to another base section is a tongue longitudinally disposed on said unitary base section side and is adapted to fit with a groove on another base section.
8. The construction of claim 7, wherein said liquid seal means is a gasket between said tongue and the groove.
9. The construction of claim 4, wherein said unitary base section includes a side and said means adapted for attachment of said unitary base section to another base section is a seat longitudinally disposed on said side and adapted to fit with a flange on another base section.
10. The construction of claim 9, wherein said liquid seal means is a gasket between said seat and the flange.
11. The construction of claim 4, wherein said unitary base section includes a side and said means adapted for attachment of said unitary base section to another base section is a substantially L-shaped flange adapted to mate with a complementary substantially L-shaped flange on another base section.
12. The construction of claim 11, wherein said liquid seal means is a gasket between said substantially L-shaped flange of said unitary base section and the complementary substantially L-shaped flange.
13. The construction of claim 4, wherein said unitary base section includes a side, said construction further comprising:
a lip on said side; and fastening means adapted to secure said unitary base section to a floor portion having a flange, said fastening means oriented through the flange, said fastening means including an elongate member having a broadened head for placement of said lip of said unitary base section thereunder and against the flange, said fastening means also having a removable retainer to be braced against the flange.
a lip on said side; and fastening means adapted to secure said unitary base section to a floor portion having a flange, said fastening means oriented through the flange, said fastening means including an elongate member having a broadened head for placement of said lip of said unitary base section thereunder and against the flange, said fastening means also having a removable retainer to be braced against the flange.
14. A reciprocating floor construction comprising:
a plurality of base sections, each of said base sections having a bottom with an interior, a central rib on said bottom interior, and a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to said bottom;
a plurality of slats, each of said slats on one of said base sections and having a load bearing portion with an interior, a central bearing guide on said load bearing portion interior, a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to said load bearing portion, a rib on each of said slat sides and an exterior edge projecting outwardly from each of said slat sides;
a plurality of central bearings, each of said central bearings being between one of said base section central ribs and one of said slat central bearing guides; and a plurality of side bearings, each of said side bearings being on one of said base section sides and between one of said slat side exterior edges and one of said slat side ribs.
a plurality of base sections, each of said base sections having a bottom with an interior, a central rib on said bottom interior, and a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to said bottom;
a plurality of slats, each of said slats on one of said base sections and having a load bearing portion with an interior, a central bearing guide on said load bearing portion interior, a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to said load bearing portion, a rib on each of said slat sides and an exterior edge projecting outwardly from each of said slat sides;
a plurality of central bearings, each of said central bearings being between one of said base section central ribs and one of said slat central bearing guides; and a plurality of side bearings, each of said side bearings being on one of said base section sides and between one of said slat side exterior edges and one of said slat side ribs.
15. The reciprocating floor conveyor of claim 14 wherein said central bearings are substantially u-shaped.
16. The reciprocating floor conveyor of claim 14 wherein said central bearings are substantially planar.
17. The reciprocating floor conveyor of claim 14 wherein said side bearings are substantially u-shaped.
18. The reciprocating floor conveyor of claim 14 wherein said side bearings are substantially planar.
19. The reciprocating floor construction of claim 14 wherein each of said base sections are unitary in construction, each of said base sections further comprising:
attachment means connecting said base section to another of said base sections, said attachment means including liquid seal means adjacent said side of said base section for preventing liquid on said reciprocating floor construction from passing said liquid seal means and said side of said base section.
attachment means connecting said base section to another of said base sections, said attachment means including liquid seal means adjacent said side of said base section for preventing liquid on said reciprocating floor construction from passing said liquid seal means and said side of said base section.
20. The construction of claim 19, wherein said unitary base section includes a side, said side having a top portion with a channel therein, and said liquid seal means is a gasket in said channel.
21. The construction of claim 19, wherein said unitary base section includes a side, said side having an exterior edge beveled to form a channel upon attachment with another base section, and said liquid seal means is a gasket in said channel.
22. The construction of claim 19, wherein said means adapted for attachment of said unitary base section to another base section is a tongue longitudinally disposed on said unitary base section side and is adapted to fit with a groove on another base section.
23. The construction of claim 22, wherein said liquid seal means is a gasket between said tongue and the groove.
24. The construction of claim 19, wherein said unitary base section includes a side and said means adapted for attachment of said unitary base section to another base section is a seat longitudinally disposed on said side and adapted to fit with a flange on another base section.
25. The construction of claim 24, wherein said liquid seal means is a gasket between said seat and the flange.
26. The construction of claim 19, wherein said unitary base section includes a side and said means adapted for attachment of said unitary base section to another base section is a substantially L-shaped flange adapted to mate with a complementary substantially L-shaped flange on another base section.
27. The construction of claim 26, wherein said liquid seal means is a gasket between said substantially L-shaped flange of said unitary base section and the complementary substantially L-shaped flange.
28. The construction of claim 19, wherein said unitary base section includes a side, said construction further comprising:
a lip on said side; and fastening means adapted to secure said unitary base section to a floor portion having a flange, said fastening means oriented through the flange, said fastening means including an elongate member having a broadened head for placement of said lip of said unitary base section thereunder and against the flange, said fastening means also having a removable retainer to be braced against the flange.
a lip on said side; and fastening means adapted to secure said unitary base section to a floor portion having a flange, said fastening means oriented through the flange, said fastening means including an elongate member having a broadened head for placement of said lip of said unitary base section thereunder and against the flange, said fastening means also having a removable retainer to be braced against the flange.
29. A reciprocating floor construction comprising:
a plurality of base sections, each of said base sections having a bottom with an interior, a central rib on said bottom interior, and a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to said bottom, each of said base section sides having a top comprising a bearing seat;
a plurality of slats, each of said slats on one of said base sections and having a load bearing portion with an interior, a pair of exterior edges with a flange on each of said exterior edges, said flanges oriented substantially perpendicular to said load bearing portion, and a pair of sides on said load bearing surface interior;
a plurality of central bearings, each of said central bearings having a top groove and a pair of legs, each of said central bearings being on one of said base section central ribs such that said flanges of a pair of said slats fit said top groove of said central bearing and said sides of said pair of slats are adjacent said legs of said central bearing; and a plurality of side bearings, each of said side bearings having a body and a pair of legs, each of said legs spaced from said bearing body by a groove such that said side bearing is fitted in said base section bearing seat by bending said bearing legs toward said bearing body.
a plurality of base sections, each of said base sections having a bottom with an interior, a central rib on said bottom interior, and a pair of sides substantially perpendicular to said bottom, each of said base section sides having a top comprising a bearing seat;
a plurality of slats, each of said slats on one of said base sections and having a load bearing portion with an interior, a pair of exterior edges with a flange on each of said exterior edges, said flanges oriented substantially perpendicular to said load bearing portion, and a pair of sides on said load bearing surface interior;
a plurality of central bearings, each of said central bearings having a top groove and a pair of legs, each of said central bearings being on one of said base section central ribs such that said flanges of a pair of said slats fit said top groove of said central bearing and said sides of said pair of slats are adjacent said legs of said central bearing; and a plurality of side bearings, each of said side bearings having a body and a pair of legs, each of said legs spaced from said bearing body by a groove such that said side bearing is fitted in said base section bearing seat by bending said bearing legs toward said bearing body.
30. The reciprocating floor construction of claim 29 wherein each of said slat sides has a leg substantially parallel with said slat load bearing portion.
31. The reciprocating floor construction of claim 30 wherein one of said slat side legs is adjacent to one of said central bearing legs.
32. The reciprocating floor construction of claim 30 wherein each of said base section sides has a lip substantially parallel with said base section bottom and is adjacent one of said slat side legs.
33. The reciprocating floor construction of claim 29 wherein said bearing seat of each of said base section sides has angled sides and said legs of each of said side bearings have exterior sides with an angle complementary to the angle of said bearing seat sides.
34. The reciprocating floor construction of claim 29 wherein each of said base sections are unitary in construction, each of said base sections further comprising:
attachment means connecting said base section to another of said base sections, said attachment means including liquid seal means adjacent said side of said base section for preventing liquid on said reciprocating floor construction from passing said liquid seal means and said side of said base section.
attachment means connecting said base section to another of said base sections, said attachment means including liquid seal means adjacent said side of said base section for preventing liquid on said reciprocating floor construction from passing said liquid seal means and said side of said base section.
35. The construction of claim 34, wherein said unitary base section includes a side, said side having a top portion with a channel therein, and said liquid seal means is a gasket in said channel.
36. The construction of claim 34, wherein said unitary base section includes a side, said side having an exterior edge beveled to form a channel upon attachment with another base section, and said liquid seal means is a gasket in said channel.
37. The construction of claim 34, wherein said means adapted for attachment of said unitary base section to another base section is a tongue longitudinally disposed on said unitary base section side and is adapted to fit with a groove on another base section.
38. The construction of claim 37, wherein said liquid seal means is a gasket between said tongue and the groove.
39. The construction of claim 34, wherein said unitary base section includes a side and said means adapted for attachment of said unitary base section to another base section is a seat longitudinally disposed on said side and adapted to fit with a flange on another base section.
40. The construction of claim 39, wherein said liquid seal means is a gasket between said seat and the flange.
41. The construction of claim 34, wherein said unitary base section includes a side and said means adapted for attachment of said unitary base section to another base section is a substantially L-shaped flange adapted to mate with a complementary substantially L-shaped flange on another base section.
42. The construction of claim 41, wherein said liquid seal means is a gasket between said substantially L-shaped flange of said unitary base section and the complementary substantially L-shaped flange.
43. The construction of claim 34, wherein said unitary base section includes a side, said construction further comprising:
a lip on said side; and fastening means adapted to secure said unitary base section to a floor portion having a flange, said fastening means oriented through the flange, said fastening means including an elongate member having a broadened head for placement of said lip of said unitary base section thereunder and against the flange, said fastening means also having a removable retainer to be braced against the flange.
a lip on said side; and fastening means adapted to secure said unitary base section to a floor portion having a flange, said fastening means oriented through the flange, said fastening means including an elongate member having a broadened head for placement of said lip of said unitary base section thereunder and against the flange, said fastening means also having a removable retainer to be braced against the flange.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/022,524 | 1993-02-25 | ||
| US08/022,524 US5323894A (en) | 1991-08-26 | 1993-02-25 | Reciprocating floor construction |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2116151A1 true CA2116151A1 (en) | 1994-08-26 |
Family
ID=21810042
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2116151 Abandoned CA2116151A1 (en) | 1993-02-25 | 1994-02-22 | Reciprocating floor construction |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2116151A1 (en) |
-
1994
- 1994-02-22 CA CA 2116151 patent/CA2116151A1/en not_active Abandoned
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