GB2205885A

GB2205885A - Track

Info

Publication number: GB2205885A
Application number: GB08713494A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Andrew Fletcher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-06-09
Filing date: 1987-06-09
Publication date: 1988-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2007-06-09
Also published as: GB2205885B; GB8713494D0

Abstract

An overhead track and glider system which enables items being transported to change direction smoothly at junctions consists of bexel disc gliders 6 which revolve independently on their own axis in a horizontal plane round a vertical central spindle 7, and a multi-directional junctioned track, comprising bearing surfaces 5 one set above the other. Changes of direction are achieved smoothly because the disc gliders 6 continue to maintain contact with the surfaces 5 of the track at junctions. <IMAGE>

Description

MULTI-DIREcTIoNAL OVERHEAD TRACK AND GLIDER SYSTEM This invention relates to a multi-directional overhead track and glider system.

Overhead conveyance systems are widely used in commercial, industrial and domestic buildings, where an item or items need(s) to be totally or partially suspended from above and capable of being moved in one plane along an overhead track. Such systems consist of a track suspended overhead, along or in which runs a trolley or glider.

There are difficulties, however, in existing overhead systems when the track is multi-directional and the trolley or glider is required to travel other than backwards and forwards.

According to the present invention there is provided: two bevel disc gliders which revolve independently on their own axis in a horizontal plane round a vertical central spindle, and a multi-directional track, cut and rejointed at each junction, comprising two angled bearing surfaces, one set above the other, and along which the two bevel disc gliders travel.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a section of the track showing the two angled bearing surfaces.

Figure 2 shows the glider assembly i.e. the two bevel disc gliders and the central spindle.

Figure 3 shows the glider assembly positioned in the track.

Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of a multi-directional track sectioned through the top.

Referring to the drawing the system comprises a multidirectional track with two angled surfaces 5 as shown in section in Fig.1 and two bevel disc gliders 6 mounted on a central spindle 7 which form the glider assembly as shown in Fig.2.

The glider assembly fits into the track so that the two bevel disc gliders 6 mounted on the central spindle 7 rest on the two angled surfaces 5 as shown in Fig.3.

In order to transport item(s) (not shown) suspended from the spindle 7, the glider assembly travels in any direction, as required, along the track, which is cut and rejointed at each junction, as shown in Fig.4,with the two bevel disc gliders 6 revolving independently on their own axis along the angled surfaces 5. When the glider assembly reaches a junction in the track and is required to change direction, the two bevel disc gliders 6 continue to maintain contact with the angled surfaces 5 of the track, thus achieving a smooth change of direction.

Claims

1. A multi-directional overhead track and glider system comprising disc gliders which revolve independently on their own axis in a horizontal plane round a vertical central spindle, and a multi-directional track, cut and rejointed at each Junction, comprising bearing surfaces, and along which the disc gliders travel.

2. A multi-directional overhead track and glider system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the disc gliders and the central spindle, i.e. the glider assembly, can travel in any direction.

3. A multi-directional overhead track and glider system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the glider assembly maintains contact with the bearing surfaces of the track at the junctions in order to achieve a smooth change of direction.

4. A multi-directional overhead track and glider system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein two bevel disc gliders maintain contact with two angled bearing surfaces of the track, one set above the other, in order to achieve a smooth change of direction.

5. A multi-directional overhead track and glider system substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1-4 of the accompanying dravir-s

5. A multi-directional overhead track and glider system substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawing.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIZS 1. A multi-directional overhead track and glider system comprising disc gliders which revolve independently, on an axis at right-angles to the-vertical, round a vertical central spindle, and a multidirectional track, cut and rejointed at each junction, comprising bearing surfaces, and along which the disc gliders travel in a horizontal plane.

3. A multi-directional overhead track and glider system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the glider assembly maintains contact, without the need for any separate steering mechanism, with the bearing surfaces of the track at the junctions, in order to achieve a smooth change of direction.

4. A multi- directional overhead track and glider system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, in order to achieve a smooth change of direction at junctions, two bevel disc gliders maintain contact with the track's two angled bearing surfaces, which incline towards the centre and are set on opposite sides one above the other.