MXPA97006908A - Transportation system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a conveyor apparatus that includes an endless chain element for transporting articles between one end of the conveyor apparatus and another end of that conveyor apparatus, a frame for supporting the endless chain element, which comprises: two rods longitudinal elongate strips, separate plural transverse rods disposed above and coupled with the longitudinal rods, respectively, and interconnecting the longitudinal rods, a plurality of spaced longitudinal guides and supporting rails for the endless chain element, the guide and the arms extending. support rails substantially parallel to the longitudinal rods supported on the transverse rods, and a plurality of generally vertical support columns supporting the longitudinal rods, respectively, each of the support columns being connected to at least one of the longitudinal rods s by a connector member coupled with at least one longitudinal rod and with the support column

Description

CONVEYOR EQUIPMENT Field of the Invention The present invention pertains to a transport apparatus that includes, in particular, a support frame for a conveyor chain of the endless deck type. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Material handling conveyors and articles are widely used in the production, transportation, and storage of different materials and goods. The food and beverage manufacturing industry, for example, uses many of the so-called tabletop conveyors to transport food and beverage containers from one processing station to another, or from a final processing station to a packing area. and storage. Tabletop conveyors, in particular, desirably have a minimum amount of, or a support structure configuration, such that cleaning and contamination problems are minimized, and so that easy access to the chain is available. conveyor or chain sections for cleaning, replacement or repair. It is desirable to be able to move these types of conveyors from time to time as the flow of material is modified through a manufacturing plant for one or the other purpose. In accordance with the foregoing, it is also desirable to provide a conveyor structure that is easy to assemble, that has sufficient structural rigidity, that is not mechanically complicated, and that is also easy to disassemble and reconfigure according to different needs. According to the above, there has been a continuing need to improve the conveyor apparatus of the general type described above. It is for these purposes that the present invention has been developed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improved conveyor apparatus. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, there is provided a conveyor apparatus having a support frame which is formed of elongate longitudinal rods and cross rod members which are mounted above the longitudinal rod members, in a configuration that provides a better access for the cleaning and repair of an endless conveyor for the transport of articles along both the transport route of articles and the return of the conveyor return. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, there is provided an improved conveyor having a support frame which is formed of separate elongate longitudinal support rods, interconnected by transverse rod members. The longitudinal rods are also adapted to be supported by unique connectors having support column members connected thereto, and which can be easily assembled and disassembled to provide a modular configuration of the carrier support frame. One embodiment of the support frame includes longitudinal rods that are formed of angled or L-shaped members that have transverse rod members mounted thereon, also to provide better access to the conveyor stretches for cleaning and repair. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tabletop type conveyor for use in the food and beverage processing industry, which is formed of a light weight frame which is not mechanically complicated. Thanks to the provision of an uncomplicated frame made of tube members, angle, or elongated and spaced channels, which are interconnected by separate transverse members, straight sections of the frame are easily fabricated and provided in modular form, and sections are also provided corner or single curves of the conveyor by building improved frame. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, a conveyor frame assembly is provided that includes separate longitudinal rods or frame members that are interconnected by transverse rods or frame members by a single connection configuration that precisely positions the frame members transverse with respect to the longitudinal frame members, which provides better rigidity of the conveyor frame assembly, which allows to assemble and disassemble the conveyor frame using conventional mechanical fasteners, and which can be easily fabricated using conventional engineering materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate in addition the aforementioned characteristics, as well as other higher aspects of the present invention, upon reading the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a plan view of an endless conveyor apparatus of tabletop type in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 is a detailed lateral elevation of the conveyor apparatus shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a sectional view taken generally from line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a detailed view showing a typical connection between one of the guide rails of the conveyor and its support member. Figure 5 is a detailed plan view of one of the corner sections of the conveyor apparatus of the present invention. Figure 6 is a sectional view, taken along line 6-6 of Figure 7, of a first alternative embodiment of a conveyor apparatus in accordance with the invention. Figure 7 is a detailed side elevation of the first alternative embodiment of the conveyor apparatus. Figure 8 is a detailed view taken from line 8-8 of Figure 7, showing a connector between a column member and a longitudinal rod member. Figure 9 is a plan view of a corner or curve section of the first alternative embodiment. Figure 10 is a detailed view taken generally from line 10-10 of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a side elevation of a portion of a second alternative embodiment of the conveyor apparatus. Figure 12 is a plan view of a portion of the conveyor frame assembly shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a developed plan view of one of the longitudinal frame members of the second alternative embodiment. Figure 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14-14 of Figure 12. Figure 15 is a detailed sectional view of a third alternative embodiment of a frame assembly for a conveyor apparatus in accordance with invention. Figure 16 is a similar detailed view of Figure 15, showing the rod members secured together. Figure 17 is an elevation of a conveyor frame in accordance with a fourth alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 18 is a plan view of the conveyor frame shown in Figure 17. Figure 19 is a side elevation of the conveyor frame shown in Figures 17 and 18. Figure 20 is a detailed view, on a larger scale, showing the connection between the cross frame members and the longitudinal frame members. Figure 21 is a developed plan view of one of the longitudinal frame members. Figure 22 is an end view of one of the transverse frame members.

Figure 23 is a plan view of one of the transverse frame members. Figure 24 is a side elevation of the frame member shown in Figures 22 and 23.

Description of the Preferred Modes In the following description, the equal parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawing, with the same reference numbers, respectively. The Figures of the drawing are not necessarily to scale, and certconventional features can be shown in a somewhat generalized or schematic form, in greater interest of clarity and of being concise. In some cases, mechanical fasteners are shown in full lines instead of hidden lines to better illustrate their location. Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a single article transport conveyor according to the invention, and generally designated by the number 10. The conveyor 10, by way of example, can be of a suitable type for transporting beverage contrs. from a contr filling apparatus 12 to a contr packing apparatus 14, for example. The conveyor 10 is made of plural sections of the support frame, which interconnect the filler apparatus 12 with the packaging apparatus 14, including a linear frame section 16 having a pair of crazy gears 18, rotatably disposed thereon, and they operate to support the parallel sections 20 and 22 of the endless conveyor of the so-called table cover type. The chsections 20 and 22 are characterized by interconnected chlinks 24 having a flat article support platform 24a. The chlinks 24 may be of a commercially available type. For example, a source of table chain type chain links is the Rexnord Corporation, which includes its 880 and 880TAB series plastic tabletop chain. The portions of the endless chain 20 and 22 are supported to be transverse between the idle gears 18 and the suitable impulse gear element 26 supported to rotate on a second section of the support frame designated by the numeral 28 and disposed at the opposite end of the conveyor 10. The impulse gears 26 are suitably connected in a pulsed manner with a conventional drive motor 30. The frame sections 16 and 28 of the conveyor are interconnected by at least two corner frame sections 32 and 34, which can be and of substantially identical construction, and plural straight frame sections 36 of predetermined lengths, which may also be of a substantially identical construction. Thanks to the modular construction of the conveyor 10, any number of frame sections 32, 34, and 36 can be interconnected to provide a conveyor of a desired length and configuration. The frame sections 32, 34, and 36 are of a unique construction which will now be described in conjunction with Figures 2 and 3 in particular. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, each frame section 36 is characterized by two separate elongate longitudinal rod members 40, which comprise metal tubes of rectangular or square cross section. The longitudinal rod members 40 are interconnected by the transverse rod members 42 that are mounted above the rod members 40. The rod members 42 comprise inverted U-shaped members or the so-called channel type, respectively. The rod members 42 each have a central fabric 42a and opposing dependent tabs 42b and 42c. As shown in Figure 2, the transverse rod members 42 are also spaced along the length of the longitudinal rod members 40, and are connected to the rod members 40 by welds 41. Alternatively, the rods 40 and 42 can be interconnected by suitable fasteners, not shown. A transverse rod member 42 is disposed adjacent an end 43 of each rod member 42, at a distance sufficient to provide the arrangement of a connector member 44. A rod connector member 44 is connected to one end of each rod member. longitudinal 42 of a frame section 36, for interconnecting the frame sections 36 with one another. The connectors 44 can also operate to connect each frame section 36 with a frame section 32 or 34, for example. The rod connectors 44 can also operate to connect the frame sections 32, 34, and 36 with the upright support columns 46, which can also be made of rectangular or square cross section metal tubing. Each support column 46, for example, can be adapted to support the frame sections 32, 34, and 36, in their respective joints, and can be disposed on a floor surface 48, Figure 2, by a transverse support flange 50 suitably welded to one end of the column member 46, and that includes the plural reinforcing shields 52. Referring further to Figures 2 and 3, the connector members 44 each have separate, dependent arm portions 54, interconnected by a transverse fabric 56. Cooperative arm portions 54 are adapted to be fastened to opposite ends of rods 40 and support columns 46, by respective screw and nut assemblies 58, as shown. In accordance with the above, a connector member 44 and a support column 46 can be provided at one end of each of the rods 40, as well as at the ends of the rods, forming the frame sections 32 and 34, so that each frame section can be easily connected with its adjacent frame section, and can be supported by the column members 46. Referring further to Figure 3, each of the transverse frame members 42 supports somewhat L-shaped support members or those designated at an angle, dependent, opposed 66, which can be operated to support between the same elongated chain support rollers 68. Each roller 68 has opposed journals 70, which rest on able holes formed in the dependent legs 67 of the support members 66, respectively. The support members 66 can be ably secured to the rods 42 by mechanical fasteners 69, or by welding. Referring further to Figures 2 and 3, the transverse rods 42 also support the separate longitudinal guide and support rails 74 for the article transport path 21a of the conveyor sections 20 and 22. The support rails 74 are formed of a able self-lubricating plastic, such as one of the fluorocarbon or nylon plastics, for example. Each support rail 74 has a able metal backing member 76 secured thereto and which operates to be supported on the rods 42s by able fasteners, including fasteners 69 as shown. The support rails 74 are sufficiently spaced to allow the respective hinge protuberances 25 and 27 of the chain links 24 to slide between the parallel pairs of the support rails, as shown in Figure 3. Each chain link 24 is secured to its adjacent chain link by a able hinge pin, not shown, which extends between the protuberances 25, and is supported by the protrusion 27 of an adjacent chain link. As further shown in Figures 2 and 3, each section of the conveyor 36 is also provided with respective sets of opposed lateral guide rails 82 of the conveyor, not shown in Figure 1, which can also be formed of a self-lubricating plastic. able, such as a fluorocarbon or nylon material, and can be supported by a backing member 84 that can be made of metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The guide rails 82 are supported on able separate erected support brackets 88, which may be L-shaped, and have base legs 89 supported on the rods 42 by the respective support blocks 90. The blocks 90 may be formed from plastic or metal, and the assembly of the support brackets 88 and the support blocks 90, can be secured to the rods 42 by means of assemblies of able threaded fasteners 94, see Figure 3. The L-shaped support brackets 88, they can also be connected directly to the rods 42, but the overall height of the support rails with respect to the chain links 24 can be adjusted using support blocks of different height, not shown, to replace the support blocks 90, without modifying each of the support brackets 88. Figure 4 shows a detail of a preferred way of securing the guide rails 82 to the support brackets 88. A counter-orifice is formed. ability 83 on the surface 85 of each guide rail 82 at separate points, which coincide with the location of the clamps 88, for receiving a hexagonal head, or preferably, a socket head type screw 87 therein, and which operates to be secured to the bracket 88 by a conventional hexagonal nut 91. Accordingly, the guide surface 85 of the rail 82 is a substantially smooth surface that will not spoil the articles being transported along the conveyor 10. The supporting rails of the chain section 74, in a similar manner, are secured to the rods 42 by similar socket head fasteners disposed in or flush with able counter-holes, not shown, formed on the supporting surfaces. 75, Figure 3, of the guide rails 74. Figure 3 also shows the arrangement of an elongated collection tray and holds 98, supported by the frame sections of the conveyor, such as the frame section 36 illustrated. The tray 98 is characterized by an elongated channel member having opposed erect flanges 99, which are provided with suitable holes to provide engagement with the stubs 70, as shown, to support the tray between the spaced apart columns 46. The tray 98 it serves as a collection element for waste of the articles transported by the conveyor 10, and as a guard to minimize unwanted contact with the return turns of the conveyor sections 20 and 22, which are supported by the rollers 68. The experts in this field they will appreciate, upon seeing Figures 2 and 3, that, by mounting the transverse rod or the frame members 42 above the frame members of the longitudinal rod 40, easier access to the transport turns can be obtained. 21a and the lower return turns 21b of the conveyor sections 20, 22, by means of washing hoses, not shown, which can be manipulated by the maintenance staff. Furthermore, if desired, the tray 98 can be easily removed from the working position shown in Figure 3, by extending the flanges 99 to remove the tray from the dies 70, so that the rollers 68 can be accessed. for additional cleaning and service, and also the return turns 21b of the chain links 24 can be accessed for cleaning and servicing.

As shown in Figure 2, each of the support brackets 88 is of a suitable width, such that the fastener receiving apertures formed therein, for the fastener assemblies 87, 91, are characterized as slots. elongate 93. The opposite ends of the guide rails 82, 84 can be dimensioned such that they terminate halfway the width of a bracket 88 adjacent to an end 43 of a rod 40, so that one can provide a continuous length of the guide rail, and secured at separate points, including its opposite ends, to the selected support brackets 88. Referring now to Figure 5, a curved corner frame section 32 is illustrated in a plan view . The frame section 32 is connected to the straight or linear frame sections 16 and 36, using the same connector members 44 and column members 46 disposed at the respective opposite corners or ends 102, 104, 106, and 108 of the longitudinal rods. of external and internal radius 108 and 109. The rod ends 102 and 106 are at opposite ends of the rod of the external radius 108, which is formed of measured rod sections 110, 112 and 114, which have the same section configuration transverse than the longitudinal rods 40. The rod of the inner radius 109 is spaced from the rod 108 and is formed of interconnected rod sections 118, 120, and 122, which are also measured to form the rod of the internal radius as illustrated. The rod sections 110, 112, and 114 are suitably welded together at their coupling ends, and the rod sections 118, 120, and 122 are also properly welded together at their coupling ends, respectively. The rods 108 and 109 are interconnected by separate upper transverse rods or mounted above 124, 126, 128, 130, and 132, which have the same cross-sectional configuration as the rods 42, and are cut to length to form end surfaces cross-sections that coincide with the external surfaces of the rods 108 and 109. The rods 124, 126, 128, 130, and 132 can be secured to the rods 108 and 109 by suitable cavities, not shown. In accordance with the foregoing, a corner frame section 32 or 34 of the conveyor 10 can be formed of the same longitudinal and transverse rod configurations as the straight sections 36, 16, or 28, for example. The chain sections 20 and 22 are supported on the corner frame sections 32 in the same manner as they are supported on the straight frame sections 36. The guide and support rails 74 can be folded along suitable radii. to form a smooth curved change of direction of the conveyor sections 20 and 22, and the guide rails 82 can also be supported on respective support brackets 88, and can be bent up to radii of curvature suitable for containing items such as bottles. beverage 13, Figure 2, on the conveyor, to be transported along it along the chain sections 20 and 22. The tray 98 can also be modified appropriately to traverse the corner sections 32 and 34. The radius of curvature of the chain lengths 20 and 22, of course, is determined by the configuration of the chain links, and can be determined by the minimum radius of curvature at which these links can operate excellently It is believed that the construction and operation of the conveyor 10 can be easily understood by those of ordinary experience in this field, from the above description of the conveyor and the respective frame sections 32 and 36 for example. The construction materials for the rods 40 and 42 can be aluminum or stainless steel, for example, if the conveyor is used in the food and beverage processing industry. In an alternative way, you can use certain composite materials or plastic for these rods. The support columns 46 can also be made of the same material as the longitudinal rods 40, by way of example. The guide rails 74 and 82, as mentioned above, can be made of suitable self-lubricating plastic materials. In particular, the guide and support rails 74 must be made of a material that is compatible with the material of the chain links 24, so that a low coefficient of friction and a minimum wear between the chain links and the chain are present. the support rails. By way of example, it is indicated that a conveyor having chain lengths 20 and 22 of approximately 19.05 centimeters in width, can each have an overall width of approximately 58.42 centimeters when longitudinal rods 40 of metal tubing of cross section are used. square of 5.08 centimeters and members of transverse rods of aluminum or steel channel of 2.54 centimeters by 5.08 centimeters. The rod members 42 can be formed of a plate material, and can be bent to provide the respective opposing flanges and the connecting fabric that forms the channel-shaped cross section. The width of the support rails 74 and 82 is preferably approximately 2.54 centimeters for the corresponding frame dimensions mentioned hereinabove. The height of the clamps 88 from the plane of the fabric of the rods 42, can be between 15.24 centimeters and 17.78 centimeters. Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, in particular, an alternative embodiment of a conveyor apparatus according to the invention is illustrated, and is designated generally by the numeral 140. The conveyor 140 is similar in many aspects to the conveyor apparatus 10. , with the exception of the provision of the longitudinal frame or rod members which are characterized by separate elongated angled or L-shaped members 142. The frame members 142 have opposite flanges 144 and 146, which support the members of transverse rod or frame 42 and rollers 68, respectively. The rods 42 can be welded to the rods 142 in a manner similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 5, and the brackets 88 can be secured to the rods 42 by fasteners 143, Fig. 6. With the configuration of the conveying apparatus 140, the support clamps 66 can be removed. Adequate openings are provided in the dependent flange portions 146 of the frame members 142, to support the trunnions 70 of the rollers 68, as shown in Figure 6. As shown in FIG. Figures 7 and 8, the column members 46 can be secured to the opposite ends of the respective longitudinal rod or frame members 142, by respective L-shaped or angle-connector members 148. The connector members 148 have opposite flanges. 150 and 152, which are coplanar with the rod tabs 146 and the side walls of the column members 46, respectively. The column members 46 are secured to the rod members 142 by suitable screw and nut assemblies 154 and 155, Figure 8, respectively. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a curved or corner conveyor section 156 is illustrated, which corresponds to the corner or corner sections 32 and 34. The corner section 156 is formed of opposed longitudinal rod members 158 and 160 , which comprise members of external and internal radius, respectively, and which are preferably continuously curved through a greater part of their length. The longitudinal rod or frame members 158 and 160 are preferably formed of a flat metal plate. Alternatively, the longitudinal rods could be formed from miter cutting angle, tube, or other cross-sectional configuration of the rod. The opposite ends of the rods 158 and 160 are provided with short transverse flanges 159 and 161, Figure 9. The rods 158 and 160 support the respective transverse rod members 42 above them, which preferably lie along the respective equally spaced radial lines of the radius of curvature of the corner section 156, as shown in FIG. illustrate As shown in Figure 10 by way of example, the rod member 158 is secured to the transverse rod members 42 and the opposed angled or L-shaped connectors 162 and 164, which have opposite flanges 163, 165, and 167, 169, which suitably hold the rod members 158 and 42 by suitable respective screw and nut assemblies 166 and 171, as illustrated. In accordance with the foregoing, the conveyor 140 enjoys all the benefits of the conveyor 10, and is of a slightly more simplified construction, because the longitudinal rod or frame members 142, 158 and 160 are adapted to support the members of upper transverse rods or mounted above 42, as well as the rollers 68. Moreover, the rod members can be secured to the support columns 46 by the connectors 150. The construction materials of the conveyor 140 can of course be substantially the same as those of the conveyor 10. Referring to Figures 11, 12, and 14, a portion of a modular frame assembly for a conveyor apparatus in accordance with the present invention, and generally designated by the number 220, is shown. longitudinal carrier rails of the conveyor, the lateral guide rails, and the auger itself, have been omitted from the drawing of the FIGS. uras 11 to 24, in the interest of having greater clarity and that is more concise. The frame assembly 220 comprises separate elongated longitudinal rod members 222 and 224 that are uniquely interconnected by the cross rod members 226, for example. The rod members 222 and 224, which may be of identical construction, comprise L-shaped or angled members having flanges extending in a generally horizontal manner 228, respectively, and respective dependent leg portions 230 adapted to support to the separate conveyor chain support rolls 232, one being shown in Figure 14. The cross rod members 226 are characterized as channel members having generally parallel and spaced flanges 234 and 236, and a portion of tissue connector 238, respectively. The height of the flanges 234 and 236 may be such that the transverse rod members 226 stop in a partially independent position from the flanges 228 by suitable spacer members 240, for example. The spacers 240 have a central hole formed therein, to allow a conventional threaded nut and screw assembly 242 to extend through a suitable hole in the fabric 238 and a suitable hole formed in the flanges 228 of the rod members. 222 and 224, so that the rod members 226 can be tightened to the rod members 222 and 224. The connection described above between the rod members 226 and the rod members 222 and 224, is improved by a single connection between the rod members 226 and the rod members 222 and 224 that assist in locating the rod members 222 and 224 more precisely one relative to the others, and to locate the rod members 226 more precisely ones in relation to the others . The unique connection to be described herein also provides a more rigid connection between the transverse rod members 226 and the longitudinal rod members 222 and 224, which is provided in a transportable frame assembly of the frame. disarm easily, to taste. Figure 13 illustrates a developed plan view of the rod member 222. The rod member 224 is virtually identical to the rod member 222. The rod member 222 is adapted to be folded or bent along a line 243, to provide the flange 228 and the dependent leg 230. The rod member 222 can also be partially bent along a line 245, to provide a longitudinal edge 246 for the rod member 222, which assists in making the foot dependent. 230 a little more rigid. As shown in Figure 13, the rod member 222 has a plurality of generally parallel elongated slots 248 formed therein, which can be provided by one of several manufacturing techniques, including punching, laser cutting, or other processing processes. manufacture for slots and openings in plate or sheet metal. The slots 248 are provided in pairs, which are spaced such that the inwardly thinned surfaces 249 and 250 are provided, which have a predetermined distance from one another, which is slightly less than the distance between the flanges 234 and 236 of the rod members 226. As shown in Figure 13, the slots 248 each extend across the fold line 243, and have a generally elongate rectangular portion 251 extending toward the distal end 252 of the flange 228. The slots 248 are also provided with transverse edges 254 opposite the ends of the slots including the thinned surfaces 249 and 250. Accordingly, the slots 248 intersect the intersecting line 243 of the flange 228 with the leg 230 of the rod member 222, whose line of intersection may be a fold line, as indicated above. When the rod members 222 and 224 have been manufactured, such that the respective flanges 228 intersect the leg portions 230 at substantially right angles or at a suitable acute angle, the longitudinal rod members can be assembled to the limb members. transverse rods 226, by inserting flanges 234 and 236 into respective pairs of grooves 248 of the longitudinal rod members, and rod members 226 are secured to rod members 222 and 224 by fastener assemblies 242, as shown , which extend through suitable openings 255 in the rod members 222 and 224, Figure 14. The rod members 226 have suitable elongated slots 227 formed in the fabric portions 238, to receive the fastener assemblies 242. The spacing of the rod members 222 and 224 is ensured by locating the opposite transverse ends 229a and 229b of the members of rod 226 in register with the transverse edges 254 of the slots 248. When the fastener assemblies 242 are tightened, the flanges 234 and 236 of the rod members 226 will be elastically biased inward toward each other, as they engage with the surfaces 249 and 250 of the slots 248. In this way, an accurate location of the rod members 226 is provided with respect to each other, and with respect to the rod members 222 and 224, they are more rigidly secured the rod members 226 to the rod members 222 and 224, and the rod members 226 can be disassembled from the rod members 222 and 224 at any time, by disassembling the fastener assemblies 242. Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a modification to a modular conveyor frame assembly according to the invention, wherein the rod members 222 and 224 are interconnected by transverse rod members 260, one being shown in Figures 15 and 16, which have a transverse tissue portion 262 and dependent flanges 264 that are shorter than the flanges of the rod members 226. However, the flanges 264 are also separated by a distance slightly greater than the distance between them. the thinned surfaces 249 and 250 of the slots 248, such that, when the rod members 260 are assembled to a pair of opposing rod members 222 and 224, and secured thereto by a fastener assembly 266, FIG. 16, the flanges 264 deviate inwardly towards one another, but are not recorded with the transverse edges 253 of the slots 248 or 224, as shown. However, a modular frame assembly utilizing the transverse rod members 260 enjoys the same advantages as the frame assembly 220. Referring now to Figures 17 through 24, another embodiment of a modular conveyor frame assembly is illustrated. according to the invention, and is designated generally by the number 290. The frame assembly 290 is formed of opposed longitudinal rod members 292, which are interconnected by transverse rod members 294. The rod members 292 have flanges 296 and portions thereof. Dependent legs 298, intersecting one another on an intersecting line 300, see Figures 17 and 21. Referring to Figure 21, one of the rod members 292 is shown in a flat developing view, where tab 296 and leg 298 are coplanar. The rod member 292 can be made by bending a plate member shown in Figure 21, along the fold or intersecting line 300, to define the flange 296 and the leg 298. Referring further to Figure 21, the rod members 292 each include separate L-shaped slots 302 formed therein, and having a first leg portion 304 extending parallel to the intersecting line 300, and a second leg portion 306 intersecting a the leg 304, and extending generally normal to the line of intersection 300. As shown in Figure 21, the leg portions 304 of the slots 302, are of such a width that they are essentially bisected by the line of intersection 300. Receiving apertures of suitable fasteners 308 are formed in the flange portion 296 adjacent each of the leg portions of the slot 304, as illustrated. Referring now to Figures 22, 23, and 24, rod members 294 are preferably formed as angled or L-shaped members having opposing flanges 310 and 312, intersecting each other at a right angle . The flanges 310 have opposing fastener receiving apertures 311 formed therein, which are adapted to align with the fastener receiving apertures 308 in the rod members 292. The flanges 312 have opposite inclined surfaces 314 that define portions of the opposite transverse edges. of the rod members 294, and intersecting the surfaces 316 extending generally parallel to each other, and normal to the plane of the flange 310. Referring now to Figures 17 to 20, the modular frame assembly 290 is weapon forming the rod members 292 to have the configuration shown in Figures 17 and 18, and to insert the opposite ends of the rod members 294 into the slots 302 formed in the rod members 292, respectively, until the transverse surfaces 316 are engaged with the dependent legs 298 of the rod members 292. In this manner, the surfaces 316 assist in the location of the rod members 292 spaced apart in relation to one another, and also to align the receiving apertures of the fastener 311 with the openings 308. As shown in Figure 20, in particular, the flange 310 of the rod member 294 is extends into the slot leg portion 304, while the flange 312 of the rod member 294 extends into the slot leg portion 306. A suitable fastener assembly 315 extends through the openings 308 and 311, for securing the rod members 294 to the rod members 292. Alternatively, the slot 302 may have a second leg portion 306a, as shown in Figure 20, extending parallel to the leg portion 306. In a similar way, the transverse rod member 294 can be formed as a channel having opposite flanges 312 and 312a. Figure 21 shows the leg portions 306a of the slots 302, which leg portions can be formed as part of the slots 302 the moment they are punched, cut or otherwise manufactured. The rod members 292 can be made of metal plate, and the slots 302 and the openings 308 can be formed properly before bending the plate members to form the flanges 296 and the leg portions 298, respectively. The rod members 294 can also be formed of bent metal plate to provide the flanges 310 and 312, and can be cut to the shape before being bent, to provide the surfaces 314 and 316. The rod members 294 can be rigidly secured to the longitudinal rod members 292 in the respective cooperative fastener receiving openings 308 and 311, while the space between the rod members 292 is predetermined by the surfaces 316. The modular frame assembly 290 also has the advantage that the members of Rod 292 and 294 can be substantially coplanar along the plane of the flanges 296 of the rod members 292. Although preferred embodiments of a single conveyor have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the they can make different substitutions and modifications without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as described ibe in the appended claims.

Claims (21)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the foregoing invention, it is considered as a novelty, and therefore, property is claimed as contained in the following: CLAIMS 1. In a conveyor device that includes an endless conveyor to transport items between a end of the conveyor apparatus and another end of that conveyor apparatus, a frame for supporting said endless conveyor element, which comprises: two separate elongated longitudinal rods; separate transverse plural rods interconnecting the longitudinal rods; and guide and support elements for the endless conveyor element, said guide and support elements being supported on said frame, and extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal rods. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: the transverse rods are mounted above the longitudinal rods, and support the guide and support elements. 3. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: the longitudinal rods comprise one of tubular members, channel members, and angle members. 4. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that it includes: a support roller element for supporting a return turn of the endless conveyor element, and supported by said longitudinal rods. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: the transverse rods comprise one of angle members and channel members, the channel members having a portion of tissue and separate dependent flanges. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes: separate clamps depending on the transverse rods, and support roller elements interposed between these clamps, and operating to support a return turn of the element endless chain mentioned. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes: a plurality of opposed separate erect clamps supported on the transverse rods; and elongated parallel lateral guide rails supported on said clamps, for guiding the articles being transported along the apparatus by the aforementioned endless conveyor element. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: the endless conveyor element comprises plural chain links, each having a generally flat platform portion and dependent hinge portions, respectively, the links of the chain being interconnected. chain with each other. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes: a plurality of generally vertical supporting columns supporting said longitudinal rods, each of the supporting columns being connected with at least one of the rods longitudinal ones by a connector member operating to engage with at least one of the longitudinal rods. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that: the connector member includes opposite dependent arms and a connecting fabric between said arms, being able to operate the arms to be secured to the support column and to the longitudinal rods by means of elements respective bras. The conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: the connector member comprises an angle member having opposing flanges operating to be secured to the support column and the longitudinal rods by respective fastener elements. 12. The conveyor apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that: the longitudinal rods include sections that are interconnected, respectively, at respective angles, to form a corner section of said frame. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: the longitudinal rods have separate grooves extending generally transverse to the direction of the aforementioned longitudinal rods; the transverse rods have opposite flanges which can be coupled with the longitudinal rods in the mentioned grooves, to form a rigid interconnection between the longitudinal rods and the transverse rods; and the frame includes elements for securing the transverse rods to the longitudinal rods, whereby the transverse rods are forcibly coupled with the longitudinal rods by registering the flange portions of the transverse rods with the longitudinal rods in said grooves. The conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that: the grooves comprise pairs of grooves, and each groove of a pair has an inwardly inclined surface that slopes towards the corresponding surface of an adjacent groove, being able to coupling these surfaces with the flange portions of the transverse rods, to elastically bias the flange portions of these transverse rods, to locate the mentioned longitudinal rods with respect to the transverse rods, and provide a rigid interconnection between the transverse rods and the rods longitudinal, respectively. 15. The conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that: the longitudinal rods include a flange portion and a dependent leg portion joined at an intersection line; and the grooves intersect the line of intersection of the longitudinal rods mentioned. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that: the grooves include transverse surfaces formed at one end of the grooves opposite an end including said inclined surfaces, these transverse surfaces being able to couple with the end surfaces. respective transverse portions of the flange portions of the transverse rods, for positioning the longitudinal rods spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. The conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that: the longitudinal rods comprise angled members having a transverse flange and a dependent leg portion. 18. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that: the longitudinal rods are formed of metal plate bent along an intersection line, to define a flange and one of a leg portion and a tissue , respectively. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: the longitudinal rods each include a flange portion and a dependent leg portion formed by one of a tissue and a flange, and intersecting the tab portion, and a plurality of spaced apart grooves, respectively, adjacent an intersecting line of the flange portion with the leg portion; and the transverse rods each include flange elements adapted to be inserted into said grooves of the longitudinal rods, respectively. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that: the transverse rods each include opposing flanges and separate surfaces formed in at least one of said flanges, and extending substantially normal to the other flanges of the flanges. transverse rods, these surfaces can be coupled with the longitudinal rods mentioned, to determine the space between these longitudinal rods. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that: the longitudinal rods are formed of folded metal plate along said intersection line, to provide the flange and the dependent leg portion, respectively, and said grooves have at least one portion that is at least adjacent to, and substantially parallel to, said intersection line. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An article transport apparatus particularly for the food and beverage processing industry, including interconnected frame sections of the conveyor having two longitudinal rods separated from each other, and connected by plural cross-sectional rods or in channel shape. The transverse rods are mounted above the longitudinal rods, and support longitudinal parallel guide and support rails for one or more sections of the endless conveyor. The transverse rods also support upright clamps for parallel longitudinal guide rails, for guiding the articles being transported by the conveyor sections, and separate dependent clamps for supporting the return turns of the conveyor sections on return support rollers. return. The frame sections are supported by separate tubular column members which are connected to the frame sections at their respective adjacent ends by connectors having opposing arms interconnected by a tissue, or opposite flanges which can be secured by threaded fasteners to the rod and the column members of each section. The frame is not mechanically complicated, and allows easy assembly and disassembly, and access for cleaning and replacement or repair of the links of the conveyor chain, the guide and support rails, and the return return rollers. The most representative figure of the invention is number 3.