Conveyor pan coupling assembly

摘要

An improved coupler assembly for pans in a longwall mining conveyor system for handling coal or the like is provided. The assembly includes a dog-bone coupler having notched ends. A first end of the coupler is received and secured in place by a stop in a first recess formed in one conveyor pan. A cooperating second recess in the mating pan receives the opposite or second end of the coupler. A T-shaped retainer includes a crosspiece which is pivotally received in upper and lower retention holes formed in the second recess to engage the second end. The retainer rotates such that the leg of the T that projects outwardly therefrom is received in a slot that includes opposed resilient inserts for holding the leg and, thus, the retainer, securely in place.