Replaceable snap-on modular overlay for rod and link turn-curve conveyor belts

摘要

An overlay for use in a conveyor system having at least one ware transport section and made up of a succession of overlays for transporting articles, wherein each overlay is supported and moved along by a belt of spaced rod members extending transversely of the direction of travel of the belt. Each overlay includes a plurality of laterally spaced substantially longitudinally disposed longitudinal members and a plurality of transversely disposed connecting means each connecting adjacent ones of the longitudinal members. Adjacent ones of the connecting means connect opposite end portions of the longitudinal members forming a plurality of alternating oppositely opening nestable segments, giving the overlay a zig-zag shape, which allow nesting thereof overlays immediately ahead and behind it on the belt. Each of the longitudinal members have a first and second support means which are opposed and longitudinally spaced from each other. Each support means include a rod member engaging means operable to receive a rod member when the overlay is moved relatively toward the respective rod member in a direction normal to the plane of the belt. The first and/or second support means each have a downwardly directed opening extending longitudinally of the longitudinal member and parallel to the plane of the belt allowing the belt to expand or collapse while the belt travels through an arcuate path about an axis parallel to the plane of the belt. The overlay is releasably clipped onto the rod members with a plurality of rod member retaining means.