Apparatus for storing, transporting and dispensing conveyor belts

Abstract

An apparatus for storing, transporting and dispensing conveyor belts is described. The apparatus, in the form of a crate, has top and bottom conventional pallets, allowing for easy handling and strength for additional stacked crates. The center of the crate holds a hub assembly that moves rotationally, and allows smooth transition from consecutive layers of the conveyor belt wrapped thereon. During shipment, the roll of conveyor belt lies on its side. In one embodiment, a center pipe axle of the spool passes through holes in the top and bottom pallets. Alternatively, the center pipe axle passes through channels created between planks of the top and bottom pallets. These configurations secure the roll in the crate, and allow it to turn freely when loaded or unloaded.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.