Self-tightening compression clip
AssigneeValu Engineering, Inc.
InventorStuart J. Ledingham
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A compression clip of the present invention comprises a bolt and a self-tightening member having two side sections and a grooved intermediate section therebetween. The intermediate section has a hole for receiving the bolt. Preferably, the intermediate section has grooves on both an interior and exterior surface thereof. After tightening of the clip, the intermediate section flattens to become somewhat planar and the side sections are compressed inward to securely engage a guide rail or wear strip within the clip.
Claims21
A guide rail assembly of a conveyor system defining a pathway along which articles travel, comprising:
- an elongate guide rail extending alone said pathway for guiding said articles along said pathway;
- and
- at least one guide rail support engaging said guide rail, said support comprising:
- a self-tightening member having two side sections and an intermediate section therebetween, said intermediate section having a hole, a grooved interior surface and a grooved exterior surface, said intermediate section defining an obtuse angle .alpha. prior to tightening of said clip;
- and
- a bolt received in said hole of said member for attaching said clip to said guide rail and for tightening of said clip;
- wherein after tightening said clip, said intermediate section substantially flattens to form an obtuse angle .alpha.' and said side sections are compressed inward whereby said guide rail is securely engaged within said clip.
In combination, an elongate guide rail and a compression clip securing said guide rail in a conveyor assembly in which said guide rail guides articles along a path of said conveyor assembly, comprising:
- a fastener for attaching said clip to said conveyer assembly, said fastener having a flat head having two substantially straight sides substantially parallel to each other;
- and
- a member having two side sections, an intermediate section formed between said side sections, and a hole in said intermediate section for receiving said fastener, said side sections extending beyond the top of said head of said fastener, said intermediate section having an interior and an exterior groove substantially bisecting said intermediate section into two portions, said portions forming an obtuse angle between exterior surfaces of said portions prior to tightening of said clip;
- wherein after tightening of said clip, said obtuse angle is increased and said side sections are compressed thereby securely engaging said guide rail in said clip.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.