US 6,471,038 B1 · Container conveying apparatus

Abstract

Container conveying apparatus including: multiple chain elements each of which is formed with a first receiving space, a second receiving space and a connection section spaced from each other; multiple connecting members each having a pivot end and a fixed end, the pivot end being pivotally disposed in the second receiving space of a forward chain element, while the fixed end is connected with the connecting section of a rearward chain element. The chain elements are serially connected to form an elongated or an endless chain. Multiple holding structures are disposed in the first receiving spaces of the chain elements and are movable along with the chain elements along a rail. Each holding structure includes a clamping pawl and a push rod movable between first and second positions in the extending direction of the claws. When the push rod is moved from the first position to the second position, the claws are forced outward to tightly bear against the inner wall of the opening of a container positioned under the claws. When the push rod is moved to the first position, the claws are retracted into the first receiving space to release the container.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A container conveying apparatus comprising an elongated chain composed of multiple chain elements serially connected with each other, each chain element including:

a main body including a first receiving space, a second receiving space and a connecting section, the first and second receiving spaces being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance, axes of the first and second receiving spaces being normal to each other, axes of the connection section and the second receiving space being positioned on a same line;
and
a connecting member having a rod body section and a pivot end and a fixed end at two ends of the body section, the pivot end being pivotally disposed in the second receiving space, the fixed end protruding out of the main body by a predetermined length for connecting with the connecting section of another main body, wherein the main body has first and second lugs spaced from each other by a predetermined distance, the second receiving space being a first through hole having a predetermined inner diameter and formed in the first lug and passing therethrough, the connecting section being a second through hole having a predetermined inner diameter and formed on the second lug and passing therethrough.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Container conveying apparatus

Life of this patent

Container conveying apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17