Hanging chute
AssigneeDurex Products, Inc.
InventorsKirk D Sawall, Dale R Brenholt, Gabriel G Feuerhelm
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hanging chute with a rib cage is described. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a chute constructed from flexible wear material with a rib cage to reinforce the chute. In particular, several ribs are dispersed throughout the length of the flexible sheet for support. A flexible sheet has a reinforced edge with varying thicknesses to accommodate different weight loads and abrasive conditions. Furthermore, the chute has interlocking edges for ease of constructing long lengths from a series of shorter sections. These shorter sections are easier to transport to a processing plant or other site where the chute is to be installed. Preferably the chute is easily maintainable and can incorporate wear inserts for additional wear resistance.
Claims33
A flexible sheet for use in a hanging chute utilized in moving materials, the hanging chute having at least one rib, the flexible sheet comprising:
- at least one wall with an inflection point in an area of the at least one wall;
- an upper ridge spaced apart from a lower ridge, the upper ridge being formed along an edge of the at least one wall, the lower ridge being formed in an area of the at least one wall;
- a sloping bottom located adjacent to the inflection point;
- and
- a reinforced edge formed integrally with a portion of the sloping bottom.
A hanging chute for use in moving materials, comprising a first and a second flexible sheet, the first sheet overlapping the second sheet along an interlocking edge;
- each sheet comprising:
- at least one wall;
- an inflection point in an area of the at least one wall;
- a reinforced edge;
- and
- an upper ridge spaced apart from a lower ridge.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.