Support assembly

A support frame assembly for lifting conveyor belts of a conveyor system, the assembly providing a permanently fixed roller frame of the conveyor system, the assembly comprising a first support means, a second support means and a support member extending therebetween, in use, arranged to be located on respective sides of a conveyor belt, each support means comprises

• a support housing and a slidable member that is slidable relative to said support housing;
• the slidable member being adapted to be attached to a roller support frame;
• and
• fixing means for fixing said slidable member in an elevated position along said support housing wherein the support member is in an elevated position so as to support the conveyor belt in an elevated position;
• wherein the respective support means are associated with a lifting means to lift each support means simultaneously and at substantially the same speed, the lifting means being able to lift a fully charged belt and wherein the lifting means is adapted to lift the belt while the belt is operating.

A support assembly for lifting a belt of a conveyor system, the conveyor system comprising rollers supported in a plurality of roller frames, the support assembly comprising:

• an attachment assembly to releasably secure a support member to a frame of the conveyor system, the support member having a first end and a second end;
• the attachment assembly comprising a first lifting device to move a first end of the support member, and a second lifting device to move a second end of the support member, whereby the support member moves between a first position, wherein the support member is not in engagement with the belt, and a second position, wherein the support member supports the conveyor belt at a spaced distance from a plurality of roller frames located below the belt, allowing an operator to access rollers from the plurality of roller frames, the support assembly being able to lift a fully charged belt and wherein the support assembly is adapted to lift the belt while the belt is operating;
• wherein each lifting means is activated by an activation means in the form of a hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic pump,
• wherein each lifting means comprises a hydraulic ram whereby each slidable member is provided by or incorporates the hydraulic ram;
• wherein the hydraulic ram of the slidable member of the first lifting means comprises a double acting ram whereby fluid transfers into a first portion of the hydraulic ram causing the piston to move, whereby movement of the piston causes the hydraulic fluid in a second portion of the hydraulic ram to exit the second portion, the hydraulic ram of the second slidable member is in fluid communication with the second portion of the hydraulic ram of the first slidable member, whereby fluid leaving the second portion of the hydraulic ram of the first slidable member causes the piston in the hydraulic ram of the second slidable member to move, wherein upon operation of the hydraulic pump, hydraulic fluid enters the hydraulic ram of the first portion of the first slidable member, this results in movement of the piston, causing hydraulic fluid to exit the upper portion of the hydraulic ram and enter the first portion of the hydraulic ram of the second slidable member, wherein the hydraulic rams of the first slidable member and the second slidable member are sized such that upon activation of the hydraulic pump, and subsequent transfer of hydraulic fluid, the first end and second end are raised in a synchronised manner such that the support member substantially maintains a constant angular orientation as it moves between the first position and the second position.