US3818836A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switch mechanism for overhead trolley
Assignee: Cincinnati Butchers Supply Co
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Filing: 1973-06-19
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Granted: 1974-06-25
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Expires: 1993-06-19
Abstract
Abstract A switch mechanism for use with an overhead track network is adapted to be inserted between spaced apart end sections of a plurality of track elements for selectively directing a trolley riding thereon from one to another of the elements wherein each of the track and switch elements are of like circular crosssection, having internal fixed and/or hinged couplings therebetween to minimize the interference encountered by the trolley as it passes from element to element.
Inventors
- 👤 W Swilley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 14:59
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G9/00; B65G9/008; B65G2201/00; B65G2201/02; B65G2201/0229
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
200 words
A switch mechanism for selectively coupling the laterally spaced ends of a main track of circular cross-section with each other or for coupling one of said laterally spaced main track ends with the spaced end of a secondary track of circular crosssection, said switch mechanism comprising: a first elongate switch element and a second elongate switch element each of circular cross-section; a first coupling unit, a second coupling unit and a primary coupling unit, each of circular cross-section; means pivotally interconnecting one end of each of said elongate switch elements to one end of said first and second coupling units, respectively; means immovably securing each of said three coupling units in spaced, fixed relationship, wherein one end of said primary coupling unit is adapted to be alternatively engaged by the free end of said first and second switch elements; each of said three coupling units terminating in a free, outer, track-end engaging portion; and means operable for elevating the free outer end of a switch element from engagement with an end of said primary coupling unit as the free outer end of the other switch element is advanced toward seating engagement with the said end of said primary coupling unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
200 words
A switch mechanism for selectively coupling the laterally spaced ends of a main track of circular cross-section with each other or for coupling one of said laterally spaced main track ends with the spaced end of a secondary track of circular crosssection, said switch mechanism comprising: a first elongate switch element and a second elongate switch element each of circular cross-section; a first coupling unit, a second coupling unit and a primary coupling unit, each of circular cross-section; means pivotally interconnecting one end of each of said elongate switch elements to one end of said first and second coupling units, respectively; means immovably securing each of said three coupling units in spaced, fixed relationship, wherein one end of said primary coupling unit is adapted to be alternatively engaged by the free end of said first and second switch elements; each of said three coupling units terminating in a free, outer, track-end engaging portion; and means operable for elevating the free outer end of a switch element from engagement with an end of said primary coupling unit as the free outer end of the other switch element is advanced toward seating engagement with the said end of said primary coupling unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 1, wherein the free, outer, track engaging portion of each of the coupling units are adapted to effect a slip fit connection with the respective ends of the main and secondary tracks.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 1, wherein the adjacent ends of the switch elements and the primary coupling unit are adapted to provide an uninterrupted upper semi-circular track surface when the free end of either of the switch elements engage said coupling unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 1, wherein the pivotally interconnected ends of each of switch element provides an interrupted upper semi-circular track surface with their respective coupling units when the opposite end of a switch element engages the primary coupling unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
129 words
A switch mechanism for selectively coupling the laterally spaced ends of a main track of circular cross-section with each other or for connecting one of said ends with the end of a secondary track of circular cross-section wherein the switch mechanism comprises a first elongate switch element having one end pivotally mounted relative to the end of one secondary track element for alternative disposition to an operative position of engagement with and an inoperative position of disengagement from the end of the primary track element, a second elongate switch element having an end pivotally mounted relative to the end of the other secondary track element for alternative disposition to an operative position of engagement with and an inoperative position of disengagement from said end of the primary track element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
129 words
A switch mechanism for selectively coupling the laterally spaced ends of a main track of circular cross-section with each other or for connecting one of said ends with the end of a secondary track of circular cross-section wherein the switch mechanism comprises a first elongate switch element having one end pivotally mounted relative to the end of one secondary track element for alternative disposition to an operative position of engagement with and an inoperative position of disengagement from the end of the primary track element, a second elongate switch element having an end pivotally mounted relative to the end of the other secondary track element for alternative disposition to an operative position of engagement with and an inoperative position of disengagement from said end of the primary track element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 5, wherein each of said track elements are elongate tubular members having substantially uniform inner and outer diameters.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 6, including a coupling member adapted to be inserted in and to extend outward from the end of primary track element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 7, wherein said coupling member is of circular cross-section having a diameter substantially conforming to the inner diameter of said track elements.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 7, wherein each of said switch elements includes a second end, said sEcond end adapted to be selectively engaged and disengaged with said coupling member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 9, wherein said second end includes an arcuate extension having a peripheral surface conforming substantially to the outer diameter of said track elements and spanning less than 180*, said extension adapted for selective engagement and disengagement with said coupling member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 5, wherein the first end of each of said elongate switch elements is pivotally secured to a pivot coupling, said pivot coupling adapted to be fixedly secured to the end of a secondary track element.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 11, wherein said pivot coupling includes a first end portion adapted to be inserted in the end of a secondary element.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 12, wherein said first end portion is of circular cross-section having a diameter substantially conforming to the inner diameter of said track elements.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 11, wherein said pivot coupling includes a second, bifurcated end portion containing an internal pin for pivotally carrying the first end of each switch element.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 14, wherein said second end portion is of circular cross-section, having a diameter substantially conforming to the outer diameter of said track elements.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
46 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 14, wherein said switch elements are of circular cross-section, the first end of each switch element including an elongate projection substantially spanning the diameter of said switch element and adapted to be pivotally carried by said internal pin.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
28 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 16, wherein each of said switch elements has a diameter substantially conforming to the outer diameter of said track elements.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
A switch mechanism as called for in claim 6, wherein each of said switch elements is of circular cross-section, having a diameter substantially conforming to the outer diameter of said track elements.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-24 | 1977-12-24 | 1978-06-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-24 | 1981-12-24 | 1982-06-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-24 | 1985-12-24 | 1986-06-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |