US6296109B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fold linkage and method of using same
Assignee: Superior Industries Inc
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Filing: 2000-02-02
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Granted: 2001-10-02
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Expires: 2020-02-02
Abstract
Abstract A fold linkage is provided that is usable in combination with a conveyor assembly having a foldable conveyor section and a main conveyor section. The fold linkage includes linkage members and hinge sections that are rotatably attached to each other and that are connectable to the conveyor sections without interference with the conveyor assembly truss members. The fold linkage further includes a pressure operated cylinder that is extendable and retractable so as to fold and unfold the conveyor assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerry Nohl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 06:39
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G21/00; B65G21/10; B65G21/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A modular fold linkage comprising: a first section; a second section that is rotatably connected to the first section; a pivot arm having first, second, and third joints, wherein the first joint is rotatably connected to the first section; a link arm connected to the second joint at one end, and to the second section of the conveyor at a second, opposite end; and an actuator that is attached to the first section at one end, and to the third joint at a second, opposite end, wherein actuation of the power device rotates the pivot arm so as to effect one of a folding and unfolding motion of the fold linkage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
A modular fold linkage comprising: a first section; a second section that is rotatably connected to the first section; a pivot arm having first, second, and third joints, wherein the first joint is rotatably connected to the first section; a link arm connected to the second joint at one end, and to the second section of the conveyor at a second, opposite end; and an actuator that is attached to the first section at one end, and to the third joint at a second, opposite end, wherein actuation of the power device rotates the pivot arm so as to effect one of a folding and unfolding motion of the fold linkage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fold linkage of claim 1 , wherein the first and second sections of the fold linkage are connected to corresponding first and second sections of a conveyor frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fold linkage of claim 2 , wherein all contact points between the linkage and the conveyor frame are free from contact with any internal members of the frame.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fold linkage of claim 2 , wherein the actuator comprises a fluid pressure operated cylinder and piston.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fold linkage of claim 4 , wherein the cylinder includes a relief valve to limit the pressure within the cylinder once the piston has extended beyond a predetermined distance.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fold linkage of claim 5 , wherein the piston is in a retracted position when conveyor is unfolded.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fold linkage of claim 5 , wherein the relief valve limits pressure within the cylinder so as to be one of equal to and less than a predetermined value.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for folding a foldable conveyor section about a main conveyor section, wherein a first hinge section is connected to the main conveyor section, and wherein a second hinge section is connected to the foldable conveyor section, and wherein the first hinge section is rotatably connected to the second hinge section, the method comprising: extending a piston of a pressure operated cylinder, wherein the cylinder is connected to a first hinge section, and wherein the piston is connected to a pivot arm; rotating the pivot arm, wherein the pivot arm is connected to the first hinge section at a first location, and wherein the pivot arm is connected to the piston at a second location, and wherein the pivot arm is connected to a link arm at a third location; and actuating the link arm, wherein the link arm is connected to the second hinge section, and wherein actuating the link arm rotates the foldable conveyor section relative to the main conveyor section.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for folding a foldable conveyor section about a main conveyor section, wherein a first hinge section is connected to the main conveyor section, and wherein a second hinge section is connected to the foldable conveyor section, and wherein the first hinge section is rotatably connected to the second hinge section, the method comprising: extending a piston of a pressure operated cylinder, wherein the cylinder is connected to a first hinge section, and wherein the piston is connected to a pivot arm; rotating the pivot arm, wherein the pivot arm is connected to the first hinge section at a first location, and wherein the pivot arm is connected to the piston at a second location, and wherein the pivot arm is connected to a link arm at a third location; and actuating the link arm, wherein the link arm is connected to the second hinge section, and wherein actuating the link arm rotates the foldable conveyor section relative to the main conveyor section.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-10-01 | 2005-04-02 | 2005-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-10-01 | 2009-04-02 | 2009-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-10-01 | 2013-04-02 | 2013-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |