Enclosed track conveyor chain assembly

Abstract

An enclosed track conveyor chain assembly and method of construction includes a plurality of guide link assemblies and load link assemblies connected to form a conveyor chain assembly. Each load link assembly includes a pair of side walls and forward and rearward ends defining an opening. A pair of wheel assemblies supports the load link on the horizontal surfaces of the track. A guide link member is inserted into the opening of adjacent load links. Distal ends of the guide links are connected via a fastener to thereby connect adjacent load link members to form the enclosed track chain. Each guide link member includes a plurality of flat areas on the distal ends of the arms to provide a connecting surface. A fastener is inserted through openings in the distal ends to secure the guide link members together. Preferably, the connection between guide link members is pivotal to allow pivoting action of the guide link. Further, the guide link assemblies include a wheel assembly which is adapted to contact the vertical surfaces of the track.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A conveyor chain assembly particularly adapted for use in an enclosed track, said assembly comprising; 
 a guide link assembly including at least two guide link members releasably connected intermediate opposing ends of said guide link assembly.    
     
     
         2 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said guide link member includes opposing arms extending outwardly from a base.  
     
     
         3 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said guide link members are pivotally connected.  
     
     
         4 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said guide link members include opposing arms each of which terminates at a distal end, said distal ends having a flat portion.  
     
     
         5 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said guide link assembly further includes a guide roller assembly rotatably secured to said distal ends of said arms.  
     
     
         6 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 5  wherein said guide roller assembly includes a pair of guide roller inner race halves and a guide roller outer race rotatably supported on said guide roller inner race halves.  
     
     
         7 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein and at least one of said flat portions of one of said distal ends has a rib thereon.  
     
     
         8 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said inner race halves each comprise an inner race bearing surface and an outer flange, said outer flange further including a groove thereon for engaging said rib of said distal end of said guide link. 7 .  
     
     
         9 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said rib extends generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by said arms.  
     
     
         10 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 9  wherein each of said flat portions of said distal ends includes a bore therethrough for receiving a fastener, said fastener pivotally securing said guide link members.