Conveyor Means

Abstract

A conveyor for beverage packages includes an endless series of spacer elements by which successive packages (A) are spaced apart from one another. Each spacer element of the series includes a pair of leading and trailing carton engaging lugs ( 412, 414 ). The leading and trailing lugs ( 412, 414 ) are adjustable from a first setting in which both the leading and trailing lugs of each pair are in abutment with one another to a second setting in which the leading and trailing lugs of each pair are separated from one another.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
   
   
       20 . A conveyor for beverage packages which conveyor incorporates an endless series of spacer elements by which successive packages are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance each spacer element of the series comprising a pair of leading and trailing carton engaging lugs, said leading lug and said trailing lug being adjustable from a first setting in which both the leading and trailing lugs of each pair are in abutment with one another to bring the spacing between said spacer elements to the maximum to a second setting in which the leading and trailing lugs of each pair are separated from one another such that the spacing between said spacer elements is less than said maximum wherein the leading and trailing lugs of each pair interlock with one another, when brought into said abutment, such as to prevent them from passing one another. 
   
   
       21 . The conveyor of  claim 20 , wherein the leading lugs and the trailing lugs are so constructed and arranged as to fit together in a spatially complementary manner. 
   
   
       22 . The conveyor of  claim 20 , wherein one or more of the lugs are carried on a movement track. 
   
   
       23 . The conveyor of  claim 22 , wherein one or more of the lugs are adapted to be removable from the movement track. 
   
   
       24 . The conveyor of  claim 23 , wherein the or each movement track is provided with a series of pin components, and one or more of the lugs are supported upon one or more of the pin components. 
   
   
       25 . The conveyor of  claim 24 , wherein each lug is provided with securement means complementary to a securement portion of the pin component, so as to facilitate securement of the or each lug to a pin component. 
   
   
       26 . The conveyor of  claim 24 , wherein each secured lug can be disengaged by hand from its respective pin component or pin components without the need for any tools or machinery. 
   
   
       27 . The conveyor of  claim 20 , wherein an edge of each lug is so constructed as to bias an edge of an adjacent article to be assembled on the conveyor toward the adoption of a desired configuration. 
   
   
       28 . The conveyor of  claim 20 , wherein the lug is further provided with pivot means and actuator means adapted to mechanically urge the lug toward an adjacent article so as to bias that article towards a desired configuration. 
   
   
       29 . The conveyor of  claim 25 , wherein the pin component is provided with a plurality of securement portions at different heights, such that the lug may be mounted on the pin component at any one of a plurality of different heights. 
   
   
       30 . The conveyor of  claim 23  wherein the adoption of different lugs allows for the accommodation of a plurality of different sizes and configurations of article to be assembled on the conveyor. 
   
   
       31 . A pin component adapted to engage the lug of the conveyor of  claim 20 . 
   
   
       32 . The pin component of  claim 31 , wherein the securement means takes the form of a slit or aperture within the form of the pin component. 
   
   
       33 . The pin component of  claim 31  which pin component is further adapted to engage a movement track of the conveyor. 
   
   
       34 . A lug for use in conjunction with the conveyor of  claim 20 . 
   
   
       35 . The lug of  claim 34 , wherein an outer edge of the lug is so constructed and arranged as to bias an adjacent article into a desired configuration. 
   
   
       36 . The lug of  claim 34 , further provided with pivot means and actuator means to aid the direction of the lug towards an adjacent article. 
   
   
       37 . A machine for packaging articles comprising adaptable conveyor means to enable the machine to be readily adapted to convey cartons of alternate configurations. 
   
   
       38 . The conveyor of  claim 20 , wherein the interlocking of the trailing and leading lugs augments the rigidity of at least one of the lugs in at least one direction.