V-slat reciprocating slat conveyors

Abstract

Movable conveyor slats ( 12 ) have side parts ( 42, 44 ) which rest on top parts ( 32 ) of bearings ( 30 ). The bearings ( 30 ) have a generally U-shaped cross section and they fit on wings ( 16, 18 ) which extend outwardly and slope upwardly from the sides of a fixed conveyor slat ( 10 ). The movable slats ( 12 ) have web ( 48, 50 ) and lower flange portions ( 52, 54 ) which with the side parts ( 42, 44 ) form laterally outwardly opening channels. The wings ( 16, 18 ) and the bearings ( 30 ) are received within the channels ( 56, 58 ).

1 . A fixed slat for use in connection with a reciprocating slat conveyor, comprising:
 said fixed slat integrally made from a metal extrusion having laterally extending wings for holding substantially U-shaped bearing members, a continuous top surface integral with the extrusion that spans the distance between said wings, spaced apart vertical portions integral with the extrusion that are below said wings, and horizontal base portions integral with the extrusion that extend laterally from said vertical portions for mounting said fixed slat to an underlying support, and wherein said U-shaped bearing members cover said laterally extending wings.   
     
     
         2 . The fixed slat of  claim 1 , including an underside surface on each laterally extending wing, said underside surface having teeth for engaging a portion of said U-shaped bearing member. 
     
     
         3 . The fixed slat of  claim 1 , wherein said metal extrusion is defined by said top surface, said spaced apart vertical portions, and said horizontal base portions. 
     
     
         4 . The fixed slat of  claim 1 , wherein said horizontal base portions come together as an integrated piece making up a base surface of said fixed slat. 
     
     
         5 . The fixed slat of  claim 1 , wherein said laterally extending wings slope upwardly while extending laterally. 
     
     
         6 . The fixed slat of  claim 1 , wherein said U-shaped bearing members have an upper side that extend laterally inwardly relative to said spaced apart vertical portions. 
     
     
         7 . The fixed slat of  claim 1 , wherein said U-shaped bearing members have a lower side surface that extend to a position that is adjacent to a junction of said laterally extending wings and said vertical portions. 
     
     
         8 . A fixed slat of  claim 7 , wherein said lower surface of each U-shaped member engages with said teeth.