阅读说明：本技术 用于支撑螺旋和直型输送带的梁轨系统以及可调节的套装件 (Beam-rail system for supporting spiral and straight conveyor belts and adjustable kit ) 是由 B·P·威斯克 A·J·拉姆斯德尔 S·M·凯恩 R·C·哈勒尔 J·J·鲍尔 R·C·布 于 2019-04-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于构建直型或径向带式输送机的梁轨套装件,包括：彼此连接的两根以上的梁,其中所述两根以上的梁各自具有第一自由端和第二自由端；和连接到各根梁的轨道,其中各轨道由从所述梁突出的凸片支撑,其中所述轨道从所述梁向一侧偏置,并且上轨道表面高于所述梁的顶面。一种可调节的套装件,其中附接至同一层支架的两根以上的梁自由端被弯曲以调节梁的长度并装配入层支架。(A beam-rail package for constructing a straight or radial belt conveyor, comprising: two or more beams connected to each other, wherein the two or more beams each have a first free end and a second free end; and a rail connected to each beam, wherein each rail is supported by a tab protruding from the beam, wherein the rail is offset to one side from the beam and an upper rail surface is higher than a top surface of the beam. An adjustable encasement in which more than two beam free ends attached to the same layer of brackets are bent to adjust the length of the beam and fit into the layer brackets.)

1. A beam-rail package for a belt conveyor, comprising:

two or more beams connected to each other, wherein the two or more beams each have a first free end and a second free end; and

a rail connected to each beam, wherein each rail is supported by a tab protruding from the beam to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset to one side from the beam to which the rail is connected, and an upper rail surface is higher than a top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

2. The beam rail package of claim 1, wherein the tabs are cut from a top side of the two or more beams.

3. The beam rail package of claim 1, wherein the tab comprises a groove into which the rail is attached.

4. The beam rail package of claim 1, wherein the rail is made of plastic and the beam is made of metal.

5. The beam rail package of claim 1, comprising a cross bar connecting a plurality of beams into a rigid weldment.

6. The beam rail package of claim 1, wherein the beam is curved or straight.

7. The beam rail package of claim 1, wherein the free ends of the plurality of beams are bent on the same side to adjust the length of the beams.

8. A method of manufacturing a belt support structure, comprising:

joining a plurality of the beam rail assemblies of claim 1 to form a helical ribbon support structure.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising attaching the first and second free ends of the beam to first and second layer brackets, wherein each beam rail package is supported between two layer brackets.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein free ends of the beams of one or more beam rail assemblies are not bent when joined to the layer bracket.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein a free end of the beam of at least one end of one or more beam rail assemblies is bent when joined to the deck brackets to adjust a length of the beam to fit between the deck brackets.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the layer bracket coupled to a curved free end includes a pin on which the curved free end rests.

13. A beam-rail system, comprising:

two or more beams connected to each other, wherein the two or more beams each have a first end and a second end;

a track connected to each beam; and

a layer bracket, wherein at least first ends of the two or more beams are bent and attached to the same layer bracket to adjust the length of the beams and fit into the layer bracket.

14. The beam rail system of claim 13, wherein the layer bracket to which a curved first end is attached includes a pin on which the curved first end rests.

15. The beam rail system of claim 13, wherein the layer bracket is supported by an outboard vertical post, the layer bracket extending inwardly from the vertical post.

16. The beam rail system of claim 13, further comprising a belt supported by the rail.

17. The beam rail system of claim 13, wherein each rail is supported by a tab protruding from the beam to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset laterally from the beam to which the rail is connected, and an upper rail surface is higher than a top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

18. A beam-rail system for a belt conveyor, comprising:

two or more beams connected to each other; and

a rail connected to each beam, wherein each rail is supported by a tab protruding from the beam to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset to one side from the beam to which the rail is connected, and an upper rail surface is higher than a top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

19. The beam rail system of claim 18, wherein the tabs are cut from a top side of the two or more beams.

20. The beam rail system of claim 19, wherein the tab includes a groove into which the rail is attached.

Background

The industry need to design more sanitary food processing equipment has resulted in stringent requirements that are focused on minimizing contact surfaces, minimizing or eliminating mechanical fasteners, providing channels that allow for thorough inspection, and reducing areas of microbiological hiding.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present invention provides further improvements to track systems for supporting belts in spiral and straight conveyor systems, including but not limited to the use of sanitary designs. The disclosed track system may be used, for example, in spiral and straight conveyor systems for food products.

In one embodiment, a track system for supporting a belt utilizes an offset track arrangement and does not require threaded mechanical fasteners to meet high sanitary standards.

In one embodiment, the track system utilizes metal profiles of sufficient strength to support the load requirements of the system. A tab of a specific geometry is cut into the top edge of the metal beam. If desired, the metal beam is then rolled to the desired radius of the helical system and the tabs are formed adjacent to the press rolls. The tabs form an offset support path for the extruded plastic rail, pressing the rail into the groove of the metal tab. The plastic rail is held in place by an interference fit that designs the geometry of the tabs based on the plastic rail dimensions.

The offset support path formed by the shaped tabs provides a belt support track system that increases hygiene and inspection access while greatly reducing the overall contact surface. The disclosed track system can meet stringent requirements for cleanability and reduce the risk of contamination of food and processing facilities.

Also disclosed is a beam encasement system designed to address misalignment issues and facilitate faster installation of rail components. The beam enclosure system may be implemented with a track system having offset plastic tracks or for a different track system.

In one embodiment, a beam-rail package 100, 114 for a belt conveyor 102 comprises: two or more beams 128, 130, 132 connected to each other, wherein the two or more beams each have a first and a second free end; and a rail 110 connected to each beam, wherein each rail is supported by a tab 134 protruding from the beam to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset to one side from the beam to which the rail is connected, and wherein the upper rail surface is higher than the top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

In one embodiment, the tabs 134 are cut out from the top side of more than two beams.

In one embodiment, the tab 134 includes a groove 136 with a track attached therein.

In one embodiment, the track 110 is made of plastic and the beams 128, 130, 132 are made of metal.

In one embodiment, the beam rail assemblies 100, 114 include a cross bar 106 connecting more than one beam into a rigid weldment.

In one embodiment, the beams 128, 130, 132 are curved or straight.

In one embodiment, the free ends of the beams 128c, 130c, 132c are bent on the same side to adjust the length of the beams.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a belt support structure 112 includes: a plurality of beam-rail packages 100, 114 are joined to form a helical structure 112 of belt-type support.

In one embodiment, the method further includes attaching first and second free ends of the beams 128, 130, 132 to the first and second layer brackets 104, wherein each beam rail package 100, 114 is supported between the two layer brackets.

In one embodiment, the free ends of the beams 128a, 130a, 132a, 128b, 130b, 132b, 128d, 130d, 132d of one or more of the beam rail assemblies 100 are not bent when coupled to the layer bracket 104.

In one embodiment, the free ends of beams 128c, 130c, 132c of at least one end of one or more beam rail assemblies 114 are bent when attached to layer brackets 104 to adjust the length of the beams to fit between the layer brackets.

In one embodiment, the layer support 104, which is coupled to the curved free end, includes a pin 140, and the curved free end rests on the pin 140, wherein the pin 140 extends perpendicular to the layer support.

In one embodiment, the beam rail system 108 includes: two or more beams 128, 130, 132 connected to each other, wherein the two or more beams each have a first and a second end; a rail 110 connected to each beam; and a layer bracket 104, wherein at least first ends of two or more beams 128c, 130c, 132c are bent and attached to the same layer bracket 104 to adjust the length of the beams to fit within the layer bracket.

In one embodiment, the layer support 104 to which the curved first end is attached includes a pin 140, the curved first end resting on the pin 140.

In one embodiment, the layer support 104 is supported by an outer vertical post 116, with the layer support extending inwardly from the vertical post 116.

In one embodiment, the beam-rail system 108 further includes a belt 102 supported by the track.

In one embodiment, each rail 110 is supported by a tab 134 protruding from the beam 128, 130, 132 to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset to one side from the beam to which the rail is connected and the upper rail surface is higher than the top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

In one embodiment, a beam rail system 108 for a belt conveyor 102 comprises: two or more beams 128, 130, 132 connected to each other; and a rail 110 connected to each beam, wherein each rail is supported by a tab 134 protruding from the beam to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset to one side from the beam to which the rail is connected, and the upper rail surface is higher than the top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

In one embodiment, the tabs 134 are cut out from the top side of more than two beams.

In one embodiment, the tab 134 includes a groove 136 into which the track is attached.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Drawings

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a section (i.e., a package) of a belt support track system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the track system of FIG. 1 with the tape removed;

FIG. 3 is a close-up schematic view of the track system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a spiral belt support structure;

FIG. 5 is an isometric schematic view of the spiral band support structure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a close-up schematic view of a non-adjustable encasement engaged to a layer scaffold in the spiral band support structure of FIG. 4; and

fig. 7 is a close-up schematic view of the adjustable encasement engagement to the layer scaffold in the spiral band support structure of fig. 4.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is an illustration of a kit (or section) 100 of a belt support track system including a beam and rail system 108 and a belt 102. The beam-rail system 108 includes a plurality of beams 128, 130, 132 and a rail 110 for each beam. The package 100 of the belt support track system is one of a plurality of such packages that may be connected to form a helical belt support structure 112 as shown in fig. 4 and 5. However, although the figures show a spiral, supported structure 112, the beam-rail system 108 of the present invention is not limited to a spiral structure, as the beam-rail system 108 may be constructed of straight beams and tracks, and may be used in straight or straight and spiral combinations. As shown in FIG. 1, a rail system 108 contacts the underside of the band 102 and supports the band 102 on rails, as will be further described.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the helical belt support structure 112 has a frame that allows the nest 100 to be placed to build a helical conveyor belt path on the frame. The frame is typically made of metal, such as stainless steel, nickel alloy or aluminum alloy. The conveyor belt path is constructed by juxtaposing a plurality of packages 100 in series end-to-end to form a helical track system coiled around a helical belt support structure 112. Each package 100 is supported between any two layer supports 104 (best seen in fig. 5). The layer support 104 is not considered part of the kit 100 because the layer support 104 forms part of the frame.

The vertically aligned tier supports 104 are disposed on one of several outer vertical columns 116, thereby forming the outer frame of the helical belt conveyor structure 112. Each layer bracket 104 in a column extends radially inward a width sufficient to support a beam-rail system 108. In one embodiment, the inboard end of the layer support 104 is cantilevered. The layer support 104 is designed to carry the expected load. The number of outer vertical columns 116 may vary depending on the size and application. The vertical columns of layer brackets 104 place each layer of brackets 104 at each level in the spiral. Thus, the layer supports 104 are regularly spaced throughout the path of the building beam-rail system 108. The inboard vertical column 116 is connected to top and bottom radial supports 120, 122. Top radial supports 120 may be joined at center 126. Similarly, the bottom radial supports 122 may be joined at the center (not shown). Adjacent outer vertical columns 116 are interconnected by a peripheral rod 124.

In one embodiment, each of the packages 100 may fit completely between adjacent layer brackets 104. Such a kit 100 is referred to as a non-adjustable kit 100. However, even if the spacing of the frame from the layer support 104 is intended to accommodate the package 100, misalignment is inevitable or small deviations add up to changing the spacing between adjacent layer supports 104. In this case, the present invention provides an adjustable encasement 114. Adjustable encasement 114 comprises beam-rail system 108 similar to non-adjustable encasement 100; however, as described further below, the adjustable encasement has an improved beam end. Such an improved beam end is a component of a joining system that allows for gaps between the encasement and the layer support or between two adjacent beams. The modified beam end may also allow adjustable encasement 114 to fit into spaces that are too long or too short for non-adjustable encasement 100. Referring to fig. 4, in one embodiment, one stage of the helix includes seven non-adjustable packages 100 and one adjustable package 114. However, the number of adjustable packages 114 per stage in the spiral may vary, and not every step may need to have an adjustable package 114. Thus, the entire helical beam-rail system 108 (and straight-type system) may be constructed on a floor support 104 by placing a modular non-adjustable encasement 100 or an adjustable encasement 114 between two adjacent floor supports 104.

Returning to fig. 1-3, one embodiment of a rail system 108 is shown as a non-adjustable encasement 100. It should be understood that similar beam rail systems 108 are provided on other non-adjustable packages 100 and adjustable packages 114 with modified beam ends. In one embodiment, the beam-rail system 108 includes an outer beam 128, a center beam 130, and an inner beam 132. The number of beams may vary depending on the width of the belt 102 or the desired weight to be supported. The beams 128, 130, 132 are initially strip-shaped and arranged in the beam-rail system 108 such that the height is greater than the width. The beams 128, 130, 132 are curved in a helical direction and the beams 128, 130, 132 are parallel to each other, wherein it will be appreciated that the outer beam 128 will have a larger radius than the intermediate beam 130 and the inner beam 132. In a straight beam-rail system, the beams 128, 130, 132 would be straight, but still parallel. To provide additional support, the outer beam 128, the intermediate beam 130, and the inner beam 132 may be coupled to a common transverse bar 106. In one embodiment, non-adjustable and adjustable sleeves 100, 114 may have three cross bars 106. However, the number of cross bars 106 may vary depending on the length of the beams 128, 130, 132 or the expected load on the beams 128, 130, 132.

Referring to fig. 3, as described above, the beams 128, 130, 132 are formed from thin metal (such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy or nickel alloy) strips. The steel sheet strip may then be modified at its top side by being provided with a plurality of tabs 134 projecting radially with respect to the respective beam 128, 130 or 132, which tabs extend along a helical (or straight) path. The tabs 134 may protrude inwardly or outwardly from the respective beam 128, 130 or 132. In one embodiment, one method of forming the tabs 134 is to laser cut the shape of the tabs 134 from the top side of the beam 128, 130, or 132, and then bend the tabs 134. In one embodiment, the tab 134 is further cut to provide a groove 136 on the top side of the tab 134. The profile of the groove 136 is similar to the cross-sectional shape of the rail 110. However, in one embodiment, the groove 136 may be slightly smaller than the rail 110 so as to create an interference fit that holds the rail 110 in place. Other embodiments may rely on different methods (e.g., fasteners) to retain the rail 110 to the beam.

In other embodiments, the tabs 134 may be welded to the sides of the beams 128, 130, 132. The rail 110 is then placed in the groove 136 on each tab 134 of each beam 128, 130, 132. In one embodiment, the track 110 is made from a solid plastic extrusion. In one embodiment, the track 110 is held in place by an interference fit within the groove 136 of the tab 134. The profile or cross-section of the rail 110 may take any number of shapes. In one embodiment, the profile of the rail 110 may be "dovetail" with a wide base and a narrow top. The corresponding recess 136 may also be dovetail shaped. When the dovetail rail 110 is inserted into the dovetail groove 136, the rail 110 becomes less susceptible to loosening. However, other profiles for the track 110 and groove 136 are possible, and these profiles may also prevent the track 110 from being removed from the beam.

The tabs 134 bias the track 110 from the beams 128, 130, 132. For example, the tabs 134 allow the rail 110 to be placed on the sides of the beams 128, 130, 132, and the tabs 134 allow the top surface of the rail 110 to be placed above the top surfaces of the beams 128, 130, 132. Thus, the belt 102 slides over the upper surface of the rail 110, rather than the upper surfaces of the beams 128, 130, 132. The offset of the rail 110 relative to the sides and above the beams 128, 130, 132 created by the tabs 134 enables a strap supported beam rail system 108 that increases the sanitation and inspection access while greatly reducing the overall contact surface. The disclosed beam-rail system 108 can thus meet stringent requirements for cleanability and reduce the risk of contamination of food and processing facilities.

The cross-bar 106 may be welded to each beam 128, 130, 132 with lap joints. In the lap joint, cuts of about half the height of the crossbar 106 are cut from the upper side of the crossbar 106 and cuts of the same depth are cut in the beams 128, 130, 132, but from the bottom side of the beams 128, 130, 132. The beams 128, 130, 132, along with the cross-bar 106, comprise a nest 100 weldment that may be placed between the two layer standoffs 104 of the spiral belt support structure 112 of fig. 4 and 5. In fig. 3, the layer brackets 104 shown at the ends of the beams 128, 130, 132 should not be considered part of the kit 100. As mentioned above, the layer support 104 belongs to a spiral framework with a support structure 112. Thus, both ends of the package 100 terminate at the free ends of the beams 128, 130, 132. By "free end" is meant that a length of the beams 128, 130, 132 of the kit 100 from one or both ends is not joined to additional structure, but the beams 128, 130, 132 may be joined by structure between the free ends. However, when the package 100 is joined to any two layer brackets 104 via the beams 128, 130, 132, the free ends are joined to the layer brackets 104. For example, the layer bracket 104 may be attached to the free ends of the beams 128, 130, 132 with a welded lap joint. Providing the beam and track assembly as a package 100 allows for easier construction of straight or curved belt support structures.

The description provided above with reference to fig. 4 and 5 details how a single non-adjustable nest 100 and adjustable nest 114 are added to form a complete beam-rail system 108 to support the belt of the helical belt conveying structure 12.

Referring to fig. 6, a close-up of detail of how non-adjustable encasement 100 is attached to layer support 104 is shown. Fig. 6 shows that any beam 128a, 130a, 132a from the first package 100 is connected to the layer bracket 104, and any beam 128b, 130b, 132b is joined to the same layer bracket 104 on opposite sides of the layer bracket 104. It should be understood that other beams are connected to the layer bracket 104 in a similar manner. In one embodiment, the free ends of the beams 128a, 130a, 132a and 128b, 130b, 132b are welded to the layer support 104 with lap joints. Further, the beams 128a, 130a, 132a juxtaposed with the beams 128b, 130b, 132b comprise beams from two adjacent non-adjustable packages 100, which may be butt welded to each other and to the layer bracket 104.

Referring to fig. 7, a close-up of detail of how adjustable encasement 114 is attached to layer support 104 is shown. Adjustable encasement 114 can be used when the free ends of beams 128c, 130c, 132c are misaligned with beams 128d, 130d, 132d of an adjacent non-adjustable encasement 100, or if the spacing between adjacent layer brackets 104 is greater or less than the end-to-end length of non-adjustable encasement 100. In this case, adjustable sleeve 114 may be used in place of non-adjustable sleeve 100. In one embodiment, the free ends of beams 128, 130, 132 of adjustable encasement 114 do not terminate in overlapping cutouts. In one embodiment, the free ends of beams 128, 130, 132 terminate in reduced height end pieces 138, which end pieces 138 may be bent to an appropriate length so that adjustable packages 114 may fit within the space of two adjacent improperly spaced layer brackets 104. Corresponding attachment members are provided on the layer support 104. In one embodiment, the layer support 104 is provided with cylindrical pins 140 protruding from the sides of the layer support 104. In one embodiment, the pins 140 may be placed perpendicular to the layer support 104. To join the beams 128c, 130c, 132c that are not aligned with the overlapping cuts in the layer support 104, slots 142 are cut into the underside of the reduced height end pieces 138 at locations in line with the pins 140 that closely match the profile of the pins 140. Optionally, misaligned beams 128c, 130c, 132c may be moved to the right or left to correct alignment and align beams 128c, 130c, 132d from adjustable encasement 114 with beams 128d, 130d, 132d of non-adjustable encasement 100. Thus, the manner in which the beams of the adjustable encasement assembly are coupled to the layer brackets 104 may correct for misalignment and/or inconsistent spacing between the layer brackets. To correct for any error in the spacing between adjacent layer brackets 104 that cannot accommodate a standard non-adjustable nest 100 because the spacing is too long or too short, it is not necessary that the reduced height reduced end piece 138 be bent at a location such that the adjustable nest 114 will fit at irregular spacings. The reduced height end piece 138 is long enough so that a spacing of less than the standard spacing can be accommodated by bending a longer section of the reduced height end piece 138. The reduced height end piece 138 is also sufficiently long that a spacing greater than the standard spacing can be accommodated by bending a short section of the reduced height end piece 138. The reduced height end piece 138 may then be cut at a location that mates with the pin 140 after bending. After the reduced height end piece 138 is placed on the pin 140, the connection may be welded. Adjustable encasement 114 may have a free end of beams 128c, 130c, 132c on one or both ends of beams 128c, 130c, 132c, which includes a reduced height end piece 138.

Thus, adjustable encasement 114 can address misalignment issues and also facilitate faster installation of rail system 108.

In one embodiment, a beam-rail package 100, 114 for a belt conveyor 102 comprises: two or more beams 128, 130, 132 connected to each other, wherein the two or more beams each have a first free end and a second free end; and a rail 110 connected to each beam, wherein each rail is supported by a tab 134 protruding from the beam to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset to one side from the beam to which the rail is connected, and wherein the upper rail surface is higher than the top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

In one embodiment, the tabs 134 are cut out from the top side of more than two beams.

In one embodiment, the tab 134 includes a groove 136 with a track attached therein.

In one embodiment, the track 110 is made of plastic and the beams 128, 130, 132 are made of metal.

In one embodiment, the beam rail assemblies 100, 114 include a cross bar 106 connecting more than one beam into a rigid weldment.

In one embodiment, the beams 128, 130, 132 are curved or straight.

In one embodiment, the free ends of the beams 128c, 130c, 132c are bent on the same side to adjust the length of the beams.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a belt support structure 112 includes: a plurality of beam rail assemblies 100, 114 are joined to form a spiral belt support structure 112.

In one embodiment, the method further includes attaching first and second free ends of the beams 128, 130, 132 to the first and second layer brackets 104, wherein each beam rail package 100, 114 is supported between the two layer brackets.

In one embodiment, the free ends of the beams 128a, 130a, 132a, 128b, 130b, 132b, 128d, 130d, 132d of one or more of the beam rail assemblies 100 are not bent when coupled to the layer bracket 104.

In one embodiment, the free ends of beams 128c, 130c, 132c of at least one end of one or more beam rail assemblies 114 are bent when attached to layer brackets 104 to adjust the length of the beams to fit between the layer brackets.

In one embodiment, the layer support 104, which is coupled to the curved free end, includes a pin 140, and the curved free end rests on the pin 140, wherein the pin 140 extends perpendicular to the layer support.

In one embodiment, the beam rail system 108 includes: two or more beams 128, 130, 132 connected to each other, wherein the two or more beams each have a first and a second end; a rail 110 connected to each beam; and a layer bracket 104, wherein at least first ends of two or more beams 128c, 130c, 132c are bent and attached to the same layer bracket 104 to adjust the length of the beams to fit within the layer bracket.

In one embodiment, the layer support 104 to which the curved first end is attached includes a pin 140, the curved first end resting on the pin 140.

In one embodiment, the layer support 104 is supported by an outer vertical post 116, with the layer support extending inwardly from the vertical post 116.

In one embodiment, the beam-rail system 108 further includes a belt 102 supported by the track.

In one embodiment, each rail 110 is supported by a tab 134 protruding from the beam 128, 130, 132 to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset to one side from the beam to which the rail is connected and the upper rail surface is higher than the top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

In one embodiment, a beam rail system 108 for a belt conveyor 102 comprises: two or more beams 128, 130, 132 connected to each other; and a rail 110 connected to each beam, wherein each rail is supported by a tab 134 protruding from the beam to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset to one side from the beam to which the rail is connected, and wherein the upper rail surface is above the top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

In one embodiment, the tabs 134 are cut out from the top side of more than two beams.

In one embodiment, the tab 134 includes a groove 136 into which the track is attached.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

1. A beam-rail package for a belt conveyor, comprising:

two or more beams connected to each other, wherein the two or more beams each have a first free end and a second free end; and

a rail connected to each beam, wherein each rail is supported by a plurality of tabs protruding from the beam to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset to one side from the beam to which the rail is connected, and an upper rail surface is higher than a top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

2. The beam rail package of claim 1, wherein the tabs are cut from a top side of the two or more beams.

3. The beam rail package of claim 1, wherein the tab comprises a groove into which the rail is attached.

4. The beam rail package of claim 1, wherein the rail is made of plastic and the beam is made of metal.

5. The beam rail package of claim 1, comprising a cross bar connecting a plurality of beams into a rigid weldment.

6. The beam rail package of claim 1, wherein the beam is curved or straight.

7. The beam rail package of claim 1, wherein the free ends of the plurality of beams are bent on the same side to adjust the length of the beams.

8. A method of manufacturing a belt support structure, comprising:

joining a plurality of the beam rail assemblies of claim 1 to form a helical ribbon support structure.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising attaching the first and second free ends of the beam to first and second layer brackets, wherein each beam rail package is supported between two layer brackets.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein free ends of the beams of one or more beam rail assemblies are not bent when joined to the layer bracket.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein a free end of the beam of at least one end of one or more beam rail assemblies is bent when joined to the deck brackets to adjust a length of the beam to fit between the deck brackets.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the layer bracket coupled to a curved free end includes a pin on which the curved free end rests.

13. A beam-rail system, comprising:

two or more beams connected to each other, wherein the two or more beams each have a first end and a second end;

a track connected to each beam; and

a layer bracket, wherein at least first ends of the two or more beams are bent and attached to the same layer bracket to adjust the length of the beams and fit into the layer bracket.

14. The beam rail system of claim 13, wherein the layer bracket to which a curved first end is attached includes a pin on which the curved first end rests.

15. The beam rail system of claim 13, wherein the layer bracket is supported by an outboard vertical post, the layer bracket extending inwardly from the vertical post.

16. The beam rail system of claim 13, further comprising a belt supported by the rail.

17. The beam rail system of claim 13, wherein each rail is supported by a tab protruding from the beam to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset laterally from the beam to which the rail is connected, and an upper rail surface is higher than a top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

18. A beam-rail system for a belt conveyor, comprising:

two or more beams connected to each other; and

a rail connected to each beam, wherein each rail is supported by a plurality of tabs protruding from the beam to which the rail is connected, wherein the rail is offset to one side from the beam to which the rail is connected, and an upper rail surface is higher than a top surface of the beam to which the rail is connected.

19. The beam rail system of claim 18, wherein the tabs are cut from a top side of the two or more beams.

20. The beam rail system of claim 19, wherein the tab includes a groove into which the rail is attached.