Coupling hinge for two conveyors

Abstract

Two longitudinally extending conveyors are connected by a plurality of novel hinge structures for movement between a first position with the two conveyors substantially in line, and a second position with one of the conveyors folded parallel to and on top of the other conveyor. One conveyor called a skate conveyor is referred to as the basic conveyor, while the other shorter conveyor is commonly called a stick conveyor and is herein referred to as the extension conveyor. Each hinge structure comprises a flat coupling hinge leaf generally triangular in shape and having acute apexes respectively one at each end. Each of the hinge structures includes a control link and pivotal connections respectively connected to the basic and extension conveyors, while a control link has a pivotal connection at one end with the hinge leaf near the obtuse apex at one end and is connected to the extension conveyor at its other end. This combination of conveyors is especially adaptable to dispatch a load between two locations which are at different levels.