Reciprocating slat conveyor with continuous splash guard bearings

Abstract

An elongated plastic slide bearing () comprises a top (), sidewalls () depending from the top (), and connecting to walls (and) that form laterally inwardly extending recesses (). Lock ribs () extend upwardly and inwardly from the inner walls () of the recesses () to upper edges (). The upper edges () are spaced below the bearing top (). The bearing () is adapted to be set down onto a support beam () that includes laterally outwardly projecting lock flanges () at its top. The lock ribs () contact the lock flanges (). When the bearing () is pushed downwardly, the lock ribs () bend outwardly and allow the lock ribs () to move into a position below the lock flanges (). When that happens, the lock ribs () assume substantially unstressed positions in which their upper edges () are below the lock flanges (). The sidewalls () and the lock ribs () are bendable to allow a floor slat () to be snap-fit down onto the bearing ().