Elastomeric force mitigating joint

{
  "publication_number": "US10605325B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Elastomeric force mitigating joint",
  "abstract": "The technology disclosed provides a joint for connecting carrier units together so as to dissipate and absorb axial forces experienced by the carrier units. The joint may be comprised of a joint housing and an elastomeric insert. The housing may be comprised of a body portion and a head portion and the head portion may include an annular flange in which the elastomeric insert is configured to be secured. The elastomeric joint is capable of absorbing and dissipating horizontal, rotational, and vertical forces experienced by the carrier units in non-linear travel along a track.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A joint for connecting carrier units, the joint comprising: a joint housing comprising: a head portion on a first side comprising an annular flange, wherein the annular flange is comprised of interior walls that define a hole and a counter bore therethrough; and an elongated body on a second side, wherein the body comprises a bore extending longitudinally therethrough; and an elastomeric insert positioned inside the counter bore of the annular flange, wherein the elastomeric insert comprises: an outer ring; an inner ring, wherein the inner and outer rings are connected together by supports; a front gap; a rear gap, wherein the front gap and the rear gap are at least partly defined by an inner wall of the outer ring and an outer wall of the inner ring, and wherein the front gap is larger than the rear gap; and an elastomeric knob extending from an outer surface of the outer ring, wherein the counter bore comprises a rear interior wall having a connecting lumen configured to receive the elastomeric knob therein, the connecting lumen contiguous with the bore extending longitudinally through the elongated body.",
    "2. The joint of claim 1, wherein the front gap is oriented toward a front side of the annular flange when the elastomeric insert is disposed within the counter bore and the elastomeric knob is disposed within the connecting lumen.",
    "3. The joint of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the counter bore is greater than the diameter of the hole in the annular flange."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "Field of the Development\n\nThis application relates generally to conveyor systems for transporting objects, and more specifically refers to methods and devices for dissipating forces in conveyor joints.\n\nDescription of the Related Art\n\nConveyor systems are useful in selecting, sorting, and transporting objects from one location to another. A conveyor system may be made up of individual conveyor units, or “carriers,” which are connected together by joints to make up a conveyor train. The conveyor train typically rides on a track in a continuous loop. An individual carrier may be equipped with a discharge device such as a motor-driven cross-belt, a tilt-tray, or a diverter paddle, etc. for discharging objects carried atop the carrier in a direction transverse to the direction traveled by the conveyor train. The discharge device is programmed to activate at a pre-programmed time and location along the conveyor track based on, for example, the characteristics of the object being transported.\n\nA conveyor system may be employed in package sorting facilities, and as such will often travel a circuitous route through the facility, receiving and distributing packages at multiple locations. In the process, a conveyor system may be required to travel through multiple curves of varying radii and additionally travel up and down inclines of varying elevations. Non-linear travel in a conveyor system creates difficulty in establishing and maintaining a constant speed for the conveyor train. As a result, the non-linear travel may also cause timing irregularities for the discharge devices in discharging the objects being carried.",
  "cpc": [
    "F16F 15/08",
    "B65G 17/06",
    "B65G 17/066",
    "B65G 17/22",
    "B65G 17/30",
    "B65G 17/345",
    "B65G 17/385",
    "B65G 35/00",
    "B65G 47/96",
    "B65G 47/962",
    "F16C 11/06",
    "F16C 11/08",
    "F16C 11/083",
    "Y10T 29/49826",
    "Y10T 29/4984",
    "Y10T 29/49872",
    "Y10T 403/32713",
    "Y10T 403/455",
    "Y10T 403/54"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B65G 17/06",
    "B65G 17/22",
    "B65G 17/30",
    "B65G 17/34",
    "B65G 17/38",
    "B65G 47/96",
    "F16C 11/04",
    "F16C 11/06",
    "F16C 11/08",
    "F16F 15/08"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "US Postal Service (USPS)"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Donald R. Close",
    "Scott R. Bombaugh"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2017-03-15",
  "publication_date": "2020-03-31",
  "grant_date": "2020-03-31",
  "priority_date": "2011-06-08",
  "application_number": "US-201715460153-A",
  "family_id": "46395690",
  "cited_by_count": 0,
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}