Charles E Leher

US Patent:

61706493, Jan 9, 2001

Filed:

Nov 9, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/436134

Inventors:

Randel L. Radandt - Oshkosh WI
Charles E. Leher - Oshkosh WI
Keith J. Knepfel - Oshkosh WI

Assignee:

Arrowhead Systems LLC - Randolph WI

International Classification:

B56G 2100

US Classification:

1988601

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a conveyor frame assembly that does not require the use of conventional fasteners and/or welded joints in order to be assembled. The frame assembly includes a base having a slot and a support having a tab extending through the slot. The tab is plastically deformed toward the base in order to couple the support to the base. The invention also relates to a method of assembling a conveyor frame. The method includes inserting a tab on a support into a slot on a base and then coupling the support to the base by plastically deforming the tab toward the base. The invention also relates to a tool for assembling a conveyor frame that includes a base and a support. The tool includes a head that is adapted to be inserted into a slot in the base after a tab on the support has been inserted into the slot. The base and the support are coupled together by impacting the tool further through the slot until an angled surface on the tool plastically deforms the tab toward the base.