| CPC B65G 39/09 (2013.01) | 8 Claims |
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1. An idler for use with conveyors comprising:
a cylindrical sleeve having opposing edges;
a polymer idler end having a body mounted in a press fit at each of the opposing edges, the idler end including a base confronting an inner surface of the sleeve and the body defining a unitary bearing pocket that engages a bearing, an inner race of the bearing engaging an axle and an outer race of the bearing engaging the bearing pocket;
a polymer cap that engages a face of the body and overlies the bearing pocket wherein an inner surface of the cap and an outer surface of the body each define a plurality of confronting concentric grooves and ridges that allow the axle to rotate relative to the body,
wherein the body is overmolded onto the bearing and the bearing pocket thereby defines opposing shoulders that axially restrain the bearing therein, and
wherein the bearing comprises a double row ball bearing;
a polymer seal plate, surrounding the axle, and located between the body and the cap, the seal plate including concentric grooves and ridges that confront grooves and ridges of the cap; and
a locking structure that engages the axle and is biased axially against the cap to restrain the cap with respect to the body,
wherein the locking structure comprises a toothed star locking washer.
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