Patent ID: 7055678
Filing Date: 2006-06-06
Classification: B65G,F16G

Abstract:
1. A modular plastic conveyor belt suitable for abrasive environments, the conveyor belt comprising: a series of rows of belt modules wherein each row includes at least one belt module extending from a forward end to a rearward end in the direction of belt travel and including a first set of hinge eyes along the forward end and a second set of hinge eyes along the rearward end, wherein the first set of hinge eyes form first aligned openings therethrough and wherein the second set of hinge eyes form second aligned openings therethrough, the rows being arranged end to end with the first set of hinge eyes of a row interleaved with the second set of hinge eyes of an adjacent row; and a plurality of non-circular hinge pins including a convex rocker face along one side and received in the first and second openings in the interleaved hinge eyes at the ends of each row to connect consecutive rows into a conveyor belt having a hinge between consecutive rows, wherein each of the second openings is bounded by a convex rocker surface against which the convex rocker face of the received hinge pin rocks as the belt articulates about the hinge pin at the hinge.