Patent ID: 6457392
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: B26D,B29C,F16G,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of making an endless flexible seamed belt from belt material stock comprising:positioning the belt material stock between a die assembly and a punch assembly, the die assembly including a die with a first die cutting edge having a first puzzle cut die pattern having a series of alternating nodes with diameters from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, wherein the nodes of the first puzzle cut die pattern form a body portion and a neck portion such that the width of the body portion is larger than the width of the neck portion, and a second die cutting edge opposite the first die cutting edge having a second puzzle cut die pattern having a series of alternating nodes with diameters from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, wherein the nodes of the second puzzle cut die pattern form a body portion and a neck portion such that the width of the body portion is larger than the width of the neck portion; and the punch assembly including a punch with a first punch cutting edge having a first puzzle cut punch pattern that is complementary to the first puzzle cut die pattern and a second punch cutting edge opposite the first punch cutting edge having a second puzzle cut punch pattern that is complementary to the second puzzle cut die pattern; applying a cutting force from a force generating assembly to a force receiving surface on the punch assembly so that the die and the punch cut the belt material stock to form a first puzzle cut patterned end on a first end of the belt material stock and a second puzzle cut patterned end on a second end of the belt material stock; and removing the cutting force from the punch assembly, wherein the first and second puzzle cut patterned ends are able to mate to form an endless belt.