Patent ID: 6062379
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A conveyor assembly for transporting materials on the top side of the assembly comprising:an interlocking link belt comprising a series of belt links arranged in superimposed successive overlapping relation, said belt having a thickness between its top and bottom sides corresponding to the thickness of at least two belt links, each of said belt links having:a body portion with a lateral width, a longitudinal length, at least one aperture, and an integral fastener at the leading end of said body portion and longitudinally-aligned with said aperture, said fastener comprising:a laterally constricted fastener neck portion; anda fastening tab connected to said body portion through said neck portion;said belt links of said series being secured together in overlapping relation to form a belt by the neck of said fastener extending from one of said sides of the belt through said aperture in the preceding belt link, said fastening tab engaging the other of said sides of said belt at the preceding belt link to secure the belt links together; anda shock absorbing layer connected to the upper surface of the link belt, operable to resiliently deform to absorb the impact of material when material is placed on the top side of the conveyor assembly comprising a series of cushioning members each having a cushion body portion having a length positioned on the top side of the belt and an integral connector with a laterally constricted connector neck portion and a connecting tab connected to said cushion body portion through said connector neck portion;said cushioning members being connected to said belt links by said connector neck extending through an aperture in at least one of said belt links, whereby said connecting tab is engaged on the other side of said belt,the length of said body portion being bowed outwardly from the top side of the belt to form a compressible pocket for cushioning and shock absorption.