Patent ID: 6484379
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: B65G,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for fitting a radius plastic conveyor belt, of the type having interconnected rows of plastic modules with forward and rear projecting link ends interdigited with similar link ends of preceding and succeeding module rows and with rods connecting adjacent rows extending through apertures in the projecting interdigited link ends, some of the link ends which have elongated slotted apertures allowing collapsing together of the rows at the inner side of a curve, to a spiral conveyor belt system in which the belt is driven at a radius fixed by a driving cage or tower of the system by contact between the outside of the cage or tower and an inner edge of the belt, comprising:defining said radius conveyor belt as a basic radius conveyor belt defined by modules that allow a degree of collapse to define a preselected minimum radius of curvature which is small enough to allow the basic radius conveyor belt to be used a plurality of spiral conveyor systems having different driving tower radii, the basic radius conveyor belt having an side, selecting a spiral conveyor belt system to which a radius plastic conveyor belt is to be fitted, the spiral belt system having a driving tower radius larger than said preselected minimum radius, modifying the basic radius conveyor belt by placing at She inner side of the basic radius conveyor belt, modules restricted to more limited degree of collapse than other modules of the belt, thereby restricting the ability of the conveyor belt to collapse together at the inner side of the belt, the restricted collapsibility being such as to limit the radius of curvature of the entire belt and to substantially match the actual radius of curvature of the spiral conveyor belt system.