Patent ID: 7080729
Filing Date: 2006-07-25
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A belt module comprising: (a) an intermediate section having a top surface; (b) a first plurality of link ends, each having opposed side walls providing the first link ends with a first transverse thickness connected to the intermediate section at a first proximal portion and extending from the intermediate section in a direction of belt travel to a first distal portion, wherein the first link ends each have a first pivot hole through the thickness between and to the opposed side walls, the first pivot hole being formed from a first wall disposed substantially parallel to the top surface and a second wall disposed at a first acute angle to the first wall, the first and second walls being connected to each other by first and second curved walls disposed at opposite ends of the first pivot hole; (c) a second plurality of link ends, each having opposed side walls providing the second link ends with a second transverse thickness connected to the intermediate section at a second proximal portion and extending from the intermediate section in a direction opposite to the first link ends to a second distal portion, wherein the second link ends each have a second pivot hole through the thickness between and to the opposed side walls, the second pivot hole being formed from a third wall disposed substantially parallel to the top surface and a fourth wall disposed at a second acute angle to the third wall, the third and fourth walls being connected to each other by third and fourth curved walls disposed at opposite ends of the second pivot hole, the first and second acute angles being reflective, and wherein the second link ends are offset from the first link ends such that adjacently positioned belt modules are capable of being intercalated so that the first link ends of one belt module fit into spaces defined between the second link ends of an adjacent belt module; and, (d) wherein the first pivot hole has a rod receiving portion disposed adjacent to the second curved wall, the first pivot hole becoming narrower from the rod receiving portion in a direction away from the rod receiving portion toward the first curved wall which borders a remaining portion, the rod receiving portion disposed in communication with the remaining portion to provide access to the pivot rod; and wherein the second pivot hole has a rod receiving portion disposed adjacent to the fourth curved wall, the second pivot hole becoming narrower from the rod receiving portion in a direction away from the rod receiving portion toward the third curved wall which borders a remaining portion, the rod receiving portion disposed in communication with the remaining portion to provide access to the pivot rod; wherein when one of the first plurality of link ends is intercalated with one of the second plurality of link ends on an adjacent module to form a belt, the rod receiving portions of the first and second pivot holes are capable of being aligned in a direction transverse to belt travel while the remaining portions of the first and second pivot holes are not aligned transverse to belt travel when adjacent modules form a flat conveying surface.