Patent ID: 7624858
Filing Date: 2009-12-01
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A modular, molded plastic conveyor belt of the type made up of a multiplicity molded plastic modules connected together in successive rows by connecting pins or rods extending through interdigited link ends of the adjacent module rows, each of the modules having a center spine running laterally of the belt and a series of said link ends extending in fore and aft rows from the spine, and the conveyor belt being a spiral conveyor supported by spaced apart rails below the belt, and the belt carrying a defined load, the belt comprising: each module and module row having an arched top, forming a generally partial-cylindrical surface which is lower at the ends of link ends where the module rows are connected by the connecting pins and higher at a position generally central between adjacent connecting pins essentially where the center spine is located, the center spine being continuous through at least most of the width of the belt and the height of the spine being sufficient, with the belt carrying the load, to provide sufficient beam strength to span between the spaced apart supporting rails, and wherein the conveyor belt, if its center height were reduced to the height of the ends of the link ends, would be incapable of carrying the defined load when spanning between the spaced apart rails.