Conveyor belt connector and method for forming a belt

A belt and belt connector is provided for forming a continuous belt loop. The belt connector includes a first element insertable into a first end of the belt and a second element insertable into a second end of the belt. The first element may include exterior threads for positively engaging the interior of the belt. Additionally, the belt connector may include a connecting link that connects the first and second elements so that the first and second elements are pivotable relative to one another. Additionally, the connecting link may be configured to that the first element is pivotable relative to the connecting link about a first pivot axis and the connecting link may be pivotable relative to the second element about a second pivot axis that is transverse the first pivot axis.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to endless belts, such as conveyor belts. More specifically, the invention relates to connectors for endless belts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Continuous belts made of thermoplastic material, such as polyurethane, are used in a variety of conveyor applications. A common method for forming such belts is to heat fuse or weld the ends of a length of belting in order to form a continuous loop. However, it can take a substantial amount of time to prepare and weld a belt. In addition, after a belt is welded, there is a waiting time before the belt should be fully tensioned. Therefore, the welding process can create undue down time for machinery. To reduce down-time, a mechanical fastener may be used to connect the ends of the belt. However, such fasteners significantly limit the amount of tension that can be applied to the belt. Such fasteners also tend to creep during use, which frequently causes the connector to become detached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an improved belt connector and a belt having an improved connector.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an endless belt formed of an elongated length of belt having a first end having an opening and a second end having an opening. A belt connector is provided that is configured to connect the first end of belt material with the second end of the belt material to create a continuous loop. The belt connector comprises a first connector having an exterior surface configured to cooperate with an interior surface of the first end opening. The belt connector also includes a second connector having an exterior surface configured to cooperate with an interior surface of the second end opening. A connecting link connects the first connector with the second connector. Additionally, the connecting link is pivotable relative to the first connector about a first axis and the connecting link is pivotable relative to the second connector about a second axis that is transverse the first axis.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a belt connector for connecting the first end of a length of belt material with the second end of the length of belt material to create a continuous loop. The length of belt material has a first interior cavity at the first end and a second interior cavity at the second end. The belt connector includes a first connector having an exterior surface configured to cooperate with an interior surface of the first end cavity and a second connector having an exterior surface configured to cooperate with an interior surface of the second end cavity. A connecting link connects the first connector with the second connector. The connecting link is pivotable relative to the first connector about a first axis and the connecting link is pivotable relative to the second connector about a second axis that is transverse the first axis.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides a belt connector for connecting the first end of a length of belt material with the second end of the length of belt material to create a continuous loop. The length of belt material has a first interior cavity at the first end and a second interior cavity at the second end. The belt connector includes a first connector having an exterior surface configured to cooperate with an interior surface of the first end cavity and a second connector having an exterior surface configured to cooperate with an interior surface of the second end cavity. A connecting link connects the first connector with the second connector. The connecting link is pivotable relative to the first connector about a first axis and the connecting link is configured to interconnect the first and second connectors after the first connector is positioned in the first end cavity and the second connector is positioned in the second end cavity.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for connecting a length of belt material using a belt connector having a first connector, second connector and connecting link connecting the first and second connectors to form a belt. The method may form an endless belt loop. The method includes the steps of inserting the first connector into a first cavity in a first end of the belt material and inserting the second connector into a second cavity in a second end of the belt material. The first connector is then immobilized relative to the second connector to impede relative motion of the first connector relative to the second connector after the steps of inserting the first connector and inserting the second connector. The method further includes the step of rotating the first and second connectors about an axis while the first connector is in the first cavity and the second connector is in the second cavity. The step of rotating the first and second connectors operates to connect the first and second ends of the belt material and draw together the first and second ends.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the figures, wherein like elements are numbered alike throughout, an endless belt is designated10. The belt10is formed of a length of belt material having two ends connected by a belt connector30. The belt connector30connects the ends of the belt to form a continuous loop. The belt is configured to be entrained around a plurality of rotatable elements, such as rollers or pulleys. For instance, in the present instance, the belt is entrained around a plurality of pulleys or sheaves, and each pulley has a rotatable groove in which the belt rides.

The belt10may be formed of any of a variety of materials. For instance, the belt10is formed from an elongated length of belting material which may be any of a variety of materials, including elastomers, such as rubber, silicon or any of a variety of plastics, such as polyurethane. In the present instance, the belting material is a length of extruded polyurethane having a hardness of about 85 or 89 durometer on the Shore A hardness scale, such as the polyurethane belting sold under the brand name EAGLE Red 85 QC or Eagle Green 89 sold by Fenner Drives of Mannheim, Pa.

The belt material may have any of a variety of cross-sectional profiles. For instance, as shown inFIG. 1, the belt may be a hollow generally cylindrical material having a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the belt material may be a v-belt having a trapezoidal cross-section in which the upper surface of the belt is generally flat having a first width and the inner surface of the belt is generally flat having a second width that is narrower than the first width. Alternatively, the belt material may have a pentagonal cross-section, such that the inner surface of the belt forms a flat surface that will ride in the groove of the pulleys and the outer surface forms a point or ridge rather than a flat surface, so that the outer surface forms a minimal point of contact with the items resting on the belt.

The connector is particularly suited for connecting belt material that has a hollow bore, however, solid belting material can be connected using one of the connectors if each end of the belt material is bored out to form a counterbore or socket for receiving the belt connector. Accordingly, in the following discussion in which the bore of the belt is mentioned, it should be understood that the bore may refer to a hollow bore belt having a bore that runs through the length of the material or the bore may refer to a counterbore or socket formed in the ends of the belt material.

Referring again toFIG. 1, in the present instance, the belt10is a hollow round belt having a circular cross-section. The belt has an inner bore12having a first diameter and an outer bore having a second diameter. The wall thickness may vary depending on the application. However, in the present instance, the wall thickness is approximately half the inner diameter. For example, one exemplary belt has an outer diameter of 3/16″ and an inner diameter of approximately 0.080″. However, it should be understood that the diameter of the belt may vary according to the application. Additionally, the belting may also be configured in metric sizes to operate in pulleys configured to receive metric sized belts. For instance, the belt may have a 10 mm outer diameter and an inner diameter of approximately 4.4 mm so that the thickness of the belt wall14is approximately 2.8 mm. Further exemplary belt sizes include ⅜″, ½″, 9/16″ and ¾″ OD as well as metric sizes, including 12 mm, 15 mm and 18 mm OD.

The belt10has a first end15and a second end20remote from the first end. The belt connector30connects the first end15to the second end20to form a continuous loop. InFIG. 1, the first end15is shown as spaced apart from the second end20so that there is a gap between the two ends. However, it should be understood that the view inFIG. 1illustrates the connector partially inserted into the ends of the belt. The connector is configured so that the ends15,20of the belt20abut or nearly abut when the connector is fully inserted into the belt.

When the belt travels around a pulley, the belt connector30may form a rigid portion along the length of the belt. In other words, the connector will tend to make the portion of the belt adjacent the connector more rigid than the rest of the length of belt. To increase the flexibility of the belt at the joint (i.e., where ends15and20meet), the belt connector may facilitate movement about one or two axis. In particular, preferably the belt connector is formed of two halves, the first half being inserted into the first end15of the belt and the second half being inserted into the second end20of the belt. Preferably the first half is moveable relative to the second half. For instance, the first half may be pivotable about a first axis relative to the second half. Alternatively, the first half may be pivotable relative to the second half about a first axis and a second axis. Further still, the first half may be connected to the second half by a connection that permits three degrees of freedom, such as a universal joint connection.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-2, the belt connector30is configured to provide two degrees of freedom to improve the ability of the connector30to bend in the appropriate direction when the belt joint travels around a pulley or roller. The connector30includes first and second halves40,50that are connected by a connecting link60. The connecting link60is configured to permit relative motion between the first half40and the connecting link about a first axis of rotation. The connecting link is also configured to permit relative motion between the second half50and the connecting link60about a second axis that is transverse the first axis. In particular, the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis in the present instance.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the first half40of the belt connector30comprises a threaded plug configured to threadedly engage the interior wall14of the belt10. The threads of the threaded portion42are formed so that the threads engage the wall of the belt material. In particular, the threads are configured to dig, cut or bite into the belt material to form a positive engagement between the threads42and the wall14of the belt. For this reason, the threads42of the first half may be formed as self-tapping threads. Specifically, the threads42may be tapered threads, so that the outer diameter of the lead threads is smaller than the outer diameter of the rear threads. In this way, the diameter of the threads taper along the axis of the first half40of the connector30. The tapered forward end allows the first half40to more easily engage and self-center into the bore of the first end15of the belt. Furthermore, the threads may be continuous, but in the present instance a gap is cut or formed into the length of the threads, forming an axially extending flute or groove along the threads. Further still, the threads may be formed with a plurality of flutes spaced about the circumference of the threads. The edges of the threads adjacent the flutes are angled to form cutting edges so that the threads more easily cut or bite into the wall14of the belt material. In this way, the flutes in the threads operate similar to the flutes in a tap to facilitate the threads cutting into the belt.

The length of the threaded plug may vary based on the diameter of the belt. Generally speaking, the length of the threaded plug may increase as the diameter of the belt increases. For instance, for a 10 mm OD the threaded portion is approximately 0.267″ long; the thread length may be approximately 0.320″ for a 12 mm OD belt; the thread length may be approximately 0.400″ for a 15 mm OD belt; and the thread length may be approximately 0.480″ for an 18 mm OD belt.

As described above, the threads are configured to bite or cut into the wall14of the belt. Alternatively, the threads may be configured so that the threads simply deform the wall of the belt outwardly. The threads thus form bulges inside the bore12creating high-frictional resistance against being pulled out of the belt. Such threads may have a relatively wide land that impedes the thread from cutting or biting into the belt material. However, in the present instance, the threads are formed with a relatively high thread angle. The thread angle may be within a range that is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 60 degrees. More specifically, the thread angle may be between 35 and 55 degrees. In particular, the thread angle may be between 40 and 50 degrees. Additionally, preferably the thread has a relatively coarse pitch. For instance, the pitch for a given connector diameter is preferably at least as coarse as a coarse pitch under the ISO or Unified Thread Standard for a thread diameter corresponding to the diameter of the threads42of the first half40.

Further still, it should be understood that the thread profile of the threaded portion42may be formed according to any of a variety of thread profiles. For example, the threads42may be formed as v-threads, pipe threads or buttress threads. These thread profiles are merely exemplary profiles and it should be understood that the actual thread profile may vary. However, in the present instance, the thread profile is a v-shaped profile having a thread angle of approximately 40 degrees.

As shown inFIG. 2, the first half or first threaded plug40of the belt connector30includes a second end formed to connect with the connecting link60to provide a pivotable connection. In particular, the first threaded plug40includes a yoke45. Specifically, the first threaded plug includes a pair of spaced uprights46spaced apart from one another so that a slot is formed between the two uprights, thereby forming the yoke45. A socket or aperture48is formed in each upright46of the yoke45. In the present instance, the sockets are holes or apertures extending through the thickness of each upright. Further still, the through holes46are aligned to form a pivot axis for the first threaded plug40.

The first threaded plug40may also be formed so as to improve the engagement between the belt connector30and tools used during installation of the belt connector. For instance, one or more generally flat planar surfaces may be formed on the exterior surface of the first threaded plug. In particular, the flat surfaces may be spaced apart around the circumference of the first plug. In the present instance, a first flat extends along a length of the exterior surface of the first upright46and a second flat extends along a length of the exterior surface of the opposing upright46. In this way, a pair of generally parallel flats are formed on the exterior surface of the first plug40and the flats are spaced apart approximately 180 degrees around the circumference of the first plug.

The belt connector includes a second threaded plug50configured substantially similarly to the first threaded plug described above. The second threaded plug50is configured to engage the hollow bore of the second end20of the belt10. The second threaded plug50includes a threaded portion52at one end and a yoke55at the opposing end. The yoke55is formed of a pair of spaced apart uprights56, with a slot formed between the uprights. A pair of socket58or holes extend through the uprights56and are aligned to form a pivot axis about which the second threaded plug is pivotable. Additionally, similar to the first threaded plug40, the second threaded plug50includes one or more flats59along the length of the exterior of the second plug. The flat aids in the engagement of the connector by an installation tool. In particular, in the present instance, the second threaded plug includes a pair of flats formed along the exterior surface of the uprights56so that the second plug includes a pair of flats spaced apart approximately 180 degrees around the circumference of the second plug so that the flats are generally parallel to one another. It should be noted that the flats may be omitted from the yokes of the threaded inserts to increase the strength of the yokes45,55. Instead (or in addition to), the flats may be formed on the connecting link60as discussed below.

Although the second threaded plug50is substantially similar to the first threaded plug40, the second threaded plug has threads that are formed in the opposite hand of the threads of the first threaded plug. For instance, the first threaded plug40may have lefthand threads, whereas the second threaded plug may have righthand threads.

The first threaded plug40is connected with the second threaded plug50such that the first threaded plug40is pivotable about a first pivot axis and the second threaded plug50is pivotable about a second pivot axis that is transverse the first pivot axis. In particular, the first pivot axis may be perpendicular to the second pivot axis. In the present instance, a connecting link60interconnects the first threaded plug40with the second threaded plug50to provide pivoting motion about the first and second pivot axes.

The connecting link60comprises a first connecting end62adapted to connect with the yoke45of the first threaded plug40. In particular, the first connecting end comprises a generally flat tongue62having a thickness less than the width of the slot formed between the two uprights46of the yoke45. The end of the tongue62is curved or, more specifically, rounded, so as to provide clearance so that the tongue can pivot relative to the yoke45without the end of the tongue interfering with the bottom of the slot in the yoke45, which would impede the pivoting of the connecting link relative to the first threaded plug.

A first connecting pin64projects upwardly from the upper surface of the tongue62. The pin64is generally cylindrical and has a rounded or chamfered head to facilitate insertion of the pin into the yoke45of the first threaded plug. The pin64has a diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the sockets or holes48in the uprights46of the yoke45. A second pin projects downwardly from the lower surface of the tongue62. The second pin is axially aligned with the first pin64, so that an axis extending through the first and second pins forms the pivot axis about which the first threaded plug pivots relative to the connecting link.

The connecting link60is pivotably connected with the threaded insert40by connecting the pins64of the connecting link with the yoke45of the threaded insert. The pins64have an interference fit with the yoke45, so that pressing the connecting link into the slot of the yoke causes the uprights46to flex or deflect outwardly. To aid in the insertion of the pins64into the yoke, the ends of the uprights46are angled or chamfered. When the connecting link60is inserted into the yoke, the pins wedge the uprights outwardly until the pins are aligned with the apertures48in the uprights46at which point the uprights resiliently snap back inwardly thereby retaining the pins64in the apertures48. The clearance between the pins64and the apertures48is a running fit to facilitate free pivoting motion between the connecting link60and the threaded insert40. For instance, the fit may be a medium running fit or free running fit.

The connecting pin60includes a second tongue66configured substantially similarly to the first tongue62, so that the second tongue is configured to cooperate with the yoke55of the second threaded plug50. Additionally, like the first end of the connecting pin, the second end has a pair of cylindrical pins68that project from opposing sides of the tongue and are axially aligned to form a second pivot axis. The second tongue66is oriented at a different angle relative to the first tongue62, so that the pivot axis defined by pins68is transverse pivot axis defined be pins64on the first tongue. In particular, the second tongue is perpendicular to the first tongue so that the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

The connecting link60may also be adapted for engagement with a tool for connecting the belt connector30with the belt10. For instance, the outer surface of the connecting link may include flat surfaces72spaced apart about the circumference of the connecting link or on opposing sides of the connecting link to facilitate engagement between the connecting link and a tightening tool, such as a box wrench or similar tool. Similarly, a pair of slots may be formed on opposing sides of the connecting link. The slots have a width configured to receive the end of an open box wrench5as shown inFIG. 2. Alternatively, a cross-bore or through hole74may extend through the thickness of the connecting link as shown inFIG. 2. A separate tool in the form of an elongated cylindrical pin may be inserted through the through hole so that the belt connector30can be rotated relative to the belt by applying a turning force to the elongated pin, wherein the turning force is applied tangential to the end of the elongated pin.

Elements of the belt connector30can be formed of a variety of materials, including plastics or metals. In the present instance, the threaded inserts40,50and the connecting link60are made of metal, such as steel. In the present instance, the elements are made of a hardened alloy steel.

Configured as described above, the belt connector30can be used to connect a length of belting to form a continuous belt10. A length of belting is provided having a first end15and a second end20. Each end15,20has a hollow bore. The belt is clamped or otherwise retained adjacent the first end15to maintain the first end in a generally fixed orientation to impede axially displacement of the first end. For instance, a clamp may be applied to the belt a few inches from the first end15of the belt, wherein the clamp may clamp the belt to a stationary surface such as the work surface of a table, workbench or other surface.

After retaining the first end15of the belt, the second end20is aligned with the first end. The first threaded portion40of the connector is then clamped or held by a tool so as to impede the first threaded plug from pivoting relative to the connecting link60. Additionally, the second threaded portion50may be clamped or held by a tool so as to impede the second threaded plug from pivoting relative to the connecting link. However, it may only be necessary to clamp or restrain one end of the connecting link so that the connecting link60is only constrained against pivoting about one of the first and second pivot axes. The first threaded plug40is inserted into the opening of the bore12in the first end15of the belt and the second end20of the belt is displaced or pressed toward the second threaded plug so that the second threaded plug is inserted into the opening of the bore of the second end. The belt connector30is then rotated relative to the belt around the axis of the belt10. Rotating the belt connector30causes the threaded portion42of the first threaded plug to thread into the wall14of the belt, while the threaded portion52of the second threaded plug50threads into the wall of the second end of the belt. Since the first and second threaded plugs are threaded in opposing hands (i.e. the first threads are right hand and the second threads are left hand or vice versa), as the threaded portions thread into the ends of the belt, the opposing threads pull the ends of the belt together. The belt connector30is continuously rotated until the first end15is draw into abutment with the second end20of the belt10. Once the first and second ends are in abutment, the belt connector30is completely sealed within the interior of the belt and the belt forms an endless loop.

Referring now toFIGS. 3-5an alternate belt connector is illustrated. The alternate belt connector is designated120, and it includes a pair of opposing sockets130,140that are threaded into ends of the belt. A pair of connecting pins150,170are pivotably connected to one another and are adapted to connect the first and second threaded sockets140,150.

Referring toFIGS. 3-4, the first threaded socket130is a generally hollow cylindrical element. External threads are formed on the exterior surface of the first threaded socket. The external threads are configured similarly to the external threads of the threaded plug40described above. The first threaded socket130includes a central opening132at a rearward end of the socket that opens into the hollow interior of the socket. The forward end of the socket tapers inwardly to form a reduced diameter opening134through the forward end of the socket. The outer surface of the forward end forms a rim135around the forward opening. An interior shoulder136is formed within the interior of the socket130. The shoulder136is spaced apart from the rim135adjacent the forward opening134.

The second threaded socket140is configured substantially similarly to the first threaded socket130. Specifically, the second threaded socket140includes threads141formed on the exterior of the socket, a central opening142at a rearward end of the socket and a reduced diameter opening144at the forward end of the socket. A rim145or lip extends around the exterior of the forward opening and an interior shoulder146is formed within the socket, spaced apart from the rim.

The exterior threads141on the second threaded socket are configured similarly to the exterior threads131of the first threaded socket130. However, the exterior threads of the second socket are threaded with the opposite hand threads of the exterior threads131of the first threaded socket130.

The connector120includes a pair of connecting pins150,160that interconnect the first and second threaded connectors130,140. The pins may be configured to be connected in a variety of orientations. In a first orientation, the connecting pins are pivotably connected to one another about a single pivot axis. In a second configuration, the connecting pins are connected in a manner that permits the pins to pivot relative to one another about two transverse axes. In a third configuration, the connecting pins are connected in a manner that permits the pins to pivot universally relative to one another.

In the present instance, the connecting pins150,170are pivotably connected so that the connecting pins are pivotable about a single axis. The first connecting pin150comprises a central hub152. Two fingers160extend axially from the central hub. The fingers are axially elongated and radially flexible. The fingers160are spaced apart from one another so that a slot is formed between the two fingers. The slot forms a clearance space so that the fingers160can be deformed radially inwardly toward one another.

The terminal end of each finger160forms a hook or latch164. In particular, the latch projects radially outwardly from the end of the finger160so that the outer diameter of the latch164is greater than the outer diameter of the finger160. The forward tip of the latch164forms a tapered surface that operates as a ramp to facilitate insertion of the fingers160into the socket as discussed further below. The rearward edge of each latch164may be generally perpendicular to form a stop that engages the rim135of the opening134as described below. However, in the present instance, the rearward edge of the latch forms an undercut (i.e. the angle between the rearward edge and the side of the finger is less than 90 degrees). Increasing the amount of undercut may improve the retention between the latches164and the rim. However, increasing the undercut also increases the stress concentration on the latches that can cause the latch to fracture. Accordingly, it is desirable to limit the undercut to 1-10 degrees and in one example, the undercut may be 5 degrees to that the angle between the latch and the finger is approximately 85 degrees.

Each finger may also include a flange162projecting radially outwardly from the surface of the finger. The flange may be spaced rearwardly from the latch164so that the flange is spaced axially from the latch.

The hub152of the first connecting pin forms a connector for connecting the first and second connecting pins150,170. In the present instance, the central hub152forms a yoke having a through hole154forming a pivot axis for a pivot pin or hinge pin190that connects the two connecting pins. Additionally, the outer diameter of the central hub152of the connecting pin may have a diameter corresponding to the interior diameter of the threaded socket130.

The second connecting pin170is configured substantially similarly to the first connecting pin150. In particular, the second connecting pin comprises two parallel axially elongated flexible fingers180, each having a hook or latch184at a terminal end and a radially extending flange182spaced apart from the latch. The central hub of the second connecting pin forms a flat tongue172having a thickness configured to fit in the slot of the yoke of the first connecting pin. An aperture or opening174extends through the thickness of the tongue172. Additionally, a flange176projects radially outwardly from the tongue172and the flange is spaced from the rearward end of the second connecting pin. The flange176has an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the second threaded socket.

Configured as described above, the belt connector130can be used to connect the ends of a belt10as follows. The connecting pins may be connected to one another and then connected with the threaded sockets130,140prior to engaging the belt. However, in the present instance, the connecting pins are designed so that each threaded socket130,140can be partially or completely threaded into an end of the belt. After the sockets are inserted into the ends of the belt, the connecting pins can be connected to the threaded sockets.

More specifically, the first threaded socket130may be threaded into the first end15of the belt so that substantially the entire length of the first threaded socket is disposed within the hollow bore12of the belt such that the threads of the first threaded socket engage the wall of the belt. For example, the threads may bite or cut into the wall of the belt. The threads of the threaded socket may be any of a variety of thread types as discussed above in connection with the threaded inserts40,50described above. Accordingly, the external threads of the socket130may be similar to the threads discussed above in connection with threaded inserts40,50.

To facilitate twisting the threaded socket, the interior bore of the socket may have a non-circular cross-sectional opening132. For instance, the opening132may have a hexagonal opening so that a hex wrench can be inserted into the socket to facilitate rotation of the socket relative to the belt to thread the socket into the end of the belt. Similarly, the second threaded socket140may be threaded into the second end20of the belt.

After the threaded sockets130,140are threaded into the ends15,20of the belt10, the connecting pins150,170may be connected to the sockets. The connecting pins may be connected by a variety of connectors. In the present instance, the tongue172of the second connecting pin170is inserted into the yoke of the first connecting pin150and a hinge pin is inserted into the aligned holes154,174through the first and second connectors. Preferably, the first and second connecting pins150,170are connected to one another before the connecting pins are connected to the threaded sockets130,140.

After the connecting pins150,170are connected to one another, each connecting pin is inserted into the respective threaded socket. Specifically, the first connecting pin is connected to the first threaded socket130by inserting the first connecting pin into the central opening132of the first socket. The connecting pin is advanced into the socket, driving the latches164at the forward end of the finger160toward the forward opening134. Since the forward opening is a reduced diameter opening, the angled surfaces of the forward tip of the fingers160engage the forward opening, which deflects the fingers radially inwardly toward one another as the fingers are advanced into the forward opening. The fingers are preferably resiliently deformable so that when the tip of the fingers project through the forward opening134, the fingers160expand or displace radially outwardly so that the outer radial edges of the latches extend radially outwardly beyond the rim135of the forward aperture. In this way, the latches164latch onto the forward end of the threaded socket, so that the latches cooperate with the socket to impede rearward displacement of the connecting pin relative to the socket. Additionally, the flange162adjacent the forward end of the fingers engages the shoulder136at the forward end of the interior of the socket. The flange162cooperates with the shoulder136to impede forward displacement of the connecting pin150relative to the threaded socket. Additionally, the outer diameter of the central hub152of the connecting pin150is sized to cooperate with the interior bore of the threaded socket. In this way, the central bore impedes substantial radial displacement of the connecting pin relative to the threaded socket.

The second connecting pin170snaps into the second threaded socket140similar to how the first connecting pin150snaps into the first threaded socket130as described above. In this way, the two connecting pins snap into the two threaded connectors130,140to connect the two threaded connectors, thereby connecting the ends of the belt.

Referring now toFIG. 6, another alternate embodiment of a belt connector230is illustrated. The belt connector220includes a connection that allows movement in more than two pivot axes; it allows universal movement similar to a universal joint connection. The belt connector includes two threaded inserts230,240. Like the threaded sockets130,140of the previous embodiment, the threaded inserts230,240have a through bore and external threads configured to engage the interior of the belt as discussed in the embodiments above. The first threaded insert230is connected with the second threaded insert in a manner that facilitates universal relative motion. For instance, the threaded inserts230,240may be connected by a connector260that can flex and twist. Additionally, the connector260provides a connection that does not constrain movement about one or more axes. However, the connector does impede axial displacement between the two threaded inserts. One such exemplary connector260is a cord formed of a plurality of filaments. For instance, the connector260may be a thermoplastic multifilament yarn spun. As example of such a yarn is a cord formed from a liquid crystal polymer fiber sold under the name VECTRAN by Vectran Fiber, Inc. Similarly, the connector may be a polyester rope or metal cable.

The connector260extends through both of the threaded inserts230,240so that the ends of the connector project out the ends of the threaded inserts. The ends of the connector260are then anchored to fix each end of the connector to the respective threaded insert. For instance, as shown inFIG. 6, ferrules232,242or rings are crimped onto the ends of the cord260. The ferrules232,242act as stops preventing the cord from being pulled out of the threaded inserts230,240.

An alternative connector is shown inFIG. 7. The belt connector320inFIG. 7is substantially similar to the belt connector shown inFIG. 6, but the connecting cord360is attached to the threaded inserts330,340in a different manner. Instead of a fastener being attached to the ends of the cord, the filaments of the cord are potted into a volume of epoxy or other adhesive forming a block332,334of material that is larger in diameter than the opening in the end of threaded inserts330,340. In this way, the block of material with the embedded fibers prevents the cord from being pulled out of the threaded inserts.

The threaded inserts for both belt connectors220,320include flats235,335formed on the inner ends of the threaded inserts. In particular, each belt connector may include a plurality of flat surfaces235,335circumferentially spaced apart around the threaded inserts to provide surfaces for engaging a tightening tool, such as a wrench.

As described above, the connectors220,320allow a universal connection since the cord is not limited to flexing, pivoting or twisting motion about a particular axis. Instead, the first threaded insert230,330can freely move radially relative to the corresponding second threaded insert240,340. However, the cord260,360prevents axial displacement of the first threaded insert230,330relative to the second threaded insert. Specifically, the cord260,360supports a tensile force that would tend to pull the threaded inserts apart, which would in turn allow the ends of the belt to come apart.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. For instance, in the above description, the belt connectors use exterior threads to connect the belt connectors with the hollow bore of the belt10. However, in certain applications it may be possible and/or desirable to utilize a different exterior engagement surface, such as a barbed connector. In either instance, the exterior engagement surface incorporates a radially extending surface having an acutely angled surface operable to bite or cut into the wall of the belt to positively engage the belt. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.