Abstract:
A conveyor belt with advertising is fabricated by coating at least one flexible belting member with a vinyl size coating. A white base coat is applied over the vinyl size coating. Special white PVC coated belting material is also used. A variety of printing processes are used to print advertising images on the belting member. These processes include silkscreen, flexographic, offset and digital inkjet printing. The belting member may be coated with a clear coating material and cured under ultraviolet lighting. The belting members may be made in lengths shorter than the entire length of the conveyor belt with removable attachment means, permitting individual advertising images to be replaced without replacing the entire conveyor belt. Methods for fabricating the belting members including ink formulations, handling and drying steps are also described.

Description:
EARLIER FIELD APPLICATION 
     The instant application is a continuation-in-part of applicant&#39;s prior application filed Feb. 28, 2002 and having Ser. No. 10/864,521, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,127 the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to surface treatments for conveyor belts. More particularly, the invention relates to conveyor belts having advertisements printed on an outer surface for viewing by consumers in retail establishments and methods of fabricating such belts. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various techniques have been developed for using the surface area of conveyor belts in supermarkets and other retail establishments as advertising space. Making effective use of this space has often been problematic due to the flexible nature of the conveyor belts, the continuous wear associated with objects placed on the belts and the relative complexity of systems designed to deal with these problems. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,525 issued to Vonholm et al. is directed to a method for application of removable information and advertising indicia on a conveyor belt in cashier counters in grocery stores, airports, etc. The method includes use of a heat/pressure press to press down parts of the conveyor belt to form recesses in the conveyor belt surface. Foil/sticker advertising media are inserted into the recesses. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,828 issued to Smallwood, discloses a an endless belt display device incorporating a transparent panel having all but one edge bonded to the top surface of the belt. The open edge provides a pocket in the transparent panel in which advertising media may be placed. The unbonded edge and the top edge of the transparent panel are in direct contact with one another as the belt is rotated. Means are provided for tightening and loosening the belt to allow replacement of the advertising media. Patent No. WO 00/69759, issued to Payne is directed to a conveyor belt comprising a substrate layer with an information display formed on the uppermost surface thereof. One or more transparent or translucent coating layers of a thermosetting plastic material overlay the substrate layer such that the information is visible through the coating layers. 
     Patent No. EP 0 478 866 A1 issued to Munkner is directed to precut posters printed with advertisement that are adhered to belt-plates forming a conveyor belt as at an airport luggage conveyor. The posters are formed of polyethylene or similar synthetics on which advertising messages are printed in indelible scratch-free inks and secured in place with pressure sensitive adhesives or similar adhesive emulsions over the belt-plates of a conveyor. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,094 issued to Molinaro et al., the present inventor, reference is directed to checkout conveyor belts incorporating changeable display advertising. The changeable advertising media is printed on static cling sheets that are adhered to the conveyor belt by electrostatic attraction or low friction coating applied to the visible surface of the static cling sheets. An adhesive strip is alternatively employed to secure the leading edge of the static cling sheet to the outer surface of the belt. 
     While other variations exist, the above-described inventions for providing advertising on conveyor belts are typical of those encountered in the prior art. It is an objective of the present invention to provide advertising on conveyor belts that is bright, colorful and resistant to chemical spills and abrasion. It is a further objective to provide such advertising through methods that are economical and can be easily reproduced. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide the above-described features in a conveyor belt that will resist cracking of the advertising images as the belt is flexed and as it expands and contracts due to temperature changes. While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior art conveyor belts with advertising and methods of making same and satisfies all of the objectives described above. 
     A conveyor belt with advertising providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. At least one belting member, the belting member has a first predetermined length, an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edges and first and second ends. At least one advertising image is provided. The advertising image is printed upon the upper surface. Means are provided for removably attaching one of the first ends to one of the second ends. 
     In a variant of the invention, at least one belting member is provided. The belting member has a first predetermined length, an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edges and first and second ends. A white base coating is provided. The white base coating is adhered to the upper surface. At least one advertising image is provided. The advertising image is printed upon the white base coating. Means are provided for removably attaching one of the first ends to one of the second ends. 
     In another variant, at least one belting member is provided. The belting member has a first predetermined length, an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edges and first and second ends. A vinyl size coating is provided. The vinyl size coating is applied to the upper surface. A white base coating is provided. The white base coating is adhered to the upper surface over the vinyl size coating. At least one advertising image is provided. The advertising image is printed upon the white base coating. Means are provided for removably attaching one of the first ends to one of the second ends. 
     In still another variant, at least one belting member is provided. The belting member has a first predetermined length, an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edges and first and second ends. The belting member is formed of either white or light-colored material. A vinyl size coating is provided. The vinyl size coating is applied to the upper surface. At least one advertising image is provided. The advertising image is printed upon the vinyl size coating. Means are provided for removably attaching one of the first ends to one of the second ends. 
     In a further variant, the belting member is formed of materials having anti-static properties. 
     In still a further variant, the belting member is formed of polyvinyl chloride material and the upper surface has a matte smooth surface having a hardness ranging from 80 to 90 duro. 
     In yet a further variant, the predetermined length of the belting member is less than an entire length of the conveyor belt, permitting replacement of a portion of the entire length of the conveyor belt. 
     In another variant of the invention, a method for making a conveyor belt for use in a retail establishment, includes the following steps: Developing advertising images for printing onto at least one belting member. Preparing a color separation image for each color to be printed on the belting member for the advertising image. Preparing means to print each of the color separation images successively onto the belting member. The separation images are to be printed in registration with one another. Providing at least one belting member. The belting member having a first predetermined length, an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edges and first and second ends. Cleaning the belting member to remove any contaminants. Coating the upper surface of the belting member with a vinyl size material. Applying a white base coating to the upper surface over the vinyl size material. Printing each of the color separation images successively onto the belting member in registration with one another. Curing the advertising image on the belting member. Supporting the belting member to prevent either of flexing and contact with the advertising image for a predetermined post cure period. Inspecting the belting members for printing defects. Connecting attaching means to each of the first and second ends. 
     In still another variant, a method for making a conveyor belt for use in a retail establishment, includes the following steps: Developing advertising images for printing onto at least one belting member. Preparing a color separation image for each color to be printed on the belting member for the advertising image. Preparing means to print each of the color separation images successively onto the belting member. The separation images are to be printed in registration with one another. Providing at least one belting member, the belting member having a first predetermined length, an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second parallel side edges and first and second ends. The belting member is formed of either white or light-colored material. Cleaning the belting member to remove any contaminants. Coating the upper surface of the belting member with a vinyl size material. Printing each of the color separation images successively onto the belting member in registration with one another. Curing the advertising image on the belting member. Supporting the belting member to prevent either of flexing and contact with the advertising image for a predetermined post cure period. Inspecting the belting members for printing defects. Connecting attaching means to each of the first and second ends. 
     In still a further variant of the invention, the advertising images are prepared in digital format and the color separation images are produced from the digital format. 
     In yet a further variant, the means to print each of the color separation images successively onto the belting member is a silkscreen process. 
     In another variant, the means to print each of the color separation images successively onto the belting member is an offset printing process. 
     In still another variant, the means to print each of the color separation images successively onto the belting member is a flexographic printing process. 
     In yet another variant, the belting member is formed of materials having anti-static properties. 
     In yet a further variant, the belting member is formed of polyvinyl chloride material and the upper surface has a matte smooth surface having a hardness ranging from 80 to 90 duro. 
     In still a further variant of the invention, the belting member is cleaned using a solution that includes agents chosen from the group including: methyl alcohol and toluene. 
     In another variant, the advertising image to be printed is composed of only spot colors and the inks printed on the belting member are conventional inks. 
     In yet another variant, the advertising image to be printed is a four-color process image and the inks printed on the belting member are ultraviolet ink. 
     In still another variant, the inks are cured using an ultraviolet light source, the ultraviolet light source having a power rating from 100 watts to 300 watts. 
     In a further variant of the invention, the belting member is moved under the ultraviolet light source at a speed ranging from 20 to 40 feet per minute. 
     In yet a further variant, the post cure period ranges from 48 to 72 hours. 
     In still a further variant, a method for making a conveyor belt for use in a retail establishment further includes the steps of: Preparing a silkscreen for each color separation image. Registering a first of the silk screens to the belting member. Printing a first color ink on the belting member through the first silkscreen over the white base coating. Removing the first silkscreen. Registering, printing through and removing succeeding silk screens for each additional color ink for each advertising image. 
     In yet a another variant, a method for making a conveyor belt for use in a retail establishment further includes the steps of: Preparing a silkscreen for each color separation image. Registering a first of the silk screens to the belting member. Printing a first color ink on the belting member through the first silkscreen. Removing the first silkscreen. 
     Registering, printing through and removing succeeding silk screens for each additional color ink for each advertising image. 
     In still another variant of the invention, a method for making a conveyor belt for use in a retail establishment wherein the preparation of a silkscreen for each color separation image further includes the steps of: Preparing a film negative for each color separation image. Preparing a frame for each silkscreen. Tensioning and securing each silkscreen to one of the frames. Registering the film negative on the silkscreen. Exposing the silkscreen to a metal halide light source for a period of time ranging from four to seven minutes. Removing the film negative from the silkscreen. 
     In a further variant, the film negative is capable of yielding an image having a resolution of at least 84 lines per screen and 600 dots per inch. 
     In still a further variant, the silk screens are tensioned on the frames with a force 14–25 newtons. 
     In yet a further variant, the silkscreen has a mesh count ranging between 230 and 420 cells per square inch. 
     In another variant, the ink is comprised of an adhesion component and a colored ink component. 
     In still another variant, the adhesion component is comprised of an adhesion promoter and a mixing clear agent, the adhesion promoter is 0.05% to 20% of the adhesion component by weight with the mixing clear agent is the corresponding percentage of the adhesion component by weight. 
     In yet another variant, the ink is comprised of 0.05% to 20% adhesion component by weight with the colored ink component is the corresponding percentage of the ink by weight. 
     In a further variant, the colored ink component is comprised of: acrylated oligomers 20–55% by weight, n-vinyl-2 pyrrolidone 12–25% by weight, and acrylated monomers 8–20% by weight. 
     In still a further variant, the adhesion promoter is comprised of: urethane 10–20% by weight, xylen 20–25% by weight and n-vinyl pyrrolidone 10–20% by weight. 
     In yet a further variant, the mixing clear agent is comprised of: acrylated monomers 20–60% by weight, furanone 5–10% by weight and cyclohexanome 10–20% by weight. 
     In a another variant of the invention, the vinyl size material is comprised of: methyl isobutyl ketone 10–20% by weight, 1,3,6-trimethylbenzene 5–10% by weight, xylene 1–5% by weight, vinyl resin 6–10% by weight, light aromatic solvent naptha 20–30% by weight, isophorone 5–10% by weight, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic acid terpolyme 1–5% by weight, pseudocumene 20–30% by weight, and cumene 1–5% by weight. 
     In still another variant, the belting member includes a top surface coating formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). 
     In yet another variant of the invention, the belting member includes laterally stiff fabric having polyester warp and weft threads. 
     In still another variant, the belting member has an approximate cover hardness of 65 duro shore A. 
     In still a further variant, the upper surface of the belting member has a matt finish. 
     In yet a further variant, the means for removably attaching one of the first ends to one of the second ends includes a plurality of individual hooks welded to a common bar. 
     In another variant of the invention, an apparatus for making a conveyor belt with advertising, includes a roll of flexible belting material. The belting material has a white upper surface. A first motor driven geared winding stand is provided. The first winding stand supports the roll of belting material. A roll-fed digital plotter is provided. The plotter operates at a speed compatible with the first winding stand. Printing ink is provided. The printing ink is formulated for use with the plotter and is suitable for permanent printing upon the upper surface of the belting material. A digital image of advertising material is provided. The digital image is stored on either magnetic or optical media. 
     Means are provided for transmitting the digital image to the plotter. A drying chamber is provided. The drying chamber dries the ink after the belting material passes through the plotter. A second motor driven geared winding stand is provided. The second winding stand operates at a speed compatible with the plotter and is configured and located to receive the belting material from the drying chamber. A coating material is provided. A coating station is provided. The coating station is located adjacent to the second winding stand and applies the coating material to the upper surface of the belting material after printing. An ultraviolet dryer is provided. The ultraviolet dryer dries the coating material. 
     A third motor driven geared winding stand is provided. The third winding stand operates at a speed compatible with the second winding stand and is configured and located to receive the belting material from the ultraviolet dryer. A cutting station is provided. The cutting station serves to trim the belting material into a series of belting members. The belting members have a first predetermined length, first and second parallel side edges and first and second ends. A finishing station is provided. The finishing station serves to affix means for removably attaching one of the first ends of the belting members to one of the second ends and prepares the belting members for shipment. 
     In still another variant, the apparatus for making a conveyor belt with advertising further includes a raster image processing station. The raster image processing station provides color management, color density adjustment and the use of International Color Consortium profiles. 
     In yet another variant, the apparatus for making a conveyor belt with advertising further includes a color calibration tool. 
     In yet a further variant of the invention the ink is comprised of propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate 20–30% by weight, 2-butoxyethanol acetate 50–80% by weight, resin mixture 3–4% by weight; and pigment mixture 4–6% by weight. 
     In another variant, the coating material is comprised of n-methyl pyrrolidinone less than 10% by weight, 1-mathoxy-2-propanol (PM) less than 5% by weight, aromatic hydrocarbon mixture less than 5% by weight, ultraviolet absorber less than 5% by weight and dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether less than 5% by weight. 
     A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising, includes the following steps: providing a roll of flexible belting material, the belting material has a white upper surface; providing a first motor driven geared winding stand, the first winding stand supports the roll of belting material; providing a roll-fed digital plotter, the plotter operates at a speed compatible with the first winding stand; providing printing ink, the printing ink is formulated for use with the plotter and is suitable for permanent printing upon the upper surface of the belting material; providing a digital image of advertising material; storing the digital image on either magnetic or optical media; unwinding the belting material from the first winding stand; feeding the belting material into the plotter; transmitting the digital image to the plotter; printing the digital image on the upper surface of the belting material; providing a drying chamber; drying the ink after the belting material passes through the plotter; providing a second motor driven geared winding stand, the second winding stand operates at a speed compatible with the plotter and is configured and located to receive the belting material from the drying chamber; winding the belting material onto the second winding stand; providing a coating station, the coating station is located adjacent to the second winding stand; unwinding the belting material from the second winding stand; feeding the belting material from the second winding stand into the coating station; providing coating material; coating the upper surface of the belting material after printing; providing an ultraviolet dryer; drying the coating material using the ultraviolet dryer; providing a third motor driven geared winding stand, the third winding stand operates at a speed compatible with the second winding stand and is configured and located to receive the belting material from the ultraviolet dryer; winding the belting material onto the third winding stand; providing a cutting station; unwinding the belting material from the third winding stand; feeding the belting material into the cutting station; trimming the belting material into a series of belting members; the belting members have a first predetermined length, first and second parallel side edges and first and second ends; and providing a finishing station; moving the belting members into the finishing station; and affixing means for removably attaching one of the first ends of the belting members to one of the second ends and preparing the belting members for shipment. 
     An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention including multiple advertising images printed on a belting member; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a belting member with printed advertising thereon; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a belting member curved for joining as a conveyor belt; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a series of belting members with printed advertising that may be joined to form a conveyor belt; 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of a means for joining belting member ends together along the line  5 — 5 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a means for joining belting member ends together along the line  6 — 6 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment of the invention including advertising images printed on a belting member having a black colored upper surface, illustrating the vinyl sizing, white base coating and ink layers of coating applied; 
         FIG. 7A  is a plan view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment of the invention including advertising images printed on a belting member illustrating the ink layer of coating applied; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment of the invention including advertising images printed on a belting member having a white or light colored upper surface, illustrating the vinyl sizing and ink layers of coating applied; 
         FIG. 8A  is a plan view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment of the invention including advertising images printed on a belting member illustrating the white base coating and ink layers applied; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a color separation image being used to prepare a silkscreen for making the  FIG. 1  embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a silkscreen process for making the  FIG. 1  embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the belting member after the silkscreen process has been used for making the  FIG. 1  embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a belting member illustrating a PVC surface layer and a clear coating material; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a belting member illustrating a stiff fabric comprising polyester warp and weft threads; 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of an alternative apparatus for making conveyor belts with advertising illustrating first and second motor driven winding stands; 
         FIG. 15  is a plan view of the  FIG. 14  embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevational view of the second and third motor driven winding stands and a coating and ultraviolet drying station; 
         FIG. 17  is a side elevational view of a cutting station; 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevational view of a finishing station for attaching the means for attaching a first end of a belting member to a second end of a belting member; 
         FIG. 18   a  is a plan view of the means of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 19  is a side cross-sectional view of the  FIG. 18   a  means attached to a pair of belting members; and 
         FIG. 20  is a side elevational view of belting members being boxed for shipment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIGS. 1–8  illustrate a conveyor belt with advertising  10  providing the desired features that may be constructed from the following components. As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , at least one belting member  16  is provided. The belting member  16  has a first predetermined length (not shown), an upper surface  24 , a lower surface  28 , first  32  and second  36  parallel side edges and first  40  and second (not shown) ends. At least one advertising image  54  is provided. The advertising image  54  is printed upon the upper surface  24 . Means  58  are provided for removably attaching one of the first ends  40  to one of the second ends. 
     In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 8A , at least one belting member  64  is provided. The belting member  64  has a first predetermined length (not shown), an upper surface  72 , a lower surface  76 , first  80  and second  84  parallel side edges and first  88  and second (not shown) ends. A white base coating  50  is provided. The white base coating  50  is adhered to the upper surface  76 . At least one advertising image  54  is provided. The advertising image  54  is printed upon the white base coating  50 . Means  58  are provided for removably attaching one of the first ends  88  to one of the second ends. 
     In another variant of the invention, at least one belting member  14  is provided. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the belting member  14  has a first predetermined length  18 , an upper surface  22 , a lower surface  26 , first  30  and second  34  parallel side edges and first  38  and second  42  ends. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a vinyl size coating  46  is provided. The vinyl size coating  46  is applied to the upper surface  22 . A white base coating  50  is provided. The white base coating  50  is adhered to the upper surface  22  over the vinyl size coating  46 . At least one advertising image  54  is provided. The advertising image  54  is printed upon the white base coating  50 . Means  58  are provided for removably attaching one of the first ends  38  to one of the second ends  42 . 
     In still another variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , at least one belting member  62  is provided. The belting member  62  has a first predetermined length (not shown), an upper surface  70 , a lower surface  74 , first  78  and second  82  parallel side edges and first  86  and second (not shown) ends. The belting member  62  is formed of either white or light-colored material  94 . A vinyl size coating  46  is provided. The vinyl size coating  46  is applied to the upper surface  70 . At least one advertising image  54  is provided. The advertising image  54  is printed upon the vinyl size coating  46 . Means  58  are provided for removably attaching  10  one of the first ends  86  to one of the second ends. 
     In a further variant, the belting member  14 ,  62  is formed of materials having anti-static properties. 
     In still a further variant, the belting member  14 ,  62  is formed of polyvinyl chloride material and the upper surface  22 ,  70  has a matte smooth surface having a hardness ranging from 80 to 90 duro. 
     In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the predetermined length  18 ,  66  of the belting member  14 ,  62  is less than an entire length  98  of the conveyor belt  10 , permitting replacement of a portion  102  of the entire length  98  of the conveyor belt  10 . 
     In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS.  7  and  9 – 11 , a method for making a conveyor belt  10  for use in a retail establishment, includes the following steps: Developing advertising images  54  for printing onto at least one belting member  14 . Preparing a color separation image  106  for each color to be printed on the belting member  14  for the advertising image  54 . Preparing means  114  to print each of the color separation images  106  successively onto the belting member  14 . The separation images  106  are to be printed in registration with one another. Providing at least one belting member  14 . The belting member  14  has a first predetermined length  18 , an upper surface  22 , a lower surface  26 , first  30  and second  34  parallel side edges and first  38  and second  42  ends. Cleaning the belting member  14  to remove any contaminants. Coating the upper surface  22  of the belting member  14  with a vinyl size material  46 . Applying a white base coating  50  to the upper surface  22  over the vinyl size material  46 . Printing each of the color separation images  106  successively onto the belting member  14  in registration with one another. Curing the advertising image  54  on the belting member  14 . Supporting the belting member  14  to prevent either flexing or contact with the advertising image  54  for a predetermined post cure period. Inspecting the belting member  14  for printing defects. Connecting attaching means  58  to each of the first  38  and second  42  ends. 
     In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS.  8  and  9 – 11 , a method for making a conveyor belt  10  for use in a retail establishment, includes the following steps: Developing advertising images  54  for printing onto at least one belting member  62 . Preparing a color separation image  106  for each color to be printed on the belting member  62  for the advertising image  54 . Preparing means  114  to print each of the color separation images  106  successively onto the belting member  62 . The separation images  106  are to be printed in registration with one another. Providing at least one belting member  62 . The belting member  62  having a first predetermined length, an upper surface  70 , a lower surface  74 , first  78  and second  82  parallel side edges and first  86  and second  90  ends. The belting member  62  is formed of either white or light-colored material  94 . Cleaning the belting member  62  to remove any contaminants. Coating the upper surface  70  of the belting member  62  with a vinyl size material  46 . Printing each of the color separation images  106  successively onto the belting member  62  in registration with one another. Curing the advertising image  54  on the belting member  62 . Supporting the belting member  62  to prevent either of flexing and contact with the advertising image  54  for a predetermined post cure period. Inspecting the belting members  54  for printing defects. Connecting attaching means  58  to each of the first  86  and second  90  ends. 
     In still a further variant of the invention, the advertising images  54  are prepared in digital format and the color separation images  106  are produced from the digital format. 
     In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 9–11 , the means  114  to print each of the color separation images  106  successively onto the belting member  14 ,  62  is a silkscreen process  118 . 
     In another variant, the means  114  to print each of the color separation images  106  successively onto the belting member  14 ,  62  is an offset printing process (not shown). 
     In still another variant, the means  114  to print each of the color separation images  106  successively onto the belting member  14 ,  62  is a flexographic printing process (not shown). 
     In yet another variant, the belting member  14 ,  62  is formed of materials having anti-static properties. 
     In yet a further variant, the belting member  14 ,  62  is formed of polyvinyl chloride material and the upper surface  22 ,  70  has a matte smooth surface having a hardness ranging from 80 to 90 duro. 
     In still a further variant of the invention, the belting member  14 ,  62  is cleaned using a solution that includes agents chosen from the group including: methyl alcohol and toluene. 
     In another variant, the advertising image  54  to be printed is composed of only spot colors and the inks  126  printed on the belting member  14 ,  62  are conventional inks. 
     In yet another variant, the advertising image  54  to be printed is a four-color process image and the inks printed on the belting member are ultraviolet ink. 
     In still another variant, the inks  126  are cured using an ultraviolet light source (not shown), the ultraviolet light source having a power rating from 100 watts to 300 watts. 
     In a further variant of the invention, the belting member  14 ,  62  is moved under the ultraviolet light source at a speed ranging from 20 to 40 feet per minute. 
     In yet a further variant, the post cure period ranges from 48 to 72 hours. 
     In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS.  7  and  9 – 11 , a method for making a conveyor belt  10  for use in a retail establishment further includes the steps of: Preparing a silkscreen  134  for each color separation image  106 . Registering a first of the silk screens  134  to the belting member  14 . Printing a first color ink  126  on the belting member  14  through the first silkscreen  134  over the white base coating  50 . Removing the first silkscreen  134 . Registering, printing through and removing succeeding silk screens  134  for each additional color ink  126  for each advertising image  54 . 
     In yet a another variant, as illustrated in FIGS.  8  and  9 – 11 , a method for making a conveyor belt  10  for use in a retail establishment further includes the steps of: Preparing a silkscreen  134  for each color separation image  106 . Registering a first of the silk screens  134  to the belting member  62 . Printing a first color ink  126  on the belting member  62  through the first silkscreen  134 . Removing the first silkscreen  134 . Registering, printing through and removing succeeding silk screens  134  for each additional color ink  126  for each advertising image  54 . 
     In still another variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9–11 , a method for making a conveyor belt  10  for use in a retail establishment wherein the preparation of a silkscreen  134  for each color separation image  106  further includes the steps of: Preparing a film negative  138  for each color separation image  106 . Preparing a frame  142  for each silkscreen  134 . Tensioning and securing each silkscreen  134  to one of the frames  142 . Registering the film negative  138  on the silkscreen  134 . Exposing the silkscreen  134  to a metal halide light source  146  for a period of time ranging from four to seven minutes. Removing the film negative  138  from the silkscreen  134 . 
     In a further variant, the film negative  138  is capable of yielding an image having a resolution of at least 84 lines per screen and 600 dots per inch. 
     In still a further variant, the silk screens  134  are tensioned on the frames  142  with a force 14–25 newtons. 
     In yet a further variant, the silkscreen  134  has a mesh count ranging between 230 and 420 cells per square inch. 
     In another variant, the ink  126  is comprised of an adhesion component and a colored ink component. 
     In still another variant, the adhesion component is comprised of an adhesion promoter and a mixing clear agent, the adhesion promoter is 0.05% to 20% of the adhesion component by weight with the mixing clear agent is the corresponding percentage of the adhesion component by weight. 
     In yet another variant, the ink is comprised of 0.05% to 20% adhesion component by weight with the colored ink component is the corresponding percentage of the ink by weight. 
     In a further variant, the colored ink component is comprised of: acrylated oligomers 20–55% by weight, n-vinyl-2 pyrrolidone 12–25% by weight, and acrylated monomers 8–20% by weight. 
     In still a further variant, the adhesion promoter is comprised of: urethane 10–20% by weight, xylen 20–25% by weight and n-vinyl pyrrolidone 10–20% by weight. 
     In yet a further variant, the mixing clear agent is comprised of acrylated monomers 20–60% by weight, furanone 5–10% by weight and cyclohexanome 10–20% by weight. 
     In a final variant of the invention, the vinyl size material is comprised of: methyl isobutyl ketone 10–20% by weight, 1,3,6-trimethylbenzene 5–10% by weight, xylene 1–5% by weight, vinyl resin 6–10% by weight, light aromatic solvent naptha 20–30% by weight, isophorone 5–10% by weight, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic acid terpolyme 1–5% by weight, pseudocumene 20–30% by weight, and cumene 1–5% by weight. 
     In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the belting member  16  includes a top surface coating  150  formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). 
     In yet another variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the belting member  16  includes laterally stiff fabric  154  having polyester warp  158  and weft  162  threads. 
     In still another variant, the belting member  16  has an approximate cover hardness of 65 duro shore A. 
     In still a further variant, as also illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the upper surface  24  of the belting member  16  has a matt finish. 
     In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 18 ,  18   a  and  19 , the means  58  for removably attaching one of the first ends  40  to one of the second ends includes a plurality of individual hooks  166  welded to a common bar  170 . 
     In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16 , an apparatus  174  for making a conveyor belt with advertising  10  includes a roll of flexible belting material  178 . The belting material  178  has a white upper surface  182 . A first motor driven geared winding stand  186  is provided. The first winding stand  186  supports the roll of belting material  178 . A roll-fed digital plotter  190  is provided. The plotter  190  operates at a speed compatible with the first winding stand  186 . Printing ink  194  is provided. The printing ink  194  is formulated for use with the plotter  190  and is suitable for permanent printing upon the upper surface  182  of the belting material  178 . A digital image of advertising material  198  is provided. The digital image  198  is stored on either magnetic or optical media (not shown). 
     Means  202  are provided for transmitting the digital image  198  to the plotter  190 . A drying chamber  206  is provided. The drying chamber  206  dries the ink  194  after the belting material  178  passes through the plotter  190 . A second motor driven geared winding stand  210  is provided. The second winding stand  210  operates at a speed compatible with the plotter  190  and is configured and located to receive the belting material  178  from the drying chamber  206 . A coating material  214  is provided. A coating station  218  is provided. The coating station  218  is located adjacent to the second winding stand  210  and applies the coating material  214  to the upper surface  182  of the belting material  178  after printing. An ultraviolet dryer  222  is provided. The ultraviolet dryer  222  dries the coating material  214 . 
     A third motor driven geared winding stand  226  is provided. The third winding stand  226  operates at a speed compatible with the second winding stand  210  and is configured and located to receive the belting material  178  from the ultraviolet dryer  222 . A cutting station  230  is provided. The cutting station  230  serves to trim the belting material  178  into a series of belting members  16 . The belting members  16  have a first predetermined length, first  32  and second  36  parallel side edges and first  40  and second ends. A finishing station  234  is provided. The finishing station  234  serves to affix means  58  for removably attaching one of the first ends  40  of the belting members  16  to one of the second ends and prepares the belting members  16  for shipment. 
     In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the apparatus  174  for making a conveyor belt with advertising further includes a raster image processing station  238 . The raster image processing station  238  provides color management, color density adjustment and the use of International Color Consortium profiles. 
     In yet another variant, as also illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the apparatus for making a conveyor belt with advertising further includes a color calibration tool  242 . 
     In yet a further variant of the invention the ink  194  is comprised of propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate 20–30% by weight, 2-butoxyethanol acetate 50–80% by weight, resin mixture 3–4% by weight; and pigment mixture 4–6% by weight. 
     In another variant, the coating material  214  is comprised of n-methyl pyrrolidinone less than 10% by weight, 1-mathoxy-2-propanol (PM) less than 5% by weight, aromatic hydrocarbon mixture less than 5% by weight, ultraviolet absorber less than 5% by weight and dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether less than 5% by weight. 
     A method for making a conveyor belt with advertising  10 , as illustrated in FIGS.  12  and  14 – 20 , includes the following steps: providing a roll of flexible belting material  178 , the belting material  178  has a white upper surface  182 ; providing a first motor driven geared winding stand  186 , the first winding stand  186  supports the roll of belting material  178 ; providing a roll-fed digital plotter  190 , the plotter  190  operates at a speed compatible with the first winding stand  186 ; providing printing ink  194 , the printing ink  194  is formulated for use with the plotter  190  and is suitable for permanent printing upon the upper surface  182  of the belting material  178 ; providing a digital image of advertising material  198 ; storing the digital image  198  on either magnetic or optical media; unwinding the belting material  178  from the first winding stand  186 ; feeding the belting material  178  into the plotter  190 ; transmitting the digital image  198  to the plotter  190 ; printing the digital image  198  on the upper surface  182  of the belting material  178 ; providing a drying chamber  206 ; drying the ink  198  after the belting material  178  passes through the plotter  190 ; providing a second motor driven geared winding stand  210 , the second winding stand  190  operates at a speed compatible with the plotter  190  and is configured and located to receive the belting material  178  from the drying chamber  206 ; winding the belting material  178  onto the second winding stand  190 ; providing coating material  214 ; providing a coating station  218 , the coating station  218  is located adjacent to the second winding stand  210 ; unwinding the belting material  178  from the second winding stand  210 ; feeding the belting material  178  from the second winding stand  210  into the coating station  218 ; coating the upper surface  182  of the belting material  178  after printing; providing an ultraviolet dryer  222 ; drying the coating material  214  using the ultraviolet dryer  222 ; providing a third motor driven geared winding stand  226 , the third winding stand  226  operates at a speed compatible with the second winding stand  210  and is configured and located to receive the belting material  178  from the ultraviolet dryer  222 ; winding the belting material  178  onto the third winding stand  226 ; providing a cutting station  230 ; unwinding the belting material  178  from the third winding stand  226 ; feeding the belting material  178  into the cutting station  230 ; trimming the belting material  178  into a series of belting members  16 ; the belting members  16  have a first predetermined length, first  32  and second  36  parallel side edges and first  40  and second ends; and providing a finishing station  234 ; moving the belting members  16  into the finishing station  234 ; and affixing means  58  for removably attaching one of the first ends  40  of the belting members  16  to one of the second ends and preparing the belting members  16  for shipment. 
     The conveyor belts with advertising and method of making same  10  have been described with reference to particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.