Patent ID: 8720675

Claim:
A belt as traction mechanism for conveyor bands of agricultural machines, comprising: a belt member comprised of a polymer reinforced with n fabric plies, wherein n=2 to 4, further wherein said belt member has a first end that forms an upper step and a second end that forms a lower step, wherein said upper step and said lower step are configured for an overlapping, pull-resistant interconnection in a region of overlap Ü via at least two connection locations to form a completed belt, further wherein said at least two connection locations are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of said belt and include thread or rivet members, further wherein in said region of overlap Ü an inwardly disposed polymer layer is entirely absent up to one of said fabric plies in both said upper step and said lower step, further wherein an inwardly facing one of said fabric plies of at least one of said upper step and said lower step extends partially into said region of overlap Ü in a partial region thereof that includes at least one of said connection locations, and wherein remaining ones of said fabric plies of said upper step and said lower step extend over the entire region of overlap Ü, so that the at least one of said upper step and said lower step is provided with n fabric plies in said partial region; and complementary tooth elements provided on ones of said fabric plies of said upper step and said lower step that are disposed directly opposite one another in said region of overlap Ü, wherein said tooth elements are configured to mesh with one another to effect said interconnection of said upper step and said lower step and to effect a transfer of pulling forces.