Self-closing hinge rod retention in modular plastic conveyor belts
US6814223B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2207/12
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An edge module for a modular plastic conveyor belt providing a self-closing retention system for retaining headless hinge rods in modular plastic conveyor belts. The edge module has a chamber in an outer edge portion of the module that slidably receives a rod retention member, such as a plug. The plug slides along the chamber from a closed position occluding a hinge rod passageway through interleaved hinges of consecutive rows of belt modules to an open, unoccluding position. A spring in the chamber urges the plug back toward the closed position. The plug is moved to the open position in two ways: by the force of a hinge rod against an oblique face during insertion of the rod into a belt; or manually by a tool engaging an easily accessible indentation in the plug.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.