Laitram, LLC

Michael R Straight

Christopher J Verdigets

R Scott Dailey

Richard M Klein

A conveyor belt and an attachment element that firmly interlocks into a row of the conveyor belt. In one version, the attachment element includes a base from which two sets of hook-shaped appendages extend. The appendages each include a shank portion extending from the base and a hook portion angling from the shank portion to a distal end. The hook portions of the first set extend in different directions from the hook portions of the second set. Belt modules in the interconnected rows of the conveyor belt have receptacles that open onto an outer surface of the belt. The receptacles are shaped to receive the differently-directed appendages. Blocking surfaces bounding the receptacles constrain the differently-directed appendages against removal. In another version, the attachment element includes a flange that extends outward in a different direction from a set of appendages. The appendages are constrained from exiting the receptacles by the blocking surfaces when the flange contacts an outer blocking surface of the belt. The geometry of the appendages, the receptacles, and other belt structures admit the appendages during insertion from one direction in an assembly condition of the belt, but lock the attachment element in place when the belt is in an assembled conveying condition.

Attachments in modular conveyor belts

A conveyor drive apparatus comprising a shaft having sprockets mounted thereon for rotation with the shafts. A conveyor belt is engaged by the sprockets. A key includes a body shaped to fit loosely in a groove along the length of the outer surface of the shaft. The key further includes a force-applying member disposed on the body for applying a force against the shaft and pressing the body against the sprocket to lock it in position on the shaft. The sprocket can further have a slot through its central bore wall in which part of the key can reside to rotate the drive member with the shaft.

Growing community of inventors

Luling, LA, United States of America

Michael R Straight