The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 29, 2003
Filed:
Mar. 08, 2001
Michael R. Straight, Luling, LA (US);
Richard M. Klein, Chalmette, LA (US);
Christopher J. Verdigets, Ponchatoula, LA (US);
The Laitram Corporation, Harahan, LA (US);
Abstract
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.