US20190056011A1 - Conveyor Belt Fastener and Method of Manufacture - Google Patents
Conveyor Belt Fastener and Method of Manufacture Download PDFInfo
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- US20190056011A1 US20190056011A1 US16/167,133 US201816167133A US2019056011A1 US 20190056011 A1 US20190056011 A1 US 20190056011A1 US 201816167133 A US201816167133 A US 201816167133A US 2019056011 A1 US2019056011 A1 US 2019056011A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- portions
- fastener
- conveyor belt
- lower plate
- strip
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25C—HAND-HELD NAILING OR STAPLING TOOLS; MANUALLY OPERATED PORTABLE STAPLING TOOLS
- B25C5/00—Manually operated portable stapling tools; Hand-held power-operated stapling tools; Staple feeding devices therefor
- B25C5/06—Manually operated portable stapling tools; Hand-held power-operated stapling tools; Staple feeding devices therefor without provision for bending the ends of the staples on to the work
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G3/00—Belt fastenings, e.g. for conveyor belts
- F16G3/003—Apparatus or tools for joining belts
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G3/00—Belt fastenings, e.g. for conveyor belts
- F16G3/02—Belt fastenings, e.g. for conveyor belts with series of eyes or the like, interposed and linked by a pin to form a hinge
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G3/00—Belt fastenings, e.g. for conveyor belts
- F16G3/02—Belt fastenings, e.g. for conveyor belts with series of eyes or the like, interposed and linked by a pin to form a hinge
- F16G3/04—Belt fastenings, e.g. for conveyor belts with series of eyes or the like, interposed and linked by a pin to form a hinge in which the ends of separate U-shaped or like eyes are attached to the belt by parts penetrating into it
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G3/00—Belt fastenings, e.g. for conveyor belts
- F16G3/16—Devices or machines for connecting driving-belts or the like
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/822,606, filed Nov. 27, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/418,196, filed Jan. 27, 2017, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,829,067 on Nov. 28, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/825,606, filed Aug. 13, 2015, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,556,930 on Jan. 31, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/038,669, filed Aug. 18, 2014, all which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- The invention relates to conveyor belt fasteners and manufacturing methods therefore and, more particularly, to conveyor belt fasteners that utilize staples, rivets, or other approaches for securing the fasteners to conveyor belts.
- Conveyor belts are used to transport materials or goods from one place to another. Conveyor belts are often provided in predetermined lengths that require belt fasteners to secure the two ends of the belt length together to form a continuous belt. Conveyor belt fasteners are also used to repair conveyor belts that become damaged such as by ripping or tearing during operation. The belt fasteners can be of the hinged-type and can be stapled, riveted, or otherwise secured to the belt ends and are thereafter joined together by a hinge pin.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,877 to Schick discloses one type of fastener having spaced arms for being secured to an end of a conveyor belt and a hinge knuckle connecting the arms. The fastener arms are secured to one end of a conveyor belt and the hinge knuckle interengages with hinge knuckles projecting from fastener arms secured to the other end of the conveyor belt. The hinge knuckles are coupled together by a hinge pin that is passed through openings formed by the interengaged hinge knuckles. The hinge knuckle of each fastener has a reduced width relative to the fastener arms to permit the interengagement between the hinge knuckles. The reduced width may reduce the strength of the fastener at the hinge knuckle where the fastener is subject to high loading forces as the conveyor belt and fastener thereon travel over pulleys or rollers of the conveyor belt system.
- The '877 patent discloses that the fastener is fabricated from a piece of sheet metal having a width practically constant over its entire length. To form the hinge knuckle, the sides of the piece sheet metal are folded back against each other to reside in a plane substantially perpendicular to clamping tongues of the fastener. The '877 patent discloses that this process of folding back the sheet metal to form a U-shaped cross-section of the hinge knuckle strengthens the hinge knuckle. However, the step of folding back the sheet metal to form the u-shaped cross-section of the hinge-knuckle complicates manufacture of the fastener and increases the production cost of the fasteners due to the need to change the flat cross-section of the piece of sheet metal to the U-shaped configuration of the fastener hinge knuckle.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,933 to Schick discloses a method of producing U-shaped clips for interconnecting conveyor belts. The clips are formed using deep drawing and pressing operations performed consecutively on a metal strip. The clips have upper and lower arms each with apertures through which rivets or fixing staples will extend to fix the clip to one of the ends of the conveyor belt. Loading from conveyor belt operations could cause cracks or areas of weakness to form in the upper and lower arms that spread from the apertures outwardly along the arms. Because the sections of the upper and lower arms that contain the apertures are flat, the ability of the arms to resist crack propagation is dependent on the thickness of the arm sections. Increasing the thickness of the arm sections may make the arm sections stronger and better able to resist crack propagation from the apertures, but the increased thickness of the arm sections increases the height or profile of the clips on the conveyor belt. The increased height of the clips on the conveyor belt produces greater wear and tear on conveyor belt cleaners since the taller clips strike the conveyor belt cleaners with every rotation of the conveyor belt.
- In accordance with one aspect, a conveyor belt fastener for splicing ends of a conveyor belt together is provided having a body with a pair of opposite outboard end portions and an elongate beam portion with a length extending longitudinally between the outboard end portions. The beam portion has an upper portion, a lower portion, and an arcuate loop portion that is curved to orient the upper portion above the lower portion with a gap spacing therebetween. The elongate beam portion has a lateral cross-section thereacross that is substantially uniform along the length of the beam portion. The beam portion operates as a rigid, load bearing member for the conveyor belt fastener and the lateral cross-section of the beam portion provides a relatively large area moment of inertia throughout the beam portion for resisting flexing of the beam portion due to loading from conveyor belt operations. Further, the high rigidity of the beam portion provides strength for resisting deflection at the loop portion, which is subject to high loading from the hinge pin as the conveyor belt travels around a head pulley and idlers of a conveyor belt system.
- The fastener body further includes a web portion extending laterally from the beam portion at the upper portion thereof as well as a web portion extending laterally from the beam portion at the lower portion thereof. The web portions have a reduced thickness relative to the beam portions so that the upper and lower portions of the beam portion are raised relative to the laterally adjacent web portions. The fastener body has apertures in the reduced thickness web portions laterally offset from the beam portion and sized to receive an attachment member with the raised upper and lower portions of the beam portion extending along the attachment member received in the apertures of the reduced thickness web portions. Because the upper and lower portions of the beam portion extend along the attachment member, the upper and lower portions of the beam portion can absorb impacts during operation of the conveyor belt rather than the attachment member.
- In one form, the upper and lower portions of the beam portion include walls extending outwardly from outer surfaces of the reduced thickness web portions that face away from the conveyor belt. The attachment member may be a staple having legs press-fit in the apertures of one of the reduced thickness web portions and a bight connecting the legs that seats against the outer surface of the one web portion. The outer walls of the beam portion protect the bight and leg ends of the staple once the staple has been driven into the conveyor belt end, as discussed in greater detail below. The upper and lower portions of the beam portion may also include inner surface ribs that sink into the conveyor belt end with clamping of the upper and lower portions of the beam portion on the conveyor belt end to provide high strength gripping of the conveyor belt end.
- In accordance with another aspect, a plate fastener for conveyor belts is provided having upper and lower plate portions with variable thicknesses that increase the rigidity of the upper and lower plate portions. More specifically, the upper and lower plate portions each have an outer surface facing away from the belt and an inner surface for engaging the belt. The upper and lower plate portions have a variable thickness between the outer and inner surfaces extending laterally thereacross. The fastener includes at least one attachment member for connecting the plate portions to an end of the conveyor belt and outer surface walls projecting outwardly away from the belt at either side of the attachment member. Because the outer surface walls project outwardly at either side of the attachment member, the material of the outer surface walls resists cracks or areas of weakness propagating from the attachment member and across the upper and lower plate portions. The outer surface walls thereby increase the durability of the fastener by resisting the spread of cracks or areas of weakness from the attachment member.
- The upper and lower plate portions have inner surface ribs projecting inwardly toward the belt with the inner surface ribs being vertically aligned with the outer surface walls and laterally offset from the at least one attachment member. The inner surface ribs bite into and engage the conveyor belt with clamping of the upper and lower plate portions onto the conveyor belt end. The upper and lower plate portions have plate sections extending laterally between the aligned walls and ribs that are of constant thickness less than that of the aligned walls and ribs. The thinner plate sections extending laterally between the aligned walls and ribs provide an area to receive the at least one attachment member while the outer surface walls project outwardly on either side of the attachment member to protect the attachment member from, for example, conveyed material or impacting a conveyor belt scraper blade.
- In one form, the fastener includes loop portions longitudinally aligned with the outer surface walls and inner surface ribs of the upper and lower plate portions. The loop portions and the vertically aligned outer surface walls and inner surface ribs have the same thickness which is greater than that of the plate sections. The alignment of the loop portions and the vertically aligned walls and ribs, and the resulting uniform thickness therealong, provides high strength to the loop portions by eliminating changes in the thickness between the loop portions and the upper and lower plate portions that may operate as stress concentrators where the loop portions connect to the upper and lower plate portions.
- The upper and lower plate portions and the loop portions may be made from cold-rolled or cold-drawn material such that they are very hard and durable. In one approach, the upper and lower plate portions and loop portions are made from cold-rolled steel and have a hardness in the range of approximately 95 to approximately 105 on the Rockwell B scale, and preferably a hardness of approximately 100 on the Rockwell B scale.
- In another aspect, a hinge-loop plate fastener for splicing conveyor belt ends together is provided. The fastener has a body formed of rolled stock material with a predetermined high hardness level. The fastener body includes rolled upper and lower plate portions each having a variable cross-section extending laterally thereacross. The plate portions have rolled outer and inner raised portions with the outer raised portions extending longitudinally on either side of at least one attachment member. The fastener further includes rolled loop portions that include the high hardness level of the stock material and have an arcuate configuration to extend between the plate portions. Because the arcuate loop portions are rolled and have the high hardness level of the rolled stock material, the loop portions do not need additional processing to obtain the predetermined high hardness level thereof. This approach stands in contrast to prior fasteners, such as the fastener of U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,877 to Schick, having a hinge knuckle with a U-shaped cross-section formed by folding sections of the hinge knuckle back onto itself to build up the hinge knuckle which complicates manufacture of this prior fastener.
- In one form, the rolled loop portions are aligned with and extend continuously with the outer raised portions of the upper and lower plate portions. This improves the tensile load sharing between the raised portions extending along the plate portions and the loop portions contacting the hinge pin of the conveyor belt.
- In accordance with another aspect, a plate fastener for connecting ends of a conveyor belt together is provided including three staples each having a pair of leg portions and a bight portion connecting the leg portions. The fastener has an upper plate portion with an inboard edge for being disposed adjacent an end of a belt with the upper plate portion clamped thereto by the staples. A middle one of the three staples is offset longitudinally closer to the inboard edge of the upper plate portion leaving the other outer staples farther from the inboard edge. The leg portions of the outer staples thereby penetrate the belt farther from the conveyor belt end than the corresponding leg portions of the middle staple which positions a thicker section of the conveyor belt between the outer staple leg portions and the end of the conveyor belt and increases the pull-out resistance of the fastener from the conveyor belt. In other words, the outer staple leg portions penetrate the belt farther from the conveyor belt end than the middle staple leg portions thereby increasing the reach-back of the outer staples in the conveyor belt and improving the pull-out resistance of the fastener from the conveyor belt.
- In one form, the plate fastener is a hinge-loop plate fastener and further comprises a lower plate portion and at least one hinge loop portion connecting the upper and lower plate portions. The upper plate portion has three pairs of apertures for the staples in the upper plate portion with each of the apertures in a pair being longitudinally aligned. The lower plate also has three pairs of apertures aligned with the aperture pairs in the upper plate portion. Because the apertures of the upper and lower plate portions are aligned, the leg portions of the staples may be driven through the apertures of the upper plate portion, through the conveyor belt, and into the apertures of the lower plate portion. The staple leg portions include ends that are bent against an outer surface of the lower plate portion after passing through the lower plate portion apertures.
- The upper plate portion may have a variable cross-sectional thickness including channels in which the upper plate portion apertures are formed and upstanding walls extending longitudinally along either side of at least two of the channels. The upstanding walls protect bights of the corresponding staples seated in the channels with the upper plate portion clamped to the belt. The channels can include an outer channel formed on a ledge portion of the upper plate portion that extends to one of the lateral sides of the upper plate with one of the upstanding walls at the other lateral side. When upper plate portions of a pair of fasteners are attached next to one another on a conveyor belt, the upstanding wall at the lateral side of one of the upper plate portions cooperates to protect the bight of the staple associated with the ledge portion of the other of the upper plate portions.
- The upper plate portion of the fastener may further have vertical surfaces extending between outer and inner surfaces of the upper plate portion at the lateral sides thereof. The vertical surfaces are contoured to allow adjacent upper plate portions to be attached across a conveyor belt in closely spaced or engaged relation. The vertical surfaces provide clearance between the adjacent upper plate portions and permit movement of the upper plate portions relative to each other with belt troughing. By permitting movement of the adjacent upper plate portions, the conveyor belt to which the upper plate portions are attached undergoes less stretching at the area between the upper plate portions which decreases the stress in the conveyor belt during troughed operation thereof.
- In accordance with another aspect, a method of manufacturing a plate fastener for a conveyor belt is provided. The method includes advancing a longitudinally extending strip of material having a variable cross-sectional thickness in a lateral direction across the strip longitudinally through processing equipment to form the plate fastener. The variable cross-sectional thickness of the strip includes at least one channel continuously extending longitudinally along the strip. The method further includes forming small apertures through thinner material of the strip at fastener plate portions of the at least one channel with the processing equipment for allowing at least one attachment member of the plate fastener to extend through the small apertures. Because the small apertures are formed in the fastener plate portions of the at least one channel, the at least one channel can receive and protect the at least one fastener member with the fastener member extending through the small apertures.
- In one approach, the strip of material has been cold-rolled or cold-drawn to provide the variable cross-sectional thickness in the lateral direction across the strip prior to advancing the strip longitudinally through the processing equipment to form the plate fastener. By utilizing cold-rolling or cold-drawing to provide the variable cross-sectional thickness in the strip, the processing equipment which is used to form the plate fastener does not need to include operations that form the variable cross-sectional thickness of the strip. This stands in contrast to some prior approaches that require folding-over sections of a strip of material to build up the cross-section of the fastener, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,877 to Schick. The processing equipment for performing the method may therefore be more efficient and less costly to operate, such as by requiring smaller tonnage presses to form the plate fastener from the strip of material.
- The method may also include forming at least one elongate window through thinner material of the strip between the fastener plate portions of the at least one channel with the processing equipment to leave at least one thicker portion of the strip adjacent the window for forming at least one thick loop portion of the plate fastener. By forming the at least one elongate window in the strip of material, the at least one elongate window of the fastener formed from the strip of material provides clearance to receive at least one loop portion of a nearby fastener when the fasteners are connected to opposing ends of a conveyor belt and the loop portions are interengaged about a hinge pin. Further, the strip of material has a predetermined hardness and forming the at least one window does not change the predetermined hardness of the material in the loop portions. Thus, the at least one loop portion has high hardness and strength without requiring the additional folding-over operations of the prior art which simplifies the manufacture of the fastener.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conveyor belt splice including fasteners secured to ends of a conveyor belt with loop portions of the fasteners on one end of the conveyor belt intermeshed about a hinge pin with loop portions of fasteners on the other end of the conveyor belt; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the fasteners ofFIG. 1 showing two staples preset in an upper plate portion of the fastener; -
FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of the fastener ofFIG. 2 showing the upper plate portion and a lower plate portion of the fastener in an open configuration prior to being clamped onto the end of a conveyor belt; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the upper plate portion taken across line 3-3 inFIG. 2 showing apertures of the upper plate portion laterally offset from raised walls on an outer surface of the plate portion; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lower plate portion taken across line 4-4 inFIG. 2 showing raised walls extending outwardly from an outer surface of the lower plate portion; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken across line 5-5 inFIG. 2 showing a cross-section of loop portions of the fastener having thicknesses that match the thicknesses of the upper and lower plate portions at the raised walls shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-section taken across line 6-6 inFIG. 2 showing raised ribs on an inner surface of the upper plate portion vertically aligned with the walls on the outer surface of the upper plate portion; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a strip of material from which a body of the fastener ofFIG. 2 is manufactured showing the vertically aligned walls and ribs already formed in the strip of material; -
FIGS. 8 and 9 are top and bottom plan views of the body of the fastener ofFIG. 2 before the loop portions of the body are bent and staples are preset in the upper plate portion; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a method of forming the fastener ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another fastener showing three staples preset on an upper plate portion of the fastener; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener taken across line 12-12 inFIG. 11 showing the fastener secured to a conveyor belt end that is being pulled around a head pulley of the conveyor belt; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener taken across line 13-13 inFIG. 11 showing a cross-section of base sections of the fastener loop portions and a neutral axis of the base sections as the fastener is pulled around the head pulley ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the upper plate portion taken across line 14-14 inFIG. 11 showing apertures of the upper plate portion sized to receive legs of the staples; -
FIG. 15 is cross-sectional view of a lower plate portion of the fastener taken across line 15-15 inFIG. 11 showing ribs extending inwardly from an inner surface of the lower plate portion that are vertically aligned with walls extending outwardly from an outer surface of the lower plate portion; -
FIG. 16 is an enlarged portion ofFIG. 14 showing a vertical surface of the upper plate portion at one lateral side thereof having a contour that tapers inwardly to provide clearance for a lateral side of a nearby fastener along the conveyor belt end; -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 17-17 inFIG. 11 showing a vertical surface of the lower plate portion at the other lateral side of the fastener having differently tapered inner and outer portions of the vertical surface; -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a strip of material from which a body of the fastener ofFIG. 11 is manufactured showing the vertically aligned walls and ribs already formed in the strip of material; -
FIGS. 19 and 20 are top and bottom plan views of the body of the fastener ofFIG. 11 before the loop portions of the body are bent and the staples are preset in the upper plate portion of the fastener; -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a conveyor belt splice including fasteners secured to ends of the conveyor belt with loop portions of the fasteners on one end of the conveyor belt intermeshed about a hinge pin with loop portions of fasteners on the other end of the conveyor belt; -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a set of several fasteners ofFIG. 21 showing three staples preset on an upper plate portion of each of the fasteners; -
FIG. 23 is a plan view of one of the conveyor belt ends and the hinge pin ofFIG. 21 showing the staples of the fasteners driven into the conveyor belt end and loops of the fasteners extending about the hinge pin; -
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 24-24 inFIG. 23 showing legs of the staples extending through the conveyor belt between the upper and lower plate portions of one of the fasteners; -
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 25-25 inFIG. 23 showing a substantially constant thickness of a raised wall on the upper plate portion of the fastener, an aligned loop portion of the fastener, and a raised wall on the lower plate portion of the fastener; -
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 26-26 inFIG. 23 showing legs of the staples extending through the conveyor belt and ends of one of the staples bent against an outer surface of the lower plate portion of the fastener; -
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the upper plate portion of the fastener taken across line 27-27 inFIG. 22 showing a varying cross-section of the upper plate portion including raised walls on an outer surface of the upper plate portion and raised ribs on an inner surface of the plate portion; -
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the lower plate portion of the fastener taken across line 28-28 inFIG. 22 showing a connecting wire secured to an inner surface of the lower plate portion of the fastener; -
FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of a portion ofFIG. 26 showing a staple leg extending through an aperture in the lower plate portion and an end portion of the staple leg bent against the outer surface of the lower plate portion; -
FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of a portion ofFIG. 27 showing a vertical surface at one lateral side of the upper plate portion; -
FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of a portion ofFIG. 27 showing a vertical surface of the upper plate portion at the opposite lateral side of the upper plate portion; -
FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 32-32 inFIG. 22 showing an aperture in the lower plate portion sized to receive a leg of one of the staples and a collar of the lower plate portion extending about the aperture; -
FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 33-33 inFIG. 23 showing in dashed the fasteners pivoted to inclined positions in response to troughing of the conveyor belt and laterally outer, vertical surfaces of the fasteners bearing against each other; -
FIG. 34 is a top plan view of a body of one of the fasteners ofFIG. 22 before the loop portions thereof are bent and the staples are preset in the upper plate portion; -
FIG. 35 is a bottom plan view of the fastener body ofFIG. 34 showing the rib portions on the inner surfaces of the fastener body laterally offset from the loop portions; -
FIG. 36 is an end elevational view taken across line 36-36 inFIG. 23 showing fasteners of one conveyor belt end disposed side-by-side along the hinge pin and loop portions of the fasteners extending about the hinge pin; -
FIG. 37 is a schematic, end elevational view of the hinge pin ofFIG. 21 showing the hinge pin and one conveyor belt end bowed due to troughing of the conveyor belt and loop portions of selected ones of the fasteners of the conveyor belt end illustrated on the hinge pin angled due to the conveyor belt troughing; -
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a strip of material from which the fastener body ofFIGS. 34 and 35 is manufactured showing the laterally offset, outer walls and inner ribs already formed in the strip of material; -
FIG. 39 is a schematic representation of a method of forming the set of fasteners ofFIG. 22 ; -
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a conveyor belt splice including a fastener having a rigid fastener body joining ends of the conveyor belt with staples of the fastener removed to show apertures of the fastener body above the ends of the conveyor belt; -
FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another fastener showing upper and lower plate portions of the fastener interconnected by a pair of arcuate hinge loop portions; and -
FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 42-42 inFIG. 41 showing a smaller, raised lip or wall at one lateral side of the upper plate portion for protecting a staple bight seated next to the wall. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 ,fasteners 1 of a conveyor belt splice 3 are provided for joining ends 5A, 5B of aconveyor belt 5 together. Thefasteners 1 have arcuate loop portions 8 for extending around ahinge pin 3A of the splice 3 and being intermeshed with loop portions 8 offasteners 1 on the opposite ends 5A, 5B of theconveyor belt 5. Eachfastener 1 has abody 2 including upper andlower plate portions lower plate portions FIG. 2A , the upper andlower plate portions plate portions fastener 1 to be positioned onto one of theends conveyor belt 5. The upper andlower plate portions end lower plate portions fastener 300 inFIG. 12 . Thefastener 1 has one or more attachment members, such asstaples legs upper plate portion 4 for driving into theconveyor belt end conveyor belt end lower plate portions conveyor belt end fasteners 1 may be used to form a splice 3 between theends single conveyor belt 5. As another example, theconveyor belt 5 may include twoconveyor belts 5 and thefasteners 1 may be used to form a splice 3 between theend 5A of one of theconveyor belts 5 and theend 5B of theother conveyor belt 5. - With reference to
FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 , thefastener body 2 has a varying cross-section in a lateral direction across the upper andlower plate portions lower plate portions inner surfaces fastener body 2 includes a pair of thicker,beam portions 40 extending longitudinally betweenoutboard end portions FIG. 2 ) that operate as load-bearing members to resist bending and impacts from conveyor belt operations. The varying cross-section of thefastener body 2 also includes reducedthickness web portions 42 extending laterally from thebeam portions 40 at the upper andlower plate portions thickness web portions 42 provide areas to receive thestaples beam portions 40 so that thebeam portions 40 protect thestaples conveyor belt 5. - The
beam portions 40 include upper andlower portions FIG. 2 ) at the upper andlower plate portions beam portions 40 further include the loop portions 8 intermediate the upper andlower portions beam portions 40 each have a cross-section taken laterally thereacross that is substantially uniform for the length of thebeam portion 40 between theoutboard end portions body 2. With respect toFIGS. 3-5 , the cross section of one of thebeam portions 40 at theupper portion 39,loop portion 8A, andlower portion 39A are identified, respectively, with dashedboxes beam portion 40 may be generally polygonal, such as the generally rectangular cross-section shown inFIGS. 3-5 , which is uniform along the length of thebeam portion 40. - The substantially uniform cross-section of the
beam portion 40 is intended to encompass localized deviations in the cross-sections of thebeam portion 40 such as deviations due to coining of thebeam portion 40 and deviations due to manufacturing variation in the dimensions of astrip 183 of stock material from which thebody 2 is formed. As shown inFIGS. 3-5 , thebeam portions 40 also have a substantiallyconstant thickness 41 throughout including the loop portions 8 and the upper andlower portions beam portions 40 provide a rigid construct to resist loading during conveyor belt operations. Like the substantially uniform cross-section of eachbeam portion 40 along its length, the substantiallyconstant thickness 41 is intended to encompass localized deviations in thethickness 41 such as deviations due to coining of thebeam portion 40 and deviations due to manufacturing variation in the dimensions of thestrip 183 of stock material. - With reference to
FIGS. 3 and 6 , theupper portions 39 of thebeam portions 40 include outer raisedwalls outer surface 46 of theupper plate portion 4 and inner raisedribs inner surface 12 of theupper plate portion 4. The outer raisedwalls form channels upper plate portion 4 that receivebights 72 of thestaples lower portions 39A of thebeam portions 40 include outer raisedwalls FIG. 4 ) extending outwardly from theouter surface 46A of thelower plate portion 6 and inner raisedribs inner surface 12A of thelower plate portion 6. The outer raisedwalls 45 A form channels legs staples legs legs belt 5 so that the bend leg ends engage against theouter surface 46A in thechannels - The outer raised
walls lower plate portions bights 72 and the bent-over ends of thelegs staples belt 5 and rollers supporting an inner surface of theconveyor belt 5. In one form, the raisedwalls staples bights 72 and ends of thelegs staples walls staples belt 5 and the rollers supporting the inner surface of theconveyor belt 5 until thebights 72 and ends of thelegs walls walls bights 72 and the ends of thelegs walls bights 72 and ends of thelegs conveyor belt 5. - With reference to
FIGS. 4 and 6 , theouter walls inner ribs lower plate portions outer walls inner ribs loop portions loop portions same thickness 41 as the vertically alignedwalls ribs body 2 due to changes in material thickness at the connections between theloop portions lower plate portions - With reference to
FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 , theinner surfaces lower plate portions belt end outer surfaces lower plate portions belt end lower plate portions belt end outer surface 46 of theupper plate portion 4 is an upper surface of theupper plate portion 4 and theinner surface 12 is a lower surface of theupper plate portion 4. Conversely, theouter surface 46A of thelower plate portion 6 is a lower surface of thelower plate portion 6 and theinner surface 12A is an upper surface of thelower plate portion 6. - The
web portions 42 of the upper andlower plate portions thickness plate sections apertures thickness plate sections apertures legs staples thickness plate sections lower plate portions plate sections apertures apertures - The
body 2 may be manufactured from the elongate strip 183 (seeFIG. 7 ) of cold-formed stock material, such as cold-rolled or cold-drawn steel, such that thebody 2 is very rigid and durable. One approach for forming thebody 2 from theelongate strip 183 is discussed below with respect toFIG. 10 . The cold rolling or cold-drawing process forms the varying cross-section of theelongate strip 183 including thewalls ribs thickness plate sections strip 183. Because thebody 2 may be manufactured from the cold-rolled or cold-drawnstrip 183, the upper andlower plate portions lower plate portions - The
staples upper plate portion 4 at even longitudinal positions for providing a substantially uniform longitudinal position of thestaples fastener 1 is secured thereto. Stated differently, thestaples outboard edges lower plate portions staples fasteners 1 may be desired in some applications to provide uniform reach-back of thestaples conveyor belt end - With reference to
FIG. 2 , the upper andlower plate portions lateral width 10. Thenarrow lateral width 10 of the upper andlower plate portions fastener 1 takes up along thehinge pin 3A is minimized which improves troughing by decreasing the amount of angulation eachfastener 1 has to provide to accommodate the troughed conveyor belt. Thewidth 10 may be in the range of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 0.6 inches, such as approximately 0.56 inches. Theloop portions fastener body 2 have a narrow width along thehinge pin 3A which further improves load sharing betweenfasteners 1 on thehinge pin 3A. The width of eachloop portion - The
narrow width 10 of the upper andlower plate portions inner surfaces conveyor belt end lower plate portions conveyor belt end lower plate portions conveyor belt end conveyor belt end lower plate portions conveyor belt end - With reference to
FIG. 6 , the reducedthickness plate section 52 includes aledge portion 70 disposed laterally outward from thewall 44. With reference toFIG. 2 , driving thelegs apertures ledge portion 70 seats thebight 72 on theledge portion 70. Whenmultiple fasteners 1 are secured to theconveyor belt end wall 44 of onefastener 1 extends longitudinally along thestaple bight 72 received on theledge portion 70 of thefastener 1 and protects one lateral side of thestaple bight 72. To protect the opposite lateral side of thebight 72, thewall 45 of a laterallyadjacent fastener 1 on theconveyor belt end bight 72 on an opposite lateral side of the bight 72 from thewall 44. Thewalls adjacent fasteners 1 thereby operate together to protect thestaple bight 72 seated on theledge portion 70 in a manner similar to thewalls fasteners FIG. 36 ). - With reference to
FIGS. 4 and 6 , the upper andlower plate portions lateral portions lateral portions vertical surfaces vertical surfaces 84, 86 of theupper plate portion 4 have different contours from one another and thevertical surfaces lower plate portion 6 have different contours from one another. Specifically, thevertical surfaces outer portions different angles axis 93 extending orthogonal to the plateinner surfaces vertical surface 400 discussed below with respect toFIG. 17 . On the opposite lateral side of the upper andlower plate portions vertical surfaces 84, 84A generally have a singlestraight portion 77 oriented at anangle 95 to anaxis 97 in a manner similar to thevertical surface 396 discussed below with respect toFIG. 16 . Theangle 95 may be in the range of approximately two to approximately fifteen degrees, such as approximately three degrees. - With reference to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , thebody 2 of thefastener 1 is shown prior to theloop portions upper plate portion 4 above thelower plate portion 6 in a vertically spaced configuration. With reference toFIG. 8 , thewalls lower plate portions body 2 with theloop portions thickness plate sections lower plate portions windows 90 which may be formed in thebody 2 using an operation discussed in greater detail below. - With reference to
FIG. 9 , theribs lower plate portions loop portions loop portions hinge pin 3A. - With reference to
FIG. 10 , amethod 200 is provided for rapidly and sequentially forming fasteners, such as thefastener 1, from an elongated strip of material, such as thestrip 183. Themethod 200 includes running thestrip 183 through processing equipment to form thefastener 1. Initially, thestrip 183 is provided having alength 184 longer than the length of thefastener body 2 and may be provided in the form of a coil. Thestrip 183 may have a number of sections along itslength 184 from which thebodies 2 offasteners 1 will be sequentially produced using themethod 200. The following discussion follows onestrip section 183A as it travels throughoperations method 200. - Initially, the
strip section 183A of thestrip 183 is advanced inlongitudinal direction 202 to astamping operation 220 that includes window punching 222 for formingwindows 90 in thestrip section 183A and forming theloop portions strip section 183A at the reduced thickness section 54 (seeFIG. 7 ) between thewalls window 90B in thestrip section 183A. The window punching 222 also removes material from thestrip section 183A at the reducedthickness section 52 and forms thewindow 90A in thestrip section 183A. As shown inFIG. 10 , the window punching 222 forms theelongate windows thickness sections strip section 183A between the upper andlower plate portions walls ribs 48, 49 (seeFIG. 7 ) extending along thestrip section 183A and forms theloop portions fastener body 2. - With reference to
FIG. 10 , thestrip section 183A is longitudinally advanced indirection 202 to astamping operation 230 that includes coining and hole punching 232 to form theapertures outboard surfaces apertures channels strip section 183A at the upper andlower plate portions thickness sections strip section 183A in thechannels operation 232 also forms thetapered surfaces walls strip section 183A and striking outboard ends of thewalls - The
strip section 183A is advanced indirection 202 to aseparation operation 240 that removes thestrip section 183A from thestrip 183. Theseparation operation 240 forms theoutboard end portions strip section 183A and produces thefastener body 2 shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 that may be used to assemble thefastener 1. Theseparation operation 240 may include acutoff punch 242 for cutting theupper plate portion 4 of a downstream section of thestrip 183 off from thelower plate portion 6 of thestrip section 183A. Thecutoff punch 242 also includes cutting theupper plate portion 4 of thestrip section 183A off from thelower plate portion 6 of an upstream section of thestrip 183. Taken together, the cutting at thelower plate portion 6 and theupper plate portion 4 of thestrip section 183A separates thestrip section 183A from thestrip 183. As thestrip 183 is continuously advanced inlongitudinal direction 202, thecutoff punch 242 is repeatedly used to consecutively separate strip sections from thestrip 183. - Using the
cutoff punch 242 to separate thestrip section 183A from thestrip 183 may also form theU-shaped cutouts FIG. 8 ) in theoutboard end portions fastener body 2. Thecutoff punch 242 may include using a punch member shaped to produce theU-shaped cutout 259A in thelower plate portion 6 of thestrip section 183A and theU-shaped cutout 259 in theupper plate portion 4. For example, asingle cutoff punch 242 may first be used to cut off theupper plate portion 4 of a downstream section of thestrip 183 from thelower plate portion 6 of thestrip section 183A, thestrip section 183A is advanced longitudinally indirection 202, and then thecutoff punch 242 is used to cut theupper plate portion 4 of thestrip section 183A off from thelower plate portion 6 of an upstream section of thestrip 183. As another example, twocutoff punches 242 may be used to substantially simultaneously cut off thelower plate portion 6 of thestrip section 183A from theupper plate portion 4 of a downstream section of thestrip 183 and cut off theupper plate portion 4 of thestrip section 183A from the lower plate portion of the upstream strip section. - The
method 200 includes anassembly operation 260 for assembling thefastener 1 from thefastener body 2 once thefastener body 2 has been produced from thestrip section 183A by theoperations assembly operation 260 includes connecting 262 thewire 94 to theinner surface 12 of theupper plate portion 4 of thestrip section 183A. The connecting 262 of thewire 94 to theupper plate portion 4 may occur prior to thecutoff punch 242 being used to separate theupper plate portion 4 of thestrip section 183A from thelower plate portion 6 of the upstream section of thestrip 183. This makes it easier to handle thefastener body 2 once thecutoff punch 242 separates thefastener body 2 from thestrip 183. Theassembly operation 260 may include weldingseveral fastener bodies 2 cut from thestrip 183 to thesame wire 94. Theseveral fastener bodies 2 on thewire 94 may be used to form a set offasteners 1, like theset 1017 shown inFIG. 22 . It will be appreciated that approaches besides thewire 94 may be used to maintain thefasteners 1 in a set. For example, a cardboard blank with openings that receive thestaples fasteners 1 in a set. - With reference to
FIG. 10 , the one or moreflat fastener bodies 2 connected 262 to thewire 94 are advanced to aloop forming operation 270 that includes bending 272 theloop portions fastener body 2. Theloop portions flat fastener body 2 into the open configuration ofFIG. 2 which positions the upper andlower plate portions loop portions more fastener bodies 2 at a time. - The one or more
bent fastener bodies 2 connected to thewire 94 are then advanced to an attachmentmember connecting operation 280. In one form, theoperation 280 includes inserting 282 thelegs staples apertures upper plate portion 4 of eachfastener body 2 to form a press-fit engagement between thelegs upper plate portion 4. The assembledfasteners 1 are now ready for use as part of the splice 3 to secure the conveyor belt ends 5A, 5B. - With reference to
FIG. 11 , anotherfastener 300 is provided having many advantages similar to the advantages of thefastener 1. It will be appreciated that the discussion below of features of thefastener 300 may be applicable to similar features of thefastener 1 and vice versa. - The
fastener 300 includes a high-strength body 302 with upper andlower plate portions loop portions 308 connecting the upper andlower plate portions fastener body 302 may be formed from a strip 310 (seeFIG. 18 ) of cold-worked material, such as cold-rolled or cold-drawn steel, having a uniform cross-section along itslength 312. Like thefastener 10, thefastener 300 may have one or more attachment members, such asstaples 374, preassembled on theupper plate portion 304 to increase the ease with which thefastener 300 may be secured to the conveyor belt ends 5A, 5B. - The
fastener body 302 hasbeam portions 320 extending longitudinally betweenoutboard end portions body 302 andweb portions 322 extending laterally from thebeam portions 320. With reference toFIGS. 11 and 15 , thebeam portions 320 includewalls outer surface 330 of theupper plate portion 304 andwalls outer surface 330A of thelower plate portion 306. Thebeam portions 320 further includeribs inner surface 333 of theupper plate portion 304 andribs inner surface 333A of thelower plate portion 306. As can be seen inFIG. 14 , theinner ribs upper plate portion 304 are vertically aligned with theouter walls inner ribs lower plate portion 306 of thefastener 300 are vertically aligned with thewalls - The
web portions 322 include reducedthickness plate sections walls ribs thickness plate sections apertures staples 374 as discussed in detail below. With reference toFIGS. 14 and 15 , the reducedthickness plate sections lower plate portions - The
beam portions 320 include theloop portions 308 with threeloop portions lower plate portions loop portions walls ribs fastener body 302 by providing a uniform thickness throughout thebeam portions 320 and limiting changes in thickness at the connections between theloop portions 308 and the upper andlower plate portions FIGS. 12 and 13 , thefastener 300 is shown secured toconveyor belt end 5A with theloop portions 308 extending about the hinge pin 2A as theconveyor belt end 5A travels around ahead pulley 350 of the conveyor belt 3 (the oppositeconveyor belt end 5B andfastener 300 thereon is omitted for clarity). The alignedwall 328 andrib 336 of theupper plate 304 has athickness 343, theloop section 308C has athickness 345, and the alignedwall 328A andrib 336A has athickness 347. Thethicknesses beam portion 320 from oneoutboard end portion 410 of thefastener body 302 to the otheroutboard end portion 410A. Thethick beam portions 320 thereby provide durable load bearing members for withstanding loading from conveyor belt operations without requiring that theloop portions 308 be built up with a separate manufacturing process as in some conventional processes. - With reference to
FIG. 12 , theloop portions 308 of thefastener 300 tend to experience their highest internal stresses as theconveyor belt end 5A travels around thehead pulley 350 indirection 350A. Thehead pulley 350 supports theouter surface 330A of thelower plate portion 306 and the hinge pin 2A pulls generally downward indirection 351 as the conveyor belt ends 5A, 5B travel around thehead pulley 350. Because thelower plate portion 306 is supported on thehead pulley 350, the pulling of thehinge pin 22 indirection 351 applies a downward force oncurved section 348 of theloop portions 308 which attempts to bendbase sections 349 of theloop portions 308 about thehead pulley 350. However, theloop portions 308 are continuous with and have thesame thickness 345 as thethicknesses walls ribs base sections 349 of theloop portions 308 against bending. - With reference to
FIG. 11 , the alignedwalls ribs loop portions bearing beam portions 320 of thefastener body 302 extending from oneoutboard end portion 410 to the other 410A. With respect toFIG. 13 , thebeam portions 320 have a relatively large area moment of inertia at theloop portions neutral axis 352 as thehinge pin 3A pulls indirection 351 on thecurved section 348 of theloop portions neutral axis 352 is used to provide a non-limiting example of the position of theneutral axis 352 during conveyor belt operations. It will be appreciated that the loading experienced by theloop portions 308 during conveyor belt operations may be quite complex and this discussion is intended to provide a basic understanding of some advantages of thefastener body 302. - More specifically, the
loop portion 308C has a cross-section with aninner region 354 extending vertically above theneutral axis 352 bydistance 352A that is commensurate with the thickness of theinner rib 336A on thelower plate portion 306. Theloop portion 308C also has anouter region 356 of the cross-section thereof extending vertically below the neutral axis 352 adistance 352B that is commensurate with the thickness of theouter wall 328A. By vertically aligning theinner rib 336A and theouter wall 328A, thevertical distances regions neutral axis 352 can be maximized. This, in turn, increases the area moment of inertia of theloop portion 308C which increases the strength of thebase section 349 of theloop portion 308C against bending about the conveyorbelt head pulley 350. Thebase sections 349 of theother loop portions ribs walls base section 349 of each of theloop portions 308, thefastener body 302 is more durable and better able to resist loading from travel around thehead pulley 350. - With reference to
FIGS. 11, 14 and 15 , each reducedthickness plate section apertures legs staples 374 press-fit therein. Thestaples 374 includebights 380 connecting thelegs outer surface 330 when thestaples 374 are driven into the conveyor belt ends 14, 16. Thewalls upper plate portion 304 protect thestaple bights 380 once thestaple legs walls FIG. 15 ) extend along and protect ends 379, 381 of thestaple legs ends outer surface 330A of thelower plate portion 306. - The upper and
lower plate portions lateral portions FIGS. 14 and 15 ) that accommodate pivoting ofnearby fasteners 300 during troughing of the conveyor belt 16. The pairs oflateral portions lower plate portions strip 310 which includes the outerlateral portions FIG. 18 . More specifically, the outerlateral portion 390 of theupper plate portion 304 matches thelateral portion 390A of thelower plate portion 306 and thelateral portion 392 of theupper plate portion 304 matches thelateral portion 392A of thelower plate portion 306. - With reference to
FIG. 16 , the outerlateral portion 390 will be discussed with respect to theupper plate portion 304. The reducedthickness section 360 includes aledge portion 394 having theapertures lateral portion 390 includes avertical surface 396 with astraight portion 397 inclined at anangle 398 relative to avertical axis 399. Theaxis 399 is generally orthogonal to theinner surface 333 of theupper plate portion 304. Theangle 398 is in the range of approximately two degrees to approximately fifteen degrees, such as approximately three degrees. Thestraight surface portion 397 tapers inwardly to provide clearance for a vertical surface 400 (seeFIG. 17 ) of anearby fastener 300 upon toughing of the conveyor belt 16. - With reference to
FIG. 17 , the outerlateral portion 392A will be discussed with respect to thelower plate portion 306. Thewall 328A includes thevertical surface 400 having aninner portion 402 and anouter portion 404 extending atdifferent angles axis 410 generally orthogonal to the lower plateinner surface 333A. Thevertical surface 400 may further include ajunction 405 between the inner andouter portions angle 406 is in the range of approximately two degrees to approximately fifteen degrees, such as approximately three degrees and theangle 408 is in the range of approximately two degrees to approximately fifteen degrees, such as approximately six degrees. By utilizing a compound contour of thevertical surface 400, the outerlateral portions lateral portions nearby fastener 300. More specifically, because the outervertical surface portion 404 extends at a greater angle than the innervertical surface portion 402, the outervertical surface portion 404 provides additional clearance for thevertical surfaces nearby fastener 300 as the incline between thevertical surfaces fasteners FIG. 33 ). - With reference to
FIG. 19 , thefastener body 302 is shown prior to theloop portions lower plate portions FIG. 11 . The upper andlower plate portions outboard end portions surfaces walls upper plate portion 302 and coined leadingsurfaces walls - As discussed above, the
walls staple bights 380 and the leg ends 379, 381 once thestaples 374 have been driven into theconveyor belt end apertures lower plate portions apertures ledge portions staples 374 in the conveyor belt ends 5A, 5B. Specifically, theapertures ledge portions walls apertures ledge portions vertical surfaces FIG. 16 ). This moves thestaple bight 380 and leg ends 376, 378 received on theledge portions walls nearby fasteners 300 to protect the staple 374 on theledge portions - The upper and
lower plate portions staples 374 evenly across theconveyor belt end staples 374 and maximize the size of the conveyor belt section between thestaples 374 which increases pull-through resistance of thefastener 300. To space thestaples 374 evenly across upper andlower plate portions staples 374 received on theledge portions vertical surfaces apertures thickness sections respective walls staple bight 380 and leg ends 376, 378 received in the reducedthickness sections walls staple bight 380 and leg ends 376, 378 received in the reducedthickness sections walls staples 374 are all thereby laterally spaced evenly across the upper andlower plate portions ledge portions nearby fastener 300. - With reference to
FIG. 20 , the upper andlower plate portions inner surfaces ribs FIG. 11 ) from theinner surfaces fastener body 1024 ofFIG. 35 , thefastener body 302 shown inFIG. 20 hasribs loop portions apertures walls ribs loop portions - Returning to
FIG. 11 , the upper andlower plate portions narrow width 307 in the range of approximately 0.8 inches to approximately 0.9 inches, such as about 0.84 inches. Thewidth 307 is sufficiently narrow to allow the upper andlower plate portions conveyor belt end width 307 is sized to accommodate the threestaples 374 mounted on theupper plate portion 304. The upper andlower plate portions plate portions conveyor belt end plate portions conveyor belt end staples 374. - With reference to
FIGS. 11 and 16 , the upper andlower plate portions aperture surfaces 442 that define theapertures staple leg lower plate portions collars 440 extending about each of theapertures apertures lower plate portions collar 440 may be formed by extruding material of the upper andlower plate portions inner surfaces outer portion 444 and an inner, collar portion 446. The collar portion 446 provide an additional region ofengagement 448 between theaperture surface 442 and thestaple legs apertures upper plate portion 304 which strengthens the connection between thestaple legs upper plate portion 304 before the staple 374 is driven into the conveyor belt 16. Further, the additional region ofengagement 448 provided by the collar portions 446 at theapertures lower plate portion 306 strengthens the connection between thestaple legs lower plate portion 306 once the staple 374 has been driven into the conveyor belt 16 and the staple leg ends 379, 381 bent against theouter surface 330A of thelower plate portion 306. - With reference to
FIGS. 21 and 22 ,fasteners 1010 of aconveyor belt splice 1011 are provided for joiningends conveyor belt 1016 together. Thefasteners 1010 may be provided as aset 1017 of side-by-side fasteners 1010 and secured on awire 1019 for ease of positioning the set offasteners 1017 on one of theends conveyor belt 1016. Thefastener 1010 has many advantages similar to the advantages of thefasteners fastener 1010 may be applicable to the features of thefasteners - The
fasteners 1010 haveloop portions 1020 for extending around ahinge pin 1022 of thesplice 1011 and being intermeshed withloop portions 1020 offasteners 1010 on theopposite end conveyor belt 1016. Eachfastener 1010 has abody 1024 with upper andlower plate portions loop portions 1020 have an arcuate configuration to extend around thehinge pin 1022 and connect the upper andlower plate portions body 1024 may be manufactured from an elongate strip 1200 (seeFIG. 38 ) of cold-formed stock material, such as cold-rolled or cold-drawn steel, such that thebody 1024 is very rigid and durable. Because thebody 1024 andloop portions 1020 thereof are made from cold-rolled or cold-drawn material, theloop portions 1020 are very thick and durable without requiring additional processing or separate manufacturing steps to build up the loop thickness. - With reference to
FIGS. 23, 27, and 28 , thefastener body 1024 has a varying cross-section in a lateral direction across the upper andlower plate portions lower plate portions inner surfaces fastener body 1024 includes thicker,beam portions 1040 extending longitudinally betweenoutboard end portions FIG. 34 ) and reducedthickness web portions beam portions 1040 at the upper andlower plate portions beam portions 1040 include upper andlower portions 1039, 1039A (seeFIG. 25 ) at the upper andlower plate portions beam portions 1040 further include theloop portions 1020 intermediate the upper andlower portions 1039, 1039A. Thebeam portions 1040 each have a cross-section taken laterally thereacross that is substantially uniform for the length of thebeam portion 1040 between theoutboard end portions body 1024. As shown inFIG. 25 , thebeam portions 1040 also have a substantially constant thickness 1041 (seeFIG. 25 ) throughout including theloop portions 1020 and the upper andlower plate portions 1039, 1039A such that thebeam portions 1040 provide a rigid construct to resist loading during conveyor belt operations. - With reference to
FIGS. 23 and 27 , theupper portions 1039 of thebeam portions 1040 include raisedwalls web portions 1042 includeplate sections apertures plate sections plate sections upper plate portion 1030 at the raisedwalls plate sections upper plate portion 1030. It is intended that this substantially constant thickness encompass localized deviations within theplate sections apertures plate sections beam portions 1040 have raisedwalls web portions 1042 includeplate sections walls plate sections - The
upper plate portion 1030 has one or more attachment members preassembled thereto, such as rivets orstaples 1070, configured to be readily driven into theconveyor belt end fastener 1010 thereto. Thestaples 1070 have abight 1072 and dependinglegs apertures plate sections walls staples 1070 into one of the conveyor belt ends 1012, 1014 seats thestaple bights 1072 against theplate sections walls walls staple bights 1072, the raisedwalls staple bight 1072 during conveyor belt operation. For example, the raisedwalls staple bight 1072. With reference toFIGS. 23 and 27 , the raisedwalls staple bight 1072. This makes the raisedwalls staple bights 1072 such that a conveyor belt scraper will impact the raisedwalls staple bights 1072 thereby reducing the wear and tear on thestaple bights 1072. Similarly, the raisedwalls lower plate portion 1032 may extend outward a distance greater than staple leg ends 1080, 1082 such that a conveyor pulley or idler will impact the raisedwalls - With reference to
FIGS. 22 and 23 , theapertures plate sections upper plate portion 1030 are aligned withapertures plate sections lower plate portion 1032. Driving thestaples 1070 into theconveyor belt end staple legs apertures upper plate portion 30, through the conveyor belt ends 1012, 1014, and through theapertures lower plate portion 1032. With reference toFIG. 26 , theends staple legs outer surface 1050A of thelower plate portion 1052 to fix thestaples 1070 to the upper andlower plate portions bight 1072 of thestaples 1070 are received in channels 1073 (seeFIG. 27 ) between the raisedwalls ends staple legs channels 1073A (seeFIG. 28 ) between the raisedwalls lower plate portion 1032. Thus, the raisedwalls upper plate portion 1030 extend longitudinally along thestaple bights 1072 and protect thestaple bights 1072 while the raisedwalls lower plate portion 1032 extend longitudinally along the staple leg ends 1080, 1082 and protect the staple leg ends 1080, 1082. - With reference to
FIGS. 27 and 28 , the upper andlower plate portions ribs walls lower plate portions ribs conveyor belt end lower plate portions belt end - Because the
staple body 1024 and upper andlower plate portions elongate strip 1200 having the outer raisedwalls ribs FIG. 38 ), the upper andlower plate portions staple bights 1072 and leg ends 1080, 1082 unlike some prior fasteners. For convenience purposes, the walls and ribs of thestrip 1200 will be identified usingnumerals upper plate portion 30. However, it will be appreciated that theouter walls inner ribs lower plate portion 1032 have the same shape and size as the correspondingouter walls inner ribs upper plate portion 1030 because the upper andlower plate portions same strip 1200. - With reference to
FIGS. 22 and 24 , the upper andlower plates outboard end portions cutouts surfaces surfaces walls walls upper plate portion 1030 or move thelower plate portion 1032 over a conveyor pulley or idler. Further, the tapered profile of the coined leadingsurfaces outboard end portions lower plate portions upper plate portion 1030 each time thefastener 1010 passes by the scraper blade. - With reference to
FIGS. 22 and 23 , thestaples 1070 include a pair ofouter staples inboard end 1091 of the upper andlower plate portions staples legs outer staples inboard end 1091 and closer toward theoutboard end portions legs FIG. 24 . By having theouter staples FIG. 23 ) of the upper andlower plate portions outer staples staples conveyor belt end staples belt end staples conveyor belt end - With reference to
FIGS. 22 and 23 , thelegs staples 1070 may be press-fit into theapertures plate sections upper plate portion 1030. Once thefastener 1010 is positioned on theconveyor belt end staple legs conveyor belt end lower plate apertures staple legs apertures FIGS. 26 and 29 . - Another advantage of the
fastener 1010 is that the upper andlower plate portions nearby fasteners 1010 while protecting theouter staples 1070B of thefasteners 1010. With reference toFIGS. 27, 28, 30, and 31 , the fastener upper andlower plate portions lateral sides FIGS. 30 and 31 , theupper plate portion 1030 has outerlateral portions outer sides outer lateral portions upper plate portion 1030 ofnearby fasteners 1010. Thelower plate portions 1032 of thefasteners lateral portions FIG. 28 ) with contours that permit theouter lateral portions lower plate portion 1032 ofnearby fasteners 1010. - With reference to
FIG. 36 , thefasteners conveyor belt end 1012 and haveloop portions 1020 extending about thehinge pin 1022 of the conveyor belt splice 1011 (seeFIG. 21 ). During conveyor belt operation, theconveyor belt 1016 may have a trough-shape due to the weight of conveyed materials and may be supported byrollers 1135 as shown inFIG. 37 . With reference toFIG. 33 , as theconveyor belt 1016 troughs, thefasteners positions 1010A′ and 1010B′ shown in dashed lines inFIG. 33 . If the contouredlateral portions lateral portions bearing interface 1134 that permits relative movement of thelateral portions fastener body 1024 and upper andlower plate portions elongate strip 1200 of cold-worked material (seeFIG. 38 ), thestrip 1200 has thelateral portions lower plate portions lateral portions lower plate portions outer lateral portions fastener body 1024 has been separated from theelongate strip 1200. - At the
lateral sides 1120, 1120A (seeFIGS. 27 and 28 ), the upper andlower plate portions walls bight 1072 and theends outer staple 1070A. At the oppositelateral sides plate sections lower plate portions ledge portions apertures ledge portions walls ledge portions FIG. 31 ) to permit thewalls nearby fastener 1010 to tilt into theclearance 1133. This cooperation between thelateral sides nearby fasteners 1010 without thelateral sides fasteners 1010. - With reference to
FIGS. 27, 28, and 33 , theouter staple 1070B haslegs apertures ledge portion 1130 of theupper plate portion 1030 andapertures ledge portion 1130A of thelower plate portion 1032. Whereas thewalls bight 1072 and leg ends 1080, 1082 of theouter staple 1070A, thebight 1072 and leg ends 1080, 1082 of theouter staple 1070B are laterally exposed at thelateral sides FIG. 33 , with thefasteners conveyor belt end outer wall 1044 of thefastener 1010B laterally protects thebight 1072 of the staple 1070B on theupper ledge portion 1130 of thefastener 1010A and theouter wall 1044A (seeFIG. 28 ) of thefastener 1010B laterally protects the leg ends 1080, 1082 of theouter staple 1070B on thelower ledge portion 1130A of thefastener 1010A. Thus, thefasteners conveyor belt 1016 while continuing to protect theouter staple 1070B of thefastener 1010A. - With reference to
FIG. 30 , theouter lateral portion 1131 includes avertical surface 1140 having an inclined portion 1142 that tapers laterally inward at anangle 1144. Theangle 1144 may be in the range of approximately two degrees to approximately fifteen degrees, such as approximately six degrees. Because the inclined portion 1142 tapers laterally inward, the inclined portion 1142 providesclearance 1145 for movement of thevertical surface 1140 relative to a nearby fastener 1010 (seeFIG. 33 ). With reference toFIG. 31 , theouter lateral portion 1132 may have avertical surface 1160 with a different contour than thevertical surface 1140 of theouter lateral portion 1131. For example, thevertical surface 1160 may have a generallystraight portion 1162 extending substantially orthogonal to theinner surface 1054 of the upper plate portion 1030 (seeFIG. 24 ). Because thesurface 1160 is substantially orthogonal to thelower surface 1054, thesurface 1160 permits theledge portion 1130 andstaple bight 1072 thereon to be placed closely to thewall 1044 of a nearbyupper plate portion 1030 to maximize the protection for thestaple bight 1072. Similarly, the surface 1160A (seeFIG. 32 ) of theledge portion 1130A of thelower plate portion 1032 is substantially orthogonal to theinner surface 1054A and permits theledge portion 1131A and the staple leg ends 1080, 1082 thereon to be placed closely to thewall 1044A of a nearbylower plate portion 1032 to maximize the protection for the staple legs ends 1080, 1082. With reference toFIGS. 31 and 32 , thevertical surfaces 1160, 1160A include chamferedcorners outer walls nearby fastener 1010. - The
outer lateral portions FIGS. 27 and 28 . For example, theouter lateral portions lateral portions upper plate portions 1030 to roll against each other as theconveyor belt 1012 troughs. As another example, one of thelateral portions upper plate portions 1030 of the associatedfasteners 1010. - As discussed above, the
body 1024 of thefastener 1010 may be formed from a single, elongate strip 1200 (seeFIG. 38 ) of cold-worked stock material, such as cold-rolled or cold-drawn steel. Thestrip 1200 has a uniform cross-section throughout thelength 1202 of thestrip 1200 that includes features of the upper andlower plate portions strip 1200 includes raisedwalls outer surface 1050 of thestrip 1200 and theribs inner surface 1054 of thestrip 1200. Because thewalls ribs length 1202 of thestrip 1200, thebody 1024 also has thewalls ribs FIG. 34 ) of thebody 1024 except at windows 1210 (seeFIG. 34 ) where theribs body 1024. Thus, thewalls ribs lower plate portion plate portions strip 1200 rather than requiring a separate forming operation on the upper andlower plate portions - The cross-section of the
strip 1200 may be formed in thestrip 1200 by cold-rolling or cold-drawing thestrip 1200. For example, thestrip 1200 may start off as wire having a circular cross section. The wire is advanced through a series of rollers to form a strip of material having a rectangular cross-section. The strip of material may be cold-rolled to form the raisedwalls ribs strip 1200. In addition to forming the desired cross-section into thestrip 1200, the cold-rolling process significantly hardens the steel due to the cold working of the material. Thus, theloop portions 1020 and upper andlower plate portions body 1024 are already very hard when thebody 1024 is still a part of thestrip 1200 due to the cold rolling of thestrip 1200 to form the desired cross-section thereof. Theloop portions 1020 and upper andlower portions - The
length 1202 of thestrip 1200 may initially be many multiples of the length 1170 (seeFIG. 34 ) of thebody 1024 and may be stored on, for example, a large spool. A portion of thestrip 1200 may be advanced from the spool and run longitudinally through processing equipment to form a sequence offastener bodies 1024 from thestrip 1200 as discussed in greater detail below. Because theelongate strip 1200 has the desired cross-sectional configuration already formed therein, a manufacturing facility for producing thefastener 1010 does not need to include machinery to perform separate manufacturing steps to build up the thickness of theloop portions 1020 and upper andlower plate portions - With reference to
FIG. 34 , a top plan view of thefastener body 1024 is shown once thefastener body 1024 has been formed from theelongate strip 1200. Although almost all of the features of thefastener body 1024 have been formed therein, theloop portions 1020 of thefastener body 1024 have not yet been bent such that thebody 1024 is still substantially flat like theelongate strip 1200. Additionally, thestaples 1070 have not been preset in theupper plate portion 1030 and thewire 1019 has not yet been welded to theinner surface 1054A of thelower plate portion 1032. FromFIG. 34 , it can be seen that the raisedwalls upper plate portion 1034 are aligned with theloop portions lower plate portions walls lower plate portion 1032. Because thefastener body 1024 is formed from thestrip 1200 having a uniform cross-section throughout itslength 1202, thewalls loop portions walls length 1170 of thefastener body 1024. Once theloop portions 1020 have been bent, the alignedwalls loop portions FIG. 25 ) throughout thefastener body 1024 from anoutboard end portion 1090 of the upper plate portion to anoutboard end portion 1090A of thelower plate portion 1032. - With reference to
FIG. 34 , the reducedthickness plate sections length 1170 of thefastener body 1024 by thewindows 1210 formed in thebody 1024. Thewindows 1210 includewindows thinner plate sections FIG. 38 ) of thestrip 1200 leaving thethicker walls strip 1200 to define theloop portions fastener body 1024. By removing material from thethinner plate sections strip 1200 to leave theloop portions windows loop portions 1020 of afastener 1010 connected to the oppositeconveyor belt end fastener 1010, thefastener body 1024 may not havewindows 1210 formed therein. For example, thefastener 1010 may be a single staple fastener with afastener body 1024 with an uninterrupted reduced thickness web portion extending between a pair of beam portions from one outboard end of the fastener body to another. In yet another approach, the fastener body may be deformed laterally inwardly at the loop portions to narrow the width of the fastener body at the loop portions to provide clearance for loop portions of adjacent fasteners without removing material from the fastener body. - With reference to
FIG. 35 , a plan view of thefastener body 24 is provided that is similar toFIG. 34 except thatFIG. 35 is a bottom plan view andFIG. 34 is a top plan view. Theribs inner surface 1054 of theupper plate portion 1030 and theribs inner surface 1054A of thelower plate portion 1032. Theribs conveyor belt end loop portions 1020 have been bent and the upper andlower plate portions conveyor belt section ribs lower plate portions conveyor belt end - As shown in
FIG. 35 , theribs apertures loop portions ribs apertures ribs apertures lower plate portions staple legs ribs loop portions 1020, the resistance to bending of theloop portions 1020 during manufacture may be reduced because theribs lower plate portions windows - With reference to
FIGS. 38 and 39 , amethod 1199 of manufacturing thefastener 1010 is provided that includes advancing thestrip 1200 longitudinally through processing equipment to form thefastener 1010. Initially, thestrip 1200 is provided having thelength 1202 that may be greater than the length of thefastener body 1024. Thestrip 1200 may have a number of sections along itslength 1202 from which thebodies 1024 offasteners 1010 will be sequentially produced using themethod 1199. The following discussion follows onestrip section 1200A as it travels throughoperations method 1199. - In one approach, the
strip 1200 is provided from acoil 1220 rotated indirection 1222 to pay out thestrip 1200 in alongitudinal direction 1224. Thecoil material 1220 may be cold-rolled or cold-drawn steel with thewalls ribs FIG. 38 . With thestrip 1200 provided on thecoil 1220, thestrip 1200 has awidth 1205 in the range of approximately 0.8 inches to approximately 0.9 inches, such as 0.84 inches and alength 1202 of, for example, greater than ten feet, greater than fifty feet, or greater than one-hundred feet. The length of thestrip 1200 therefore may have alength 1202 much greater than thelength 1170 of thefastener body 1024, thelength 1170 being in the range of approximately three inches to approximately seven inches, such as approximately five inches. - The
strip 1200 is advanced inlongitudinal direction 1224 until thestrip section 1200A reaches astamping operation 1226. At thestamping operation 1226, thewindows 1210 are formed in thestrip section 1200A such as by punching out 1228 thewindows 1210. Because thestrip 1200 includes thewalls ribs strip section 1200A upon reaching the punch-outoperation 1228. Thewindows 1210 are formed in thestrip section 1200A by punching out 1228 portions of the reducedthickness sections FIG. 38 ) of thestrip section 1200A and leaving thewalls strip section 1200A. With thewindows 1210 formed in thestrip section 1200A, thewindows 1210 generally separate upper andlower plate portions strip section 1200A. Thestamping operation 1226 may be performed using a hydraulically operated press having a punch and a die. In other approaches, thewindows 1210 may be formed using, for example, a laser cutting or electrical discharge machining. - Next, the
strip section 1200A is advanced inlongitudinal direction 1224 to astamping operation 1230 that includes a coining andhole punch operation 1242. At the coining andhole punch operation 1242, a punch is used to strike thewalls upper plate portion 1030 and thewalls lower plate portion 1032 to form the tapered leadingsurfaces FIG. 34 ). - The coining and
hole punch operation 1242 also includes using punches to form the three pairs ofapertures upper plate portion 1030 of thestrip section 1200A and the three pairs ofapertures lower plate portion 1032 of thestrip section 1200A. While forming theapertures lower plate portions inner surfaces lower plate portions FIGS. 29 and 32 ) around each of theapertures inner surfaces collar 1063 provides additional strength to the connection between the upper andlower plate portions staple legs engagement region 448 inFIG. 16 discussed above. - The
strip section 1200A is advanced inlongitudinal direction 1224 to astamping operation 1250 that includes using cuts andpunches 1252 for finishing theoutboard end portions strip section 1200A. The cuts and punchesoperation 1252 includes using one or more punches to form the generally V-shapedcutouts FIG. 35 ) in theoutboard end portions strip section 1200A. - As shown in
FIG. 39 , the operation of forming the V-shapedcutouts strip 1200 involves removing material from themiddle walls lower plate portions surfaces operation 1242 may be removed. Theoperation 1252 may include performing additional coining of themiddle walls outboard edges surfaces walls - Next, the
strip section 1200A is longitudinally advanced indirection 1224 to aseparation operation 1260 that removes thestrip portion 1200A from thestrip 1200. Becauseprevious operations strip portion 1200A, separating 1260 thestrip portion 1200A from thestrip 1200 produces thefastener body 1024 shown inFIGS. 34 and 35 that may be used to assemble thefastener 1010. In one form, theseparation operation 1260 includes shearing 1262 thestrip 1200 across its width to separate the upper andlower plate portions shearing process 1262 consecutively separates strip sections from thelongitudinally advancing strip 1200. The resultingfastener bodies 1024 may be collected and transported (either sequentially or after accumulating multiple bodies 1024) to a loopportion forming operation 1270. - The
fastener bodies 1024 enter the loopportion forming operation 1270 in the flat configuration shown inFIGS. 34 and 35 after thebodies 1024 have been cut from thestrip 1200. At the loopportion forming operation 1270, theloop portions 1020 of thefastener bodies 1024 are bent 1272 to a desired curvature. Theloop portions 1020 of eachfastener body 1024 are bent 1272 until the upper andlower plate portions gap 1290 between the upper andlower plate portions FIG. 22 . In this open configuration, thefastener body 1024 is ready to receive aconveyor belt end lower plate portions - The
fastener body 1024 is then advanced to anassembly operation 1280 for assembling thefastener bodies 1010 together into thestrip 1017 and securing thestaples 1070 thereto. For example, theassembly operation 1280 may include a wire connect andstaple insertion operation 1282 that includes welding or otherwise securing thewire 1019 to theinner surfaces 1054A of thelower plate portions 1032 of thefastener bodies 1024, as shown inFIG. 22 . Theoperation 1282 may also include inserting thelegs staples 1070 into theapertures upper plate portions 1030. Thelegs apertures staples 1070 secure on theupper plate portions 1030 during transport and assembly of thefastener set 1017 onto theconveyor belt end - In one form, the processing equipment for performing the
method 1199 includes one or more hydraulic presses with punches and dies configured to perform theoperations strip section 1200A. Whether one press or a plurality of presses are used, the tonnage of each press may each be less than one hundred and fifty tons, or even less than one hundred tons. This tonnage is less than conventional fastener manufacturing processes where presses of over two hundred tons are required to build up or change the cross section of the loops of the fasteners to make the loops of these conventional fasteners more rigid. Themethod 1199 can thereby utilize smaller presses because theloop portions 1020 of thefastener body 1024 are formed by removing material from the reducedthickness plate sections loops 1020, which is often the highest tonnage operation in conventional fastener manufacturing processes. The smaller tonnage presses that can be used with themethod 1199 avoid the cost of operating the heavier presses of conventional fastener manufacturing processes as well as the cost and maintenance of the heavier presses. - Although the methods described above are generally presented in sequential order, it will be appreciated that the operations may be modified, combined, removed, or performed in a different order than the order presented. Further, additional or fewer actions may be performed at each operation without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. For example, although punches are described above for removing material from the
strip sections outboard surfaces respective fastener body 2. - With reference to
FIG. 40 , anothersplice 1500 for aconveyor belt 1502 is provided that utilizes afastener 1504 to joinends conveyor belt 1502. Thefastener 1504 includes a pair ofidentical fastener bodies 1510 with onefastener body 1510 disposed onouter surfaces 1512 and theother fastener body 1510 disposed oninner surfaces 1514 of the conveyor belt ends 1506, 1508. Theinner surfaces 1514 of theconveyor belt 1502 face the rollers and pulleys (seepulley 350 inFIG. 12 ) during operation of the conveyor belt and theouter surfaces 1512 face away from the rollers and pulleys. Theouter surfaces 1512 may be engaged by a conveyor belt scraper. In one form, theconveyor belt 1502 has a top run for carrying conveyed material in a first direction and a return run that travels in an opposite, second direction after traveling around a head pulley. Theouter surface 1512 of the top run of theconveyor belt 1502 is an upper surface of the top run and theinner surface 1512 of the top run is a lower surface of the top run. Conversely, theouter surface 1512 of the return run of theconveyor belt 1502 is a lower surface of the return run and theinner surface 1512 of the return run is an upper surface of the return run. - The
fastener bodies 1510 are similar to thefastener body 320 shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 , except that thefastener bodies 1510 do not includewindows loop portions fastener bodies 1510 are disposed above and below eachconveyor belt end fastener 1504 includes an upper plate portion 1522 (of thefastener body 1510 on the outer surface 1512) and a lower plate portion 1524 (of thefastener body 1510 on the inner surface 1514) that clamp theconveyor belt end lower plate portions apertures 1520 in the upper andlower fastener bodies 1520. The staple bights seat inchannels 1530 of theupper fastener body 1510 and the staple legs are bent against thelower fastener body 1510 inchannels 1530 thereof. Thefastener 1504 may be particularly advantageous in conveyor belt applications utilizing a large diameter head pulley and idlers where thesplice 1500 does not need to provide a hinge motion to permit theconveyor belt 1502 to travel around the head pulley and idlers. - With reference to
FIGS. 41 and 42 , anotherfastener 1600 is provided that is similar in many respects to thefastener 1 discussed above. Thefastener 1600 has abody 1602 with upper andlower plate portions hinge loop portions 1610. The upper andlower plate portions ledge portions outer walls lower plate portions ledge portions - The
fastener 1600 includes two staples (not shown) having legs that are press fit intoapertures 1612 of theupper plate portion 1604. The staple legs may be driven through a conveyor belt, intoapertures 1614 of thelower plate portion 1606, and bent over against thelower plate portion 1606. With reference toFIG. 42 , theupper plate portion 1604 includes anouter surface 1620 withwalls outer surface 1620. Theupper plate portion 1604 hasinner ribs walls upper plate portion 1604, thelower plate portion 1606 has anouter surface 1620A withwalls inner ribs walls - The
walls height 1642 as measured from theouter surfaces lower plate portions height 1642 may be less than the heights of thewalls 1626, 1626A of anadjacent fastener 1600 to provide clearance for pivoting of the adjacent fastener as the conveyor belt troughs, for example as shown inFIG. 33 . At theupper plate portion 1604, thewall 1622 and thewall 1624 form apocket 1644 that receives the bight of the staple. At thelower plate portion 1606, thewall 1622A and thewall 1624A form apocket 1644A that receives the legs of the staple. The legs of the staple are bent into thechannel 1644A after the staple legs have been driven through the conveyor belt and into theapertures 1614 of thelower plate portion 1606. - The
walls walls ledge portion walls upper plate portion 1604 or thelower plate portion 1606 is mounted on an outer surface of the conveyor belt end. Because either theupper plate portion 1604 or thelower plate portion 1606 may be mounted on the outer surface of the conveyor belt end, thefastener 1600 provides additional flexibility during installation of thefastener 1600 on the conveyor belt end. - For example, if the
fastener 1600 may be installed on a conveyor belt end in a standard orientation with theupper plate portion 1604 mounted on the outer surface of the conveyor belt end. In this standard orientation, the bight of the staple received on theledge portion 1644 will be presented to a conveyor belt scraper scraping the belt and thewalls fastener 1600 installed in the standard orientation, thelower plate portion 1606 will be mounted on an inner surface of the conveyor belt. The inner surface of the conveyor belt may be supported by steel rollers such that thelower plate 1606 and staple legs on theledge portion 1644A will be presented to the steel rollers. Thewalls ledge portion 1644A. - The
fastener 1600 may be installed on the conveyor belt end in an inverted orientation where thelower plate portion 1606 is mounted on the outer surface of the conveyor belt end and theupper plate portion 1604 is mounted on the inner surface of the conveyor belt end. In this inverted orientation, thewalls ledge portion 1644A from impacts and abrasion due to contact with the conveyor belt scraper that scrapes the outer surface of the conveyor belt. Thewalls ledge portion 1644 from impacts and abrasion due to contact with the steel rollers supporting the inner surface of the conveyor belt. Thewalls ledge portions fastener 1600 is secured to a conveyor belt in a standard or an inverted orientation. It will be appreciated that the other fasteners discussed above could be secured to a conveyor belt end in either a standard orientation or an inverted orientation. - While there have been illustrated and described particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that numerous changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is intended in the appended claims to cover all those changes and modifications which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (7)
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US16/167,133 US10385943B2 (en) | 2014-08-18 | 2018-10-22 | Conveyor belt fastener and method of manufacture |
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US14/825,606 US9556930B2 (en) | 2014-08-18 | 2015-08-13 | Conveyor belt fastener and method of manufacture |
US15/418,196 US9829067B2 (en) | 2014-08-18 | 2017-01-27 | Conveyor belt fastener and method of manufacture |
US15/822,606 US10107359B2 (en) | 2014-08-18 | 2017-11-27 | Conveyor belt fastener and method of manufacture |
US16/167,133 US10385943B2 (en) | 2014-08-18 | 2018-10-22 | Conveyor belt fastener and method of manufacture |
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US15/822,606 Active US10107359B2 (en) | 2014-08-18 | 2017-11-27 | Conveyor belt fastener and method of manufacture |
US16/167,133 Active US10385943B2 (en) | 2014-08-18 | 2018-10-22 | Conveyor belt fastener and method of manufacture |
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US15/822,606 Active US10107359B2 (en) | 2014-08-18 | 2017-11-27 | Conveyor belt fastener and method of manufacture |
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CN201434047Y (en) | 2009-06-24 | 2010-03-31 | 上海高罗输送装备有限公司 | Heavy-duty belt buckle |
CN102116361A (en) | 2009-12-30 | 2011-07-06 | 上海高罗输送装备有限公司 | Mechanical button sewing machine |
US9511400B2 (en) | 2010-12-02 | 2016-12-06 | Primetals Technologies France SAS | Equipment for changing cylinders and/or clusters of a roll stand |
WO2012103961A1 (en) | 2011-02-02 | 2012-08-09 | Siemens Vai Metals Technologies Sas | Equipment and method for cold-rolling a metal strip |
US8403139B2 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2013-03-26 | Conveyor Accessories, Inc. | Apparatus and system for retaining and installing rivets |
US9157502B2 (en) | 2012-01-03 | 2015-10-13 | Flexible Steel Lacing Company | Staple belt fastener applicator tool and method |
USD808253S1 (en) | 2014-08-18 | 2018-01-23 | Flexible Steel Lacing Company | Fastener for a conveyor belt |
PL3183473T3 (en) | 2014-08-18 | 2020-06-15 | Flexible Steel Lacing Company | Conveyor belt fastener and method of manufacture |
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2015
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- 2015-08-13 RU RU2017106946A patent/RU2707434C2/en active
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- 2015-08-18 CN CN201520625594.5U patent/CN205423686U/en not_active Withdrawn - After Issue
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2017
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2018
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2019
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2021
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WO2016028586A1 (en) | 2016-02-25 |
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PL3183473T3 (en) | 2020-06-15 |
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AU2019246906A1 (en) | 2019-10-31 |
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AU2015305863B2 (en) | 2019-07-11 |
RU2707434C2 (en) | 2019-11-26 |
AU2015305863A1 (en) | 2017-03-02 |
ZA201701034B (en) | 2018-04-25 |
EP3183473A4 (en) | 2018-04-18 |
US10385943B2 (en) | 2019-08-20 |
AU2021282460A1 (en) | 2022-01-06 |
AU2019246906B2 (en) | 2021-09-09 |
CN105370796B (en) | 2019-07-19 |
EP3183473A1 (en) | 2017-06-28 |
US9829067B2 (en) | 2017-11-28 |
RU2017106946A3 (en) | 2019-05-21 |
US20180080526A1 (en) | 2018-03-22 |
EP3183473B1 (en) | 2020-03-18 |
RU2017106946A (en) | 2018-09-20 |
CN105370796A (en) | 2016-03-02 |
AU2021282460B2 (en) | 2024-05-02 |
US20170138438A1 (en) | 2017-05-18 |
CN205423686U (en) | 2016-08-03 |
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