Abstract:
A belt (10) for use in a conveyor system has ribs (12, 14, 23, 24, 26, 30) to aid in the training of the belt. The invention comprises a belt (10) with a body (18) having an inner surface (16), an outer surface, and a first set of longitudinal ribs (12, 14, 23) disposed on the inner surface (16) of the belt. The ribs function to lessen the surface area of the belt contacting a roller (32) of the system during the training period. Accordingly, the new belt adheres to the rollers of the conveyor system less aggressively, reducing lateral coplanar forces having the potential to damage the belt and/or the conveyor system. The height of the ribs with respect to the body diminishes over time due to normal frictional wear during the use of the belt in the conveyor system. In some embodiments, the belt includes a second set of ribs (24, 26, 30) disposed on the outer surface (28) of the belt. The height of the second set of ribs with respect to the body also diminishes over time due to normal frictional wear during the use of the belt in the conveyor system. The sets of ribs may comprise two ribs (12, 14, 24, 26) running along the edges (20, 22) of the belt. A wider belt may require additional ribs (23, 30) located between the two edge ribs. The belt may be used in a system of rollers (32) and training guides (34). The training guides (34) function to maintain the alignment of the belt with respect to the rollers.
Abstract:
A belt (10) for use in a conveyor system has ribs (12, 14, 23, 24, 26, 30) to aid in the training of the belt. The invention comprises a belt (10) with a body (18) having an inner surface (16), an outer surface, and a first set of longitudinal ribs (12, 14, 23) disposed on the inner surface (16) of the belt. The ribs function to lessen the surface area of the belt contacting a roller (32) of the system during the training period. Accordingly, the new belt adheres to the rollers of the conveyor system less aggressively, reducing lateral coplanar forces having the potential to damage the belt and/or the conveyor system. The height of the ribs with respect to the body diminishes over time due to normal frictional wear during the use of the belt in the conveyor system. In some embodiments, the belt includes a second set of ribs (24, 26, 30) disposed on the outer surface (28) of the belt. The height of the second set of ribs with respect to the body also diminishes over time due to normal frictional wear during the use of the belt in the conveyor system. The sets of ribs may comprise two ribs (12, 14, 24, 26) running along the edges (20, 22) of the belt. A wider belt may require additional ribs (23, 30) located between the two edge ribs. The belt may be used in a system of rollers (32) and training guides (34). The training guides (34) function to maintain the alignment of the belt with respect to the rollers.