Link belt and method for producing same
First Claim
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1. A method for producing a link belt, comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of layers of reinforcing material;
depositing a binding material on the plurality of layers of reinforcing material and overlapping the plurality of layers of reinforcing material to produce a composite material having an upper surface and a lower surface such that the plurality of layers of reinforcing material are embedded within the composite material;
combining the composite material with a gripping layer to provide a combined gripping layer and composite material;
curing the combined gripping layer and composite material so that the gripping layer bonds to the composite material, the step of curing providing a cured material;
cutting the cured material to produce a plurality of belt links, wherein each of the plurality of belt links has an integral fastener, a gripping layer which corresponds to the gripping layer of the combined gripping layer and composite material, and an upper surface, wherein the gripping layer of each of the plurality of belt links is coextensive with the upper surface of each respective belt link;
assembling the plurality of belt links to form a belt comprising adjacent belt links by connecting adjacent belt links in superimposed successive overlapping relation with the respective integral fasteners of the belt links connecting respective adjacent belt links, the belt having a first end and a second end;
applying an axial force to the belt to stretch the belt; and
applying a lateral force to the belt transverse to the axial force to stretch the belt during the step of applying the axial force to the belt, wherein the steps of applying the axial force and applying the lateral force to stretch the belt occur while the first end and the second end of the belt are not connected to form a continuous loop.
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Abstract
A link belt is provided wherein the link belt is formed of a plurality of links forming a series of links in successive overlapping relation. The link belt includes a first end having a first connector and a second end having a second connector so that the first connector is connected with the second connector to form a continuous loop of link belt. The link belt is formed by applying a lateral force against the assembled link belt while the link belt is under an axial tension to stretch the belt. After the step of stretching the belt, the first connector is connected with the second connector to form a continuous belt.
42 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for producing a link belt, comprising the steps of:
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providing a plurality of layers of reinforcing material; depositing a binding material on the plurality of layers of reinforcing material and overlapping the plurality of layers of reinforcing material to produce a composite material having an upper surface and a lower surface such that the plurality of layers of reinforcing material are embedded within the composite material; combining the composite material with a gripping layer to provide a combined gripping layer and composite material; curing the combined gripping layer and composite material so that the gripping layer bonds to the composite material, the step of curing providing a cured material; cutting the cured material to produce a plurality of belt links, wherein each of the plurality of belt links has an integral fastener, a gripping layer which corresponds to the gripping layer of the combined gripping layer and composite material, and an upper surface, wherein the gripping layer of each of the plurality of belt links is coextensive with the upper surface of each respective belt link; assembling the plurality of belt links to form a belt comprising adjacent belt links by connecting adjacent belt links in superimposed successive overlapping relation with the respective integral fasteners of the belt links connecting respective adjacent belt links, the belt having a first end and a second end; applying an axial force to the belt to stretch the belt; and applying a lateral force to the belt transverse to the axial force to stretch the belt during the step of applying the axial force to the belt, wherein the steps of applying the axial force and applying the lateral force to stretch the belt occur while the first end and the second end of the belt are not connected to form a continuous loop. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for producing a link belt, comprising the steps of:
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providing a plurality of belt links; assembling the plurality of belt links to form a belt comprising a series of superimposed successive overlapping belt links connected by a plurality of connectors, the belt further comprising a first end and a second end; applying an axial force to the belt to stretch the belt; applying a reciprocating lateral force to the belt, the reciprocating lateral force being transverse to the axial force, to stretch the belt during the step of applying the axial force to the belt; wherein the steps of applying the axial force and applying the reciprocating lateral force to stretch the belt occur while the first end and the second end of the belt are not connected to form a continuous loop. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification