| abstract |
A flexible belt formed of hinged segments with two or more segments and preferably separated by spaces. The belt is formed of a suitable plastic, such as an elastomer of the polyurethane type. On one side of each segment there are short integral hollow cylinders and mating cylinders on the other side. When two units are placed together the hollow cylinder portions meet to form a substantially complete cylinder in the same manner as a series of hollow cylinders in a hinge for a door. A pin, such as a more or less rigid nylon pin, is passed through the cylinders of the units to form a hinged structure, and this is repeated until endless flexible belts are produced. The units have flat surfaces abutting opposite flat surfaces at the joint, which prevents the hinge opening any substantial amount. The belts are principally useful as snowmobile treads but are also effective for power transmission or for conveyors. The belts are provided with suitable openings or projections which can engage pulleys or sprockets for drive purposes. Some flexibility in each unit is necessary to give the desired belt contour. |