Belting connection mechanism

A conveyor belt comprising:

• belting having a first end and a second end, wherein the belting has a thickness and wherein the belting comprises:
• a fabric base that is substantially coated with a rubber material;
• a first stepped region proximate the first end, wherein the first stepped region has a first aperture formed therein;
• a second stepped region proximate the second end, wherein the second stepped region has a second aperture formed therein;
• and
• a reinforcing member associated with at least one of the first stepped region and the second stepped region;
• and
• a first fastener that extends through the first aperture and the second aperture to attach the first end to the second end, wherein when the first end is attached to the second end, the first stepped region and the second stepped region have a combined thickness that is no greater than the thickness of the belting.

A method of connecting belting having a first end and a second end, wherein the belting has a thickness and wherein the method comprises:

• providing a first stepped region proximate the first end, wherein the first stepped region has a first aperture formed therein and wherein the first stepped region has a first thickness;
• providing a second stepped region proximate the second end, wherein the second stepped region has a second aperture formed therein and wherein the second stepped region has a second thickness;
• and
• positioning the first stepped region at least partially overlapping the second stepped region;
• and
• extending a first fastener through the first aperture and the second aperture to attach the first end to the second end, wherein when the first end is attached to the second end, the first stepped region and the second stepped region have a combined thickness that is no greater than the thickness of the belting.