Low back pressure plastic conveyor

A plastic conveyor belt module for use in forming a plastic conveyor belt made up of a series of serially interconnected belt module rows each including one or more generally similar such modules, comprising,

• a plurality of first spaced projections extending in a row in one direction from the module and a plurality of second spaced projections extending in a row in an opposite direction from the module, such that the modules can be assembled with the first and second projections of serially adjacent modules longitudinally overlapping and juxtaposed when the modules are connected serially in a conveyor belt by connecting rods extending through transverse openings in the projections,
• the row of second projections of the module having at least one space or void where one of such second projections would otherwise be located,
• whereby a backline pressure reducing roller can be positioned within said space or void in an assembled conveyor belt including the module, the roller having a central bearing support opening which receives a connecting rod extending transversely through juxtaposed first and second projections of succeeding modules in the belt, so that the roller is supported between adjacent first projections of the succeeding module in said void.

A method for forming a plastic conveyor belt having rollers for reducing backline pressure, comprising,

• providing a series of plastic conveyor belt modules each having a plurality of first spaced projections extending in a row in one direction from the module and a plurality of second spaced projections extending in a row from an opposite direction from the module, such that the modules can be assembled the first and second projections of serially adjacent modules longitudinally overlapping and juxtaposed when the modules are connected serially in a conveyor belt by connecting rods extending through transverse openings in the projections,
• removing one or more projections from one or more rows of first projections or second projections of the modules to form a space or void where said projections have been removed, and
• assembling the modules by connecting them serially with connecting rods which extend through the transverse openings, and with a back pressure reducing roller positioned directly on the connecting rod at the locations of the spaces or voids, thereby producing a low backline pressure conveyor.