Side-flexing conveyor chain having twin transverse connectors

A modular link side flexing conveyor chain including a conveying surface for supporting articles being conveyed in a conveying direction, comprising:

• a plurality of plastic guide links arranged in spaced apart rows, each link including at least one aperture having a direction of elongation in the conveying direction;
• a first metal connector rod associated with the apertures of the links in a first row and passing through the links in a second, adjacent row to interconnect the first and second rows of links so as to be capable of moving toward and away from each other in the conveying direction and side flexing in a direction transverse to the conveying direction;
• a second metal connector rod extending between the links in the first row and spaced from the first metal connector rod;
• and
• a third metal connector rod extending between the first and second connector rods and forming a portion of the conveying surface;
• whereby the first, second, and third metal connector rods facilitate cooling of the articles being conveyed while providing reliable support and without compromising the ability of the chain to side flex.

A modular link conveyor chain for conveying articles in a conveying direction, comprising:

• first and second modular links, each including at least one apex portion having an aperture with a direction of elongation in the conveying direction, a pair of foot portions, each connected to the apex portion by a leg portion, and a pocket having an open end;
• a first connector interconnecting the first and second links through the apertures;
• and
• a second connector having a first end positioned in the open end of the pocket of the first link and a second end positioned in the open end of the pocket of the second link such that movement of the second connector in the transverse direction is restrained, and
• a third connector extending between the first and second links.