Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) tubular conveyor belt

Abstract

A tubular belt system (100, 200) is disclosed that includes a tubular belt (102, 400, 500, 600, 802) that includes one or more thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layers (402, 404, 406, 410) and a reinforcement layer (408, 508). The one or more TPE layers (402, 404, 406, 410) have a first elastic modulus and a first stiffness and are formed over the width of the belt. The reinforcement layer (408, 508) is formed proximate to the one or more TPE layers (402, 404, 406, 410) and has a second elastic modulus and a second stiffness. The tubular band is configured to have an open state, in which the band is substantially flat, and a closed state, in which the band is formed to have a circular shape and partially overlap itself. The tubular band has a combined elastic modulus based on the first elastic modulus and the second elastic modulus and a combined stiffness based on the first stiffness and the second stiffness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of tubular belts. Background Art

[0002] Tubular conveyor belts or pipe conveyor belts are closed trough belts used for enclosed material transport. Compared to conventional trough conveyor belts, these belts allow for sharper curves and higher inclination angles and can be changed from a loading shape (such as a flat shape) to a conveying pipe shape.

[0003] Because tubular belts are essentially closed when in their tube form, they can be used to convey materials without spillage or loss. They can be used to convey bulk materials along horizontal and vertical curves in confined spaces, and / or where the environment and bulk materials must be protected from each other and spillage or dust must be avoided. Tubular belts can smoothly negotiate sharp horizontal and vertical curves. This can eliminate or reduce the number of transfer points required to transfer material from one belt to another. A wide range of inclination / deflection angles can be used.

[0004] Tubular belts are subject to a great deal of wear, contact, pressure, bending, etc., which may degrade the belt and / or cause leakage. Furthermore, tubular belts and their splices are difficult and costly to construct.

[0005] There is a need for a technology that reduces wear and tear, and is simpler and less expensive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a tubular belt conveyor system 100 according to one or more embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 is a front view of the tubular belt system 100 illustrating the tubular belt 102 according to one or more embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a tubular band 102 according to one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a tubular conveyor belt 400, 102 according to one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a tubular conveyor belt 500, 102 according to one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a plurality of tubular bands 600 according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 7is a graph 700 illustrating the relationship between tubular belt diameter, rubber belt thickness represented by black circle marks, belt lateral stiffness represented by black square marks, and TPE to rubber belt thickness ratio represented by black “X” marks, according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a plurality of tubular bands according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following description of variants is essentially merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, the application of the present disclosure or the purposes. Presenting description herein is only for the purpose of illustrating the different embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope and applicability of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure and in this embodiment, each numerical value should be read as modified by the term "about" (unless it has been explicitly modified), and then read again as if it has not been modified, unless otherwise specified in the context. In addition, in the present disclosure and in this embodiment, it should be understood that the value ranges listed or described as useful, suitable, etc. are intended to be all values ​​(including endpoints) within the range that are considered to have been stated. For example, "a range from 1 to 10" will be read as indicating every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Therefore, even at a specific data point within the range, or even without the data point within the range being explicitly specified or referring only to a few specific data points, it should be understood that the inventors appreciate and understand that any and all data points within the range are considered to have been specified, and the inventors have the entire range and all points within the range.

[0015] Unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not an exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0016] In addition, the use of "a / an" is used to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general meaning to the concepts according to the present disclosure. This description should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural, unless otherwise specified.

[0017] The terms and phrases used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving" and variations thereof are intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter that is not listed.

[0018] Furthermore, as used herein, any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in different places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

[0019] Tubular conveyor belts or pipe conveyor belts are closed trough belts used for enclosed material transport. Compared to conventional trough conveyor belts, these belts allow for sharper curves and higher inclination angles and can be changed from a loading shape (such as a flat shape) to a conveying pipe shape.

[0020] Because tubular belts are essentially closed when in their tube form, they can be used to convey materials without spillage or loss. They can be used to convey bulk materials along horizontal and vertical curves in confined spaces, and / or where the environment and bulk materials must be protected from each other and spillage or dust must be avoided. Tubular belts can smoothly negotiate sharp horizontal and vertical curves. This can eliminate or reduce the number of transfer points required to transfer material from one belt to another. A wide range of inclination / deflection angles can be used.

[0021] It will be appreciated that tubular belts offer several advantages, such as protection of the conveyed material from the environment (e.g., rain). Furthermore, the environment is protected from the conveyed material because the conveyed material cannot spill or blow into the environment. Furthermore, tubular belts make it possible to convey material at higher inclination angles and smaller horizontal curve angles in the conveyor system.

[0022] Tubular belts are designed to have a specific transverse belt stiffness resulting from the design of the belt, which includes an elastomeric (rubber) material and a rigid thermoplastic fabric or steel buffer layer. Often, the rubber material is not stiff enough to allow the belt to fold and unfold (also known as roll-in and roll-up) properly. Other issues include: the belt collapsing in the folded position; the belt failing to unfold in the loading or unloading area; the belt reopening between idler rollers; the belt failing to maintain its correct (e.g., circular) shape; and excessive or insufficient belt edge overlap and failure to properly seal the belt.

[0023] The low stiffness of elastomeric conveyor belts can be compensated by reinforcing fabric layers or steel buffer layers to provide the appropriate or optimal stiffness for each specific tubular belt diameter. A higher content of thermoplastic yarns in the weft direction allows the desired stiffness of the entire belt design to be customized.

[0024] Tubular belts are subject to a great deal of wear, contact, pressure, bending, etc., which may degrade the belt and / or cause leaks. Furthermore, tubular belts are difficult and costly to construct.

[0025] It will be appreciated that the tubular belt has the durability requirements to transport material, last longer periods of time, etc., while also being flexible enough to be formed into a tubular shape.

[0026] Tubular belts are typically constructed from a flexible rubber material to provide flexibility and a number of reinforcement layers to provide strength. This results in a relatively thick and heavy tubular belt material. For example, a typical rubber-based tubular belt has a 100 Nmm 2 The stiffness is 20 MPa and the elastic modulus is 20 MPa.

[0027] What is needed is a technique for achieving a selected or desired stiffness, etc., while also being simpler and less costly.

[0028] One or more embodiments are provided for utilizing thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in tubular belts to enhance stiffness and simplify design. These embodiments can enhance lateral stiffness through larger diameter and thinner gauge belts, reduce energy consumption during folding, unfolding, and rolling over rollers, maintain stiffness for longer periods of time, mitigate ozone cracking, utilize recyclable materials, and more.

[0029] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a tubular belt conveyor system 100 according to one or more embodiments. The system 100 is provided for illustrative purposes, and it is understood that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0030] System 100 includes a tubular conveyor belt 102 and rollers 104. Tubular belt 102 includes a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Tubular belt 102 may include a top cover (TPE), one or more reinforcement layers comprised of fabric, metal, steel, nylon, HMWPE, and / or the like, and a bottom cover (TPE).

[0031] For illustrative purposes, the tubular belt 102 is depicted in cross-section, showing one or more fabric layers as reinforcement layers. It should be understood that the tubular belt 102 may include one or more reinforcement layers made of fabric or the like.

[0032] The reinforcement layer includes a suitable reinforcement material, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), and the like.

[0033] The TPE material used in the belt 102 is much stiffer than conventional rubber belts. For example, the TPE material may have an elastic modulus of 90 MPa or the like, and for similar thickness, the stiffness is, for example, 10 times that of conventional rubber materials.

[0034] The system 100 is configured to convey material in a conveying direction.

[0035] The belt 102 has a roll or tubular shape formed in the transverse direction and partially overlaps itself.

[0036] TPE materials may include thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPO), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), and the like. Compared to rubber compounds, TPE materials have superior stiffness. TPU offers improved performance in terms of material properties (wear, tensile strength, etc.), while TPV and TPO are typically less expensive than TPU.

[0037] The lateral stiffness of the belt 102 is based on the properties of the TPE material, the properties of the reinforcement material used, the weave, the amount of yarn, the spacing, the thickness, etc.

[0038] The belt 102 uses a TPE material having a flexural modulus in the range of 3 MPa to 90 MPa.

[0039] The maximum diameter of the tubular band can be increased, since the higher stiffness prevents the tubular band from collapsing in the folded position.

[0040] The TPE compounds used in TPE tubular tapes are naturally resistant to ozone stress cracking when compared to styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), natural rubber (NR), nitrile rubber, polyisoprene (IR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polybutadiene (BR), blends of specified elastomer types, etc.

[0041] It should be understood that TPE belt materials (such as TPV or TPU) and reinforced carcasses can be 100% recycled, while cross-linked materials (such as rubber) have their limitations.

[0042] Additionally, TPU & TPV offer low rolling resistance, which translates to lower operating costs and a lower carbon footprint, as well as optimal / improved lateral stiffness in larger diameter and thinner gauge belts.

[0043] Improving upon current designs by tailoring the stiffness of the polymer matrix material allows for a reduction in the amount of fabric material and the overall thickness of the belt.

[0044] This allows for fewer fabric layers in the belt design. This reduces the thickness of the belt and therefore reduces the energy consumption of the tubular belt.

[0045] The tubular band 102 may include thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for the cover, and a single layer of reinforcement (fabric, steel, and thermoplastic polymer).

[0046] The tubular belt 102 is ozone resistant due to the incorporation of TPE.

[0047] The cover and reinforcement are 100% recyclable.

[0048] The rolling resistance of belt 102 is typically lower than or at least as low as other elastomers such as SBR, NR, and nitrile.

[0049] The tubular belt 102 provides a lower carbon footprint.

[0050] Figure 2 is a front view of tubular belt system 100 illustrating tubular belt 102 according to one or more embodiments. Tubular belt 102 is provided for illustrative purposes, and it is understood that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0051] As shown, the edges of the tubular belt 102 may be folded over each other to form the tubular belt shape and mitigate spillage of the conveyed material.

[0052] Rollers 104 support, guide and carry the tubular belt 102 .

[0053] It should be understood that the tubular belt 102 has a suitable diameter. In one example, the tubular belt 102 has a diameter between approximately 200 mm and 600 mm. In another example, the tubular belt 102 has a diameter of approximately 900 mm. It should be understood that other suitable tubular belt diameters are contemplated.

[0054] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a tubular band 102 according to one or more embodiments.

[0055] It should be understood that the belt 102 is flexible and can have a variety of shapes, including tubular, flat, channeled, and suitable variations thereof.

[0056] For example, when loaded, the tubular belt 102 may have a relatively flat shape to facilitate adding material to be conveyed. However, the tubular belt 102 is modified into a tube or round tube shape to convey material upwardly, obliquely, around a bend, and the like.

[0057] The tubular band 102 is configured to have a selected flexibility / stiffness across its width, expressed as a flexural modulus. This property is defined as the ratio of stress to strain in flexure, or the tendency of a material to resist bending.

[0058] In one example, this property is determined by the slope of a stress-strain curve produced by a flexural test (such as ASTM D790) and the units used are force / area.

[0059] It will be appreciated that this stiffness may vary across the width of the belt.

[0060] The system 100, 200 transports incoming / outgoing pages in a transport direction.

[0061] The system 100 , 200 includes a roller 104 and a belt 102 .

[0062] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a tubular band 102 according to one or more embodiments.

[0063] For example, the strip 102 is shown having edge regions 306 and 310, and a middle region 308. To allow the edge regions 306 and 310 to flex to a greater extent, the edge regions may be configured to be less stiff and more flexible than the middle region 308.

[0064] The flexibility / stiffness of the strip 102 is based on the TPE material, the thickness of the TPE material, the reinforcements, etc. Thus, the flexural modulus at a point in the strip 102 is based on or substantially a combined modulus of the TPE material and the reinforcements.

[0065] For example, to make the edge region 306 more flexible, the TPE material can be thinner and the reinforcement layer can be reduced or eliminated. Likewise, the TPE material can be made thicker and the reinforcement material can be made thicker to increase stiffness.

[0066] Some techniques to make the edge area more flexible include, for example, reducing the reinforcement width (pulling it away from the edge); reducing the reinforcement width and using a softer TPE in the edge area; using the full reinforcement width and a softer TPE in the edge area.

[0067] A similar but opposite technique can be utilized to make the edge region stiffer.

[0068] It will be appreciated that, compared to rubber-based tubular tapes, TPE is much stiffer than rubber and allows for thinner TPE materials / layers to produce equivalent stiffness.

[0069] Figure 4 1 is a diagram illustrating a tubular conveyor belt 400, 102 according to one or more embodiments. It should be understood that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0070] The belt 400 may be used as the belt 102 in the system 100 described above.

[0071] The belt 400 includes three textile reinforcement layers 408 in the middle region and has no reinforcement layers omitted in the edge regions of the belt.

[0072] The belt 400 includes a cover layer 402 and a pulley layer 410 composed of TPE. The pulley layer 410 includes a TPE material having a different stiffness from that of the cover layer 402.

[0073] The edge region includes a TPE layer 404 .

[0074] In this example, the belt 400 has a width of 1020 millimeters (mm).

[0075] In one example, edge layer 404 has a width of 25 mm.

[0076] Example dimensions are shown for illustrative purposes only, and it is understood that suitable variations in dimensions are contemplated.

[0077] Figure 5 1 is a diagram illustrating a tubular conveyor belt 500, 102 according to one or more embodiments. It should be understood that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0078] Belt 500 may be used as belt 102 in system 100 .

[0079] The belt 500 includes four layers of textile reinforcement 508 in the middle region and omits reinforcement in the edge regions.

[0080] The first textile reinforcement layer had a width of 709.7 mm and the other reinforcement layer had a width of 970 mm.

[0081] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a plurality of tubular bands 600 according to one or more embodiments. It should be understood that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0082] The tubular belt 600 may be used as the belt 102 in the system 100 .

[0083] The tubular belt 601 is a TPE tubular belt having only one fabric layer.

[0084] The tubular tape 602 is a TPE tubular tape and includes a single fabric layer in the middle region and omits reinforcement in the edge regions.

[0085] Tubular tape 603 is a TPE tubular tape with a textile reinforcement layer in the middle region, and its edge regions include a TPE having a modulus that is different or different from the TPE used in the middle region.

[0086] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tubular belt comprising: one or more thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layers having a first elastic modulus and a first stiffness and formed across the width of the belt; a reinforcement layer formed adjacent to the one or more TPE layers and having a second elastic modulus and a second stiffness; the tubular belt being configured to have an open state in which the belt is substantially flat and a closed state in which the belt is formed to have a circular shape and partially overlaps itself; and the tubular belt having a combined elastic modulus based on the first elastic modulus and the second elastic modulus and a combined stiffness based on the first stiffness and the second stiffness.

[0087] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having a combined elastic modulus configured to form a circular shape.

[0088] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having one or more TPE layers having a belt thickness of less than 50 mm for a tubular belt diameter of 600 mm or greater.

[0089] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt in which the reinforcement layer is formed only within a middle region of the tubular belt and is omitted from edge regions of the tubular belt.

[0090] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt in which the reinforcement layer is formed only within a middle region of the tubular belt and can extend to edge regions of the tubular belt.

[0091] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having a combined elastic modulus of at least less than 10% in the edge regions of the overlapped portions forming the tubular belt.

[0092] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt in which the combined stiffness varies across the width of the belt.

[0093] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt further comprising a second TPE layer having a third stiffness different from the first stiffness.

[0094] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tape wherein the TPE layer has an elastic modulus greater than 20 MPa.

[0095] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having a second stiffness of the textile reinforcement layer less than 70,000 Nmm 2 .

[0096] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt wherein the second elastic modulus is greater than 800 MPa.

[0097] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having one or more TPE layers with lower stiffness in edge regions.

[0098] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt wherein the reinforcement layer includes HMWPE cords, and the cords have an increased cord pitch in the edge regions to reduce lateral stiffness.

[0099] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having a reinforcement layer including a textile reinforcement having a varying lateral stiffness in an edge region.

[0100] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having a textile reinforcement including a first material in a middle region and a second material having reduced lateral stiffness in edge regions.

[0101] Tubular belt 604 is a TPE tubular belt with textile reinforcement in the middle and edge regions. Its edge regions include a TPE having a modulus that is different or different from the TPE used in its middle region.

[0102] It will be appreciated that other suitable variations are contemplated.

[0103] Figure 7 Graph 700 illustrates the relationship between tubular belt diameter, rubber belt thickness represented by black circle marks, belt lateral stiffness represented by black square marks, and the ratio of TPE to rubber belt thickness represented by black "X" marks, according to one or more embodiments. Graph 700 is provided as an example for illustrative purposes, and it should be understood that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0104] Graph 700 includes tubular tape diameter on an x-axis and a normalized y-axis.Graph 700 is for tubular tape 102 including a TPE layer and a material.

[0105] It should be understood that there is a linear relationship between tubular belt diameter and belt thickness, as shown by the black circle. However, this relationship applies to both rubber and TPE belts, albeit at different rates or slopes.

[0106] It should be understood that there is a second-order relationship between the tubular belt diameter and the belt lateral flexural stiffness, as shown by the black squares. Regardless of whether the belt is made of rubber or TPE, the stiffness at any tubular belt diameter shown in the figure is a requirement for maintaining the tube shape.

[0107] This graph illustrates the advantages of TPE tubular belts over prior art rubber belts. This advantage is shown as the TPE / rubber belt thickness ratio, indicated by the black "x" mark. With a flexural modulus of 90 MPa, for the 600 mm tubular belt diameter in this example, the TPE belt thickness is approximately 60% of the rubber belt thickness. This translates to a 40% reduction in belt thickness, significantly reducing belt weight and energy consumption during operation.

[0108] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a plurality of tubular bands according to one or more embodiments. It should be understood that suitable variations are contemplated.

[0109] The left side of the figure depicts a TPE tubular strip with variable transverse bending stiffness. The middle region includes a first reinforcement type, such as a fabric, with a first transverse bending stiffness. The edge regions include a second reinforcement type with a second transverse bending stiffness.

[0110] Various suitable techniques can be employed to create regions of varying transverse bending stiffness. One technique is to vary the pitch or spacing of the fabric yarns. For example, the fabric yarns may have a greater pitch or spacing in the edge regions than in the middle regions to provide reduced transverse bending stiffness. Another technique is to utilize different fabric materials. For example, a fabric of reduced stiffness at the edge regions compared to the middle fabric can be used to provide reduced transverse bending stiffness in the edge regions. Other techniques are contemplated, such as varying the amount, presence, or thickness of reinforcement.

[0111] The right side of the figure depicts a TPE tubular tape using a high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) compound as reinforcement. In this example, the edge regions have an increased cord pitch to reduce the lateral stiffness in the edge regions.

[0112] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tubular belt comprising: one or more thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layers having a first elastic modulus and a first stiffness and formed across the width of the belt; a reinforcement layer formed adjacent to the one or more TPE layers and having a second elastic modulus and a second stiffness; the tubular belt being configured to have an open state in which the belt is substantially flat and a closed state in which the belt is formed to have a circular shape and partially overlaps itself; and the tubular belt having a combined elastic modulus based on the first elastic modulus and the second elastic modulus and a combined stiffness based on the first stiffness and the second stiffness.

[0113] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having a combined elastic modulus configured to form a circular shape.

[0114] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having one or more TPE layers having a belt thickness of less than 50 mm for a tubular belt diameter of 600 mm or greater.

[0115] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt in which the reinforcement layer is formed only within a middle region of the tubular belt and is omitted from edge regions of the tubular belt.

[0116] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt in which the reinforcement layer is formed only within a middle region of the tubular belt and can extend to edge regions of the tubular belt.

[0117] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having a combined elastic modulus of at least less than 10% in the edge regions of the overlapped portions forming the tubular belt.

[0118] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt in which the combined stiffness varies across the width of the belt.

[0119] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt further comprising a second TPE layer having a third stiffness different from the first stiffness.

[0120] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tape wherein the TPE layer has an elastic modulus greater than 20 MPa.

[0121] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having a second stiffness of the textile reinforcement layer less than 70,000 Nmm 2 .

[0122] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt wherein the second elastic modulus is greater than 800 MPa.

[0123] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having one or more TPE layers with lower stiffness in edge regions.

[0124] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt wherein the reinforcement layer includes HMWPE cords, and the cords have an increased cord pitch in the edge regions to reduce lateral stiffness.

[0125] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having a reinforcement layer including a textile reinforcement having a varying lateral stiffness in an edge region.

[0126] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a belt having a textile reinforcement including a first material in a middle region and a second material having reduced lateral stiffness in edge regions.

[0127] Although the terms first, second, third etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts herein, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be restricted by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence when used herein. Therefore, without departing from the teaching content of example embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0128] For ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as "inside," "adjacent," "outside," "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," "upper," etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or features, as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0129] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without departing substantially from the teachings of the present disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A tubular belt (102, 400, 500, 600, 802), comprising: one or more thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layers (402, 404, 406, 410) having a first elastic modulus and a first stiffness and formed across the width of the ribbon; a reinforcement layer (408, 508) formed adjacent to the one or more TPE layers (402, 404, 406, 410) and having a second elastic modulus and a second stiffness; The tubular band is configured to have an open state in which the band is generally flat and a closed state in which the band is formed to have a circular shape and partially overlaps itself; and The tubular band has a combined elastic modulus based on the first elastic modulus and the second elastic modulus and a combined stiffness based on the first stiffness and the second stiffness.

2. The belt of claim 1, the combined elastic modulus being configured to form the circular shape.

3. The belt of claim 1 or claim 2, the one or more TPE layers (402, 404, 406, 410) having a belt thickness of less than 50 mm for a tubular belt diameter of 600 mm or greater.

4. A belt according to any preceding claim, the reinforcement layer (408, 508) being formed only in a middle region (308) of the tubular belt and being omitted from edge regions (306, 310) of the tubular belt.

5. A belt according to any preceding claim, the reinforcement layer (408, 508) being formed only in a middle region (308) of the tubular belt and being capable of extending to edge regions (306, 310) of the tubular belt.

6. A belt according to any preceding claim, the combined elastic modulus being at least less than 10% in the edge regions (306, 310) of the overlapping portions forming the tubular belt.

7. A belt according to any preceding claim, the combined stiffness varying across the width of the belt.

8. A belt according to any preceding claim, wherein The TPE layer (402) is a first layer, and the belt further includes a second TPE layer (410) having a third stiffness different from the first stiffness of the first TPE layer (402).

9. The belt according to any preceding claim, the TPE layer (402, 404, 406, 410) having an elastic modulus greater than 20 MPa.

10. A belt according to any preceding claim, the second stiffness of the textile reinforcement layer (408, 508) being less than 70,000 Nmm 2 .

11. A belt according to any preceding claim, the second modulus of elasticity being greater than 800 MPa.

12. The belt according to any preceding claim, the one or more TPE layers (402, 404, 406, 410) having a lower stiffness in the edge regions (306, 308).

13. The belt (802) of any preceding claim, the reinforcement layer (408, 508) comprising HMWPE cords, and the cords having an increased cord pitch in edge regions to reduce transverse stiffness.

14. A belt according to any preceding claim, the reinforcement layer (408, 508) comprising a textile reinforcement having a varying transverse stiffness in edge regions.

15. The belt (802) of claim 14, the textile reinforcement (408, 508) comprising a first material in a middle region and a second material having reduced transverse stiffness in edge regions.

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