Layered industrial belts and methods of making the same

Abstract

Industrial belts having a multi-layered configuration are described. The multi-layered industrial belts comprise a plurality of vertically stacked structural layers and a tack layer disposed between each pair of adjacent vertically stacked structural layers. The structural layers may be made from a material that provides beneficial mechanical properties to the industrial belt but which have little to no tackiness. The tack layers allow for the use of the structural layer material without concern for deterioration of the integrity of the layered belt prior to curing but while being handled and manipulated as part of the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the structural layers are made from an ethylene elastomer, such as EPDM, and the tack layers are made from an ethylene elastomer that is modified to have increased tackiness.

Description

LAYERED INDUSTRIAL BELTS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 563,057, filed March 8, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] V-belts are wedged shaped industrial belts used as power transmission devices capable of transferring power from one shaft to another. V-belts are used in a variety of applications, including in driving mechanisms such as engines and motored drives. Figure 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a V-belt. The V-belt 100 shown in Figure 1 generally includes a bottom surface 110 and a top surface 120 opposite the bottom surface 110. The side walls 130 extending from the top surface 120 to the bottom surface 110 generally taper inwardly such that a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape is produced. This trapezoidal shape allows the V-belt 100 to wedge securely into, e.g., the sheave of a pulley. When there is belt tension, vertical forces perpendicular to the top surface 120 of the V-belt 100 push the sidewalls 130 against the groove of the sheave, causing the belt to wedge tightly into the sheave groove, which increases the friction between the surfaces of the belt and the sheave walls. This, in turn, allows for higher torque to be transmitted, while the increased friction minimizes the loss of power through slippage.

[0003] Figure 1 also shows the interior of the V-belt 100, which may include cords 140 embedded within a compound material 150. The cords 140 are aligned in parallel with the direction of travel of the V-belt 100 and are generally located closer to the top surface 120 of the V-belt 100. The area between the cords 140 and the bottom surface 110 is often referred to as the undercord layer.

[0004] With reference to Figure 2A, some applications call for V-belts to be banded V- belts. Banded V-belt 200 shown in Figure 2 comprises a V-belt 200 similar to the V-belt 100 shown in Figure 1, including a bottom surface 210, a top surface 220, tapered side wallsHolzer Patel Drennan -1- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCT230, and cords 240 embedded in a compound material 250, but further includes a cover wrap layer 260 that extends around the circumference of the V-belt 200. This cover wrap layer 260 may be made of, e.g., a fabric material. Figure 2B shows another embodiment of a banded V-belt in which two or more banded V-belts 200a, 200b, which may each be similar or identical to the V-belt 200 shown in Figure 2A and which are each wrapped with a cover wrap layer, are aligned laterally and then a further backing layer 270 is secured across the top surface of both banded V-belts 200a, 200b to secure together the banded V-belts 200a, 200b.

[0005] Manufacturing banded V-belts can pose various challenges, especially when considering some of the materials and processing steps that may be used when making banded V-belts. Individual V-belts may be made by layering sheets of compound material on a drum mold, winding cord material around the layered material, and then adding additional layers around the drum to envelop the wound cord material, followed by compressing the mold to form the general shape of the V-belt. When V-belts are to be used in the formation of banded V-belts, any curing steps are typically delayed until after the V- belt is removed from the drum and subjected to post-molding steps such as skiving and flipping. This means that uncured individual V-belts (sometimes referred to as green or raw) need to be substantially manipulated in an uncured state. If the material of the layers used to construct the individual V-belts is not tacky, the individual layers may move and shift relative to each other, which can cause the overall structure of the individual V-belts to break down.

[0006] To date, attempted solutions for this problem are imperfect and commercially insufficient. In one attempted solution, IR surface heating is used. However, this process is slow due to slow heat transfer to and through the materials. Furthermore, IR surface heating is not suitable for longer length belts. In another attempted solution, banded V-belts are built from strips of extruded material while still hot. Problems with this approach include high capital expenditure and the creation of material issues due to material engineering of the extrusion properties. In still another attempted solution, the layered structural material is chemically modified to create tackiness. However, increasing the tackiness of theHolzer Patel Drennan -2- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCTstructural layers generally deteriorates the mechanical properties of the structural layer, especially in the uncured condition.

[0007] Accordingly, a need exists for improved V-belts, improved banded V-belts, and improved methods of making V-belts and / or banded V-belts. More specifically, a need exists for improving tackiness within a belt, especially during manufacturing, while maintaining mechanical and cost requirements, which previously have generated an unproportionally increasing challenge, especially for materials specialists. SUMMARY

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary, and the foregoing Background, is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] In some embodiments, a multilayer industrial belt includes a first structural layer; a second structural layer above the first structural layer; and a tack layer disposed between the first structural layer and the second structural layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, a multilayer industrial belt includes a plurality of vertically stacked structural layers; and a tack layer disposed between each pair of adjacent vertically stacked structural layers.

[0011] These and other aspects of the technology described herein will be apparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figures herein. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of the claimed subject matter shall be determined by the claims as issued and not by whether given subject matter addresses any or all issues noted in the Background or includes any features or aspects recited in the Summary. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosed technology, including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to the following figures,Holzer Patel Drennan -3- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCTwherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a V-belt configured in accordance with the prior art.

[0014] Figure 2A is a perspective cross-sectional view of a banded V-belt configured in accordance with the prior art.

[0015] Figure 2B is a perspective cross-sectional view of a two banded V-belts configured in accordance with the prior art.

[0016] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a layered V-belt configured in accordance with various embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0017] Figures 4A-4D are perspective views of V-belt structural layers having various patterns of tack material disposed thereon, the structural layers with patterned tack material being configured in accordance with various embodiments of the technology described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying Figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a V-belt 300 configured in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. The V-belt 300 generally includes a bottom surface 310 and a top surface 320 opposite the bottom surface 310. The side walls 330 extending from the top surface 320 to the bottom surface 310 generally taper inwardly such that a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape is produced, with the bottom surface 310 being narrower than the top surface 320. The V-belt 300 may furtherHolzer Patel Drennan -4- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCTinclude cords 340 embedded within the V-belt 300. The cords 340 are aligned in parallel with the direction of travel of the belt 300 and are generally located closer to the top surface 320 of the belt 300 than the bottom surface 310. The area between the cords 340 and the bottom surface 310 is generally considered the undercord region 360. Figure 3 also shows the V-belt 300 including an optional bandply layer 370 which is used for banded V-belts. The bandply layer 370 is wrapped around the circumference of the V-belt 300 and may protect the V-belt 300 from environmental conditions and control friction.

[0020] The interior body portion of the V-belt 300 is comprised of a plurality of vertically stacked layers 350. More specifically, the stacked layers 350 include a plurality of structural layers 350a and a plurality of tack layers 350b, wherein each adjacent pair of structural layers 350a is interspersed with a tack layer 350b. As shown in Figure 3, these stacked layers 350a, 350b extend essentially the entire height of the V-belt 300, from the bottom surface 310 to the top surface 320. Proximate the top surface 320, cords 340 are embedded within the stacked layers 350a, 350b. However, it should be appreciated that the stacked layers 350a, 350b need not extend the entire height of the V-belt 300. For example, the stacked layers 350a, 350b may extend only throughout the undercord region 360 or a subset thereof. In such embodiments, one or more different compound materials may be used above the cords 340 (i.e., from the cords 340 to the top surface 320).

[0021] Each structural layer 350a and each tack layer 350b has a tackiness measurement, and the V-belt 300 is configured such that the tackiness measurement of the tack layers 350b is greater than the tackiness measurement of the structural layers 350a. In some embodiments, all of the structural layers 350a have generally the same tackiness measurement, and all of the tack layers 350b have generally the same tackiness measurement, with the tackiness measurement of the tack layers 350b being greater than the tackiness measurement of the structural layers 350a. In other embodiments, the tackiness measurement of each of the structural layers 350a and / or each of the tack layers 350b may be different, though the tackiness measurement of each tack layer 350b is still greater than the tackiness of any of the structural layers 350a. In some embodiments where the individual tack layers 350b may have different tackiness measurements, the tackiness measurement of each tack layer 350b may generally increase from the tack layers 350bHolzer Patel Drennan -5- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCTclosest to the bottom surface 310 to the tack layers 350b closest to the top surface 320, or the tackiness measurement of each tack layer 350b may generally decrease from the tack layers 350b closest to the bottom surface 310 to the tack layers 350b closest to the top surface 320.

[0022] By providing a tack layer 350b between each adjacent pair of structural layers 350a, the tack layers 350b help to prevent the structural layers 350a from moving or sliding relative to each other. Such movement or sliding of adjacent structural layers 350a can be a significant problem faced during the construction of V-belts when a tack layer 350b is not present between adjacent pairs of structural layers 350a, as material used for structural layers 350a often has no or an insignificant amount of tack. In such embodiments where tack layers 350b are not used, the structural layers are able to move freely relative to each other, especially when the V-belt is in an uncured state. When the structural layers slide relative to each other, this can significantly impact that structural stability of the resulting V- belt. Tack layers 350b may also help in attaching the bandply 370 to the V-belt 300 in embodiments where the V-belt 300 includes a bandply 370 (i.e., V-belt 300 is a banded V- belt).

[0023] The specific manner of measuring the tackiness of layers 350a, 350b is generally not limited, and may include either subjective or scientific / quantitative methods. Generally speaking, measuring tackiness involves measuring (quantitatively or qualitatively) the separation force between two predefined areas which have been brought into contact. In one example of a subjective method, the tackiness measurement is determined using a probe tack test wherein an operator’s thumb or finger is brought into contact with the material with a slight pressure, and, after a short delay, pulled away from the material, after which the operator reports a level of tackiness (for example, based on a scale from 0 (no tack) to 5 (very aggressive tack)). In an example of a scientific method, a rotational rheometer and a pull away test are used to measure how much force is required to pull the instrument away from the layer. ASTM D3121 can also be used to measure and quantify the tackiness of the layers 350a, 350b. In another embodiment, a cord tack test is used to measure tackiness.

[0024] As depicted in Figure 3, tack layers 350b generally have a thickness that is less than the thickness of the structural layers 350a. An aim of the tack layers 350a is to provideHolzer Patel Drennan -6- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCTtack between the adjacent pairs of structural layers 350b, but without having a significant impact on the mechanical properties of the V-belt 300. Instead, thicker structural layers 350a are provided to primarily dictate the mechanical properties of the V-belt 300. In some embodiments, the thickness of the tack layers 350b is less than 2 mm, such as from 0.05 to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the tack layers 350b should not be so low as to prevent the tack layers 350b from serving their purpose of preventing adjacent pairs of structural layers 350b from moving or slipping relative to each other. A uniform thickness can be used for all tack layers 350b in the V-belt 300, or the thickness of each tack layer 350b in the V-belt 300 can vary. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to have thicker tack layers 350b near the top surface 320 than near the bottom surface 310, or vice versa.

[0025] In some embodiments, one or more of the tack layers 350b are not provided in the form of a traditional layer that extends continuously from one side of the V-belt 300 to the opposite side and has a generally uniform thickness across its width. Instead, one or more tack layers 350b may be provided in the form of non-continuous tack material disposed on a structural layer in any of a variety of shapes or designs. For example, one or more tack layers 350b can be provided in the form of lines or dots of tack material disposed on an underlying structural layer in any size, arrangement, orientation, and / or pattern. With reference to Figures 4A-4D, exemplary, though non-limiting, examples of non-continuous tack material 350b’ disposed on under an underlying structural layer 350a are illustrated. In Figure 4A, the tack material 350b’ is provided in the form of straight lines aligned generally in parallel with the direction of travel of the belt 300. In Figure 4B, the tack material 350b’ is provided in the form of straight dashed lines aligned generally in parallel with the direction of travel of the belt 300. In Figure 4C, the tack material 350b’ is provided in the form of straight lines aligned generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the belt 300. In Figure 4D, the tack material 350b’ is provided in the form of spaced-apart dots. Diagonal lines or lines in any other orientation can also be used. Multiple orientations of lines can be used on the same structural layer such that lines intersect. The number of lines used is not limited, nor is the spacing between lines (which may be the same or irregular), or the width of the lines (which may be the same or irregular). Straight lines are not required, and in some embodiments, curved or wavy lines are used (either on their own or in combination with straight lines). When dots or dashes are used, the size and shape of the dots or dashesHolzer Patel Drennan -7- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCTare not limited, nor is the arrangement of the dots or dashes. Any of the above can be used in any combination (e.g., a structural layer may include both lines and dots of tack material).

[0026] The thickness of the structural layers 350a is generally not limited, and may be selected in order to adjust mechanical properties of the V-belt 300. For example, the use of thicker structural layers 350a may provide for an overall stiffer V-belt 300. In some embodiments, the thickness of the structural layers 350a is in the range of from 0.1 to 1.5 mm. A uniform thickness can be used for all structural layers 350a in the V-belt 300, or the thickness of each structural layer 350a in the V-belt 300 can vary. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to have thicker structural layers 350a near the top surface 320 than near the bottom surface 310, or vice versa.

[0027] The material of the structural layers 350a is generally not limited, provided the material is of a suitable type for use in a V-belt and has a relatively low tackiness such that stacked layers of the material may move and slip easily relative to one another when external forces are applied. In some embodiments, the material of the structural layers 350a is a polymer material or a blend of polymer materials. In some embodiments, the polymer material is an elastomer. In some embodiments, the elastomer is a synthetic rubber or a natural rubber. Suitable synthetic rubber materials include, but are not limited to, styrene- butadiene rubber (SBR), hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), or polychloropene. In some embodiments, ethylene elastomers (EE) are used, such as, but not limited to, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, though other elastomer systems may also be used.

[0028] In one non-limiting example, the material of the structural layers is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. EPDM is a class of material that has relatively little or no tack, though it provides desirable mechanical properties to a V-belt when used in a V-belt. When used alone (i.e., without a tack layer as described herein), a V-belt constructed of layers of EPDM is highly susceptible to the layers of EPDM moving and sliding prior to curing, thereby making the material generally unsuitable for use in V-belts that require handling and manipulation prior to curing, such as may be the case when forming a banded V-belt. However, EPDM layers can be used as the structural layers 350a of a V- belt 300 without risk of the structural layers moving or sliding relative to one another whenHolzer Patel Drennan -8- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCTcombined with tack layers 350b as described herein. This allows the V-belt to benefit from the mechanical properties imparted by the EPDM structural layers without suffering from lack of coherence in the manufacturing process.

[0029] In some embodiments, one or more of the structural layers 350a used in the V- belt 350 further comprises reinforcement filler material embedded and dispersed within the structural layer(s). Any suitable reinforcement filler material can be used, such as short fiber reinforcement material, long fiber reinforcement material, or spheres, flakes, tubes, etc. of any suitable reinforcement filler material. The amount of reinforcement filler included in the structural layer(s) 350a is generally not limited, and the specific amount used can be selected to impart desired mechanical properties. Exemplary, though non-limiting, types of filler material that can be used include cotton, aramid, carbon, glass, polyester, ceramic, etc.

[0030] In embodiments where the structural layer(s) 350a include reinforcement filler material, the filler material may be oriented in specified directions to further impact and improve characteristics of the belt. For example, when long fiber reinforcement material is used, the orientation of the fibers can be aligned in a specified direction to control the ratio of iso- to anisometric product properties. In other embodiments, the reinforcement filler material is oriented multi-directionally within the structural layer(s) 350a.

[0031] In some embodiments, reinforcement filler material is specifically excluded from the structural layers 350a so as to provide a reinforcement filler-free belt 300.

[0032] In some embodiments, all structural layers 350a of V-belt 300 are made from the same material and include the same type and about the same amount of reinforcement filler material. In other embodiments, there is variation in the material used for each structural layer 350a, and / or in the type and / or amount of reinforcement filler used in each structural layer 350a. Variations in material and / or reinforcement filler on a per structural layer basis can allow for greater tailoring of the mechanical, thermal, vibrational, fatigue, and / or load dimensional properties of the V-belt 300.

[0033] Regardless of whether each structural layer 350a with the V-belt 300 are the same or different, the mechanical properties of the V-belt 300 (e.g., modulus) can be adjusted via adjusting various parameters of the structural layers, including, but not limitedHolzer Patel Drennan -9- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCTto material of the structural layer 350a, thickness of the structural layer 350a, and the amount and / or type of reinforcement filler included in the structural layer 350a. Regardless of how the reinforcement layers 350a are adjusted to adjust the mechanical properties of the V-belt, there is no significant impact on the tackiness of the tack layers 350b.

[0034] The material of the tack layers 350b is generally not limited, provided that the material is of a suitable type for use in a V-belt and provides a level of tackiness for preventing or inhibiting the structural layers 350a from slipping or moving relative to one another. In some embodiments, the tack layers 350b are made from material that is compatible (chemically and / or mechanically) with the material of the structural layers 350a that the tack layer 350b is disposed between, though chemical / mechanical compatibility between the structural layers 350a and the tack layer 350b is not required in all embodiments. In some embodiments, the material of the tack layers 350b is a polymer material or a blend of polymer materials. In some embodiments, the polymer material is an elastomer. In some embodiments, the elastomer is a synthetic rubber material or a natural rubber material. In some embodiments, ethylene elastomers (EE) are used. In some embodiments, the tack layer 350b is made from an elastomer material that is modified (e.g., chemically modified) to impart increased tack to the elastomer material, thereby making the material suitable for use in a tack layer 350b.

[0035] In some embodiments where the structural layers 350a are made from ethylene elastomers, the material of the tack layer 350b disposed between the EE structural layers 350a must be a material that is EE-compatible. In some embodiments, the tack layers 350b are made from an ethylene elastomer modified to have increased tackiness such that the material of the tack layer is both compatible with an EE structural layer and has the necessary increased tack to inhibit slippage between adjacent structural layers.

[0036] In one non-limiting example, the tack layers 350b are made from EPDM modified to have increased tackiness. EPDM when modified to have tackiness may have reduced mechanical and lifetime properties, but this is of minimal consequence to the V- belts described herein, since the V-belts described herein rely primarily on the structural layers 350a to impart the desired mechanical properties. Any manner of modifying EPDM that creates tackiness in the EPDM can be used, including, e.g., modifying the EPDM byHolzer Patel Drennan -10- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCTsolvent, chemical, or mechanical roughening. In one specific, though non-limiting example, a chemical such as liquid rubber is added to the EPDM to generate tack.

[0037] In some embodiments, all tack layers 350b of V-belt 300 are made from the same material or materials. In other embodiments, there is variation in the material or materials used for each tack layer 350b. In one example, and as discussed previously, it may be desirable to use tack layers 350b having varying degrees of tackiness depending on their location within the V-belt. Tack layers 350b of differing materials (and thus having different tackiness measurements) can be used to accomplish this.

[0038] Regardless of whether the tackiness of each tack layer 350b is the same or different, the tackiness of the tack layers 350b can be adjusted based on the specific application for the V-belt 300. Adjustment of the tackiness measurement of the tack layers 350b does not have a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the V-belt 300. In some embodiments, the tackiness of the tack layer 350b is greater than the tackiness of the structural layer 350a, but not so high as to significantly impede processing and / or handling of the tack layers 350b prior to and during placing the tack layer 350b on the structural layer 350a. For example, the tackiness of the tack layer 350b should not be so high as to prevent or inhibit processing steps such as calendaring that may need to be carried out on the tack layer 350b prior to disposing the tack layer 350b on the structural layer 350a. Similarly, with respect to handling of the tack layer 350b, the tackiness of the tack layers 350b should not be so high as to make it significantly difficult or impossible to place the tack layer 350b on the structural layer 350a. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an upper limit of tackiness is imposed on the tack layer 350b, with the upper limit generally corresponding to where the tackiness would make processing and / or handling of the tack layer 350b significantly difficult or impossible. In some embodiments where tack layer material is disposed on a structural layer 350a in a discontinuous manner (i.e., as described with respect to Figures 4A-4D), the upper limit for tackiness of the tack layer material may be higher than an upper limit of tackiness imposed on continuous tack layers 350b. This is due to the fact that the manner of applying tack layer material in a discontinuous manner on a structural layer 350a (e.g., via dip coating, spray coating, painting, etc.) may not be as impeded by a high tackiness measurement as are the methods of processing and handling a continuous tack layerHolzer Patel Drennan -11- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCT350b. That being said, the tack layer material disposed in a discontinuous manner may still have an upper limit of tackiness above which even the tack layer material would be difficult to process and handle.

[0039] Tack layers 350b can provide additional beneficial functions to the V-belt 300 in addition to preventing structural layers 350a from moving or sliding relative to each other. In some embodiments, additional functions imparted by the tack layers 350b include serving as a heat sink, providing stress mitigation during belt bending under loads, providing electrical conductivity, and / or providing mechanical vibration attenuation.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the V-belt configuration described herein employing alternating layers of structural layers 350a and tack layers 350b creates a layered, striated pattern when the V-belt is viewed from a cross-section perspective. This layered appearance can make V-belts prepared in the manner described herein identifiable as to manufacturing methods used and potentially as to source.

[0041] Cords 340 embedded within the body of the V-belt 300 may generally be made from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, polyester, aramid, ceramic, carbon, glass, or a composite material made of any combination of these materials. The number of cords is also generally not limited.

[0042] Methods of manufacturing V-belts in accordance with embodiments described herein generally follow standard and previously known methods for making V-belts and banded V-belts. As such, existing equipment (e.g., lathes, drum molds, double drum long builders, etc.) can be used to manufacture the V-belts described herein. In some embodiments, layers of material are wound around a drum mold to build up the thickness of the V-belt. With respect to the V-belt configuration described herein, alternating layers of structural layer material and tack layer material are wound around the drum mold. Cords can be wound around the deposited material layers, followed by adding additional material layers to embed the cords within the interior of the V-belt. A compression step may be used to form a general shape of the V-belt, though as mentioned previously, the V-belt is typically not subjected to any curing. Instead, the V-belt is removed from the drum mold, at which point it may be subjected to flipping and / or skiving to prepare the V-belt for banding. Once a banding layer is applied, the V-belt can be subjected to curing to set the material. AnyHolzer Patel Drennan -12- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCThandling of the V-belt prior to curing is non-detrimental to the coherence of the V-belt due to the presence of the tack layers, which keep the structural layers from moving during handling.

[0043] In alternate manufacturing methods, at least the tack layers are provided in the V-belt construction by coating, spraying, painting, etc., the tack layer material on each structural layer prior to providing the next structural layer so as to sandwich the tack layer between the adjacent structural layers. Any coating, spraying, and / or painting methods known to those or ordinary skill in the art may be used to apply the tack layers on to underlying structural layers. The manner of coating, spraying, and / or painting may be controlled to control the thickness of the tack layer being disposed on the underlying structural layer. Coating, spraying, and / or paining methods may also be employed when the tack layers are discontinuous tack layers (e.g., lines, dots, etc., of tack material disposed on underlying structural layers).

[0044] While not shown in, for example, Figure 3, it should be appreciated that the V- belt construction may further include one or more additional functional layers to impart further functional benefits to the V-belt. Non-limiting examples of additional functional layers that can be incorporated into the V-belt construction include crack-stopping layers, ozone protection layers, damping layers, etc. Such functional layers can be disposed in any suitable location in the V-belt construction. In some embodiments, the functional layers are provided at the top or bottom or the V-belt construction such that functional layers are not disposed between structural and tack layers. In other embodiments, one or more functional layers are embedded within the V-belt construction, such that the one or more functional layers are located between structural and tack layers.

[0045] While the technology described herein has generally been described in the context of preparing banded V-belts, it should be appreciated that the V-belt structure described herein is not limited to instances where the V-belt is used in preparing a banded V-belt. The technology described herein can also be used in preparing V-belts that are not banded.

[0046] EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTSHolzer Patel Drennan -13- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCT

[0047] The following provides exemplary, though non-limiting, embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0048] Embodiment 1: A multilayer industrial belt, comprising: a first structural layer; a second structural layer above the first structural layer; and a tack layer disposed between the first structural layer and the second structural layer.

[0049] Embodiment 2: The multilayer industrial belt of Embodiment 1, wherein the material of the first structural layer and the second structural layer is an ethylene elastomer (EE).

[0050] Embodiment 3. The multilayer industrial belt of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the ethylene elastomer is ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM).

[0051] Embodiment 4. The multilayer industrial belt of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the material of the tack layer is an ethylene elastomer modified to have an increased tackiness as compared to an unmodified version of the ethylene elastomer.

[0052] Embodiment 5. The multilayer industrial belt of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the first structural layer, the second structural layer and the tack layer have a tackiness measurement, and the tackiness measurement of the tack layer is higher than the tackiness measurement of the first structural layer and the second structural layer.

[0053] Embodiment 6. The multilayer industrial belt of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the first structural layer and the second structural layer comprise filler reinforcements dispersed within the first structural layer and the second structural layer.

[0054] Embodiment 7. The multilayer industrial belt of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the thickness of each of the first structural layer and the second structural layer is within the range of from 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0055] Embodiment 8. The multilayer industrial belt of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the thickness of the tack layer is within the range of from 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0056] Embodiment 9. The multilayer industrial belt of any preceding Embodiment, further comprising: a plurality of cords embedded within the belt and extending lengthwise through the belt; and an undercord region, the undercord region defined by the area betweenHolzer Patel Drennan -14- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCTthe plurality of cords and a running surface of the belt; wherein the first structural layer, the second structural layer, and the tack layer are located in the undercord region.

[0057] Embodiment 10. The multilayer industrial belt of any preceding Embodiment, further comprising: a bandply layer wrapped around the exterior of the multilayer industrial belt to thereby form a banded multilayer industrial belt.

[0058] Embodiment 11. The multilayer industrial belt of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the multilayer industrial belt is a V-belt.

[0059] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

[0060] Although the technology has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and materials, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and materials described. Rather, the specific aspects are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Because many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

[0061] Unless otherwise indicated, all number or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc., used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term "approximately". At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term "approximately" should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying rounding techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all sub-ranges or any and all individual values subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all sub-ranges or individual values that are between and / or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all sub-ranges beginning with a minimumHolzer Patel Drennan -15- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCTvalue of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).Holzer Patel Drennan -16- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCT

Claims

CLAIMS I / We claim:

1. A multilayer industrial belt, comprising: a plurality of vertically stacked structural layers; and a tack layer disposed between each pair of adjacent vertically stacked structural layers.

2. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 1, wherein the material of the plurality of vertically stacked structural layers is an ethylene elastomer.

3. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 2, wherein the ethylene elastomer is EPDM.

4. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 1, wherein the material of the tack layer is ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber modified to have an increased tackiness as compared to unmodified ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber.

5. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vertically stacked structural layers and the tack layers each have a tackiness measurement, and the tackiness measurement of the tack layers is higher than the tackiness measurement of the plurality of vertically stacked structural layers.

6. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vertically stacked structural layers comprise filler reinforcements dispersed within the each of the plurality of vertically stacked structural layers.

7. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 1, wherein the thickness of each of the plurality of vertically stacked structural layers is within the range of from 0.05 to 2 mm.Holzer Patel Drennan -17- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCT8. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 1, wherein the thickness of each of the tack layers is within the range of from 0.05 to 1.5 mm.

9. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of cords embedded within the belt and extending lengthwise through the belt; and an undercord region, the undercord region defined by the area between the plurality of cords and a running surface of the belt; wherein the plurality of vertically stacked structural layers and the tack layers are located in the undercord region.

10. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 1, further comprising: a bandply layer wrapped around the exterior of the multilayer industrial belt to thereby form a banded multilayer industrial belt.

11. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 1, wherein the multilayer industrial belt is a V- belt.

12. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 1, wherein the tack layer disposed between each pair of adjacent vertically stacked structural layers is a continuous tack layer.

13. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 1, wherein the tack layer disposed between each pair of adjacent vertically stacked structural layers is a dis-continuous tack layer.

14. The multilayer industrial belt of claim 13, wherein the dis-continuous tack layer is in the form of lines, dots, dashes, or any combination thereof, of tack material disposed on an underlying structural layer.Holzer Patel Drennan -18- Atty. Docket: B23-014WO01 / 869037PCT

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