Abstract: A fastening device for fastening together flexible belts having reinforcing cords therein and a method of fastening in which damage to the reinforcing cords of the belts is minimized. The fastening device may also be utilized to attach a rigid plate having an aperture therein to a flexible belt having reinforcing cords therein to minimize damage to the reinforcing cords of the belt.

Abstract: Rivets to be used for securing end connectors to cord-reinforced conveyor belts and having a body with a head at one end and a bore at the other end, are disclosed. To facilitate driving such a rivet through the belt, a sharp-pointed elongated mandrel is loosely fitted at one end of the body thereof into the bore at the end of the rivet and is releasably secured to the rivet body by a strip of adhesive tape. The mandrel body is thinner than and at least as long as the body of the rivet and has a conically flaring portion adjacent the end connected to the rivet. When the rivet and mandrel combination is driven through the belt, the mandrel forms a pilot hole which facilitates subsequent entry and passage of the rivet, and the tape is automatically stripped off as the rivet/mandrel juncture reaches the belt body, so that the mandrel self-releases from the rivet as soon as the bored end of the latter has fully passed through the belt.