Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for fabricating non-linear side wall conveyor belting wherein the non-linear side walls are cured simultaneously with the conveyor belting with which they are associated, thereby providing a much stronger attachment than obtainable through use of conventional adhesives or a thermal bonding process. The apparatus of the invention comprises a novel mold having fixed inner side wall mold components and movable outer side wall mold components adapted for movement between an open position, wherein the outer side wall mold component is spaced from the corresponding inner side wall mold component in order to permit insertion of side wall material, and a closed position wherein the side wall mold components are substantially engaged so as to form the side wall material into a suitable non-linear shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for fabricating non-linear side wall conveyor belting wherein the non-linear side walls are cured simultaneously with the conveyor belting with which they are associated, thereby providing a much stronger attachment than obtainable through use of conventional adhesives or a thermal bonding process. The method utilizes a mold adapted for forming side wall material into a non-linear shape and for simultaneously curing said formed non-linear side wall material together with uncured conveyor belt material. Fabrication is accomplished by placing uncured side wall material into the mold together with uncured conveyor belt material, forming the uncured side wall material into a suitable non-linear shape, and then simultaneously curing the non-linear side wall material with the conveyor belt material under suitable conditions of heat and pressure.