Abstract: A conveyor chain with a universal coupling joint connecting consecutive chain links. The joint includes a joint member unitarily molded with a first link body engaged by a separately formed joint element insertable into a second adjacent link body to link the two link bodies at the joint. The insertable joint element may be made of a different material from the link body. The joint member has a convex or concave spherical bearing surface that engages a complementary concave or convex bearing surface on the joint element for universal pivoting.

Abstract: A conveyor chain with a universal coupling joint connecting consecutive chain links. The joint includes a joint member unitarily molded with a first link body engaged by a separately formed joint element insertable into a second adjacent link body to link the two link bodies at the joint. The insertable joint element may be made of a different material from the link body. The joint member has a convex or concave spherical bearing surface that engages a complementary concave or convex bearing surface on the joint element for universal pivoting.

Abstract: An edge module for a modular plastic conveyor belt with a resilient blocking member for preventing migration of a hinge rod out of its resident position in the hinge joint of the belt. The edge module includes a hinge rod aperture intersected by a recess. A blocking element in the form of a resilient strip is retained at one end in the recess against a curved outer side wall of the recess in a blocking position occluding the aperture. The other end of the blocking element is elastically deformable away from the outer side wall into a non-blocking position by the force of a hinge rod being inserted into the aperture from the outside edge of the module.

Abstract: An edge module for a modular plastic conveyor belt with a resilient blocking member for preventing migration of a hinge rod out of its resident position in the hinge joint of the belt. The edge module includes a hinge rod aperture intersected by a recess. A blocking element in the form of a resilient strip is retained at one end in the recess against a curved outer side wall of the recess in a blocking position occluding the aperture. The other end of the blocking element is elastically deformable away from the outer side wall into a non-blocking position by the force of a hinge rod being inserted into the aperture from the outside edge of the module.