Module for a modular conveyor belt

1. A module for a modular conveyor belt comprising first and second lengthwise ends and first and second widthwise ends perpendicular to the first and second lengthwise ends, a top surface for supporting a load disposed between the first and second lengthwise ends, a bore for receiving a hinge rod formed at one of the first and second lengthwise ends, a retainer having a fixed end and a free end disposed closer than the fixed end to the widthwise center of the module, the retainer being bendable toward and away from the first lengthwise end between a first position in which the retainer prevents a hinge rod from being withdrawn from the bore and a second position in which a hinge rod can pass over the retainer to be withdrawn from the bore, and a stopper which supports the retainer at a location in a middle 50% of the length of the retainer when the retainer is in its second position.

2. A module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the retainer is movable with respect to the stopper into and out of contact with the stopper.

3. A module as claimed in claim 2 wherein a hinge rod can be withdrawn from the bore by passing over the retainer when the retainer is in a position in which the retainer is spaced from the stopper.

4. A module as claimed in claim 2 wherein the retainer and the stopper have opposing surfaces with complementary shapes.

5. A module as claimed in claim 2 wherein the stopper continuously contacts the retainer over at least 10% of the length of the retainer when the retainer is in its second position.

6. A module as claimed in claim 2 wherein the stopper continuously contacts the retainer over at least 50% of the length of the retainer when the retainer is in its second position.

7. A module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the retainer and the stopper are formed of different materials.

8. A module as claimed in claim 2 including a cavity communicating with the bore, wherein the stopper is secured to a floor of the cavity.

9. A module as claimed in claim 8 wherein the stopper is integrally formed with the floor of the cavity by molding.

10. A module as claimed in claim 8 including a retainer unit comprising the retainer and a base secured to the fixed end of the retainer, wherein the retainer unit is installed in the cavity with the stopper disposed between the base and the retainer.

11. A module as claimed in claim 8 wherein the cavity has a height which increases from the fixed end towards the free end of the retainer and an upper wall which is generally parallel to an upper surface of the retainer when the retainer is in its first position.

12. A module for a modular conveyor belt comprising first and second lengthwise ends and first and second widthwise ends perpendicular to the first and second lengthwise ends, a top surface for supporting a load disposed between the first and second lengthwise ends, a bore for receiving a hinge rod formed at one of the first and second lengthwise ends, a retainer having a fixed end and a free end disposed closer than the fixed end to the widthwise center of the module, and a stopper opposing the bottom surface of the retainer, the retainer being bendable about the fixed a first position in which the retainer can prevent a hinge rod from being withdrawn from the bore and a second position in which a hinge rod can pass over the retainer to be withdrawn from the bore and in which the stopper contacts a bottom surface of the retainer at a point in a middle 50% of the length of the retainer without the retainer exceeding its design stress.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the stopper can contact the bottom surface of the retainer at a point in the middle 50% of the length of the retainer without the retainer undergoing plastic deformation.

14. A modular conveyor belt comprising a plurality of modules pivotably connected in series by hinge rods and including a module as claimed in claim 1 .