Patent ID: 6500071
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A flexible annular coupling made of fiber-reinforced plastic material, said annular coupling having a rotary axis and comprising an even number of fixing portions (10, 19, 24, 32) spaced apart circumferentially around said coupling for connection to two rotary members (40, 41) to be coupled by said coupling and a flexible leaf (11, 31) extending lengthwise between each two adjacent fixing portions, each leaf comprising a central part (11a, 15, 21) having first and second ends and being thinner than said fixing portions and transition portions (13, 17, 23) of gradually increasing thickness between said ends of said central part and said fixing portions, wherein said central part of at least each circumferentially alternate leaf is asymmetrical in shape or construction with respect to a plane (14a, 16, 25) perpendicular to said rotary axis of said coupling and passing through an axial mid-point of adjacent ones of said fixing portions whereby said central part of each said alternate leaf will always be displaced axially in a predetermined direction transverse to its length when such leaf is caused to buckle by a compressive force acting between said fixing portions at said ends of said leaf.