Patent ID: 6283868
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: F16D,Y10S

Abstract:
A flexible element for a flexible shaft coupling device, comprising a generally sleeve-shaped body and being formed of an elastomeric compound; said sleeve-shaped body comprising at least two opposing sleeve end portions defining respective coupling receiving portions; and at least one of a fabric reinforcement element bonded to at least a portion of the inner periphery of said sleeve-shaped body, and a helically wound tensile cord; an annular portion between said coupling receiving portions; an inner periphery and an outer periphery; said coupling receiving portions each comprising a plurality of axially extending teeth arranged along at least a portion of said inner periphery, each of said teeth of each of said coupling receiving portions possessing a circumferential width spanning a portion of said inner periphery; and characterized in that:said annular portion possesses a torsional shear capacity;each of said teeth of each of said coupling receiving portions possesses an active axial length which in conjunction with each said circumferential width defines a tooth shear area, and wherein the sum of said tooth shear areas defines a cumulative tooth shear area, said cumulative tooth shear area having a cumulative tooth shear capacity;and said cumulative tooth shear capacity exceeds said annular portion torsional shear capacity.