Patent ID: 8075434
Filing Date: 2011-12-13
Classification: F16G

Abstract:
1. A power transmission belt comprising: a belt body having a length and defining a plurality of elongate ribs extending in parallel along the longitudinal axis of the belt, the ribs providing belt surfaces for engaging a cooperating pulley; and at least one rib having a tip, a base, and a longitudinal groove formed therein, the groove having a depth of at least 50 percent and less than 120 percent of a rib height of the at least one rib, wherein the groove is sized and shaped to reduce a transverse force required to deflect the pulley engaging belt surfaces of the at least one rib, and such that the required transverse forces progressively increase from the tip to the base of the at least one rib, and wherein the groove is sized and shaped such that opposing surfaces of the groove are normally spaced-apart during use with the at least one rib in engagement with the cooperating pulley.