Patent ID: 8002922
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: F16G

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a power transmission belt having a body with an inside and an outside and a length, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first layer comprising rubber and having first and second oppositely facing sides and a length; providing a mold; pressing the first side of the first layer against a surface on the mold having a plurality of projections and recesses alternating in a lengthwise direction along the first layer and thereby causing the first layer to conform to the mold surface to thereby form alternating teeth and troughs on the first layer that are complementary to the recesses and projections; providing a first member with a first surface having protrusions thereon; locally pressing the second side of the first layer with the protrusions on the first member at locations coinciding lengthwise with the teeth that are spaced and aligned so that there is at least one protrusion between adjacent projections in the plurality of projections between which the teeth are formed that locally presses the first layer towards the mold surface to thereby eliminate or prevent the formation of discrete holes, of the type at which cracks are prone to being generated, due to conforming of the first layer to the recesses; and after locally pressing the second side of the first layer, joining the first layer having the alternating teeth and troughs thereon to at least one other component to define the power transmission belt, wherein the step of locally pressing the second side of the first layer comprises locally pressing the first layer so that the second side of the first layer is shaped with protrusions and recesses by the first member.