Patent ID: 7261656

Claim:
An element for use in an annular metal belt, the annular metal belt transmitting torque between two pulleys each having a V-shaped groove, the element comprising a flank capable of making frictional contact with the V-shaped groove for transmission of torque; wherein the flank comprises a plurality of threads disposed substantially parallel to one another and having a height less than a width or length of the flank, the top section of each thread being substantially planar; wherein the flank comprises a surface profile; wherein, at a depth Y of 1.2 μm, a total sectional area of the plurality of threads reaches at least 10% of the occupied area of the flank; and, at a depth Y of 4.8 μm, a total sectional area of the plurality of threads reaches at least 40% of the occupied area of the flank; wherein the depth Y is measured from a top point of a highest thread and wherein a sectional area of the plurality of threads is perpendicular to a direction of depth; and wherein a bearing ratio curve obtained from the surface profile of the flank is positioned in a range defined by a function of Y(μm)=3.3333X 3 −2.3333X 2 +0.6667X−0.0267 and a function of Y(μm)=−8.3333X 3 +20.833X 2 +3.3333X+0.6667, where X is given by (total sectional area of the plurality of threads at a depth Y(μm))/(occupied area of the flank).