US Patent 7625290 Sleeve-type flexible shaft coupling

A coupling sleeve for use in a sleeve-type, flexible, shaft-coupling device, having a generally annular body portion with one or more axially extending, polymeric or elastomeric teeth on at least one of its inner and outer periphery and having a rigid support band with a rigid, axially extending fin protruding radially into at least one of the teeth. The coupling sleeve has a cross sectional area with a rigid band portion that occupies the minor portion of the cross section relative to the polymeric portion. Torque applied to the teeth of the coupling sleeve during use is resisted by the fins and the tooth material is thus placed in compression.