Patent 7806247 was granted and assigned to Volvo on October, 2010 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
A coupling element, for example a coupling sleeve (1), having coupling teeth (2) which, over a part (2a) of their length, have a gradually diminishing cross-sectional profile, a so-called back rake. Over the part, the coupling teeth have a portion (7b) nearest the tooth root having a first pressure angle, which portion connects to a portion (7b) extending to the tooth tip and having a greater pressure angle than the former portion.