Method for decoupling and/or coupling of transport elements to a drive mechanism, in particular a drive mechanism (2) with a mainly continuously moving drive element (3). The decoupling and/or coupling is done by the coupling element (4) provided onto the transport element (1) which can work in conjunction with the drive mechanism (2). The speed of the coupling element (4) is gradually reduced prior to the decoupling, and gradually increased after the coupling respectively.
