Transverse friction clutch

Claim 2

Clutch friction means for a friction clutch having a dead end pivot post and actuating means for moving said clutch friction means, said clutch friction means comprising at least two symmetrical arcuate bands having friction linings mounted on their outer arcuate surfaces, one end of each said band being joined together by adjustable connecting means, the opposite end of each said band being a free end thereof and having identical anchor means secured thereto such that either one of said anchor means is adapted to engage said dead end pivot post, the remaining anchor means engaging said actuating means.

Claim 3

The clutch of claim 1 wherein said anchor means comprises at least one plate having an edge thereof secured to said band portion, said plate including an aperture formed to embrace said dead end pivot post.

Claim 4

The clutch of claim 2 wherein said actuating means includes a pivot rod formed to engage said aperture to connect one of the free ends of said band portion to said actuating means.

Claim 5

A friction clutch comprising a clutch plate rotatably driven by a prime mover, said clutch plate having a dead end pivot post and friction clutch actuating means, a drum member having a circular flange surrounding said clutch plate and being freely rotatable about said clutch plate, a C-shaped clutch friction means provided on said clutch plate, said friction means including friction material on its outer arcuate surface, said friction material facing the inner arcuate surface of said circular flange, said clutch friction means having one free end pivotally anchored to said dead end pivot and another free end pivotally anchored to said actuating means, said actuating means urging said friction means toward said circular flange for frictional engagement therewith to transmit rotational movement of said clutch plate to said drum member, said clutch friction means being reversible and further comprising symmetrical arcuate band portions supporting said friction material, said band portions having identical anchor means provided at the free ends thereof for respective pivotal engagement with said dead end pivot post and said friction clutch engaging means, either of said anchor means being engageable with the dead end pivot post of said clutch plate and said friction clutch actuating means.

Claim 6

A friction clutch comprising a clutch plate rotatably driven by a prime mover, said clutch plate having a dead end pivot post and friction clutch actuating means, a drum member having a circular flange surrounding said clutch plate and being freely rotatable about said clutch plate, a C-shaped clutch friction means provided on said clutch plate, said friction means including friction material on its outer arcuate surface, said friction material facing the inner arcuate surface of said circular flange, said clutch friction means having one free end pivotally anchored to said dead end pivot and another free end pivotally anchored to said actuating means, said actuating means urging said friction means toward said circular flange for frictional engagement therewith to transmit rotational movement of said clutch plate to said drum member, said clutch friction means being reversible and further comprising symmetrical arcuate band portions supporting said friction material, said band portions having identical anchor means provided at the free ends thereof for respective pivotal engagement with said dead end pivot post and said friction clutch engaging means, either of said anchor means being engageable with the dead end pivot post of said clutch plate and said friction clutch actuating means.

Claim 7

The clutch of claim 4 wherein said clutch friction means are formed of at least two distinct arcuate band portions joined together intermediate said free ends by adjustable connecting means.

Claim 8

The clutch of claim 5 wherein said band portions include bolt receiving brackets, said adjustable connecting means comprising a bolt threadably engaging said brackets such that said band portions are joined together in pivotal relationship with respect to said bolt, thereby permitting one said band portion to swivel with respect to the other said band portion.

Claim 9

The clutch of claim 6 wherein the pivotal axis between said bands is parallel to a line tangent to the arcuate surfaces of said bands.

Claim 10

The clutch of claim 6 wherein said bolt includes first and second threaded portions, said first threaded portion engaging one of said bolt-receiving brackets and second portion engaging the other of said bolt-receiving brackets; said threaded portions being threaded in opposite directions so that rotation of said bolt causes movement of said bands towards and away from one another.

Claim 11

The clutch of claim 4 wherein said anchor means comprises at least one plate having an edge thereof secured to said band portion, said plate including an aperture formed to embrace said dead end pivot post.

Claim 12

The clutch of claim 9 wherein said actuating means includes a pivot rod formed to engage said aperture to connect one of the free ends of said band portion to said actuating means.