Friction coupling

Claim 2

A friction coupling comprising: a. first and second relatively movable machine elements adjacent each other, the first element having frictionally engageable surfaces and a stopping surface defining a recess, b. a spring member having free ends and a curved cross section and being supported on said second element, the free ends of said spring member being out of engagement with the frictionally engageable surfaces, whereupon the two elements are uncoupled, c. and means adapted to move said elements relatively toward each other to thereby apply a force substantially normal to the curved spring member so that it reacts against the stopping surface and expands so that its free ends engage said frictionally engageable surfaces directly to effectively couple the two machine elements, said spring member being movable sufficiently to cause it to curve slightly in a direction opposite of its normal curvature whereby to effect selfsustained locking action with said frictionally engageable surfaces.

Claim 3

A friction coupling comprising: a. a shaft, b. first and second adjacent machine elements journaled for rotation on said shaft, c. the first element having a face that is presented toward the second element at Least a pair of concentric counterbores of different diameters defining a radial stopping surface and a peripheral frictionally engageable surface, d. a curved spring member having free ends and being fastened on and rotatable with the second element and extending into the larger of the counterbores, and e. means adapted to reciprocate one of said machine elements axially on said shaft whereupon said curved spring member may be straightened by reacting against said stopping surface and radially enlarged to engage said peripheral surface, with said curved spring member being curved slightly in a direction opposite of its normal curvature to effect self-sustained engagement between said peripheral surface and said spring member, or may be restored to its curved state for disengagement from said peripheral surface.

Claim 4

A friction coupling comprising: a. a shaft, b. first and second adjacent machine elements journaled for rotation on said shaft, c. the first element having a face that is presented toward the second element at Least a pair of concentric counterbores of different diameters defining a radial stopping surface and a peripheral frictionally engageable surface, d. a curved spring member having free ends and being fastened on and rotatable with the second element and extending into the larger of the counterbores, and e. means adapted to reciprocate one of said machine elements axially on said shaft whereupon said curved spring member may be straightened by reacting against said stopping surface and radially enlarged to engage said peripheral surface, with said curved spring member being curved slightly in a direction opposite of its normal curvature to effect self-sustained engagement between said peripheral surface and said spring member, or may be restored to its curved state for disengagement from said peripheral surface.

Claim 5

A friction coupling comprising: a. a shaft, b. first and second adjacent machine elements journaled for rotation on said shaft, c. the first element having a face that is presented toward the second element at least a pair of concentric counterbores of different diameters defining a radial stopping surface and a peripheral frictionally engageable surface, d. a curved spring member having free ends and being fastened on and rotatable with the second element, said second element having a diametral groove facing said recess and said spring member is disposed in said groove, and said spring member extending into the larger of the counterbores, and e. means adapted to reciprocate one of said machine elements axially on said shaft whereupon said curved spring member may be straightened by reacting against said stopping surface and radially enlarged to engage said peripheral surface or may be restored to its curved state for disengagement from said peripheral surface.

Claim 6

A friction coupling comprising: a. a shaft, b. first and second adjacent machine elements journaled for rotation on said shaft, c. the first element having a face that is presented toward the second element at least a pair of concentric counterbores of different diameters defining a radial stopping surface and a peripheral frictionally engageable surface, d. a curved spring member having free ends and being fastened on and rotatable with the second element, said second element having a diametral groove facing said recess and said spring member is disposed in said groove, and said spring member extending into the larger of the counterbores, and e. means adapted to reciprocate one of said machine elements axially on said shaft whereupon said curved spring member may be straightened by reacting against said stopping surface and radially enlarged to engage said peripheral surface or may be restored to its curved state for disengagement from said peripheral surface.