Flexible rotary drive train having splined coupling with elastomeric cushions

Claim 1

In a flexible rotary drive train, the combination of: a. two axially spaced universal joints; b. a coupling interconnecting said universal joints; c. said coupling including an internally splined outer member connected to one of said universal joints; d. said coupling including an externally splined inner member connected to the other of said universal joints; e. said inner member being telescopically disposed within said outer member in unrestrained sliding engagement therewith in the axial direction; f. the internal splines on said outer member being disposed between and spaced circumferentially from the external splines on said inner member; g. elastomeric cushions interposed between said internal splines on said outer member and said external splines on said inner member; h. axially spaced stops on said outer member for limiting axial movement of said inner member relative to said outer member; i. the length of said inner member being substantially less than the spacing of said stops to permit substantial axial relative movement of said outer and inner members; and j. said inner member being cup shaped and being provided therein with a coaxial shaft connected to said inner member and to said other universal joint.