Plural output path torque transmitting mechanism with slip clutch

Claim 1

A multiple path drive system for a vehicle having at least two pairs of traction wheels including a plurality of drive axle assemblies; a plurality of torque transmitting members, each of said members connected to an axle assembly; a torque transfer mechanism comprising an input shaft having a central axis adapted to receive an input torque, a differential gear mechanism connected to said input shaft including an input element coaxial with said central axis and driven by said input shaft and a pair of output elements coaxial with said input shaft driven by said input element, said differential gear mechanism adapted to allow relative rotation between said input element and each of said output elements, an output shaft connected to one of said torque transmitting members laterally displaced from said input shaft, means adapted to connect one of said output elements to one of said torque transmitting members, means adapted to connect said other of said output elements to said output shaft, friction clutch means disposed between said input element and said output elemeNt connected to said output shaft and biasing means associated with said friction clutch means and adapted to urge said friction clutch means into an engaged condition thereby acting to resist relative rotation between said input element and said output element associated with said clutch means.