Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A constant velocity joint for coupling two shafts and for transmitting rotation between the shafts, and enabling independently transmission of axial thrust therebetween and/or slight angular displacements of the shafts relative to their position of axial alignment: comprising, in combination, two stub shafts adapted to be fixed respectively to shafts to be couples, means for transmitting axial thrust between said stub shafts including ball and socket joint means through which said stub shafts effectively bear against each other, and a plurality of cooperating internally and externally toothed gears coupling said stub shafts for rotation and meshing with clearance for enabling slight angular displacements of said stub shafts relative to their axially aligned position, said plurality of gears including, at least, one internally toothed gear mounted for rotation with a first said stub shaft and one externally toothed gear mounted for rotation with the second said stub shaft, thereby providing constant velocity rotation between said stub shafts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
A constant velocity joint for coupling two shafts and for transmitting rotation between the shafts, and enabling independently transmission of axial thrust therebetween and/or slight angular displacements of the shafts relative to their position of axial alignment: comprising, in combination, two stub shafts adapted to be fixed respectively to shafts to be couples, means for transmitting axial thrust between said stub shafts including ball and socket joint means through which said stub shafts effectively bear against each other, and a plurality of cooperating internally and externally toothed gears coupling said stub shafts for rotation and meshing with clearance for enabling slight angular displacements of said stub shafts relative to their axially aligned position, said plurality of gears including, at least, one internally toothed gear mounted for rotation with a first said stub shaft and one externally toothed gear mounted for rotation with the second said stub shaft, thereby providing constant velocity rotation between said stub shafts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
A constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1, wherein a cup-shaped end portion is fixed on one of said stub shafts, a radially inwardly extending flange secured at the open end of said cup-shaped member and mounting the socket member of said ball and socket joint means, the ball member of said ball and socket joint means being mounted on said other stub shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A constant velocity joint according to claim 2, wherein a first cylindrical sleeve is joined to the periphery of both said cup-shaped member and said inwardly extending flange for movement with said one stub shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A constant velocity joint according to claim 2, wherein said the internally toothed gear is formed on said first cylindrical sleeve and wherein said one externally toothed gear is mounted on said other stub shaft.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
A constant velocity joint according to claim 4, further comprising a second cylindrical sleeve arranged coaxially of said first cylindrical sleeve and having at one of its ends another externally toothed gear meshing with radial clearance with said one internally toothed gear on said first cylindrical sleeve and having at its other end another internally toothed gear meshing with radial clearance with said externally toothed gear on said other stub shaft.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
A constant velocity joint according to claim 2, wherein the ball member of said ball and socket joint means is generally toroidal in shape, and wherein the socket member is complementary in shape to ball member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A constant velocity joint according to claim 6, wherein said socket member is formed of two part-annular portions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A constant velocity joint according to claim 5, wherein said second cylindrical sleeve is disposed inside said first cylindrical sleeve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
A constant velocity joint according to claim 1, wherein said ball and socket joint means is a single ball and socket joint including a ball member and a socket member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
A constant velocity joint according to claim 9, wherein means mounting the ball member are fixed to one of said stub shafts and means mounting said socket member is fixed to the other of said stub shafts.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A constant velocity joint according to claim 1, wherein said internally and externally toothed gears are all disposed to one side of said ball and socket joint means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
67 words
A constant velocity joint according to claim 10, and a first cylindrical sleeve secured to said first stub shaft and carrying at one end said internally toothed gear, and a second cylindrical sleeve disposed inside said first cylindrical sleeve and having external gear teeth at one end meshing with said internally toothed gear and internal gear teeth at the other end meshing with said externally toothed gear.