Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
290 words
In combination, a shaft of varying diameter, with a first portion of the shaft containing a first abutment and with a second portion of the shaft having a diameter smaller than the first portion and being provided with an annular groove having oppositely facing second and third abutments which are axially aligned with and spaced from said first abutment, at least one sleeve-like element mounted on said second portion of the shaft at the side of said groove closest to said first abutment for engagement therewith, a spacer sleeve mounted on said second portion of the shaft at one end operably engaging said sleeve-like element and at its other end extending to said annular groove; an annular locking device for retaining said sleeve-like element against said first abutment, said locking device being formed by a pair of arcuate members disposed in said annular groove about opposite portions of said shaft, each of said arcuate members having a pair of first and second flat surfaces which face said second and third abutments respectively, said first pair of flat surfaces facing and operatively engaging said spacer sleeve; first means pivotally interconnecting the one ends of said arcuate members; the adjacent one ends of said arcuate members having opposed central slots in the general plane of said arcuate members; said first means including an arcuate link extending between said arcuate members at its ends nested within said slots; and pivot pins extending transversely through end portions of said arcuate members and link; and second means interconnecting and adjustably securing the other ends of said arcuate members for anchoring said arcuate members within the shaft annular groove and tightly against said spacer sleeve for retaining said sleeve-like element between said first and third abutments.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
290 words
In combination, a shaft of varying diameter, with a first portion of the shaft containing a first abutment and with a second portion of the shaft having a diameter smaller than the first portion and being provided with an annular groove having oppositely facing second and third abutments which are axially aligned with and spaced from said first abutment, at least one sleeve-like element mounted on said second portion of the shaft at the side of said groove closest to said first abutment for engagement therewith, a spacer sleeve mounted on said second portion of the shaft at one end operably engaging said sleeve-like element and at its other end extending to said annular groove; an annular locking device for retaining said sleeve-like element against said first abutment, said locking device being formed by a pair of arcuate members disposed in said annular groove about opposite portions of said shaft, each of said arcuate members having a pair of first and second flat surfaces which face said second and third abutments respectively, said first pair of flat surfaces facing and operatively engaging said spacer sleeve; first means pivotally interconnecting the one ends of said arcuate members; the adjacent one ends of said arcuate members having opposed central slots in the general plane of said arcuate members; said first means including an arcuate link extending between said arcuate members at its ends nested within said slots; and pivot pins extending transversely through end portions of said arcuate members and link; and second means interconnecting and adjustably securing the other ends of said arcuate members for anchoring said arcuate members within the shaft annular groove and tightly against said spacer sleeve for retaining said sleeve-like element between said first and third abutments.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
In the combination of claim 1, wherein said second means is a threaded fastener which extends through said other ends and is threaded into one of said other ends.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
In the combination of claim 1, said central slots extending the height of said arcuate members, said link being of the same height as said arcuate members with its inner and outer arcuate surfaces forming a continuation of the inner and outer arcuate surfaces of said arcuate members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
In the combination of claim 1, a plurality of adjustable set screws threaded transversely through said arcuate members in operative engagement with said spacer sleeve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
In the combination of claim 1, wherein said arcuate members each have an angular extent less than 180°.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
In the combination of claim 4, wherein the one ends of said arcuate members are spaced apart; said link spanning said spaced apart ends to permit the inside diameter of the arcuate members to be varied through the adjustment provided by the pivoting of said arcuate members relative to said link.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
71 words
The locking device of claim 6, wherein said second end portions are adjustably secured together by means of an eye bolt pinned on one end thereof to one arcuate member, with the bolt extending through said arcuate members and having a threaded portion extending beyond said other arcuate member, and a nut threaded to the threaded portion of said eye bolt for maintaining the proper inside diameter of the arcuate members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
In the combination of claim 1, wherein said first and second flat surfaces of said arcuate members are parallel to the side surfaces of said link.