Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
256 words
A quick disconnect mechanism for selectively securing a shaft to a power take-off end yoke adapted to rotate in one direction about an axis comprising: a hub secured to the end yoke having a passageway formed therein co-axial with the axis of rotation of the end yoke and adapted to receive a portion of the shaft therein, said hub having an aperture formed therethrough extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation and extending at least partially through said passageway; means formed on said hub passageway and the shaft for preventing relative rotational movement therebetween while permitting relative longitudinal movement therebetween; a groove formed in the exterior surface of the shaft extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation and adapted to be aligned with said hub aperture when the shaft is inserted in said hub passageway; locking pin means disposed in said hub aperture for selectively extending into said hub passageway and said shaft groove to prevent the removal of the shaft from said hub passageway, said locking pin means including a head portion extending outwardly from said hub through one end of said aperture, said head portion being inclined away from the direction of rotation; and end plug means for closing the other end of said aperture, said end plug means including a body portion having an enlarged diameter portion formed thereon having an outside diameter which is slightly larger than the inner diameter of said hub aperture, whereby said end plug means is retained within said aperture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
256 words
A quick disconnect mechanism for selectively securing a shaft to a power take-off end yoke adapted to rotate in one direction about an axis comprising: a hub secured to the end yoke having a passageway formed therein co-axial with the axis of rotation of the end yoke and adapted to receive a portion of the shaft therein, said hub having an aperture formed therethrough extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation and extending at least partially through said passageway; means formed on said hub passageway and the shaft for preventing relative rotational movement therebetween while permitting relative longitudinal movement therebetween; a groove formed in the exterior surface of the shaft extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation and adapted to be aligned with said hub aperture when the shaft is inserted in said hub passageway; locking pin means disposed in said hub aperture for selectively extending into said hub passageway and said shaft groove to prevent the removal of the shaft from said hub passageway, said locking pin means including a head portion extending outwardly from said hub through one end of said aperture, said head portion being inclined away from the direction of rotation; and end plug means for closing the other end of said aperture, said end plug means including a body portion having an enlarged diameter portion formed thereon having an outside diameter which is slightly larger than the inner diameter of said hub aperture, whereby said end plug means is retained within said aperture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention defined in claim 1 wherein said enlarged diameter portion is generally circular in cross section and is received in a corresponding groove formed in said hub aperture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention defined in claim 2 wherein said body portion tapers from said enlarged diameter portion to a tip having an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of said hub aperture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention defined in claim 3 wherein said body portion is provided with an interior cavity and a pair of slots formed on the opposed sides thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention defined in claim 4 wherein said end plug means further includes an enlarged head portion connected to said body portion, said head portion including an aperture formed therethrough into said interior cavity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention defined in claim 1 wherein said enlarged diameter portion is formed generally in the shape of a helical thread and is received in a corresponding groove formed in said hub aperture.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention defined in claim 6 wherein said body portion tapers from said enlarged diameter portion to a tip having an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of said hub aperture.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention defined in claim 7 wherein said body portion is provided with an interior cavity and a pair of slots formed on the opposed sides thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention defined in claim 8 wherein said end plug means further includes an enlarged head portion connected to said body portion, said head portion including an aperture formed therethrough into said interior cavity.