Patent ID: 6354949
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: B26B,F16C

Abstract:
A maintenance free flexible shaft drive transmission having a first end connectable to a drive motor and a second end connectable to a driven implement, said transmission comprising:a. a flexible drive shaft assembly comprising a flexible elongated drive transmitting member, and a drive coupling fixed to said drive transmitting member at said first end; b. a tubular casing surrounding and coaxial with said drive shaft assembly and supporting said drive shaft assembly for rotation generally about the longitudinal axis of said drive shaft assembly relative to said casing, said casing comprising a tubular flexible conduit loosely surrounding said drive transmitting member, a first end fitting fixed to said conduit adjacent said first end and a second end fitting fixed to said conduit at said second end; c. said first end fitting comprising first and second fitting members that are fixed together and permanently secure said drive coupling against axial movement relative to said casing to preclude removal of said drive shaft assembly from said casing, said first and second fitting members constructed for enabling relative rotation between said drive coupling and said first end fitting; and, d. a lubricant disposed within said casing; e. said casing and said drive shaft assembly sealed together for blocking leakage of lubricant from said casing as said casing and drive shaft assembly rotate and shift axially relative to each other; f. said drive coupling comprising an elongated body fixed to said drive transmitting member and projecting axially from said first end fitting, a radially outwardly extending flange formed on said drive coupling body, one of said fitting members confronting said flange along one axial side thereof for axially retaining said drive coupling body flange within said end fitting.