Patent ID: 7497782
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A flexible coupling for transmitting torque about an axis between a driving element and a driven element, one of the elements being rotatable about the axis and formed with an annular array of flange holes centered on the axis, the coupling comprising: an elastomeric ring generally centered on the axis and having a dished face concave toward and directed axially at the one of the elements and an opposite generally planar face directed axially at the other of the elements; respective planar and dished face plates conforming to and vulcanized to the faces; formations connecting the planar face plate directly to the other element; an annular and thin membrane disk centered on the axis and having an outer periphery and an inner periphery and an inner face turned toward the elastomeric ring and an outer face turned away therefrom and toward the one element; bolts securing the disk outer periphery directly to an outer edge of the dished face plate; a stiffening ring bearing axially on the disk inner periphery against the inner face thereof; respective stems axially shiftable in the flange holes of the one element and bearing on the outer face of the disk at the inner periphery thereof; and respective stem bolts engaged through the stems and in the stiffening ring so as to fix the stems to the disk and clamp the disk inner periphery between the stems and the stiffening ring.