Patent ID: 6230864
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A drive engagement mechanism for providing selective engagement with a drive shaft, the shaft having an external surface having a diameter and a discontinuity, the engagement mechanism comprising:a hub having an external surface, a first end and a second end and an axis extending from the first end towards the second end, the hub having an aperture having a length and extending along the axis, a portion of the aperture further including means for engaging the discontinuity on the shaft the means for engaging the discontinuity occupying a portion of the aperture and extending less than the length of aperture;a support frame having means for providing sliding and rotational support to said hub from the external surface of said hub, so that the hub may slide along the axis from a first position where the means for engaging the discontinuity on the shaft contacts the discontinuity on the shaft, to a second position where the means for engaging the discontinuity is disengaged and does not contact the discontinuity; andmeans for engaging the external surface of said hub and moving said hub from the first position to the second position, so that the hub is supported over and around the external surface of the shaft by said support frame and so that when the hub is in the first position the hub engages the discontinuity on the shaft to transmit power from the shaft and when the hub is slid to the second position the hub is disengaged from the discontinuity.