Patent ID: 6398681
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A tensioning device usable with a powered vehicle that is coupled with an implement, wherein the vehicle includes a first shaft member driven by the vehicle power source and the implement includes a second shaft member, said first and second shaft members being generally parallel and respectively carrying first and second pulleys with an endless drive element being operatively connected between the pulleys to drive the second shaft element, each shaft member having first and second end portions with the first end portions being supported and the second end portions being unsupported, wherein one of the shaft members is moveable with respect to the other shaft member, said tensioning device comprising:first and second members slideably coupled together, each of said slideable members having a portion operatively connected with a respective one of the second end portions of the first and second shaft members, and biasing structure operative between the portions for urging one portion away from the other portion to urge at least one of the second end portions of said shaft members away from the other shaft member to tension the endless drive element.