Patent ID: 7891092

Claim:
A method of providing overload protection with a multi-rate torsion coupling comprising steps of transmitting torque between input and output members of the multi-rate torsion coupling having first and second elastomeric members mounted along parallel first and second drive connections between the input and output members, frictionally connecting the first and second elastomeric members with their first and second drive connections in positions of registration that allow the second drive connection to remain disengaged until the input and output members are relatively angularly displaced through a threshold angle of play, accommodating overload torque by allowing at least one of the first and second elastomeric members to temporarily disconnect from the first and second drive connections and relatively move out of registration with respect to the other of the first and second elastomeric members, and re-registering the elastomeric members within the first and second drive connections with respect to each other to restore the relationship that allows the second drive connection to remain disengaged until the input and output members are relatively angularly displaced through the threshold angle of play.