Patent ID: 7488257

Claim:
A multiple-tube propeller shaft assembly for transmitting an amount of torque therethrough, comprising: a first outer tube having an interior surface with a splined portion; a second outer tube having an interior surface with a splined portion; and an inner tube having an exterior surface with a splined portion for interconnecting said first and second outer tubes such that said first outer tube transmits substantially all of the torque to said inner tube and said inner tube transmits substantially all of the torque to said second outer tube, wherein said splined portion of one of said first and second outer tubes is capable of slidably engaging said splined portion at one end of said inner tube to form a slip spline connection therebetween, and wherein said splined portion of the other one of said first and second outer tubes is capable of lockingly engaging said splined portion at the other end of said inner tube to form a locked spline connection therebetween, precluding axial movement until a tunable force is applied.