Patent ID: 7036644

Claim:
A torque transmitting and latching apparatus comprising: a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member operatively connected by a selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanism comprising at least first and second friction plates drivingly connected with said first and second rotatable members respectively; a torque to thrust apparatus comprising an input member operable to transmit an initial engagement force to said first friction plate, and a reaction member rotatable with said second friction plate; apply means operable on said torque to thrust input member to provide an initiating engagement force to said torque-transmitting mechanism independent of said reaction member of said torque to thrust apparatus; said torque to thrust apparatus being effective in response to said initiating engagement force to establish full engagement of said torque-transmitting mechanism; and said latching apparatus including a means for presenting an engagement between said torque to thrust input member and said torque to thrust reaction member to prevent disengagement of said torque-transmitting mechanism upon release of said initiating engagement force.