Flexible couplings

Abstract

A flexible coupling including a first hub having an inner face, a flexible insert having a plurality of exterior lobes and a plurality of interior lobes, a retainer ring having an interior which engages the exterior lobes of the flexible insert, and a second hub having an exterior surface contoured to engage the interior lobes of the flexible insert.

1 . A flexible torque transmitting belt comprising: 
 a flexible plastic body having an inner and outer surface;    said outer surface including a plurality of exterior lobes, each of a selected first width, each having a perimeter including a circular portion disposed between first and second flat sides, the distance between respective ends of said flat sides defining said first width;    each exterior lobe comprising a solid body of plastic material in the space encompassed by said perimeter and a line joining said respective ends;    said inner surface including a plurality of interior lobes, each of a selected second width, each including a circular portion disposed between first and second flat sides, the distance between the respective ends of said flat sides defining said second width; and    each interior lobe comprising a solid body of plastic material in the space encompassed by said perimeter and a line joining said respective ends.    
   
   
       2 . The flexible belt of  claim 1  wherein said interior lobes alternate with said exterior lobes such that, as one proceeds about a circumference of said body one encounters a first exterior lobe, then an interior lobe, then an exterior lobe, then an interior lobe in repeating fashion.  
   
   
       3 . The flexible belt of  claim 1  wherein said first and second widths are equal.  
   
   
       4 . The flexible belt of  claim 2  wherein said exterior lobes and interior lobes are disposed on a circular central annular portion of said body providing a constant shear section.  
   
   
       5 . The flexible belt of  claim 2  wherein said first and second widths are equal.  
   
   
       6 . The flexible belt of  claim 4  wherein said first and second widths are equal.  
   
   
       7 . A flexible torque transmitting belt comprising: 
 a flexible plastic body having an inner and outer surface;    said outer surface including a plurality of exterior lobes, each of a selected first width, each including first and second flat sides, the distance between respective ends of said flat sides defining said first width, each exterior lobe having a perimeter comprising the first flat side leading into a first radiused corner, the second flat side leading into a second radiused corner, the radiused corners being connected by a central circumferentially disposed segment;    each exterior lobe comprising a solid body of plastic material in the space defined by said perimeter and a line between said respective ends of said first and second flat sides;    said inner surface including a plurality of interior lobes, each of a selected second width, each including third and fourth flat sides, the distance between the respective ends of said flat sides defining said second width, the third flat side leading into a third radiused corner, the fourth flat side leading into a fourth radiused corner, the third and fourth radiused corners being interconnected by a central circumferentially disposed segment;    each interior lobe comprising a solid body of plastic material in the space encompassed by said perimeter and a line between said respective ends of said third and fourth flat sides;    the first, second, third and fourth flat sides comprising driving surfaces, the first, second third and fourth radiused corners being shaped and dimensioned to provide a locking function in relation to a cooperating well of a cooperating coupling component.    
   
   
       8 . The flexible belt of  claim 1  wherein said interior lobes alternate with said exterior lobes such that, as one proceeds about a circumference of said body one encounters a first exterior lobe, then an interior lobe, then an exterior lobe, then an interior lobe in repeating fashion.