Compression mode flexible couplings

A coupling apparatus comprising:

• a first hub having a cylindrical segment and a plurality of teeth projecting therefrom;
• a second hub having a cylindrical segment and a plurality of teeth projecting therefrom;
• a flexible insert adapted to be positioned between the first and second hubs and having a circular outer perimeter and a plurality of interior projections defining a plurality of receptacles;
• a retainer shaped to be removably attachable around the circular outer perimeter of the flexible insert;
• wherein the number of teeth projecting from the first hub is the same as the number of teeth projecting from the second hub;
• wherein the insert has a number of receptacles equal to twice the number of teeth of the first hub;
• and wherein the teeth of the first hub are configured to occupy every other receptacle of the insert, while the teeth of the second hub are configured to occupy the remaining receptacles of the insert, such that, when the first hub, second hub, and insert are assembled together, the teeth of the first hub alternate with those of the second hub around a circumference of the flexible insert;
• and
• wherein the insert is split so as to facilitate wrap around installation of the insert onto the first and second hubs and so as to further facilitate removal of an installed insert from the first and second hubs when the first and second hubs are attached to respective shafts without moving the first and second hubs.