Flexible Coupling

A method for transmitting torque and rotary motion between components in a power transmission system by:

• providing a flexible coupling joint assembly at one or both ends of a drive shaft said flexible coupling joint assembly comprising:
• a male member;
• said male member that is a multi-sided ball, or polygonal ball, extending generally in a longitudinal direction;
• a female member
• said female member that is a socket, with reciprocating multi-sides, or reciprocating said multi-sided or polygonal shape extending generally in a longitudinal direction;
• said male member having a portion that is disposed in the female socket;
• said male and female members being spaced apart to define a space extending generally in the longitudinal direction;
• said female member and said male member separated by a gap that will allow for the insertion of an intermediary wear plate member;
• and a pivot point,
• said pivot point comprising:
• a spherical shaped member that is a convex cap component;
• said cap component exhibiting a geometrical center that is co-extensive with said multi-sided, or polygonal, ball;
• said spherical member that may be integral to, or separate from,
• said multisided, or polygonal, ball;
• said spherical member reciprocating to a mating, similarly radiused bowl in the female socket;
• said similarly radiused bowl member may be integral to, or separate from, said female socket;
• said spherically shaped bowl having the same geometrical center with said spherical member;
• said spherical member and said radiused bowl each having a smooth surface to reduce friction between said members;
• and
• said spherical member being disposed in the spherical bowl and allowed to slide on said spherical interface of said bowl allowing the flexible coupling to pivot about the spherical center of the multi-sided, or polygonal, ball.
• mating said male member and said female member longitudinally;
• packing said joint assembly between male and female members with lubricant to create a lubricant cavity;
• sealing said lubricant cavity from contaminants via an elastomeric plug;
• locking said elastomeric ring in place with a retaining ring;
• fitting said retaining ring over a load ring to prevent dislodgement;
• and
• operating said flexible coupling joint assembly as to distribute torque and rotary power.