Automatic clutch

An automatic clutch for engaging associated drive members and associated driven members comprising, on the driving side, a drive clutch movable only axially relative to the associated drive members and normally biased in the de-clutching direction, a stationary inner cam located on the side toward which said drive clutch is biased for axially caming said drive clutch, said inner cam being connected to or disconnected from said drive clutch accordingly as said clutch disengages or engages, and a holdout ring having projections to be engaged with lands of said inner cam and adapted to keep said drive clutch and said inner cam out of connection unitl the driving side stops, said holdout ring being fitted over said drive clutch under such frictional conditions that, only when said holdout ring has engaged said inner cam, it can circumferentially slide relative to said drive clutch, and, on the driven side, a driven clutch movable only axially relative to the associated driven members and normally biased in the clutching direction.