Clutch adjusting ring

Abstract

The externally threaded surface of a clutch adjusting ring is provided with circumferentially spaced friction-enhancing plugs, preferably formed of nylon. The plugs are friction fit into bores located between the first and last threads of the externally threaded surface. The nylon plugs are slightly longer than their bores and, therefore, the top surfaces of the plugs extend slightly beyond the externally threaded surface. As the externally threaded surface of the ring is threaded into the cover, the corresponding internally threaded surface of the cover cuts through the radially extending plugs located in the threads of the ring. The plugs frictionally grip the cover thereby preventing, or greatly reducing, the amount of play in the adjusting ring, yet allowing the ring to be readily turned manually. In alternate embodiments, the friction-enhancing plugs are provided just on the corresponding threaded surface of the clutch cover, or on both the internally threaded surface of the clutch cover and the externally threaded surface of the clutch adjusting ring.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.