Cushion ring assembly for a sprocket driven by a chain

A sprocket assembly which is either driven by a drive chain or which drives said drive chain, said sprocket assembly comprising:

• a hub centered about a sprocket axis, said hub defining a hub radially outer surface;
• a plurality of sprocket teeth extending radially outward from said hub such that said plurality of sprocket teeth divide said hub radially outer surface into a forward section and a rearward section;
• a forward cushion ring assembly adjacent to said plurality of sprocket teeth and circumferentially surrounding said forward section of said hub radially outer surface;
• and
• a rearward cushion ring assembly adjacent to said plurality of sprocket teeth and circumferentially surrounding said rearward section of said hub radially outer surface;
• wherein said forward cushion ring assembly and said rearward cushion ring assembly each comprise:
• a cushion ring adjacent to said plurality of sprocket teeth and circumferentially surrounding said hub radially outer surface;
• said cushion ring being resilient and compliant;
• and
• a retention ring which is partially embedded within said cushion ring and which engages said hub radially outer surface in an interference fit, said retention ring providing axial and radial retention of said cushion ring to said hub.