VARIABLE SPEED, MULTIPLE COMPONENT PULLEY

摘要

A variable speed pulley or sheave with a broad speed range is provided. The variable speed pulley comprises three internesting components which enable a broad range of ratios to be achieved. The multiple component pulley is mounted on an idler shaft with one V-belt connected to a pulley of a drive shaft and another V-belt connected with a pulley of driven shaft. They pulley includes two outer pulley components which are designed with generally radially-extending tines and recessed hubs. The pulley has a third, intermediate pulley component also mounted on the idler shaft between the outer two components and being slidable thereon to inter-nest with the outer two components. The intermediate component has generally-radially extending, generally triangularly shaped tines which can extend into slots between the tines of the outer two components. The intermediate component also has a hub which can extend into recesses of the outer two pulley components moved into inter-nesting relationship therewith. The multiple component pulley is particularly effective for use with self-propelled lawn mowers but also has many other applications.