Importance

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Abstract

A power transmission system for a marine propulsion unit includes an improved construction that can absorb a shock generated when a shift mechanism is operated. The propulsion unit has a powering element and a propulsion device. The power transmission system includes a first shaft driven by the powering element and a second shaft driven by the first shaft and driving the propulsion device. The first and second shafts have a common axis. A coupling assembly is mounted on both the first and second shafts so as to couple them for rotation together. A damper is disposed next to the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes a pair of coupling members. One of the coupling members is axially moveable along the common axis relative to the other coupling member to compress the damper at the moment the first shaft is rotated relative to the second shaft. In another arrangement, a lost motion mechanism operates when the first shaft is rotated relative to the second shaft such that the initial shock is damped.

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First Claim