Abstract: A driven clutch for continuously variable transmission for a vehicle, the driven clutch permitting engine braking. The clutch includes an output shaft with first and second sheaves. The first sheave is substantially inhibited from moving axially along the output shaft but may be relatively unrestrained rotationally. The second sheave is axially and rotationally movable with respect to the shaft. A slot is formed in the output shaft and adapted to engage with second sheave for providing torque transmission between the second sheave and the output shall. A compression spring is disposed between the helix and the second sheave for biasing the second sheave toward the first sheave.

Abstract: A drive clutch for a continuously variable transmission that includes an input shaft designed to engage with an engine. A sheave assembly is mounted about the input shaft. A bearing assembly separates the sheave assembly from the input shaft such that the input shaft can rotate independently from the sheave assembly. At least one sheave clutch assembly is positioned about the input shaft. The sheave clutch assembly is configured to provide engagement between the sheave assembly and the input shaft when the rotation of the input shaft increases above a certain threshold value. An axial control mechanism is mounted on the input shaft adjacent to the second sheave. The axial control mechanism controls the movement of the second sheave toward and away from the first sheave as a function of the speed of the input shaft. A continuously variable transmission including the drive clutch and a driven clutch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch including a drive hub having a rotational axis, a drum coaxial with the driver, a plurality of shoes engaging the drive hub so as to rotate with the driver, each shoe having an aperture therethrough in the axial direction, the shoes being radially movable between a radially outward position in which the shoes contact a surface of the drum and a radially inward position in which the shoes are spaced apart from the drum, and a plurality of springs urging the shoes toward the radially inward position, each spring being located in the aperture of a corresponding shoe, each spring having a radially inward end engaging one of the shoes and an opposite radially outward end engaging the driver.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch including a drive hub having a rotational axis, a drum coaxial with the driver, a plurality of shoes engaging the drive hub so as to rotate with the driver, each shoe having an aperture therethrough in the axial direction, the shoes being radially movable between a radially outward position in which the shoes contact a surface of the drum and a radially inward position in which the shoes are spaced apart from the drum, and a plurality of springs urging the shoes toward the radially inward position, each spring being located in the aperture of a corresponding shoe, each spring having a radially inward end engaging one of the shoes and an opposite radially outward end engaging the driver.

Abstract: A drive clutch for a continuously variable transmission that includes an input shaft designed to engage with an engine. A sheave assembly is mounted about the input shaft. A bearing assembly separates the sheave assembly from the input shaft such that the input shaft can rotate independently from the sheave assembly. At least one sheave clutch assembly is positioned about the input shaft. The sheave clutch assembly is configured to provide engagement between the sheave assembly and the input shaft when the rotation of the input shaft increases above a certain threshold value. An axial control mechanism is mounted on the input shaft adjacent to the second sheave. The axial control mechanism controls the movement of the second sheave toward and away from the first sheave as a function of the speed of the input shaft. A continuously variable transmission including the drive clutch and a driven clutch is also disclosed.