Abstract: A coupling for shafts and the like, comprising a sleeve having a passage adapted to receive the end portions of two aligned shafts, an outer circumferential surface having two axially spaced sections which conically diverge towards each other, and a radial flange intermediate the sections; a pair of pressure rings each surrounding one of the sections and having a conically tapering inner circumferential surface complementary to the respectively surrounded section; and bolts connecting the pressure rings with the flange and operative for pulling the pressure rings axially towards each other and towards the flange to thereby compress the sleeve radially inwardly into frictional engagement with shaft end portions located in the passage.

Abstract: A coupling unit for coupling a shaft to a surrounding hub has an inner ring which surrounds the shaft and is in turn surrounded by an outer ring. The juxtaposed surfaces of the two rings define with one another two wedge-shaped annular gaps which taper towards each other axially of the rings. Tension members are inserted into these gaps and both extend through the tension members so as to draw them axially together in order to force the rings against the shaft and the hub, respectively. An abutment ring is located between the inner and outer rings and has circumferentially spaced bores some of which are smooth and some of which are tapped. By cooperation of the bolts and the abutment ring the tension members can be forced out of the respective gaps when the connection between shaft and hub is to be released.