Abstract: A composite "U" joint guard-step has a first member and a second member. A first assembly is provided for releaseably maintaining the first member in substantial mating alignment to the second member. A second assembly is provided for maintaining the second member at a preselected position relative to a "U" joint.The first member has first and second flanges and a middle portion and is of an elongated channel and inverted "U" configuration. The middle portion is generally planar and generally horizontal to provide a step for an operator. The first member is of a configuration sufficient for extending over and being spaced from the "U" joint.The second member has first and second flanges and is of elongated channel configuration. The second member is of a size sufficient for mating with the first member at the first and second flanges, while being spaced from the "U" joint. In combination with the first member, the first and second members encompass the "U" joint.

Abstract: A drive line, such as is used in agricultural equipment to drive various components, includes a rotating driveshaft that is connected to a driven shaft through a slip clutch that is coaxial with the two shafts and has clutch components that extend radially outwardly of the drive and driven shafts. A tubular shaft shield is coaxially and rotatably mounted around the drive shaft adjacent the clutch and includes an element with an annular external groove adjacent the clutch. A second tubular shield is coaxially mounted on the shaft shield and includes a bell-shaped housing that normally encloses the clutch, the outer shield having an internal annular groove opposite the external groove and being rotatable on and axially shiftable relative to the shaft shield.

Abstract: A torque transmitting coupling of a type having a housing with an opening therein which has a plurality of longitudinal splines along one part thereof and having another portion thereof which is circular. A sleeve is rotatably disposed within the circular part of the opening in the housing and this sleeve has a plurality of splines around the inner periphery thereof. The sleeve has a pin attached thereto which extends through a radial slot in the housing. A collar is slideably received on the exterior of the housing and is slideably movable in a longitudinal direction only and is biased to one position. Camming means are formed in the collar for moving the pin attached to the splined sleeve and thereby for rotating the splined sleeve from a first position which locks a shaft into the coupling to a second position which unlocks the shaft to be used in conjunction with the coupling. A free spinning shield is disposed around the housing.