OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Component Histories GREENFIELD - Theo Reinhold Patents 1980s

PATENT 58701 of 1986
This patent involved the Greenfield Clutch Assembly, arguably the best
mechanical, friction clutch design used anywhere in the world, which could
deliver variable speed, forward-reverse, to ride-on lawn tractors. This is
a credit to the genius of Theo Reinhold.

This patent covers an improvement on the design in terms of cost of
manufacture, assembly time, and quietness of operation: It was �more
reliable and efficient in use�.

The patent is in typical �lawyer�s speak�. The accompanying drawings go to
a more clear explanation, and I feel these improvements will be only
understood by the �Greenies� with good knowledge of the Greenfield design.

Here is a diagrammatic view of the drive mechanism:-


FIG 2 is an exploded view of FIG 1:-


FIG 3 is a top elevational view of the clutch assembly.
FIG 4 is an exploded sectional view
FIG 5 is an elevational view