Abstract: A seal system and method are provided to protect a double-tube vehicle driveshaft, having first and second members containing intermeshing splined portions, from premature wear or corrosion. The seal system comprises first and second splined inner-portions wherein the diameter of the first splined inner-portion is greater than the diameter of the second splined inner-portion. In operation, at least a part of the splined portion of the first member is resident within the first splined inner-portion of the seal, and at least a part of the splined portion of the second member is telescopically resident within the second splined inner-portion of the seal. The seal method comprises fitting the first splined inner-portion of the seal around at least a part of the splined portion of the first member, and fitting the second splined inner-portion of the seal around at least a part of the splined portion of the second member.

Abstract: Boot systems and boot attachment methods are provided to protect a double-tube vehicle driveshaft from premature wear or corrosion. One boot system comprises a boot portion having annular folds, opposite ends, and collar portions. The collar portions adjoin the boot portion at its opposite ends. At least one of the collar portions has a splined portion. The boot system may be utilized in a driveshaft comprising first and second members having splined portions. The second member of such a driveshaft is telescopically resident within the first member, and the splined portion of the first member cooperates with the splined portion of the second member. The boot attachment method involves sliding the boot over at least a part of the first and second members of the driveshaft, and securing the first and second collar portions to the respective first and second members.

Abstract: Venting systems and methods are provided for a splined driveshaft to continually equalize the internal driveshaft pressure with that of the atmosphere, preventing at the same time, external elements, such as, water, dirt, or salt from getting into the driveshaft, thereby causing premature wear or corrosion. One venting system comprises a vent defined in a splined driveshaft for allowing air outside the driveshaft, containing telescopically resident first and second members, to pass into at least one of the first and second members, and a plug mounted over the vent. Another venting system comprises a weld yoke at an end of a splined driveshaft, a vent defined in the weld yoke allowing air outside the splined driveshaft to pass into the driveshaft, and a plug mounted over the vent. A venting method comprises providing a splined driveshaft, forming a vent defined in the splined driveshaft, mounting a plug over the vent, and venting the splined driveshaft through the vent.

Abstract: A shaft adapted for connection to another shaft in a manner that transfers rotational movement is provided. The shaft bears a spline comprising a plurality of teeth. Each tooth has a profile that enhances surface contact between the shaft and a second shaft, thereby leading to enhanced fit between the shafts. Each tooth includes a top surface and first and second sides. Each of the first and second sides has a straight portion disposed between top and bottom transition regions. In a preferred embodiment, the length of each straight portion is between approximately 0.6 and 0.9 times the overall length of the appropriate side. Also, the pitch diameter of the shaft is preferably between 0.8 and 0.97 times the outer diameter of the shaft. The width of each tooth is preferably between approximately 2 and 5 times the wall thickness of the shaft.

Abstract: A shaft adapted for connection to another shaft in a manner that transfers rotational movement is provided. The shaft bears a spline comprising a plurality of teeth. Each tooth has a profile that enhances surface contact between the shaft and a second shaft, thereby leading to enhanced fit between the shafts. Each tooth includes a top surface and first and second sides. Each of the first and second sides has a straight portion disposed between top and bottom transition regions. In a preferred embodiment, the length of each straight portion is between approximately 0.6 and 0.9 times the overall length of the appropriate side. Also, the pitch diameter of the shaft is preferably between 0.8 and 0.97 times the outer diameter of the shaft. The width of each tooth is preferably between approximately 2 and 5 times the wall thickness of the shaft.

Abstract: Boot systems and boot attachment methods are provided to protect a double-tube vehicle driveshaft from premature wear or corrosion. One boot system comprises a boot portion having annular folds, opposite ends, and collar portions. The collar portions adjoin the boot portion at its opposite ends. At least one of the collar portions has a splined portion. The boot system may be utilized in a driveshaft comprising first and second members having splined portions. The second member of such a driveshaft is telescopically resident within the first member, and the splined portion of the first member cooperates with the splined portion of the second member. The boot attachment method involves sliding the boot over at least a part of the first and second members of the driveshaft, and securing the first and second collar portions to the respective first and second members.

Abstract: A seal system and method are provided to protect a double-tube vehicle driveshaft, having first and second members containing intermeshing splined portions, from premature wear or corrosion. The seal system comprises first and second splined inner-portions wherein the diameter of the first splined inner-portion is greater than the diameter of the second splined inner-portion. In operation, at least a part of the splined portion of the first member is resident within the first splined inner-portion of the seal, and at least a part of the splined portion of the second member is telescopically resident within the second splined inner-portion of the seal. The seal method comprises fitting the first splined inner-portion of the seal around at least a part of the splined portion of the first member, and fitting the second splined inner-portion of the seal around at least a part of the splined portion of the second member.

Abstract: Venting systems and methods are provided for a splined driveshaft to continually equalize the internal driveshaft pressure with that of the atmosphere, preventing at the same time, external elements, such as, water, dirt, or salt from getting into the driveshaft, thereby causing premature wear or corrosion. One venting system comprises a vent defined in a splined driveshaft for allowing air outside the driveshaft, containing telescopically resident first and second members, to pass into at least one of the first and second members, and a plug mounted over the vent. Another venting system comprises a weld yoke at an end of a splined driveshaft, a vent defined in the weld yoke allowing air outside the splined driveshaft to pass into the driveshaft, and a plug mounted over the vent. A venting method comprises providing a splined driveshaft, forming a vent defined in the splined driveshaft, mounting a plug over the vent, and venting the splined driveshaft through the vent.

Abstract: A vehicle driveshaft 10 having first and second splined members 12,16 which are manufactured of aluminum, which are anodized, and which respectively include relatively long and wide respective spline portions 14, 18, thereby cooperatively forming a relatively stiff driveshaft 10.