Abstract: A steering shaft boot of a molded elastic material comprises an inner boot portion including a first cylindrical portion that is adapted to cover a steering shaft, a first flange portion that extend radially outward from one axial end of the first cylindrical portion and is adapted to be secured to a panel member and a first upper wall portion that extends radially inward from the other axial end of the first cylindrical portion and is adapted to be put on an outer surface of the steering shaft; and an outer boot portion including a second cylindrical portion that covers the first cylindrical portion while keeping a certain clearance therebetween, a second flange portion that extends radially outward from one axis end of the second cylindrical portion and is adapted to be secured to the panel member and a second upper wall that extends radially inward from the other axial end of the second cylindrical portion to the other axial end of the first cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A boot for a constant velocity universal joint, having an inner surface that is prevented from contacting an edge portion of an outer housing of a constant velocity universal joint regardless of the bend of the boot. The boot includes a large end portion, a small end portion, and a bellows formed between the large and small end portions. The large end portion has an annular face portion facing the end face of a tip portion of the outer housing of the constant velocity universal joint, and defining a concave face portion dented to define an annular gap with the peripheral edge portion.

Abstract: A sealing sleeve (11) of the rolling boot type having a first larger, substantially cylindrical collar (12), a second smaller, substantially cylindrical collar (13), as a well as a wall portion (14) which is positioned between the collars (12, 13) and which forms at least one axially open annular fold (15) with circumferentially distributed indentations (18) in the convex curvature of the axially open annular fold (15), or with radial ribs (21) in the concave inner curvature of the axially open annular fold.

Abstract: In a joint boot to be mounted on an outer housing having a non-circular outer contour, intended to axial positioning without impairing the mountability to the outer housing. The joint boot (10) comprises a boot body (18) including a large-diameter attachment part (12), a small-diameter attachment part (14) and a bellows part (16), and a bushing (20) interposed between the outer housing and the large-diameter attachment part. The bushing assumes on its outer peripheral surface a circular form in cross-section and is provided, on its inner peripheral part to be externally fitted and fixed to the outer housing, with plural lobe portions (26) in a circumferentially distributed manner. On the inner peripheral surface of the bushing, protrusions (56) mating with circumferentially extending grooves (54) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer casing are provided in a position deviating from an external fitting area (Q) by the large-diameter attachment part in the axial direction of the bushing.

Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint connection interface includes a drive unit, a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector and a sealant. The drive unit includes a shaft having a second interface surface. The direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector includes a unitary inner joint part having a first interface surface, where the first interface surface is connected to the second interface surface of the drive unit. The sealant provides filling between the first and second interface surfaces. Also provided is a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector having sealant on an interface portion of an inner joint part and a method thereof.

Abstract: A bellows with a buckling protector for multi-part universal-joint propeller shafts with at least one joint as a connection between the propeller shafts and with a bellows carrier attached to one of the propeller shafts. The buckling protector is integrated into the bellows.

Abstract: A disk drive comprises a cover plate with preload tension formed across the cover plate for increasing the stiffness of the cover plate. The preload tension is formed across the cover plate after the cover plate that was warped is secured to a base member of the disk drive to become un-warped. Such a cover plate with increased stiffness is not easily deformed and effectively minimizes propagation of noise generated from operation of the disk drive.

Abstract: A sealing component constructed of silicone compound for use in high-temperature, high-speed and high-angle applications is disclosed. The disclosed silicone material may also be reinforced with fibers for added stiffness and stability.

Abstract: A boot for a joint is provided having an aperture and at least one protrusion and at least one indentation disposed about an inside diameter of the aperture.

Abstract: A boot for a universal joint is constructed by a boot body and a boot adapter. The one end of the boot is fitted on a propeller inner shaft via its one-end fitting portion and the other end of the boot is fitted on the outer race of the universal joint via its other-end fitting portion, thereby substantially covering the universal joint. The foregoing one-end fitting portion has an annular lip portion at its end portion. Passages for flowing air between the inside of the boot and the outside of the boot are formed on the one-end fitting portion and the annular lip portion. The passages are closed by the annular lip portion being expanded in diameter outward by a centrifugal force caused by the high rotation of the propeller inner shaft, thereby preventing splashed water or muddy water from intruding into the boot when air is sucked into the boot.

Abstract: A high performance constant velocity universal joint is based on a body which encloses the constant velocity joint components and provides a smooth spherical outer surface. A one-piece semi-rigid plastic boot in the form of a truncated sphere has a smooth internal spherical surface sized to match the outer surface of the body. The plastic of the boot is sufficiently elastic to allow the boot to snap over the body, yet sufficiently resilient to snap the open end closed after the boot is snapped over the body to provide a substantial seal preventing entry of debris under the seal. A retaining ring is positioned on the boot near the truncated end to resist plastic creep which would result in enlarging the opening and allowing debris to enter the seal.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a joint, and a resilient member 65 which extends through the joint and provides a restoring force which tends to strengthen the joint. The joint may comprise a flex coupling 61 which allows limited articulation of the joint. First and second drill string sections 63, 64 may be interconnected by the joint, the resilient member 65 being fixed to interior surfaces of the first and second drill string sections 63, 64. A downhole tool may also comprise primary and secondary sleeves 46 that are supported relative to the mandrel 10 of the drill string. Rotational drive may be transferred from one of the sleeves to the other.

Abstract: A protection arrangement for a double universal joint (1) for drives of agricultural implements has a first protection element (11), an annular second protection element (15) and a third protection element (18). The first protection element (11) has first holding projections (14) circumferentially distributed on its outer circumference (13) close to the first front edge. The first holding projections (14) project beyond the outer circumference (13) and form at least over a circumferential edge portion, distanced to the first front edge, a groove. A support tab projects beyond the first front edge. The second protection element (15) has second holding projections (17) circumferentially distributed on its outer circumference close to the second front edge. The second holding projections (17) project beyond the outer circumference and form, at least over a first circumferential edge area close to the second front edge, a second groove.

Abstract: A uniform coupling comprises a torque transmitting unit; first and second shafts that are connected through the torque transmitting unit; a boot covering the torque transmitting unit and having a first end connected to the first shaft and a second end connected to the second shaft, the second end being formed into a cylindrical wall that is tightly disposed on a cylindrical portion of the second shaft and has an axially leading end; a boot cover disposed on the cylindrical portion of the second shaft to cover the cylindrical wall leaving an annular space therebetween, the boot cover having an inside end surface that contacts the axially leading end of the cylindrical wall; and an air bleeding passage that communicates the inside of the boot with the outside of the same. The air bleeding passage includes a groove formed in an inner surface of the cylindrical wall and a passage that is defined between the axially leading end of the cylindrical wall and the inside end surface of the boot cover.

Abstract: To protect a joint from exposure to contaminants and loss of lubricant disposed within a joint a traditional joint includes a sealing system. Typically the sealing system includes a boot and a boot cover. To produce a more effective joint, the sealing system of the present invention further includes a shield to protect the boot and the boot cover from exposure to contaminants by providing a barrier therebetween. The joint of the present invention includes a shield having several embodiments including an elastomer sleeve, a rigid cylindrical tube and a thermoplastic second boot.

Abstract: A middle portion 62 of a fitting portion 52A of a boot 52 for a universal joint is fastened to a flange-like portion 72 of a member to which the boot is attached and a front end portion 63 to which communicating paths 61A to 63A of the boot 52 are opened is faced to a small diameter periphery portion 73 following one side of the flange-like portion 72 of the member to which the boot is attached.

Abstract: A hermetic seal functions as a closure between opposite ends of the coupling by combining a metal sleeve and an elastomer sleeve extension. The metal sleeve is sealingly attached to the outer surface of one end of the coupling and the elastomer sleeve, sealingly attached to the metal sleeve, is attached at the distal end to the other end of the coupling. As an alternative, the distal end may be bonded to a second metal sleeve sealingly attached to the other end of the coupling. The seal may be convoluted, with multiple convolutions.

Abstract: A structure is disclosed for preventing water or the like from intruding in a boot for a universal joint which includes: a communication passage for communicating inner and outer portions of the boot, the communication passage being provided in an end surface of a fitting portion of the boot sealing a connecting space of the universal joint to a member to be mounted at a time of fitting and attaching one end portion of the boot to the member to be mounted, wherein a protruding shielding portion opposing to the end surface of the fitting portion is provided in a close attached portion of the end surface of the fitting portion of the boot in the member to be mounted.

Abstract: A joint sealing boot comprises a first end affixable to a shaft, and a second end affixable to a boot cover, the second end having a sealing area including at least one sealing bead for sealing the joint and preventing grease egress and contamination ingress.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling boot (26) and to a rolling boot assembly including such a rolling boot and two attaching parts. The rolling boot (26) comprises a first axially flexible portion (38) having a first radially outer collar (27), a second axially flexible portion (39) having a second radially outer collar (28), and an approximately cylindrical connecting portion (40) which adjoins the two portions (38, 39) on the radial inside. The rolling boot assembly is provided with a first attaching part (24) comprising a fixing portion (34) which opens towards the second portion and which, from the outside, continuously approaches the first portion (38) of the rolling boot (26) in the direction of the first collar (27), as well with a second attaching part (25) comprising a fixing portion (37) which opens towards the first portion (38) and which approaches the second portion (39) in the direction of the second collar (28).

Abstract: A constant velocity joint sealing system comprising an internal grease shield located adjacent to the constant velocity joints, a boot cover affixed to the internal grease shield, and a flexible fabric cover affixed to the grease shield, boot cover and constant velocity joint.

Abstract: A boot for a universal joint is constructed by a boot body and a boot adapter. The one end of the boot is fitted on a propeller inner shaft via its one-end fitting portion and the other end of the boot is fitted on the outer race of the universal joint via its other-end fitting portion, thereby substantially covering the universal joint. The foregoing one-end fitting portion has an annular lip portion at its end portion. Passages for flowing air between the inside of the boot and the outside of the boot are formed on the one-end fitting portion and the annular lip portion. The passages are closed by the annular lip portion being expanded in diameter outward by a centrifugal force caused by the high rotation of the propeller inner shaft, thereby preventing splashed water or muddy water from intruding into the boot when air is sucked into the boot.

Abstract: A ball joint includes a socket and a stud having a ball end portion received in the socket and a shank projecting from the socket. An annular seal has an intermediate portion extending between first and second end portions. The second end portion of the seal has an engagement portion in sealing engagement with the shank portion of the stud. A spring is molded in the second end portion of the seal and extends for 360 degrees around the circumference of the shank portion at a location radially outward of the engagement portion. The spring has a circular array of spring fingers that extend radially inward from a main body portion and exert a radially inward directed force on the engagement portion to maintain it in sealing engagement with the shank portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling boot (26) and to a rolling boot assembly including such a rolling boot and two attaching parts. The rolling boot (26) comprises a first axially flexible portion (38) having a first radially outer collar (27), a second axially flexible portion (39) having a second radially outer collar (28), and an approximately cylindrical connecting portion (40) which adjoins the two portions (38, 39) on the radial inside. The rolling boot assembly is provided with a first attaching part (24) comprising a fixing portion (34) which opens towards the second portion and which, from the outside, continuously approaches the first portion (38) of the rolling boot (26) in the direction of the first collar (27), as well with a second attaching part (25) comprising a fixing portion (37) which opens towards the first portion (38) and which approaches the second portion (39) in the direction of the second collar (28).

Abstract: A protection arrangement for a joint (1), especially a double universal joint driving or in drives of agricultural devices and self-propelled implements, has a tube-like first protection element (12) with a first axial end (13) and a second axial end. At least the first axial end (13) is open. An attachment portion (16) is on the first axial end (13). The first protection element (12) is supported on a first component (4) of the joint (1). A second plastic protection element (17) is formed as a hollow body. The second protection element is open at both ends with an axially open first end portion (18) and an axially open second end portion (19). An envelope portion (20, 120, 220) is formed between the first and second open end portions (18,19). The envelope portion (20, 120, 220) has a lattice structure. The first end portion (18) is connectable to the attachment portion (16) of the first protection element (12).

Abstract: A steering column slider shaft assembly includes a shaft and yoke assembly having yoke at a first end and an attached non-cylindrical shaft extending therefrom to a second end. The second end is engaged with a non-cylindrical tube which forms a second end of a tube and yoke assembly, the tube being congruent with and adapted to slidably receive the shaft and provide a slip fit therefor. The shaft and yoke assembly and the tube and yoke assembly each have interengaging provisions which are over-molded or otherwise attached, for sealing the slider shaft assembly. The interengaging provisions also serve to limit extension of the slider assembly to resist inadvertent separation of the slider shaft assembly during assembly of the steering column.

Abstract: A structure is disclosed for preventing water or the like from intruding in a boot for a universal joint which includes: a communication passage for communicating inner and outer portions of the boot, the communication passage being provided in an end surface of a fitting portion of the boot sealing a connecting space of the universal joint to a member to be mounted at a time of fitting and attaching one end portion of the boot to the member to be mounted, wherein a protruding shielding portion opposing to the end surface of the fitting portion is provided in a close attached portion of the end surface of the fitting portion of the boot in the member to be mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved dust cover a ball and socket joint. The dust cover includes an elongated sleeved body portion and a hinged portion. The sleeved body portion is constructed of a flexible, elastomeric material and is sized such that the sleeved body portion must be stretched over a joint housing to frictionally engage an exterior side wall of the joint housing without requiring any additional fasteners. The hinged portion includes a sealing lip that seals around a shank of a ball stud and a plurality of hinges that provide additional surface material for the dust cover for increased flexibility. The dust cover includes at least three hinges, a first upper hinge, a second upper hinge and a lower hinge positioned therebetween. The first upper hinge is offset from the second upper hinge such that the first upper hinge is positioned higher than the second upper hinge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaft boot (9) for sealing off the transition between a drive shaft (8) and a joint, especially a constant velocity joint (90) in the drive system of a motor vehicle. The shaft boot (9), which is preferably composed of a polyurethane foam, is secured by its first end (2) on the constant velocity joint, using a clamping ring (3), and by its second end (7) on the drive shaft (8), using a second clamping ring (6). Extending radially between the two ends of the shaft boot there is at least one fold (5), the second end (7) and this fold lying essentially at the same axial level. Thanks to its compact construction, the space for holding lubricating grease is minimized and the lubricating grease is fed back to the constant velocity joint during movements of the drive shaft (8).

Abstract: A sealing apparatus 20 is provided with an annular elastic member 21 and a reinforcing member 23 to which the elastic member 21 is securely fixed, and is attached to an annular stepped portion 12b of a cylindrical member 12. The elastic member 21 has a sealing portion coming into contact with the inner surface of the stepped portion 12b of the cylindrical member 12 and the inner periphery surface of a large cylinder portion 12c in an airtight manner. Further, the sealing apparatus 20 has a holding portion including a cylinder portion 24 press-inserted into the inner periphery of the small cylinder portion 12a of the cylindrical member 12; and an elastic outer cylinder portion 25.

Abstract: In a mounting structure of a boot (15), a communication passage (21) communicating a connection space (13) with an external portion can be formed in a base portion (14A) of a boot adapter (14) at least at an intermediate stage of being inserted and attached to an outer peripheral portion of a first member (an outer wheel (11A)) from an axial direction, and the connection space (13) can be sealed by shutting a communication by the communication passage (21) at least at a final stage of the insertion and attachment.

Abstract: A ball joint 110 for a vehicle having a housing 120 partly enclosing a ball member 112 a cover member 150 provided by an annular, partially everted body of steel which at one end 158 surrounds the housing for attachment and at the other 156 is in-turned at 160 to approach the spherical surface 118 of the ball member radially and at about 45 degrees to the member housing axis. This other end 156 supports an elastomeric sealing ring 142 biased by the member 150 against the spherical surface to prevent contaminants being carried by the ball to the housing seat 126. To tailor the resilience, the cover member is provided with an array of slots 1681 . . . at the curved region 160 which are filled with plugs 1721 . . . of contaminant excluding elastomer and/or the ball sealing ring is biased against the housing adjacent the seat.

Abstract: When forcibly mounting a fixture attached with a joint boot on an outer circumferential surface of an outer cup, a thick-walled section is pressed between an inclined surface of the outer cup and an annular stepped section of the fixture. Accordingly, the thick-walled section is elastically deformed and in close contact with the inclined surface for effecting sealing function.

Abstract: The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft includes an optical fiber and a reinforcing tube with apertures formed around the surface of the reinforcing tube, and at least one coaxial outer layer of a polymer, metal, or both for providing desired variations in stiffness along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The apertures can be formed as axial or helical slits in the surface of the reinforcing tube, and the reinforcing tube can also be formed to be tapered at the point where the apertures are formed in the reinforcing tube to provide an optical fiber shaft that is torqueable and pushable at the proximal end, yet soft and flexible at the distal end.

Abstract: A universal joint (1) is provided with a boot (10) which has one end fitted to the inner element (2) and the other end fitted to the outer element (3) so as to seal between the inner element (2) and the outer element (3). The boot (10) is constituted by a flexible boot main body (11) and an adapter (12). During fitting between the outer element (3) and the adapter (12), an inside of the boot (10) and the open air are communicated with each other via a communication passage formed by a communication groove (12f) of the adapter (12), and pressure of air within the boot (10) is kept at the same pressure as that of the open air.

Abstract: A boot arrangement is provided for use with a constant velocity joint and shaft assembly including a shaft, a first joint part slidably engageable with the shaft, and a second joint part cooperable with the first joint part to transmit torque therebetween. The boot arrangement includes a sleeve adapted to slidably engage the shaft and having first and second ends. The second end of the sleeve is adapted to be connected to the first joint part. The arrangement further includes a boot having a first end adapted to be connected to the sleeve proximate the first end of the sleeve, and a second end adapted to be operatively connected to the second joint part.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is incorporated into a constant velocity universal joint. The joint has an inner joint part connected to a shaft shank and an outer joint part which is sealed relative to the shaft shank and which has a flange face, relative to which outer joint part there is braced a counter flange which has a counter flange face. A sealing cover is disposed at the outer joint part, and clamped in an edge region between the outer joint part and the counter flange. The flange face directly contacts the counter flange face in an annular contact region. An annular gap is formed radially inside the contact region between the flange face and the counter flange face. The sealing cover is located in the annular gap with its edge region. The sealing cover is connected to the outer joint part by means of an adhesive layer which consists of a sealing agent and which is applied so as to have a sealing effect relative to the flange face and relative to the sealing cover.

Abstract: A universal joint such as a constant velocity (CV) joint in a drive assembly of a front wheel drive vehicle can require a boot to seal the joint from environmental contaminants found on a highway or other vehicle driving surface. Typically, such boots are attached using a clamp, however it has been found that the crimps extending from the clamp can interfere with a vehicle's ABS sensor. The present invention provides a clampless means of attaching the boot to the CV joint, by providing a continuous rib projecting from inner surface of an end of the boot, and a coincident groove on the end of the universal joint, wherein the rib has a means for cooperating with the groove to retain said rib within the groove. It is contemplated that the present invention can be used on other types of universal joint and boot assemblies.

Abstract: The second boot that protects parts adjacent to a fixed box from which there projects a rotating hub that is to be connected to a driveline (with the possible presence of a friction clutch or of a torque limiting means) comprises—attached to the fixed box (1)—a disc (11) with a peripheral edge (11A) for engagement and fastening; and a sleeve (17) that can be engaged inside the edge (11A-11B) of said disc (11), with fastening clips (22) capable of being clipped to and unclipped from said edge (11A-11B). Said sleeve (17) may include protective layers around the parts which it encloses.

Abstract: In a four wheel drive type buggy, an output shaft of an engine is connected to a front wheel propeller shaft and a bevel gear of a front wheel differential gear via a connecting pipe. The front wheel propeller shaft is provided with a large diameter section around an outer periphery surface thereof near and behind a rear end opening of the connecting pipe. A dust cover covers the outer periphery between the large diameter section and the rear end opening and a band fastens both ends of the cover. The large diameter section has approximately the same diameter as the outer diameter of a spline section formed at the tip of the front wheel propeller shaft. When connecting the front wheel propeller shaft to the connecting pipe, the spline section is insertable into the free opening of the dust cover, with the dust cover previously covering the outer periphery surface of the rear end opening.

Abstract: A convoluted boot has a boot portion with annular folds, and collar portions adjoining the boot portion at both ends. A ventilation aperture is formed in the smaller one of the collar portions, the convoluted boot is provided for a universal joint which has an outer joint part and an inner joint part connected to a driveshaft. A larger collar portion is securable to the outer joint part and a smaller collar portion to the driveshaft. Inside the boot portion, near the smaller one of the collar portions, there is arranged an annular lip which is dimensioned in such a way that, with the driveshaft being axially aligned relative to the outer joint part, it rests under pre-tension against the driveshaft.

Abstract: A protective device for a drive assembly with a double universal joint (1) has a protective cone (10) with folds (15). At the cone's first axial end (11), it is secured to a bearing assembly (12). At its second axial end, the cone (10) includes a fixing portion (14) which is connected to a guiding ring (18). The guiding ring (18), via its inner end (21) projects into the part of the protective cone (10) which is provided with the folds. The guiding ring (18) itself is supported on a bearing ring (23). The bearing ring (23), in turn, is supported on an inner double yoke (5). An axial relative movement is permitted between the guiding ring (18) and the bearing ring (23). The guiding ring (18) ensures that the protective cone (10), with the folds (15), is well supported under articulation conditions. Furthermore, the protective cone (10) with its folds (15) has a relatively long length without losing any of its stability.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bellows device (17) including an elastic bellows (19) adapted to be connected at a first end to a first rotary member (9) and the second end of which has a portion (24) turned back axially outwards, the free end of this turned back portion being adapted to be fixed to a second rotary member (11). The device includes a rigid member (21) for stabilizing the bellows (19) including a radially external connecting part adapted to assure axial retention of said member (21) relative to the second rotary member (11) and a radially internal part (33) adapted to extend axially towards the turned back portion (24), inside the latter, and to have an annular surface facing the bellows (19) that is free of sharp edges.

Abstract: A drive element (10) is provided for coupling together rotatable shafts (12) and (14). The shafts (12) and (14) are able to rotate about their respective longitudinal axes (12A) and (14A). Additionally, the shafts (12) and (14) can pivot relative to each other about a pivot point P which is coincident with the geometric center of the drive element (10). Drive element (10) includes a groove (20) for receiving a tongue (16) of shaft (12); and, a tongue (22) which is seated in a groove (18) formed in shaft (14). Surface (26) of the groove (20) and surfaces (34) on opposite sides of the tongue (22) are shaped so that as the axes of rotation (12A) and (14A) of the shafts (12) and (14) are pivoted relative to each other through a predetermined range of angles the respective loci of closest contact between the shafts (12) and (14) and the pivot point P remains constant.

Abstract: A chlorosulfonated ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer composition comprising a chlorosulfonated ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer, a thiuram compound, a bismaleimide compound, a nickel dialkyldithiocarbamate, and a diarylmonoamine compound, and a motorcar joint boot obtained by molding and vulcanizing the chlorosulfonated ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer composition. The copolymer composition is excellent in the tensile characteristics at room temperature and low temperature, in the compression set under a low-temperature atmosphere, and in the fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A vent regulator device adapted for use in a constant velocity joint including a housing having an inner surface defining an inner cavity. The inner surface includes an annular portion, and a domed portion which has a relatively small vent hole centrally located therein. The vent regulator device further includes a member having a first end and a second end where the first end is mounted to the inner surface of the housing and the second end is disposed proximate the vent hole. When the constant velocity joint is in one of either a static state and an active state rotating at speeds below a predetermined threshold, the vent hole is overlappingly covered by the first end of the member, thereby preventing grease from penetrating the hole. Moreover, when the constant velocity joint is in an active state rotating at speeds above the predetermined threshold, centrifugal forces cause the second end of the member to move away radially from the vent hole to allow venting of air therethrough.

Abstract: A protection device for a wide-angle transmission joint includes a first casing with a proximal end fixed to a ring sliding into a groove in a disc and a distal end bearing an extension inwardly folded. The casing has a first part covering the intermediate means as well as the zone which connects the latter with the yoke and a second part covering the yoke as well as the end of the transmission shaft. The connection between the two parts is realized by a section which is deformable under the action of the transmission shaft inclining when the joint is bent up to 80.degree..

Abstract: A vehicular driveshaft assembly includes a first universal joint connected to an aluminum yoke shaft having an externally splined hollow body. A first open end of an aluminum sleeve receives the splined body of the yoke shaft. Internal splines of the sleeve cooperate with the external splines of the yoke shaft body to permit axial slip between the sleeve and the yoke shaft. A second end of the sleeve is secured to a first end of a driveshaft tube. A second end of the driveshaft tube is secured to a tube yoke. The tube yoke is connected to a second universal joint.

Abstract: To reduce the cost in a resin boot attaching construction, a groove depth a and groove width b of engaging groove 21 and the height c and width d of ridges 22 are set within the following dimensional ranges:a=0.5-1.5 mmb=3.0-5.0 mmand b/a.gtoreq.3c=0.1-0.5 mmd=1.0-0. mm (where d=0, the ridges 22 become edges.) The width of the boot band is wider than the width of the groove.

Abstract: A driving force transmitting device for transmitting driving force from a driving member to a driven member incorporates a wired cable operatively connected with each of the driving member and the driven member, wherein the wired cable rotated by the driving member drives the driven member, an outer tube through which the wired cable is fitted, and supporting tubes fitted in the outer tube and in frictional engagement with the wired cable. The supporting tubes support the wired cable when the wired cable is rotated. An inner tube receives the wired cable therein with a clearance defined between the inner tube and the wired cable. The inner tube is positioned within the outer tube and between the supporting tubes.