Patents Assigned to GKN Automotive Components Incorporated
  • Patent number: 4605384
    Abstract: A self-aligning tripod joint tulip cover for interconnecting an irregularly shaped non-circular tulip body and a shaft mounted spider assembly, as well as a closed tripod constant velocity joint incorporating the self-aligning tripod joint tulip cover, the tulip body, and the shaft mounted spider assembly. The self-aligning tripod joint tulip cover is provided with a first flange engageable with the outer surface of the irregularly shaped non-circular tulip body and a second flange engageable with a boot, the second flange being generally concentric with the first flange but having a substantially smaller maximum diameter. An inwardly oriented flange extends from the self-aligning tulip cover between the first and second flanges, the inwardly oriented flange being engageable with a flat front surface of the irregularly shaped non-circular tulip body to form a seal therebetween. The first flange is crimped for interconnection with the irregularly shaped non-circular tulip body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Components Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick L. Kurzeja, Noel W. Sutton, Steven C. Hahn