Abstract: An elastomer boot and sleeve combination for sealing a blow-molded boot to a cylindrical member, such as a shaft, includes an intermediate sleeve which is received between the neck of the boot and the shaft. The sleeve is split and is formed with a pair of forks at one end and a tongue which is received between the forks at the other end. The tongue and forks are formed with inclined surfaces along their mating walls such that the tongue is captured between the forks when the sleeve, which is molded in a semi-open position, is closed about the shaft. The neck of the boot is formed with protuberances which engage the walls of outwardly-opening recesses in the forks so that when the neck is clamped down on the sleeve a force is created which urges the forks together toward each other and against the tongue, thereby forming an effective clamp which seals the neck of the convoluted boot to the shaft.

Abstract: Injection molding method removing weld lines from a part, such as a parison, which weld lines are caused by the interruption or splitting of the flow of plastic material around core support pins or the like by the provision of an annular mixing chamber which opens into the plastic material flow passage. The plastic material is caused to move radially into the mixing chamber where it is spread by reason of the increasing volume encountered, accompanied by a reversal of flow radially inwardly into an annular injection gate. The movement of plastic material within the chamber and the resultant increase in temperature by reason of shear, eliminates the weld lines which have been formed in the material by reason of the splitting of flow around the pins.

Abstract: A flexible boot assembly and a device for retaining the boot on the housing of a trilobal-tripot constant velocity joint. The boot assembly comprising a flexible boot having a sleeve, the sleeve being formed to complementary fit the outer contour of the joint housing; a segmented band having an inner contour to complementary fit the outer contour of the sleeve and having a generally circular outer contour; and a clamp encircling the band for causing the sleeve to grip the joint housing.

Abstract: A blow-molded convoluted boot, made of TPE material, for use on CV joints and the like in which one end may be required to be operated at high angular offsets from the other end, includes a plurality of conventional bellows-like convolutions, and an integral, non-convoluted rolling diaphragm portion which has a reverse folded-over configuration which permits the angular deflection of the respective ends without introducing undue tension in the boot material.