Abstract: A bushing between a big diameter end of a flexible boot and a tulip housing of a constant velocity universal joint. The tulip housing has a plurality of longitudinal drive channels each open at an open end of the tulip housing. Drive bearings on a trunnion on the end of a shaft are bodily shiftable in the drive channels and accommodate stroking and angulation of the shaft relative to the tulip housing. The bushing has an integral boss aligned with the open end of each drive channel. Each boss has a pair of channel segments aligned with planar sides of the drive channel which segments define extensions of the drive channel. The channel extensions receive the drive bearings if the bearings become dislodged from their drive channels during installation of the universal joint on a vehicle.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly has universal joints at each end that include flexible seal boots. The drive shaft assembly has a protective cover for the flexible seal boots in the form of a seamless woven nylon sleeve that is clamped onto the universal joint housings at each end of the drive shaft. The sleeve is tied in the middle to reduce its profile. Alternatively, the drive shaft assembly may have an individual protective cover for each flexible seal boot. These individual protective covers are also in the form of a seamless woven nylon sleeve. But these individual sleeves have a conical portion that terminates in a small diameter opening that closely surrounds the drive shaft.

Abstract: Multiconvoluted boot seal for universal joints and other mechanisms in which convolution side walls have radial ribs formed therein to strengthen the walls to reduce wrinkling and resultant cracking at high joint angles. The ribs on one side wall are external at high joint angles and mesh with rib spaces formed by internal ribs on an adjacent side wall. This meshing reduces relative turning movement between the side walls so that abrasion and boot seal wear is reduced.

Abstract: Convoluted boot seals for use on universal joints operating at relatively large angles with the side walls of some convolutions having a series of contact ribs which are formed thereon where abrasion might cause seal wear and failure. These ribs are flexible so that they can bend over when they contact an adjacent, relatively turning side wall so that direct sliding contact and resulting abrasion between adjacent side walls are eliminated.