Abstract: A vehicle joint assembly is provided comprising an outer race having an outer surface and an inner surface. A pair of opposed slot tracks are formed in the inner cup surface and each comprise a track top wall and two track sidewalls. A barshaft is in communication with a bipod element comprised of a body portion and two opposed peg portions. Each of the two opposed peg portions comprises two opposed curved engagement surfaces engaging one of the track sidewalls. The bipod element is positioned within the outer race such that each of the opposed peg portions resides in one of the opposed slot tracks. The bipod element is capable of being positioned in a variety of angles within the slot tracks and is capable of plunging within the slot tracks.

Abstract: An embodiment of a constant velocity joint includes a first rotational member having a generally cylindrical surface. The generally cylindrical surface is defined, at least in part, by a groove portion. The constant velocity joint further includes a grease cover selectively positioned adjacent the first rotational member. An edge portion of the grease cover is positioned within the groove to at least partially retain the grease cover in a desired position.

Abstract: A vehicle joint assembly is provided comprising an outer race having an outer surface and an inner surface. A pair of opposed slot tracks are formed in the inner cup surface and each comprise a track top wall and two track sidewalls. A barshaft is in communication with a bipod element comprised of a body portion and two opposed peg portions. Each of the two opposed peg portions comprises two opposed curved engagement surfaces engaging one of the track sidewalls. The bipod element is positioned within the outer race such that each of the opposed peg portions resides in one of the opposed slot tracks. The bipod element is capable of being positioned in a variety of angles within the slot tracks and is capable of plunging within the slot tracks.

Abstract: An embodiment of a constant velocity joint includes a first rotational member having a generally cylindrical surface. The generally cylindrical surface is defined, at least in part, by a groove portion. The constant velocity joint further includes a grease cover selectively positioned adjacent the first rotational member. An edge portion of the grease cover is positioned within the groove to at least partially retain the grease cover in a desired position.

Abstract: An improved boot for use in sealing a constant velocity joint and ball spline joint assembly includes a plurality of articulating convolutes, a grease catching member, and a first stabilizing member adapted to ride above an inner race of the ball spline joint to join the plurality of articulating convolutes and the grease catching member and provide stability at high speed. The boot further includes a plurality of plunging convolutes and a second stabilizing member adapted to ride above an outer race of the ball spline joint to join the plurality of plunging convolutes and the grease catching member and provide additional stability.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint is provided that includes an outer race having a bore with an inner surface, a cage arranged within the bore of the outer race, an inner race having an outer surface, a plurality of balls arranged within the cage, and a shaft connected to the inner race. The cage, outer race, inner race, and balls interrelate to center and support the cage. The cage remains in a non-supporting state with the outer race and the inner race through a no angle and a high angle position of the shaft.

Abstract: A self-aligning tripod joint tulip cover for use in a tripod joint assembly that has an irregularly shaped, non-circular tulip body and a shaft mounted spider assembly, the tulip cover having a cylindrical flange that surrounds a portion of the tulip body, interconnecting projections extending from the cylindrical flange that are received in part annular recesses of part cylindrical outer surface portions of the tulip body to secure the tulip cover to the tulip body, the tulip body further having an annular flange that extends radially inwardly from the cylindrical flange to lie in close proximity to the front face of the tulip body and to trap a resilient, annular sealing member therebetween. The tulip body has a longitudinal recess therein and longitudinal tracks that extend radially outwardly from the recess, each such recess slidingly receiving a roller of the spider assembly to permit reciprocation of the spider assembly within the tulip body.

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.