Abstract: A tie rod boot includes a minimally thick accordion shaped bellows section. One terminal end of the boot is secured to a steering mechanism and the other is secured to a tie rod. Protuberances are provided and are strategically located on the bellows walls for resisting impacts from rocks and other debris and minimizing holes through the tie rod. When the bellows is retracted and pairs of opposing bellows walls collapse towards each other, the protuberances of adjacent opposing walls nest with each other and contact the opposing wall. The protuberances can be step shaped rings or a ring of discrete protuberances which are step shaped or both. The step shaped protuberances are defined by a riser surface extending along a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boot and a tread annular surface which is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A tie rod boot includes a minimally thick accordion shaped bellows section. One terminal end of the boot is secured to a steering mechanism and the other is secured to a tie rod. Protuberances are provided and are strategically located on the bellows walls for resisting impacts from rocks and other debris and minimizing holes through the tie rod. When the bellows is retracted and pairs of opposing bellows walls collapse towards each other, the protuberances of adjacent opposing walls nest with each other and contact the opposing wall. The protuberances can be step shaped rings or a ring of discrete protuberances which are step shaped or both. The step shaped protuberances are defined by a riser surface extending along a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the boot and a tread annular surface which is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A connecting member having an elongated passageway defined by a tubular wall extends from a first end to a second end, with the first end adapted to mate with a main air handling system. The tubular wall is provided with a bead adjacent to, but spaced from the first end, and an independent collar having a central opening dimensioned to correspond to the dimension in the bead is fitted about the outer periphery of the tubular wall in the bead. A gasket having an adhesive outer surface is fixed to the collar and facing toward the main air handling system, with the portion of the tubular member at the bead extending through and protecting the gasket from fire risk and deterioration from an air stream passing through the connecting member.

Abstract: A register for an air duct is made up of extruded L-shaped members that have perpendicular integrally formed frame and duct inset parts locked in butting relationship at mitred ends by flat corner clips with resilient barbs that slip into and bitingly engage channels along the frame parts of adjacent members. End clips slip over the distal edges of the duct inset parts to secure the backs of adjoining members. Curved blades extend horizontally in louver fashion in front of pivotable vertical damper vanes across the register opening to provide airflow control.