Abstract: An elastic sealing element in the form of bellows, which is used to seal the contact surface between at least two components movable in relation to one another is described, which has low-elasticity contact zones as well as a deformation zone whose elasticity is higher than that of the contact zones, wherein the said deformation zone defines a chamber for accommodating lubricants on its inner side facing the movable components. An overpressure relief means (14) is arranged at least in the area of one of the two low-elasticity contact zones (6 or 7). The overpressure relief means (14) has at least one relief opening (15) connecting the lubricant chamber (11) with the outside of the sealing element (1) and a closing element (16) covering the said relief opening. The closing element (16) is in turn made in one piece with the sealing element (1) and closes the relief opening (15) up to an overpressure limit in the lubricant chamber (11) due to the intrinsic elasticity of the material of the sealing element.

Abstract: A clip element for removably attaching a protective cover to a linear bearing is disclosed. The clip element can be mounted on either the fixed support or the movable carriage of the linear bearing and comprises a resilient arm extending in spaced relationship to the component. The spacing is sized to receive an end of the cover inserted beneath the arm. The arm is resiliently attached to a mounting plate which facilitates mounting of the arm onto the bearing. The arm is resiliently biased toward the plate to removably retain the cover when it is inserted beneath the arm. Clip elements for use on the carriage are joined by elongated connecting members which extend between the mounting plates and position the clip elements at each end of the carriage. Clip elements are attached to the linear bearing by means of fasteners or double sided adhesive tape.

Abstract: A connection device for supporting one of a plurality of accessories with respect to a support surface includes a two piece suction cup. The two piece suction cup has an outer shell and a flexible inner member attached to a plunger which extends through the shell. The plunger terminates in a connector configured to engage with a connection feature on each of the accessories. The connection device acts to support a generally universal connector with respect to a support surface.

Abstract: An adjustable adaptor for fitting about various diameters of shafts thereby eliminating the need for various sized adaptors. The inventive device includes a first adaptor portion and a second adaptor portion that are adjustably connectable with one another forming an adjustable adaptor for fitting about various diameter shafts such as an axle shaft of vehicle. The first adaptor portion has a first brace member and a plurality of staggered first ribs extending from the first brace member. The second adaptor portion has a second brace member and a plurality of staggered second ribs extending from the second brace member for adjustably mating with the plurality of first ribs for fitting about various diameters of shafts. The ribs preferably have an undercut for allowing a boot or other object to catchably attach and retain the adjustable adaptor. The adjustable adaptor may be utilized with boots, as a bushing or as a seal.

Abstract: A mechanical type boot including a vertically positioned riser in a tubular configuration with an outwardly flanged upper end and an outwardly flanged lower end. Vertical bolt holes are provided through the ends. Vertical bolt holes are provided in a lower flat end of a base flange. Vertical bolt holes are also provided in a flanged lower end of a generally cylindrical split seal cap ring. Vertically extending bolts couple the riser, seal and base flange. An inverted J-shaped tube constitutes a gas well pipe. The tube has a long vertical section located within and extending upwardly from the split seal cap ring. The next intermediate section extends outwardly. A third outboard section extends downwardly for the exhaust of gasses. The lowermost end of the gas well pipe is held in a fluid type relationship with regard to the split seal cap ring.

Abstract: A male coupling portion of a first split portion on one side of a split boot is coupled to a female coupling portion of a second split portion using a plurality of spaced male and female coupling portions. A worker can simply couple the split portions of split boot without using any machine while enhancing the coupling force of split faces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boot seal for a ball and socket joint having a boot seal. The boot seal includes a bulb on a sealing lip. The bulb is compressed within a compression nest that is defined between cooperating radial notches that are formed on the socket ceiling and a bearing surface, respectively, when the bearing is fully installed in the housing. The radial notch in the socket ceiling serves to hold the boot seal in place to permit an assembled bearing and a ball stud assembly to be inserted within the cavity and thereby mechanically secure the boot seal within the socket.

Abstract: An expansion-joint system (48) for forming a seal between a steam turbine and a condenser includes an expansion-joint belt (50, 51) having a width-wise cross-sectional shape with first and second knobs (62, 64) at respective first and second opposite ends (72, 74) of a thinner elongated web (70). The knobs are formed by an abrupt bulge (66, 68) on only a first opposite side, while each of knob portions (76) of a second opposite side of the belt, opposite the bulge, forms a substantially straight line with a lead-in portion (80) from the elongated web. The knob portion and the lead-in portion of the second side are parallel with a symmetrical center (57) of fabric layers (56) in the belt. In one embodiment the substantially straight line formed by the knob portion and lead-in portion of the second side continues over a distance of approximately at least twice the length of the bulge.

Abstract: A connector for joining a corrosion-protection tube to an anchor of a tendon of a post-tension system including a body formed of an elastomeric material and a seal formed interior of the body. The body has a first receptacle formed at one end thereof for attachment to an end of the anchor. The body has a second receptacle formed at an opposite end thereof for attachment to an end of the corrosion-protection tube. The seal is positioned between the first receptacle and the second receptacle so as to form a liquid-tight seal with a surface of the tendon passing therethrough. The first receptacle is an orifice that has a diameter suitable for liquid-tight engagement with an end of the anchor. The second receptacle is an opening formed in the opposite end of the body and has a diameter suitable for liquid-tight engagement with an exterior surface of the corrosion-protection tube. The orifice and the opening are coaxial. The seal is a membrane which extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A method of checking the volume of containers is disclosed according to which a gas is fed into a volume which is correlated to the volume of the respective container and a signal which depends from the fed amount of gas is evaluated as signal indicative of the volume of the container. In order to substantially reduce the time of the measuring cycle at such a method a gas is fed to the volume which is correlated to the volume of the container at a controlled flow, i.e. the mass flow of the gas per unit of time is pre-set in a controlled manner such that it is possible to drastically reduce the time spans during which it is necessary to wait due to transient processes and a chamber which must be loaded in advance will become superfluous.

Abstract: An elastomeric seal for a ball and socket centering apparatus of a double cardan constant velocity universal joint has slits radiating from a hole in which the ball is received which create fingers that flex to wipe against the ball and retain grease in the seal as the joint is rotated through an angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a seal of a pliant tubular member on a cylindrical shaft. The seal is in the form of an articulating seal member positioned on a piston rod of a reciprocating pump and in this invention, is for use in a system that has dual in-line reciprocating pumps. The articulating seal has a tubular end positioned over circumferential grooves on each piston rod of the dual acting piston pump. To provide a tight, intimate seal relationship of the tubular end of the articulating seal with the piston rod, a self-threading member is threaded over the pliant tubular end to crush and deform the pliant tubular end into the circumferential grooves.

Abstract: An annular constant radial load ring is adapted to be received in an end portion of a dust boot for use with a ball and socket assembly. The ring includes an annular central body with a plurality of generally Y-shaped fingers circumferentially spaced about an inner periphery of the central body. The fingers are biased radially outwardly to promote sealing engagement between the dust boot and its mating component.

Abstract: A protective cover 12 for a ball joint assembly 10 includes a generally cylindrical plug 96 with axially extending resilient fingers 100 engageable with a shaft 40 of a stud 26 of the ball joint assembly 10 to prevent removal of the cover 12 from the ball joint assembly 10. A frustoconical cam surface 90 on a generally cylindrical sidewall 72 defining a chamber 70 for enclosing the stud 26 moves the fingers 100 toward the stud 26 upon movement of the plug 96 relative to the cam surface 90.

Abstract: A cyclone expansion seal joint assembly for use in interfacing components having differing thermal properties and conditions such as that in power plant, said joint formed of connecting sections (12), each having a series of corrugated plates (4, 8), interspersed between substantially "U"-shaped expansion joints (5, 9), mounted perpendicularly to an inner edge (19, 21) and outer edge (20, 22) of each corrugated plate. The inner and outer perimeters of the assembly may have flanges (6, 10) for attachment to components (3, 7) of the power plant. The sections (12) may be combined to form any predetermined shape and size depending on the particular application.

Abstract: To improve the corrosion protection at the connection site of the sealing cuff and the ball pivot, a ball joint with a sealing cuff (7), made of an elastically deformable material, is proposed, which is connected, with an edge profile (9), to a ball pivot (2) in a positive-locking manner in the direction of rotation around the longitudinal axis of the ball pivot (2) and has an elasticity that compensates for the maximum rotary and swiveling movements of the ball pivot (2) relative to the housing (1).

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle passenger restraint system includes an air bag, a circular inflator, an inflator base plate, and a circular retainer ring. The air bag has a circular central opening flanked by 12 circumferentially-spaced mounting holes, and the base plate has a mating circular central opening and 12 circumferentially-spaced mounting holes, each corresponding to an air bag mounting hole. The inflator has four spaced mounting holes mating with four of the air bag and base plate mounting holes. The retainer ring has four circumferentially-spaced mounting holes corresponding to the four air bag and base plate mounting holes. Eight integral, circumferentially-spaced spring tabs are lanced out of the ring to extend from the surface of the retainer ring. The tabs correspond to the remaining eight air bag and base plate mounting holes. The ring is placed inside the air bag and the tabs are extended out through the air bag mounting holes.

Abstract: A coupling for securing a handlebar to a bicycle frame comprising a bowl engaged on a front fork of the bicycle frame, a compression nut threadedly engaged on the front fork and including an annular groove formed in an upper portion thereof, and a sealing ring including a lower portion engaged in the annular groove of the compression nut and including an annular ring formed in an upper portion thereof for engagement with the front fork in order to form a seal with the front fork.

Abstract: A unique boot retainer for use in a constant velocity universal joint includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly extending resilient tabs. The tabs snap into a groove at an outer peripheral surface of an outer race to provide a positive abutment, properly positioning the retainer and the boot relative to the outer race. The unique construction simplifies assembly of the boot and retainer to the outer race.

Abstract: A transmission joint has a first element connected to a first shaft and mounted in an articulated manner in a second element to form a housing fastened to a transmission member. The housing includes a radial fastening flange mounted axially slidably relative to the outer casing of the housing and an apparatus for immobilizing the fastening flange axially relative to the outer casing of the housing when the second element is in the fixed position on the transmission member. The process employed to assemble the transmission joint temporarily secures the housing relative to the first member until the housing is secured to the fastening flange.

Abstract: An umbrella comprises a drain cup for collecting rainwater draining down the umbrella after use thereof, and a cover in the form of an accordion or bellows structure one end of which is connected to the drain cup and which may be contracted during use of the umbrella and extended after use thereof so as to contain rainwater and so as to guide the rainwater to the drain cup.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint has a low profile boot retainer which seals and retains a boot on the joint. The boot retainer also retains the joint's internal components within the outer race. The low profile feature allows for the use of this boot retainer when space is at a premium. The retainer has an inner and outer band which sandwich the rubber or plastic boot between them and provide a seal between the boot and the constant velocity joint outer race.

Abstract: A transmission joint has a joint body integrally connected to a first shaft and delimits a cavity (14), open at its end opposite the first shaft. Inside is formed at least one pair of running tracks between which is received a running element connected to a second shaft. A bellows seals the cavity, and a first end of which is connected to the body and the second end of which is connected to the second shaft. The axial free end edge of the joint body which delimits the opening of the cavity is equipped with a cap piece of a complementary shape which extends axially from the edge towards the second shaft, and the first end of the bellows is fixed to the cap piece.

Abstract: A bracket for fixing to a prescribed member a flexible tube, such as the protective boot installed in an automobile suspension device, includes a stationary ring fixed on the prescribed member. A spacer ring is fitted to the stationary ring and provided with resilient supporting arms, and a fastening ring is fitted to the spacer ring for fastening a terminal part of the flexible tube. Alternatively, the stationary ring fixed on the prescribed member is provided with the resilient supporting arms, and the fastening ring is fitted to the stationary ring for fastening the terminal part of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A coupling including a sleeve having an annular rib formed on a lower peripheral portion, a bowl having an annular groove formed in an outer peripheral portion, a ball bearing disposed between the sleeve and the bowl, a gap formed between the bowl and the sleeve, and a gasket including an annular flange formed in an upper portion for engagement with the annular groove of the bowl and a member formed in a lower portion for engagement with the annular rib of the sleeve so as to cover and seal the annular gap formed between the sleeve and the bowl.

Abstract: A drive axle joint seal sock for extending the operation of the joint seal and protecting the joint seal against high heat conditions. The sock comprises an elongate cylindrical housing having an aperture at each end and formed of a heat-resistant material. Clamping structure, such as adjustable clamping rings, extend about each aperture and clamp the sock about the drive axle shaft and the joint, respectively. The sock housing comprises an expanded central area of uniform profile to facilitate movement of the joint seal within the sock. The sock encloses the joint seal and protects the seal against exposure to heat from the engine, exhaust system or atmosphere.

Abstract: To improve the corrosion protection at the connection site of the sealing cuff and the ball pivot, it is proposed, in a design in which the sealing cuff engages with an edge profile in a complementary profile of a retaining ring rigidly attached to the ball pivot, that at least the part (12) of the retaining ring (10) which is supported by the edge of the bearing lug (6) consists of a material whose value in the electrochemical series is lower than that of the material of the bearing lug (6) and of the ball pivot (2). By this construction the material of the retaining ring acts as an electrolytic sacrificial anode.

Abstract: A spherical rod end assembly includes sealing components, each having a flexible, resilient skirt, integrally formed on a metal body, which overlies and seals the cavity within which the ball of the assembly is seated, to exclude dirt and other foreign matter. The sealing component may take the form of fasteners or washers, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A ball joint includes a socket defining a chamber and having an opening therein. A ball stud has a ball portion in the chamber and a shank portion projecting through the opening. A bearing supports the ball portion in the chamber. A seal member seals the opening between the socket and the ball stud. The seal member includes a shank seal portion for sealing against the ball stud shank, a retaining ring, and a socket seal portion for sealing against the socket. The retaining ring is molded in the socket seal portion of the seal member. The socket seal portion with the retaining ring molded therein is located in the chamber. An axial end portion of the socket holds the socket seal portion in position against the bearing and the inner surface of the socket. The retaining ring blocks movement of the ball portion out of the chamber through the opening.

Abstract: A bumper rubber is disclosed and includes: a bumper rubber body being elastically deformable and having a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the bumper rubber body is inserted into a rod extending from a top end portion of a cylinder of a shock absorber, a top end surface thereof is brought into contact with a bottom end portion of a suspension insulator disposed on a vehicle body, and a bottom end surface thereof is brought into contact with a top end portion of the cylinder, thereby being elastically deformed and absorbing the excessive displacements of the shock absorber; and a rigid ring integrally insert-molded on an outer periphery surface of the bumper rubber body and having an engagement groove on an exposed outer periphery surface thereof to be engaged with a dust cover, and the engagement groove going round on the exposed outer periphery surface of the rigid ring in a ring-like shape.

Abstract: An improved connector comprises a coupling sleeve, a cylindrical connecting block, and a bellows hose. The coupling sleeve has a base member on its outer surface. The base member has an annular ring and an engaging pin protruding from the base member, the end of which is formed as a wheel-shape disk. The connecting block is provided with a receiving hole, an annular ring, and a peripheral flange.

Abstract: A device for protecting a wide angle joint (8) associated with a driveshaft (7) for driving agricultural implements. It consists of a guard (1, 6, 11) which at least partially covers the double joint (8) and which is arranged so as to be axially movable relative to a sliding ring (2). The sliding ring (2) holds the guard (1) at a certain distance from the joint (8). The conical guard at its radially inward end comprises a flexible convoluted tube (6) covering the joint (8). The sliding ring (2) can contact a contact edge (10) of the tube (6) to compress it asymmetrically.

Abstract: In the electric actuator of the present invention, the power converting mechanism is provided for converting the rotary power of the motor into linear power of the driven member, which needs no special component part. Therefore, in comparison with the prior art power converting mechanism, it is advantage in that the scale of speed reduction and the stroke can be freely determined, with remarkably reduced number of parts and in low cost. The electric actuator according to the present invention is also provided with the improved clutch device employing the engagement of the weight and the recessed portion for secure transmission of the rotary power of the motor, resulting in full utilization of the capacity of the motor is simplified structure.

Abstract: A protective accordion configured tubular boot has one end fixedly secured to and sealed about the cylinder of a shock absorber and the boot extends upwardly about a plunger protruding from the cylinder. The other end of the boot includes an inwardly extending radial flange having a plurality of circular concentric ridges disposed on opposed sides. An outwardly radially extending channel fixedly secured proximate the end of the plunger receives the radial flange to form a floating vented seal at the other end of the boot to prevent particulate matter and liquids from entering the boot.

Abstract: There is provided a protective boot which provides an essentially constant volume chamber around a reciprocating shaft to prevent the inspiration of atmospheric contaminants into the area around the shaft.The boot defines a chamber, which comprises two sections, a longitudinally extendible and contractible first section and a radially extendible and contractible second section. The second section is constructed of elements or portions which flex outwardly or pop out from a neutral position in response to an increase in pressure in the section, and other portions which flex inwardly from a neutral position in response to a decrease in pressure. The portions flex outward at a predetermined pressure which is higher than the neutral or atmospheric pressure. When a pressure decrease from neutral occurs, a relatively low pressure is reached, which is sufficient to initiate the inward flexing from a neutral position of other portions of the section.

Abstract: A flexible boot having a bellows and mount portions on both axial ends of the bellows portion at which the boot is mounted on parts of a mechanism such as an automotive constant velocity joint. The flexible boot has an anti-degradation agent make-up element made of a material which contains an anti-degradation agent and which is capable of allowing the anti-degradation agent to precipitate on the surface thereof. The anti-degradation agent make-up element is fitted on at least a portion of the outer surface of the bellows so that the anti-degradation agent precipitated on the surface of the material of the anti-degradation agent make-up element is caused to progressively immigrate into the material of the bellows thereby making-up the anti-degradation agent in the bellows.

Abstract: A mechanical scanning system for a batch ion implanter includes a disk for mounting wafers at sites near its periphery and a disk drive assembly for rotating the disk. The disk and the disk drive assembly are supported in an end station vacuum chamber by a scan arm which extends through a sealed opening in an access door. A scan drive assembly attached to the access door scans the scan arm and the disk in an arc-shaped path. Simultaneous rotation and scanning of the disk cause the ion beam to be distributed over the surfaces of the wafers mounted on the disk. A pivot drive assembly rotates the scan arm and the disk about a pivot axis between an implant position and a load/unload position. A bellows seals the scan arm to the vacuum chamber while tranmitting arc-shaped movement into the vacuum chamber. A bellows guide apparatus guides an intermediate portion of the bellows so as to limit lateral distortion caused by pressure differences applied to the bellows in combination with asymmetrical deflection thereof.

Abstract: An end cap is provided for an outer cable guiding a control wire at a bicycle. The end cap has a chamber formed between the bottom wall of a cap body and a holder for holding the outer cable to be fitted into the cap body. A sealing member is disposed in the chamber, thereby preventing mud attached to the other surface of the control wire from entering into the outer cable.

Abstract: A cable control system comprising a tubular member, a strand rod extending through the tubular member and adapted to be moved longitudinally and laterally thereof and a sealing member mounted on the tube member. The sealing member includes an outer circumferential wall extending axially outwardly relative to the tube member and an integral inner annular sealing lip surrounded by the axially outwardly extending wall and having a free edge sealingly engaging the strand rod.

Abstract: A bellows for protecting knuckle joints structured so that a narrower end can be connected to a shaft and a wider end can be connected to a universal joint. Additionally, intermediate sections have graduated diameters such that connections can be made with various size shafts and various size universal joints. The bellows includes a number of T-flanges in oder to connect the bellows to different size disks corresponding to different universal joints.

Abstract: In a hinged structure in which two substantially cylindrical supports (1,2) are hinged together by means of one or more hinges so that they are parallel and closely adjacent, the or each hinge comprises at least two members (3,4) each made of resiliently flexible strip material, each member being S-shaped, passing partially around each support and together with one of the other members forming a letter "x" or figure "8" configuration as seen in a direction along the supports, the ends of the strips being crimped between plates (6,7,8,9) having opposed complementarily profiled surfaces, which plates are attached to the supports or extensions (14,15) of them whereby the strips are tensioned round the supports.

Abstract: The aperture between a positionally stable vehicle passenger space end wall and a steering spindle shaft penetrating a bore in the wall is masked by a sealing sleeve which exhibits a bellows which compensates an offset of the shaft by modification of its form. Attached to the sealing sleeve is a second sleeve with which the first sleeve forms a sound-insulating closed air chamber.

Abstract: A boot seal in the form of a bellows for a shock absorber in the form of a liquid spring mounted in a sleeve having a sleeve flanged secured to a deck by bolts, the boot seal including a collapsible central bellows portion, an upper cylindrical boot portion attached to the liquid spring casing by means of a hose clamp, a lower annular resilient boot flange extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the boot and having a plurality of first scalloped cutouts in its outer periphery, an annular trim ring overlying the annular boot flange and having second scalloped cutouts in its outer periphery overlying the first scalloped cutouts of the boot flange, retention and spacer washers having lower washer portions extending through the aligned first and second scalloped cutouts and having upper washer flange portions bearing on the trim ring, the lower washer portions being of a length which is less than the combined thickness of the trim ring and the annular boot flange so that when the bolts

Abstract: A flexible connector for screening machines comprises an assembly of a plurality of generally cylindrical, flexible collars. Each collar has an annular endwise bead on a first circumferential end and an annular endwise opening groove within an endwise surface of a second circumferential end. The collars are connected by applying force in an axial direction to adjacent and aligned collars to seat and secure the bead of one collar into the groove of an adjacent collar to form a tube along an axis of connection between a particle chute and a movable screen frame.

Abstract: A berthing mechanism especially for use in berthing and compliant air-tight securing between manned space vehicles and modules. The interface is provided by a pair of annular rings, one of which is typically, mechanically attached to the vehicle and the other to the module to which it is to be docked and secured. One of the two rings is attached to a base by a resilient bellows. The facing surface of one annular ring is joined to a base by a cable laced through alternating pulleys attached circumferentially so that the interface surface of that ring may be tilted to accommodate angular misalignment as said annular rings are brought into docking (berthing) contact. Interleaving guide flanges with chamfered sides provide at least some rotational misalignment correction.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having a shock absorber strut with a reciprocal rod located within a cylinder and an air spring having a fluid pressure chamber wherein the piston rod and cylinder extend through the chamber. The air spring includes a rigid annular canister and a flexible sleeve, one end of which is sealingly connected to the cylinder and the other end connected to the open bottom of the canister. An elastomeric isolator is bonded to a lower side of an end cap which is adapted to be secured to the vehicle. The isolator also is bound to and encloses the open upper end of the canister to close the pressure chamber of the air spring and to resiliently mount the air spring to the vehicle. An opening is formed in the isolator for sealingly receiving the upper end of the piston rod therethrough. The bonding of the end cap to the air spring canister by the isolator provides the fluid seal for the piston rod and dual path isolation for the suspension unit with a reduced number of parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding ring for seal bellows on a track rod or shank of a universal pivot member of motor vehicles. The ring comprises a rubber or another material having comparable properties, and, secured against axial displacement, but rotatably mounted on the track rod. The holding ring is, at least on a surface area in contact with the track rod, supplied with a hardened, smoothed molecular structure. This alteration of the molecular structure is achieved preferentially by chlorination.

Abstract: A modular approach to the fabrication and assembly of metallic bellows assemblies is disclosed. A metallic bellows module is provided with a female coupling arrangement in the form of a circumferential pocket at one end and a conically shaped male coupling arrangement at the other end thereof. The conically shaped male coupling on one metallic bellows module is receivable within the circumferential pocket in a female coupling on another metallic bellows module. A plurality of set screws positioned around the periphery of the female coupling contact the conical surface of the male coupling causing the male coupling to move axially into the female coupling compressing an O-ring positioned within the circumferential pocket in the female coupling.

Abstract: A mechanical shaft joint boot of a polymeric elastomer is provided with bellows between a large-diameter ring and a small-diameter ring, a first crest of the bellows being formed between the large-diameter ring the small-diameter ring after the first trough and a second trough being formed so as to have a smaller apical diameter than that of the first trough, and a circumferential convex strip is formed on the sidewardly inclined surface of the first crest on the inner side of the first trough and/or on the respectively opposed inside surface of the second trough. Therefore, the second trough is pushed toward the side of the small-diameter ring and is not held between the first trough and the driving shaft on the compressed side during a crossing movement, which reduces the compression distortion and increases the durability of the boot.

Abstract: A split boot formed from a unitary, flexible body shaped to be helically wrapped around a universal joint or the like. Once the flexible body is wrapped around the joint with the mating edges engaged a main body is formed having a generally hollow truncated conical configuration with a corrugated or helical shape. One end of the main body has a smaller circular cross section than the other end. Each end portion of the main body has cutting guide ridges such that the diameter of the aperture in the end may be varied by removing some of the material from the body.