Abstract: A flexible boot assembly for protectively covering a constant velocity joint includes a flexible boot having an end portion that is molded about a flange portion of a rigid can. The flexible boot is preferably formed from an elastomeric material and can be integrally molded to a metallic can by an insert molding or other similar process. The metallic can includes a hollow cylindrical flange portion for positioning the can with respect to the constant velocity joint. The metallic can also includes a face portion having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for mounting the boot assembly to the constant velocity joint. The inner surface of the metallic can includes a bead of a sealing material or a gasket for sealingly engaging the boot assembly to the adjacent face of the constant velocity joint. In another embodiment, the entire boot assembly is formed by using elastomeric material. In alternative embodiments, the entire boot assembly is formed from an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A seal system and method are provided to protect a double-tube vehicle driveshaft, having first and second members containing intermeshing splined portions, from premature wear or corrosion. The seal system comprises first and second splined inner-portions wherein the diameter of the first splined inner-portion is greater than the diameter of the second splined inner-portion. In operation, at least a part of the splined portion of the first member is resident within the first splined inner-portion of the seal, and at least a part of the splined portion of the second member is telescopically resident within the second splined inner-portion of the seal. The seal method comprises fitting the first splined inner-portion of the seal around at least a part of the splined portion of the first member, and fitting the second splined inner-portion of the seal around at least a part of the splined portion of the second member.

Abstract: Boot systems and boot attachment methods are provided to protect a double-tube vehicle driveshaft from premature wear or corrosion. One boot system comprises a boot portion having annular folds, opposite ends, and collar portions. The collar portions adjoin the boot portion at its opposite ends. At least one of the collar portions has a splined portion. The boot system may be utilized in a driveshaft comprising first and second members having splined portions. The second member of such a driveshaft is telescopically resident within the first member, and the splined portion of the first member cooperates with the splined portion of the second member. The boot attachment method involves sliding the boot over at least a part of the first and second members of the driveshaft, and securing the first and second collar portions to the respective first and second members.

Abstract: A protective device for a driving assembly with a double universal joint has a protective cone (13) made of plastic. At a first axial end, the protective cone (13) is secured to a bearing assembly (12). At its second axial end (16), the protective cone (13) carries a guiding ring (18). Folds (15) are arranged between the axial ends. A hollow-spherical-zone-like inner bearing face (19) of the guiding ring (18) is arranged on a spherical outer bearing face (26) of a bearing race (25). A sliding ring (30) in the bearing race (25) is supported in a bearing groove (27) of the double yoke (2) of the double universal joint (1). The guiding ring (18) is pre-tensioned by the folds (15) of the protective cone (13) and thus held in contact with the outer bearing face (26). The guiding ring (18) can be removed from the bearing assembly, thus making components of the double universal joint accessible for maintenance purposes, such as lubrication.

Abstract: A flexible boot assembly for protectively covering a constant velocity joint includes a flexible boot having an end portion that is molded about a flange portion of a rigid can. The flexible boot is preferably formed from an elastomeric material and can be integrally molded to a metallic can by an insert molding or other similar process. The metallic can includes a hollow cylindrical flange portion for positioning the can with respect to the constant velocity joint. The metallic can also includes a face portion having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for mounting the boot assembly to the constant velocity joint. The inner surface of the metallic can includes a bead of a sealing material or a gasket for sealingly engaging the boot assembly to the adjacent face of the constant velocity joint. In another embodiment, the entire boot assembly is formed by using elastomeric material. In alternative embodiments, the entire boot assembly is formed from an elastomeric material.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible resin boot of which the noise-preventing effect lasts long and which ensures improved sealability and durability. The boot is formed from a base resin of a thermoplastic elastomer resin, and has a large port and a small port that are connected with each other via a bellows therebetween. For this, mineral oil or vegetable oil is added to the thermoplastic elastomer resin. Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer resin is a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, and the mineral oil is process oil having an aromatic content of at most 13%. The boot is used for covering the constant velocity joint in an automobile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bellows seal for pivot joints, wherein a first end of the bellows is tightly and rigidly connected to the joint housing. The second end of the bellow tightly and annularly surrounds a tappet and has a radial and sealing surface. Said surface is a front face divided into an inner concave ring surface and an outer concave ring surface. In relation to the axis of the bellow, the angle of inclination of the ring surfaces is approximately &agr;=70° for the external ring surface and approximately &bgr;=80° for the inner ring surface. The radial extension of the outer ring surface is approximately 12% in relation to the radius of the outer ring surface of the ring flange of the second end of the bellow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support device for elements protecting rotating shafts, in particular telescopic cardanic shafts, wherein, in each semi-shaft terminating with a fork, is present an inner rolling race for balls, race which is obtained circumferentially exterior in a cylindrical portion of the fork and an outer rolling race on two semi-shells coaxial to the fork and mutually opposite, and a cage for the balls. The semi-shells are contained between the ring nut, provided with retaining edges, and the cylindrical fork portion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle torque transfer case with integral constant velocity (CV) joint including a constant velocity (CV) bell, a chain sprocket, a speed sensor tone wheel, a chain sprocket splined to the chain sprocket spindle, two (2) support bearings, a single seal, a constant velocity (CV) inner race and cage assembly, a front output shaft, and a constant velocity (CV) boot. The constant velocity (CV) bell, the chain sprocket spindle and the speed tone wheel are preferably of one-piece construction. The constant velocity (CV) joint is preferably of a double offset plunging design, although other designs for the constant velocity (CV) joint could be utilized if desired. The spline connecting the chain sprocket to the chain sprocket spindle is preferably a slip fit and a drawn cup needle roller bearing is pressed into the torque transfer case housing.

Abstract: A sleeve for sealing a jointed connection is designed in the form of an elastically deformable bellows. On the two ends of the bellows, there are axially aligned ring flanges, which fix the sleeve on a cylindrically shaped fastening flange, and on a shaft, using a muzzle hoop. For fixing fastening flanges of different sizes, several ring flanges have stepped diameters and are lined up in a row. A radially inwardly drawn rib is shaped by molding on the inner end of the ring flange. The rib sealingly rests against the face side of the fastening flange. For achieving an adequate sealing effect, the inside diameter of the rib is smaller than or equal to the inside diameter of the next-smaller ring flange.

Abstract: A universal joint (1) is provided with a boot (10) which has one end fitted to the inner element (2) and the other end fitted to the outer element (3) so as to seal between the inner element (2) and the outer element (3). The boot (10) is constituted by a flexible boot main body (11) and an adapter (12). During fitting between the outer element (3) and the adapter (12), an inside of the boot (10) and the open air are communicated with each other via a communication passage formed by a communication groove (12f) of the adapter (12), and pressure of air within the boot (10) is kept at the same pressure as that of the open air.

Abstract: A boot arrangement is provided for use with a constant velocity joint and shaft assembly including a shaft, a first joint part slidably engageable with the shaft, and a second joint part cooperable with the first joint part to transmit torque therebetween. The boot arrangement includes a sleeve adapted to slidably engage the shaft and having first and second ends. The second end of the sleeve is adapted to be connected to the first joint part. The arrangement further includes a boot having a first end adapted to be connected to the sleeve proximate the first end of the sleeve, and a second end adapted to be operatively connected to the second joint part.

Abstract: The boot fixing portion 2a is fitted on the outer peripheral surface 1a3 of the boot attaching portion 1a2, the positioning of the two being made such that the convex portion 2a2 is fitted in the engaging groove 1a4. Then the boot band 3 fitted in the band mounting groove 2a3 is reduced in diameter by folding back the lever member 3b, thereby clamping the boot fixing portion 2a to the boot attaching portion 1a2. Thereupon, the clamping force exerted by the boot band 3 causes elastic deformation of the boot fixing portion 2a, displacing the convex portion 2a2 toward the engaging groove 1a4, so that the projections 1a5 bite into the inner peripheral surface 2a1 of the boot fixing portion 2a.

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 protective gaiter fits around a lubricated joint such as a vehicle constant velocity joint. The gaiter is in the form of a generally conical rubber tube (10) having stepped configurations at its wider end so that it can be cut down to fit different diameters of joint members. The stepped configurations have seating areas (23 or 40-42) for a fixing strap (49) and there are flexible transitions between these areas to enable the gaiter to flex and pivot. In one embodiment the flexible transitions are inwardly directed folds (24). In a second embodiment the seating areas (41, 42) are inclined inwardly and the flexible transitions are defined by angular joints with radial linking walls (43-45).

Abstract: The second boot that protects parts adjacent to a fixed box from which there projects a rotating hub that is to be connected to a driveline (with the possible presence of a friction clutch or of a torque limiting means) comprises—attached to the fixed box (1)—a disc (11) with a peripheral edge (11A) for engagement and fastening; and a sleeve (17) that can be engaged inside the edge (11A-11B) of said disc (11), with fastening clips (22) capable of being clipped to and unclipped from said edge (11A-11B). Said sleeve (17) may include protective layers around the parts which it encloses.

Abstract: A combination includes a derailleur having a chain cage engaging a bicycle chain, a clamping head clamping the derailleur to a bicycle frame and including an opening therethrough, a controller actuating the chain cage and including link arms pivotally connected at one end to the clamping head, with the cable extending through the opening in the clamping head and to the upper link arm, and a cage securing member connected with the chain cage, with opposite ends of the link arms pivotally connected to the cage securing member; and a one-piece protective cover including an endless sleeve of a rubber material, having a hollow interior, a first open end, having a first axis, in communication with the hollow interior and of sufficient size to permit the first open end to be pulled over the clamping head and the controller, the first open end being secured to the cage securing member, a second opposite open end, having a second central axis perpendicular to the first central axis, and in communication with the hollo

Abstract: A convoluted boot has a boot portion with annular folds, and collar portions adjoining the boot portion at both ends. A ventilation aperture is formed in the smaller one of the collar portions, the convoluted boot is provided for a universal joint which has an outer joint part and an inner joint part connected to a driveshaft. A larger collar portion is securable to the outer joint part and a smaller collar portion to the driveshaft. Inside the boot portion, near the smaller one of the collar portions, there is arranged an annular lip which is dimensioned in such a way that, with the driveshaft being axially aligned relative to the outer joint part, it rests under pre-tension against the driveshaft.

Abstract: A drive shaft cover assembly for a drive shaft having a longitudinal axis including a stationary bracket having an axially extending flange at least partially surrounding the drive shaft and having one or more radially extending apertures therethrough. A cover member has a retaining portion sized to fit radially over the flange with apertures therein aligned with the apertures in the flange. A spring retainer is disposed radially within the flange and has a stud projecting radially outward through each aperture in the flange and through the aligned apertures in the cover member to retain the cover member on the flange. The spring retainer is resilient to enable the studs to be pushed radially inward to withdraw the studs from the apertures in the cover member to remove and remount the cover member on the flange without the use of hand tools.

Abstract: A protective device for a drive assembly with a double universal joint (1) has a protective cone (10) with folds (15). At the cone's first axial end (11), it is secured to a bearing assembly (12). At its second axial end, the cone (10) includes a fixing portion (14) which is connected to a guiding ring (18). The guiding ring (18), via its inner end (21) projects into the part of the protective cone (10) which is provided with the folds. The guiding ring (18) itself is supported on a bearing ring (23). The bearing ring (23), in turn, is supported on an inner double yoke (5). An axial relative movement is permitted between the guiding ring (18) and the bearing ring (23). The guiding ring (18) ensures that the protective cone (10), with the folds (15), is well supported under articulation conditions. Furthermore, the protective cone (10) with its folds (15) has a relatively long length without losing any of its stability.

Abstract: A protective constant velocity (CV) joint boot having a tubular body with end openings and one longitudinal seam running from one end opening to the other enables rapid replacement of existing monolithic CV joint boots. Additionally, reinforcement of the tubular body of the protective boot against stresses caused by movement of the joint is accomplished through the use of a pair of sealing sleeves, also having seams, which are fitted under the tubular body of the protective boot. The edges of the seam of the tubular boot interlock with, as seen in cross section, an arrow head shaped male member on one edge of the seam which locks past a pair of nubs on a female retaining edge of the seam. The seams of the sleeves are off-set with the seam of the tubular body of the protective boot, thus accomplishing a more effective seal. Both sleeves have a flange that lends strength to the crests nearest the ends of the protective boot, which under most driving conditions receive more stress than the central portion.

Abstract: A protective device for a driveshaft (1), with two universal joints (2, 3) has a protective cone (6) associated with the first universal joint. The protective cone (6) has an extension in the form of a cone portion (14). A sleeve (15) is received in a rotationally fast way in the cone portion (14). The sleeve (15) cooperates with an adapter ring (21). The adapter ring (21) is stationarily secured to an agricultural implement. The sleeve (15) is positioned on the adapter ring (21). The sleeve has inwardly directed splines which engage correspondingly distributed grooves (23) in the outer face of the adapter ring (21) which achieve a rotationally fast connection. The protective device also includes a first protective tube connected to the first protective cone (6). The first protective tube is associated with a second protective tube of the second universal joint in a rotationally fast way. The second tube is firmly connected to the second protective cone by an attaching cap.

Abstract: An automotive boot for use with a connection such as a constant velocity joint includes a separate boot and a separate bushing. The bushing has an internal configuration which is tri-lobed to contact the surface of one of the mechanical components encapsulated by the boot. The internal surface of the skirt of the boot and the corresponding external surface of the bushing each contain interlocking components, preferentially these are ribs and corresponding grooves. The bushing is slightly larger than the boot to produce an interference fit and the ribs are slightly radially longer than the grooves are deep to deform the ribs when received in the grooves, thereby retaining the bushing without tightening the typical hose clamp and providing an effective seal between the bushing and boot to retain lubricants within the boot in use.

Abstract: A unitized seal assembly (10) for a rotary shaft (16) having a main section (20) rotatably supported in a housing (14) and a telescopic end (22) axially extendable relative to the main section (20). The seal assembly (10) comprises a generally rigid annular carrier body (28) supporting a flexible annular sealing member (36) and a inner wear sleeve (44) in running engagement with the sealing member (36). The inner wear sleeve (44) includes an annular mounting skirt (54) which is attached to one end of a pleated elastomeric boot (58). The other end of the boot (58) is attached to the telescopic end (22) of the rotating shaft (16). The boot (58) accommodates extension and retraction of the telescopic end (22) of the shaft (16) as it reciprocates during rotation. Therefore, as the shaft (16) rotates during operation, the boot (58) together with the wear sleeve (44) rotate relative to the sealing member (36) and the outer carrier body (28).

Abstract: A chlorosulfonated ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer composition comprising a chlorosulfonated ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer, a thiuram compound, a bismaleimide compound, a nickel dialkyldithiocarbamate, and a diarylmonoamine compound, and a motorcar joint boot obtained by molding and vulcanizing the chlorosulfonated ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer composition. The copolymer composition is excellent in the tensile characteristics at room temperature and low temperature, in the compression set under a low-temperature atmosphere, and in the fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A seal between two telescoping members in a slip yoke assembly including a driveshaft section and a slip yoke. A circumferential groove is formed in the outer surface of one of the telescoping members of the slip yoke assembly. The groove defines an annular collar which extends circumferentially about the end of the slip yoke. One or more recesses are formed in the bottom of the groove. Additionally, one or more axially extending slots are formed through the collar. Preferably, the slots are angularly offset from the associated recesses by a predetermined amount. One or more radially inwardly extending protrusions are formed at one end of the seal. To install the seal on the slip yoke, the seal is initially oriented relative to the end of the hollow cylindrical end portion such that the protrusions are axially aligned with the slots. Then, the seal is moved toward the slip yoke until the protrusions engage the outer end surface of the slip yoke axially adjacent the slots.

Abstract: A half shaft assembly includes a half shaft having inboard and outboard ends with constant velocity universal joint inner races secured thereto. A universal joint cage and ball assembly encircles each inner race. An outer race encircles each cage and ball assembly. A protective elastomeric convoluted semi-hyperbolic boot is provided. The boot has divergent inboard and outboard ends and a convergent center. The convergent center has an inner diameter sized to fit snugly around the half shaft. The divergent inboard and outboard ends are secured to their respective inboard and outboard constant velocity universal joint outer races by a separate clamp.

Abstract: A combination bicycle derailleur and one-piece cover therefor, includes a derailleur having a chain cage, a cage securing member connected with the chain cage, a derailleur clamping head for clamping the derailleur to the bicycle frame, and a controller for actuating the chain cage, the controller including link arms pivotally connected to the derailleur clamping head and cage securing member, with the cable being connected to one link arm.

Abstract: A protection device for a wide-angle transmission joint includes a first casing with a proximal end fixed to a ring sliding into a groove in a disc and a distal end bearing an extension inwardly folded. The casing has a first part covering the intermediate means as well as the zone which connects the latter with the yoke and a second part covering the yoke as well as the end of the transmission shaft. The connection between the two parts is realized by a section which is deformable under the action of the transmission shaft inclining when the joint is bent up to 80.degree..

Abstract: A protective bellows (24) covers over the end of, and protects the mechanism within, the casing (6) of a universal or articulated joint (5). The universal joint (5) is of normal construction, its casing (6) being drivingly connected to an output shaft (10) by ball or rollers (14) mounted in grooves (16) on an inner element (12) fixed to the output shaft (10) and in grooves (18) on the inner face of the casing (6). The balls or rollers (14) permit the desired angular movement of the axis of the output shaft (10) relative to the axis of the casing (6). In addition, a certain amount of axial movement (L) is permitted. In order to resist any tendency of this axial movement to dislodge the balls or rollers (14) from the casing (6), a rigid zone (40) is integrally molded onto the inside of the bellows (24) adjacent its large diameter end. This rigid zone (40) extends in a radial direction part way across the open end of the casing (6) to resist dislodgement of the balls or rollers (14).

Abstract: An improved seal or boot for inhibiting contaminants from interfering with operation of a mechanism having two flexibly interconnected components which axially extend from opposite ends of the seal. The seal is formed as a one-piece hollow and elongated body defining an enclosed cavity wherein the pivotal connection of the mechanism is arranged and having first and second annular mounting ends. The first and second annular mounting ends are configured to allow the components of the mechanism protected by the seal to axially extend therefrom. To permit flexural movement of the seal and the interconnected components of the mechanism protected by the seal, a plurality of bellow-like configurations are disposed along a major length of the seal between the first and second mounting ends. Each bellow-like configuration on the seal has predetermined root and crest diameters with wall sections of a predetermined material thickness extending therebetween.

Abstract: A convoluted boot made of thermoplastic elastomer for sealing an annular gap between two parts which are connected to one another so as to be rotationally fixed and articulatable relative to one another. The invention is especially useful in a constant velocity universal joint. The boot has two collar regions for being secured by a clamping element on the parts. A number of fold units extending between the collars. A base body is made of a thermoplastic material, and at least at one of the collar regions, is provided on its inside and outside with a coating. The coating material comprises a greater elasticity than the material of the base body.

Abstract: A transmission joint sealing boot comprising a flexible diaphragm member having a passageway extending therethrough, a first end defining an opening, an annular second end disposed opposite the first end, a flexible arcuate section connecting the first end and the annular second end of the flexible diaphragm member, the first end further including an inner surface and an outer surface, a bellows member having a passageway extending therethrough, the bellows member including a first end defining an opening, a second end disposed opposite the first end, and an intermediate bellows segment having a convoluted section disposed between the first end and the second end and connecting the first end and the second of the bellows member, wherein the second end defines an opening for receiving the first end of the flexible diaphragm member and the second end further including an inner surface and an outer surface, a magnetically active weld sleeve having an inner surface correspondingly shaped to mate with the outer su

Abstract: A protective device for a driveshaft (1) has a connecting cap (9) and sliding ring (10) for connecting to a joint yoke (4) of a universal joint (2). The connecting cap (9) connects with a protective cone (1 2). The protective cone (12) includes a fixing portion (16) which fixes it on the connecting cap (9) by one or several resilient locking elements (22) which are connected to the sliding ring (10). The resilient locking elements (22) enable the protective cone (12) to be axially slid onto the connecting cap (9) without requiring any additional auxiliary means. However, the locking elements (22) can only be opened by deliberately actuating at least one locking element by a tool, to enable access to the joint (2) for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A vented slip joint assembly includes a first shaft with a first end having an externally splined portion. A second internally splined shaft is drivably connected at a first end to the first shaft. A seal sealingly engages the first shaft and the first end of the second shaft. A vent is provided in the first shaft to provide fluid communication to the second end of the first shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective device which is supported on the two universal joints (2, 2') by connecting caps (8) and sliding ring. Furthermore, each connecting cap (8) is formed to allow a protective cone (12) to be connected thereto. Protective devices of said type provide protection against contact and are stationary, while the driveshaft (1) rotates. Each connecting cap (8) is attached by spokes (19) to a supporting ring (13) which supports the protective cone (12) from the inside. When the protective cone (12) is subjected to radial loads, for example if the driveshaft is stepped on unintentionally, the purpose of the above measure is to prevent the protective cone (12) from contacting the components of the universal joints (2, 2') which it covers.

Abstract: A noise insulation arrangement reduces transmission of noise through an opening of a partition having a margin with a perimeter defining the opening. A shift lever assembly extends through the opening. This arrangement uses a noise insulator including a first noise barrier portion disposed in the opening adjacent to the perimeter of the partition and a first resilient portion extending between the first noise barrier and the shift lever assembly. A insulator cover is connected between the shift lever of the shift lever assembly and the margin of the partition. The cover includes a second noise barrier portion disposed adjacent to the perimeter and a second flexible portion. The second resilient portion is in the form of a bellows extending over the first resilient portion of the noise insulator.

Abstract: A housing has, on an outer circumferential surface thereof, a circumferential surface area, a toothed surface area complementary in shape to grooves and teeth of a boot of rubber, and a stopper engagable by tip ends of the boot of rubber and a boot of synthetic resin. The circumferential surface area, the toothed surface area, and the stopper are successively arranged in the order named in the direction in which the boots are installed onto a rotary joint. The housing has an outside diameter at the circumferential surface area which is equal to or greater than an inside diameter of the boot of synthetic resin. The circumferential surface area, circumferential teeth of the toothed surface area, and the stopper are progressively higher radially outwardly in the order named.

Abstract: The invention relates to a CVJ boot in which contact pressure of crest portions closer to a large-diameter mounting portion on the compressed side of a bellows portion is reduced when slant faces forming a root portion of a bending point obtained by the S-shaped bend come into contact with each other, thereby increasing durability.

Abstract: A boot assembly with adapter comprising a boot having elasticity and an adapter having relative rigidity. The boot is provided with a small diameter mount formed at one end to be fit over the outer circumference of the shaft, a connecting bead formed at the other end for connection to the adapter, and a body formed between the small diameter mount and the connecting bead. The adapter is provided with a large diameter mount formed at one end for connection to the joint and a connecting cavity formed at the other end and fitting with the connecting bead of the boot so as to surround the connecting bead. The connecting cavity of the adapter is provided with a bend formed with a step which protrudes outward in the radial direction and pressing against the inner circumferential of the connecting bead of the boot and a foldback connecting to the bend, formed folded back to the inner circumference of the bend, and folded over itself so that the front end is accommodated in the step.

Abstract: A boot fixing portion (12) has an annular convex portion (17) integrally formed on the outer periphery thereof and an annular projection (19) integrally formed on the inner periphery thereof in opposed relation to the convex portion (17), the annular projection (19) being adapted to engage an engaging groove (18) formed in the outer periphery of the outer member (14) of a constant velocity joint (13).

Abstract: A slip yoke assembly for a vehicle drive train assembly includes a yoke shaft having a shaft portion with a plurality of external splines formed thereon. A hollow transition member having a plurality of internal splines is connected to the yoke shaft for rotational driving movement, yet is permitted to move axially relative thereto. A hollow weld ring is secured to the yoke shaft for rotational movement therewith. The weld ring extends co-axially about the splined connection between the transition member and the shaft portion of the yoke shaft and provides an exterior surface to which one or more balance weights may be secured. The weld ting also provides an annular space to retain a quantity of lubricant for the splined connection. A flexible convoluted boot is provided to seal the splined connection between the transition member and the shaft portion of the yoke shaft. A first end of the boot is secured to the weld ring, while a second end of the boot is secured to the transition member.

Abstract: A slip yoke assembly for a vehicle drive train assembly includes a yoke shaft having a shaft portion with a plurality of external splines formed thereon. A hollow transition member having a plurality of internal splines is connected to the yoke shaft for rotational driving movement, yet is permitted to move axially relative thereto. A hollow weld ring is secured to the yoke shaft for rotational movement therewith. The weld ring extends co-axially about the splined connection between the transition member and the shaft portion of the yoke shaft and provides an exterior surface to which one or more balance weights may be secured. The weld ring also provides an annular space to retain a quantity of lubricant for the splined connection. A flexible convoluted boot is provided to seal the splined connection between the transition member and the shaft portion of the yoke shaft. A first end of the boot is secured to the weld ring, while a second end of the boot is secured to the transition member.

Abstract: A universal joint boot having a high degree of ability to withstand radial expansion. The boot (10) includes a bellows structure (16) having alternating ridges (26) and valleys (28) interconnected by flank portions (30). The flank portions (30) are curved inwardly of the boot and have a varying wall thickness that increases from the ridges (26) toward the valley (28). The valley portion (28) is defined by a U-shaped annular groove (34) to reduce the wall thickness thereby to improve the flexibility.

Abstract: A boot has two fixed portions (3, 4 ) formed with openings (1,2) wherein inner surfaces (3a, 4a ) of at least either of the fixed portions (3, 4) are provided with lip portions (5) in which a rising angle (A1) of a slant on the inside of the boot in an axial section of the boot is larger than a rising angle (A2) of a slant on the outside of the boot.

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 combined seal and boot assembly for protectively covering a telescoping connection between two shaft members in a steering shaft assembly includes a cylindrical body portion, a flexible boot portion, and a pair of sealing lips. The body portion is frictionally mounted on the end of the female splined steering shaft member. The flexible boot portion is formed from a plurality of alternating inwardly and outwardly extending corrugations. The sealing lips extend inwardly into resilient engagement with the splines formed on male splined steering shaft member. The metallic band is provided to maintain the resilient engagement with the splines formed on male splined steering shaft member. The sealing lips are urged into engagement with a higher friction portion of the male splined steering shaft member during normal use, wherein only a small amount of relative axial movement occurs between the male and female splined steering shaft members.

Abstract: An axially fixed transmission joint (10) has a first element (16) which is connected to a first shaft (12) and carries articulation elements (22) of the transmission joint (10) which interact with complementary bearing tracks (24) formed in a second element (18) of the transmission joint (10) which is connected to a second shaft (14). The transmission joint (10) further has an axial stop member (32) connected to the first element (16) which interacts with a complementary spherical stop surface (52) formed in a sealing boot (54) of the transmission joint (10) for immobilizing the first element (16) axially in relation to the second element (18) in at least one direction of relative axial displacement. The sealing boot (54) has a first end (58) which is fastened to the second element (18) and a second end (62) which is fastened to the first shaft (12).

Abstract: A seal fastener provided between the facing edges of two sheets (7) for joining and separating them has a male interlocking strip (13) formed along the edge of one of the sheets and having a bulging edge (14), and a female interlocking strip (16) formed from a rubbery elastic material along the edge of the other sheet and having an interlocking groove (17) for receiving the male interlocking strip therein. The male interlocking strip (13) is provided with a clamped insert (15) embedded therein and having a corrugated shape in top plan, and the female interlocking strip is provided with a clamping insert (19A or 19B) embedded therein about its interlocking groove (17) and having a substantially ovoid cross-sectional shape like the fruit of an eggplant. The fastener is easy to close and is high in durability.

Abstract: A convoluted boot made of a resilient material has a first collar with a large diameter and a second collar with a smaller diameter. The collars are positioned on rotatable parts which are rotatable relative to one another in an articulatable and/or axially movable condition. Also, the boot has a guiding portion positioned between at least one first freely deformable and movable fold and at least one second freely deformable and movable fold. The guiding portion is angularly movably held on a guiding member connected to one of the rotatable parts. The guiding member, on its outside, is enveloped and defines a spherical face.