Patent ID: 7950669
Filing Date: 2011-05-31
Classification: F16D,F16J

Abstract:
1. A method of sealing a constant velocity joint comprising the steps of: providing a constant velocity joint having an outer joint member and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein said shaft includes a slip spline at an end opposite said outer joint member; providing a tube adapted to accept insertion of said slip spline to allow axial movement of said tube relative to said outer joint member; providing a seal adapter having a first substantially cylindrical portion fixed to said outer joint member and a second substantially cylindrical portion extending away from said outer joint member and encircling said shaft, wherein said second substantially cylindrical portion includes an inner surface facing said longitudinal axis and an outer surface opposite said inner surface; providing a primary boot having first and second ends, sealing said primary boot first end to said inner surface of second substantially cylindrical portion and slidably engaging primary boot second end to said shaft; and providing a secondary boot having first and second ends, sealing said secondary boot first end to said outer surface of second substantially cylindrical portion and sealing said secondary boot second end to said tube; wherein said primary boot first end is spaced apart from secondary boot first end and primary boot second end is spaced part from secondary boot second end, whereby the failure of one of said primary and secondary boots does not necessitate the failure of the other boot.