Patent ID: 7229358
Filing Date: 2007-06-12
Classification: F16D,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A high performance constant velocity universal joint comprising in combination: a body enclosing a set of constant velocity components including a cage and drive balls forming the universal joint, the body having a smooth spherical outer surface; an input shaft; an output shaft; a one-piece semi-rigid plastic boot in the form of a truncated sphere, the one-piece boot comprising a truncated end and a shaft end, the shaft end opposite the truncated end, the boot having a smooth internal spherical surface sized to slidingly engage with the spherical outer surface of the body; the one-piece boot being truncated at the truncated end such that it is larger than a half-sphere with an opening at the truncated end which is smaller than the inner diameter of the sphere; the plastic of the boot being sufficiently elastic to allow the boot to snap over the body to a conforming position providing a close sliding fit thereover, the plastic being sufficiently resilient to snap the truncated end closed after the boot is snapped over the body to provide a substantial seal preventing entry of debris under the seal formed by the boot; the shaft end of the one-piece boot slidingly engaging the input shaft or the output shaft of the universal joint; and a retaining ring positioned on the boot near the truncated end to resist plastic creep from enlarging the opening and allowing debris to enter the seal.