Flexible boot for enclosing a universal joint
US5695202A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D3/845
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible boot (10) comprises a body (80) which defines a cavity (82) for receiving a universal joint (50). A first end portion (100) of the body (80) encircles an intermediate steering shaft (30). The first end portion (108) includes a pair of annular ribs (110 and 112) and a first annular lip (102) which extends radially inward to provide a seal between the first end portion (100) of the body (80) and the intermediate steering shaft (30). The pair of annular ribs (100 and 112) are located adjacent the first annular lip (102) and extend radially inward. The pair of ribs (110 and 112) define a recess (118) therebetween. The flexible boot (10) further comprises a bearing (90) in the recess (118) for supporting rotation of the intermediate steering shaft (30) relative to the flexible boot (10), and a second end portion (120) of the body (80) which includes a second annular lip (122) for receipt in a groove (62) on a steering gear housing (60) to secure the body (80) to the steering gear housing (60). A center portion (140) of the body (80) interconnects the first end portion (100) with the second end portion (120). The center portion (140) is axially expandable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.