Universal joint guard

In a double universal joint having first and second yokes pivotally connected by corresponding cross-links to a double inner housing, a guard comprising:

• a single bell element having a hemispherically shaped outer surface;
• bearing means for mounting the bell element on the first yoke with the bell element opening toward the housing and being axially fixed and rotatable on the first yoke;
• a boot for surrounding the housing, the boot having (a) a first end portion with a hemispherically shaped inner surface to mate in sliding contact with the hemispherically shaped outer surface of the bell element so that the bell element is captured inside the boot, (b) a central portion having a bearing surface therein, and (c) a second end portion from said central portion opposite from said first end portion, said second end portion being open;
• and
• wherein the housing has a spherical outer surface in sliding contact with the bearing surface to allow the bearing surface and the boot to tilt on the housing as the first yoke is articulated relative to the housing.