Grease reduction insert
AssigneeGKN Driveline North America, Inc.
InventorThomas Pallante
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An articulating joint apparatus includes a first rotational member having an axis, a second rotational member coupled with and positioned generally coaxial to the first rotational member, and a boot cover assembly for sealing at least part of the first rotational member to the second rotational member. The boot cover assembly is selectively coupled to both the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The joint apparatus also includes an insert positioned at least partially between the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The insert will deform in response to axial movement of the second rotational member relative to the first rotational member.
Claims14
An articulating joint comprising:
- a first rotational member defining an axis;
- a second rotational member coupled with and positioned generally coaxial to the first rotational member;
- a boot assembly for sealing at least part of the first rotational member to the second rotational member, wherein the boot assembly is selectively coupled to both the first rotational member and the second rotational member;
- and
- an insert having at least one of a continuous top surface and a continuous bottom surface positioned at least partially solely between the first rotational member and the second rotational member, wherein the first rotational member directly contacts the top surface of the insert and the second rotational member directly contacts the bottom surface of the insert, and wherein the insert will at least axially compress or expand, allowing a complete joint plunge, in response to axial movement of the second rotational member relative to the first rotational member.
An articulated joint comprising:
- a first rotational member having an opening end, an axis, and an inside surface defining, at least in part, an internal vault;
- a second rotational member including a shaft at least partially interposed within the first rotational member and extending from the first rotational member and through the opening end;
- a boot assembly, wherein the boot assembly has a first boot portion connected to the first rotational member and shaft end connected to the shaft;
- and
- an insert having at least one of a continuous top surface and a continuous bottom surface positioned at least partially solely between the first rotational member and the second rotational member, and wherein the first rotational member directly contacts the top surface of the insert and the second rotational member directly contacts the bottom surface of the insert, and wherein the insert will at least axially compress or expand, allowing a complete joint plunge, in response to axial movement of the second rotational member relative to the first rotational member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.