Importance

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Abstract

A guard for a universal joint of the type having a yoke pivotally connected by a cross-link to a housing is disclosed. The guard includes a bell element which has a hemispherically shaped outer surface and is mounted coaxially with the yoke. A boot having first and second end portions and a central portion surrounds the housing with the first end portion having a hemispherically shaped inner surface which mates in sliding contact with the hemispherically shaped surface of the bell element. A bearing surface is within the central portion of the boot and the second end portion is opposite from the first end portion. The bearing surface within the central portion is in sliding contact with a spherical surface which is provided on the housing. As the yoke is articulated relative to the housing, the bearing surface slides along the housing spherical surface to allow the boot to tilt relative to the housing.

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First Claim