CPC F16D 3/2237 (2013.01) [F16D 3/2055 (2013.01); F16D 3/845 (2013.01); F16D 2003/22303 (2013.01); F16D 2003/22309 (2013.01); F16D 2003/22316 (2013.01); Y10S 464/905 (2013.01); Y10S 464/906 (2013.01)] | 11 Claims |
1. A joint assembly comprising:
a hollow outer joint member including a wall forming an open end and a closed end, the outer joint member having a plurality of tracks in its inner surface;
an inner joint member received in the outer joint member;
a plurality of torque-transmitting elements, the plurality of torque-transmitting elements rotationally engaging with the inner joint member and the plurality of tracks of the outer joint member, wherein each track comprises two opposing side walls and the plurality of torque-transmitting elements engage these side walls of the outer joint member and is configured to move in an axial direction along the side walls;
a boot covering the open end of the outer joint member;
a plurality of restrictors, at least one of the restrictors being configured to engage at least one of the plurality of torque-transmitting elements to militate against undesired displacement of the inner joint member with respect to the outer joint member, and
at least one stiffener merged into and integrally formed with the at least one of the restrictors;
wherein the at least one of the restrictors is part of the boot and extends through the open end of the outer joint member into the at least one of the plurality of tracks in the outer joint member along one of the side walls, and a surface of the restrictor in an area of a first side wall points to the opposite side wall of the at least one of the tracks, and said surface runs at an angle α to the first side wall, wherein the angle α opens to the open end of the outer joint member, wherein the angle α is between 0 and 35°;
wherein the at least one of the restrictors and the at least one stiffener are made in one piece with the boot; and
wherein the at least one of the restrictors and at least another one of the plurality of restrictors extend into each of the tracks and run along both side walls and a base wall of the track.
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