A shaft-hub connection, in particular for a gearbox of a motor vehicle, comprising a shaft, at least one hub which is connected to the shaft, wherein the hub is of tubular design and a shaft end of the shaft engages on a first hub end of the hub, and a closure element is arranged on a second hub end of the hub. A cavity is formed between the closure element and the shaft end of the shaft. The closure element is designed in such a manner that gaseous medium can escape via the closure element in the event of a positive pressure in the cavity.

The claimed invention is directed to a novel composite half shaft. More specifically, the claimed invention provides for the integration of a continuous velocity joint within the hollow tubular portion of the axle shaft, which permits for a longer lightweight composite hollow shaft. The use of the lightweight material over additional length results in an overall weight reduction. Additional benefits include reduced unsprung weight in vehicles, improved mileage for gas powered vehicles and increased range for electric vehicles. The use of composite materials in place of a solid or hollow metal axle bar results in improved noise, vibration and harshness (“NVH”) characteristics over conventional half shafts..

A drive shaft assembly includes a drive shaft that includes a first cylindrical end having a first diameter, a cylindrical portion having a second diameter, and a second cylindrical end having the first diameter. A first distal end of the drive shaft includes a first distal spherical indentation. A first adapter cap includes a first tapered inner aperture and a first seal disposed within a first groove formed in a circumference of the first tapered inner aperture. The first tapered inner aperture is configured to receive the first cylindrical end of the drive shaft and the first seal forms a seal with the cylindrical portion of the drive shaft having the second diameter. A first adapter includes a first distal spherical indentation. A first distal spherical ball is removably attached to the first distal spherical indentation.

A drive shaft assembly includes a drive shaft that includes a first cylindrical end having a first diameter, a cylindrical portion having a second diameter, and a second cylindrical end having the first diameter. A first distal end of the drive shaft includes a first distal spherical indentation. A first adapter cap includes a first tapered inner aperture and a first seal disposed within a first groove formed in a circumference of the first tapered inner aperture. The first tapered inner aperture is configured to receive the first cylindrical end of the drive shaft and the first seal forms a seal with the cylindrical portion of the drive shaft having the second diameter. A first adapter includes a first distal spherical indentation. A first distal spherical ball is removably attached to the first distal spherical indentation.

A seal and vent assembly for a constant velocity joint including a vent plate for being disposed in a compartment of the constant velocity joint. The vent plate defines a mounting aperture. A vent valve is received in the mounting aperture for sealing the compartment of the constant velocity joint. The vent valve has a body portion extending along an axis and received by the mounting aperture and a rim portion extending from the body portion into engagement with, and biased against the vent plate. The vent valve defines a chamber between the rim portion, the body portion and the vent plate. A venting channel fluidly connects the chamber of the vent valve and the compartment of the constant velocity joint. The vent plate defines the at least one venting channel.

A seal and vent assembly for a constant velocity joint including a vent plate for being disposed in a compartment of the constant velocity joint. The vent plate defines a mounting aperture. A vent valve is received in the mounting aperture for sealing the compartment of the constant velocity joint. The vent valve has a body portion extending along an axis and received by the mounting aperture and a rim portion extending from the body portion into engagement with, and biased against the vent plate. The vent valve defines a chamber between the rim portion, the body portion and the vent plate. A venting channel fluidly connects the chamber of the vent valve and the compartment of the constant velocity joint. The vent plate defines the at least one venting channel.

A system and method for replacing a sealing arrangement of a grid coupling without removing or disturbing a mechanical connection of the coupling with driver and driven shafts connected to the coupling includes providing combined seal members having gasket seal portions that are integrally formed with radial seal portions and that are disposed between portions of the housing and the rotating seal group of the grid coupling.

A guard for a power transmission coupling includes first and second housing members extending longitudinally along corresponding first and second axes and each having first and second longitudinal ends. The first longitudinal end of the first housing member defines an opening configured to receive one of a drive shaft and a driven shaft of the power transmission coupling while the first longitudinal end of the second housing member defines an opening configured to receive the other shaft. The second longitudinal end of the second housing member is configured to be telescoped within the second longitudinal end of the first housing member and the second housing member is movable relative to the first housing member in the direction of the first axis. A plurality of guides are disposed between and couple the first and second housing members and are configured to allow relative movement of the first and second housing members.

A constant velocity joint boot assembly includes a boot that may be positioned around a constant velocity joint on a vehicle. The boot has a longitudinal cut. Thus, the boot may be selectively placed around the constant velocity joint when the constant velocity joint is mounted to the vehicle. A zipper is coupled to the boot. The zipper closes the boot around the constant velocity joint. The zipper extends beyond the first end of the boot and the second end of the boot to define a pair of free ends of the zipper. Each of the free ends of the zipper is rolled up when the zipper is closed. Thus, the zipper may resist being contaminated thereby enhancing functionally of the zipper over time.

A safety guard support for a power take off shaft, the safety guard support: including a bearing; and a retainer ring. The bearing and the retainer ring including corresponding interlocking formations configured to prevent rotation of the bearing relative the retainer ring about a longitudinal axis.