Telescoping universal joints

Claim 2

cooperating surfaces..]. 3. A universal joint according to claim .[.2.]. .Iadd.99 .Iaddend.wherein one surface of each pair of said cooperating

Claim 3

surfaces is spherical in shape. 4. A universal joint according to claim 3 wherein the center of curvature of said spherical surface lies on the pivot center of the universal joint during the time of its engagement with

Claim 4

its cooperating surface. 5. A universal joint according to claim 4 wherein as one member moves axially relative to the other, the pivot center of the joint maintains a relatively fixed relationship with respect to one member

Claim 5

and moves axially with respect to the other. 6. A universal joint according to claim 4 wherein as one member moves axially relative to the other, the pivot center of the joint moves axially relative to both members and maintains an axial position relatively intermediate the two

Claim 6

members. 7. A universal joint according to claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.2 .Iaddend.wherein the torque transmitting members define a plane, said limiting means in each axial direction comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces, one surface of each pair of surfaces being spherical in shape and having its center of curvature substantially in the plane of the torque transmitting members at the time of its engagement with its cooperating

Claim 7

surface. 8. A universal joint according to claim 7 wherein the centerlines of the driving and driven members maintain an intersecting relationship during only a portion of the operation of the universal joint with said members misaligned. .[.9. A telescoping universal joint comprising a driving member, a driven member, torque transmitting means between the driving and driven members, and means for limiting relative axial outward movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at

Claim 8

any angular alignment of the members..]. 10. The combination set forth in claim .[.9.]. .Iadd.100 .Iaddend.including means for enclosing and sealing one end of said joint comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces, one of which is mounted for axial movement relative to the member which carries it and is urged axially into contact with its cooperating surface. .[.11. A universal joint according to claim 10 wherein one of said cooperating surfaces is permitted limited radial movement relative to the member which carries it..]. .[.12. The combination set forth in claim 9 wherein said telescoping joint comprises a part of a drive line including a second universal joint and telescoping torque transmitting connection in series

Claim 9

with said joints..]. 13. A drive line as described in claim .[.12.]. .Iadd.100 .Iaddend.wherein said telescoping torque transmitting connection also includes axial stroke limiting means in each direction. .[.14. The combination set forth in claim 9 wherein said telescoping joint comprises a part of a drive line including a second telescoping joint including a driving member, a driven member, torque transmitting means between the driving and driven members, and means for limiting relative axial outward movement between said members, said means for limiting relative axial outward movement of said second joint comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces, said surfaces coming into contact to limit the stroke in each direction, said surfaces being in continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the stroke limiting action, one of said surfaces being associated with one of said driving member, driven member or torque transmitting means, and the other of said surfaces being associated with another of said driving member, driven member or

Claim 10

said torque transmitting means..]. 15. A drive line as described in claim .[.14.]. .Iadd.102 .Iaddend.wherein the input member of the drive line is

Claim 11

a transmission and the output member a driving axle of a vehicle. 16. A drive line as described in claim 14 wherein the input member to the drive line is a differential and the output member a driving wheel of a vehicle. .[.17. A telescoping universal joint comprising a driving member, a driven member, torque transmitting means between the driving and driven members, and means for enclosing and sealing the space around said members by means of slidably or pivotally engaged surfaces..]. .[.18. A universal joint according to claim 17 wherein said enclosing and sealing means includes a pair of cooperating surfaces, one of which is permitted axial movement relative to the member which carries it and is urged axially into contact with its cooperating surface..]. .[.19. A universal joint according to claim 18 wherein one of said cooperating surfaces is spherical in shape..]. .[.20. A universal joint according to claim 19 wherein one of said cooperating surfaces is permitted limited radial movement relative to the member which carries it..]. .[.21. A universal joint according to claim 19 wherein the center of curvature of the spherical surface is located at the pivot center of the joint..]. .[.22. A telescoping universal joint comprising an outer driving or driven member, an inner driving or driven member received within said outer member, axially extending grooves in at least one of said outer member and said inner member, torque transmitting means between said members and engaging said grooves, and means for limiting the relative movement in each axial direction between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members..]. .[.23. A universal joint according to claim 22 wherein the means for limiting movement in each of the axial directions comprises a pair of cooperating surfaces, one surface of each pair of surfaces being spherical in

Claim 12

shape..]. 24. A universal joint according to claim .[.23.]. .Iadd.104 .Iaddend.wherein the construction is such that as the members move axially relative to one another, the pivot center of the joint maintains a relatively fixed position with respect to the inner member and moves axially with respect to the outer member, the center of curvature of each spherical limiting surface lying on the pivot center of the joint during

Claim 13

the time of its engagement with its cooperating surface. 25. A universal joint according to claim 24 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the inner member and its cooperating surface is carried by the outer

Claim 14

member. 26. A universal joint according to claim 24 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the outer member and its cooperating

Claim 15

surface is carried by the inner member. 27. A universal joint according to claim .[.23.]. .Iadd.104 .Iaddend.wherein the construction is such that as the members move axially relative to one another, the pivot center of the joint maintains a relatively fixed position with respect to the outer member and moves axially with respect to the inner member, the center of curvature of each spherical limiting surface lying on the pivot center of the joint during the time of its engagement with its cooperating surface.

Claim 16

A universal joint according to claim 27 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the inner member and its cooperating surface is

Claim 17

carried by the outer member. 29. A universal joint according to claim 27 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the outer member, its cooperating surface is carried by the inner member. .[.30. A universal joint according to claim 23 wherein the construction is such that during operation with the members misaligned, the centerlines of said members do not maintain an intersecting relationship, one of said cooperating surfaces having limited radial movement relative to the member which

Claim 18

carries it..]. 31. A universal joint according to claim .[.30.]. .Iadd.71 .Iaddend.wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the inner member

Claim 19

and its cooperating surface is carried by the outer member. 32. A universal joint according to claim .[.30.]. .Iadd.71 .Iaddend.wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the outer member and its cooperating surface is carried by the inner member. .[.33. A universal joint according to claim 23 wherein one of said cooperating surfaces is permitted axial movement with respect to the member on which it is carried and is urged axially into contact with its paired cooperating surface..]. .[.34. A universal joint according to claim 33 wherein one surface of said paired cooperating surfaces is permitted limited radial movement relative to the member on which it is carried..]. .[.35. A telescoping universal joint comprising an outer driving or driven member, an inner driving or driven member received within said outer member, axially extending grooves in at least one of said outer member and said inner member, torque transmitting means between said members and engaging said grooves, and means for limiting the relative axial movement in the outward direction between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members..]. .[.36. A telescoping universal joint comprising an outer driving or driven member, an inner driving or driven member received within said outer member, axially extending grooves in at least one of said outer member and said inner member, torque transmitting means between said members and engaging said grooves, and means for sealing the space between said member by means of slidably or

Claim 20

pivotally engaged surfaces..]. .[.37. A universal joint according to claim 36 wherein said sealing means includes a pair of cooperating surfaces, one of which is permitted axial movement relative to the member which carries it and is urged axially into contact with its cooperating surface..]. .[.38. A universal joint according to claim 37 wherein one of said cooperating surfaces is spherical in shape..]. .[.39. A universal joint according to claim 37 wherein one of said cooperating surfaces is permitted limited radial movement relative to the member which carries it..]. .[.40. A universal joint according to claim 37 wherein the center of curvature of the spherical surface coincides with the pivot center of the joint..]. .[.41. A telescoping universal joint comprising an outer driving or driven member, an inner driving or driven member received within said outer member, axially extending grooves in at least one of said outer member and said inner member, torque transmitting means in said grooves, positioning means to assist in positioning said torque transmitting means relative to said members, and means for limiting the relative movement between said members in each axial direction and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members..]. .[.42. A universal joint according to claim 41 wherein the means for limiting movement in each of the axial directions comprises a pair of cooperating

Claim 21

surfaces, one surface of each pair being spherical in shape..]. 43. A universal joint according to claim .[.42.]. .Iadd.107 .Iaddend.wherein as the members move axially relative to one another, the pivot center of the joint maintains a relatively fixed position with respect to the inner

Claim 22

member and moves axially with respect to the outer member. 44. A universal joint according to claim 43 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the inner member, its cooperating surface is carried by the outer member.

Claim 23

A universal joint according to claim 43 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the outer member, its cooperating surface is carried

Claim 24

by the inner member. 46. A universal joint according to claim 43 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the positioning means, its

Claim 25

cooperating surface is carried by the outer member. 47. A universal joint according to claim 44 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the outer member, its cooperating surface is carried by the positioning means.

Claim 26

A universal joint according to claim .[.42.]. .Iadd.107 .Iaddend.wherein as the members move axially relative to one another, the pivot center of the joint maintains a relatively fixed position with respect to the outer member and moves axially relative to the inner

Claim 27

member. 49. A universal joint according to claim 48 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the inner member and its cooperating

Claim 28

surface is carried by the outer member. 50. A universal joint according to claim 48 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the outer member,

Claim 29

its cooperating surface is carried by the inner member. 51. A universal joint according to claim 48 wherein a said spherical surface is associated with the inner member, its cooperating surface being associated with the

Claim 30

positioning means. 52. A universal joint according to claim 48 wherein a said spherical surface is associated with the positioning means and its

Claim 31

cooperating surface is associated with the inner member. 53. A universal joint according to claim .[.42.]. .Iadd.107 .Iaddend.wherein as the inner and outer members move axially relative to one another, the pivot center of the joint moves axially with respect to both members and maintains an

Claim 32

axial position intermediate the two members. 54. A universal joint according to claim 53 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the

Claim 33

inner member, its cooperating surface is carried by the outer member. 55. A universal joint according to claim 53 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the outer member, its cooperating surface is carried

Claim 34

by the inner member. 56. A universal joint according to claim 53 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the inner member, its cooperating

Claim 35

surface is carried by the positioning means. 57. A universal joint according to claim 53 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the positioning means, its cooperating surface is carried by the inner member.

Claim 36

A universal joint according to claim 53 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the positioning means, its cooperating surface is

Claim 37

carried by the outer member. 59. A universal joint according to claim 53 wherein a said spherical surface is carried by the outer member, its

Claim 38

cooperating surface is carried by the positioning means. 60. A universal joint according to claim .[.42.]. .Iadd.107 .Iaddend.wherein one of said cooperating surfaces is permitted axial movement with respect to the member which carries it and is urged axially into contact with its paired cooperating surface. .[.61. A universal joint according to claim 60 wherein one surface of said paired cooperating surfaces is permitted limited radial movement relative to the member which carried it..]. .[.62. A drive line incorporating two telescoping universal joints in series, each joint having stroke limiting means in each axial direction, so as to permit greater axial movement between the input and output members of the drive line than would be possible with only one telescoping joint..]. .[.63. A drive line as described in claim 62 wherein the input member of the drive line is a transmission and the output member a driving axle of a vehicle..]. .[.64. A drive line as described in claim 62 wherein the input member to the drive line is a differential and the output member a driving wheel of a vehicle..]. .[.65. A drive line incorporating one or more telescoping universal joints, each joint having stroke limiting means in each axial direction, and another telescoping torque transmitting connection in series with said joints so as to permit greater axial movement between the input and output members of the drive line than would be possible with the telescoping

Claim 39

universal joints alone..]. .[.66. A drive line as described in claim 65 wherein said telescoping torque transmitting connection also includes axial stroke limiting means in each direction..]. .[.67. A drive line as described in claim 65 wherein the input member of the drive line is a transmission and the output member a driving axle of a vehicle..]. .[.68. A drive line as described in claim 65 wherein the input member to the drive line is a differential and the output member a driving wheel of a vehicle..]. .Iadd. 69. A telescoping universal joint comprising a driving member, a driven member, torque transmitting means between the driving and driven members, and means for limiting relative axial outward movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members, means for enclosing and sealing one end of said joint comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces, one of which is mounted for axial movement relative to the member which carries it and is urged axially into contact with its cooperating surface, one of said cooperating surfaces being permitted limited radial movement relative to the member which carries it. .Iaddend..Iadd. 70. A telescoping universal joint comprising a driving member, a driven member, torque transmitting means between the driving and driven members, and means for enclosing and sealing the space around said members by means of slidably or pivotally engaged surfaces, said enclosing and sealing means including a pair of cooperating surfaces, one of which is permitted axial movement relative to the member which carries it and is urged axially into contact with its cooperating surface, one of said cooperating surfaces being spherical in shape, one of said cooperating surfaces being permitted limited radial movement

Claim 40

relative to the member which carries it. .Iaddend..Iadd. 71. A telescoping universal joint comprising an outer driving or driven member, an inner driving or driven member received within said outer member, axially extending grooves in at least one of said outer member and said inner member, torque transmitting means between said members and engaging said grooves, and means for limiting the relative movement in each axial direction between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members, the means for limiting movement in each of the axial directions comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces, one surface of each pair of surfaces being spherical in shape, the construction being such that during operation with the members misaligned, the centerlines of said members do not maintain an intersecting relationship, one of said cooperating surfaces having limited radial movement relative to the member which carries it. .Iaddend..Iadd.

Claim 41

. A telescoping universal joint comprising an outer driving or driven member, an inner driving or driven member received within said outer member, axially extending grooves in at least one of said outer member and said inner member, torque transmitting means between said members and engaging said grooves, and means for limiting the relative movement in each axial direction between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members, the means for limiting movement in each of the axial directions comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces, one surface of each pair of surfaces being spherical in shape, one of said cooperating surfaces being permitted axial movement with respect to the member on which it is carried and is urged axially into contact with its paired cooperating surface, one surface of said paired cooperating surfaces being permitted limited radial movement relative to the member on which it is carried. .Iaddend..Iadd. 73. A telescoping universal joint comprising an outer driving or driven member, an inner driving or driven member received within said outer member, axially extending grooves in at least one of said outer member and said inner member, torque transmitting means between said members and engaging said grooves, and means for sealing the space between said member by means of slidably or pivotally engaged surfaces, said sealing means including a pair of cooperating surfaces, one of which is permitted axial movement relative to the member which carries it and is urged axially into contact with its cooperating surface, one of said cooperating surfaces being permitted limited radial movement

Claim 42

relative to the member which carries it. .Iaddend..Iadd. 74. A telescoping universal joint comprising an outer driving or driven member, an inner driving or driven member received within said outer member, axially extending grooves in at least one of said outer member and said inner member, torque transmitting means in said grooves, positioning means to assist in positioning said torque transmitting means relative to said members, and means for limiting the relative movement between said members in each axial direction and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members, the means for limiting movement in each of the axial directions comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces, one surface of each pair being spherical in shape, one of said cooperating surfaces being permitted axial movement with respect to the member which carries it and being urged axially into contact with its paired cooperating surface, one surface of said paired cooperating surfaces being permitted limited radial movement relative to the member which carried it. .Iaddend. .Iadd.

Claim 43

The universal joint set forth in claim 99 wherein said torque transmitting means has a centerplane which is movable axially with respect to one of the members during telescoping action of the joint, one surface of each said pair of cooperating surfaces is a segment of a sphere whose center lies in the centerplane of the torque transmitting means during said limiting action. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 76. The universal joint set forth in claim 100 wherein said torque transmitting means has a centerplane which is movable axially with respect to one of the members during telescoping action of the joint, one surface of each said pair of cooperating surfaces is a segment of a sphere whose center lies in the centerplane of the torque transmitting means during said limiting action. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 77. The universal joint set forth in claim 103 wherein said torque transmitting means has a centerplane which is movable axially with respect to one of the members during telescoping action of the joint, one surface of each said pair of cooperating surfaces is a segment of a sphere whose center lies in the centerplane of the torque transmitting means during said limiting action. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 78. The universal joint set forth in claim 105 wherein said torque transmitting means has a centerplane which is movable axially with respect to one of the members during telescoping action of the joint, one surface of each said pair of cooperating surfaces is a segment of a sphere whose center lies in the centerplane of the torque transmitting means during said limiting action. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 79. The universal joint set forth in claim 106 wherein said torque transmitting means has a centerplane which is movable axially with respect to one of the members during telescoping action of the joint, one surface of each said pair of cooperating surfaces is a segment of a sphere whose center lies in the centerplane of the torque transmitting means during said limiting action. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 80. The universal joint set forth in claim 106 wherein said positioning means has a pivot center movable axially with respect to one of the members during the telescoping action of the joint, one surface of each said pair of surfaces is a segment of a sphere whose center coincides with the pivot center of said positioning means relative to one of said members during the time said pair of surfaces is in contact. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 81. The universal joint set forth in claim 106 wherein said driving member and driven member comprise an outer member and an inner member, said torque transmitting means comprises balls, and said positioning means comprises a ball cage. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 82. A telescoping universal joint comprising a driving member, a driven member axially movable with respect to said driving member, multiple torque transmitting elements, positioning means individual to each said element movable with respect to said members and with respect to each other to assist in positioning said elements with respect to said members, and means for limiting the relative axial outward movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 83. The universal joint set forth in claim 82 including means for limiting the relative axial inward movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members. .Iaddend..Iadd. 84. The universal joint set forth in claim 82 wherein each said limiting means includes a pair of surfaces which are in continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the limiting action. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 85. A telescoping universal joint comprising a first driving or driven member having axially extending grooves, a second driving or driven member having radially extending arms and being axially movable with respect to said driving or driven member, torque transmitting means engaging said grooves and arms, and means for limiting the relative axial outward movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said movement as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 86. The universal joint set forth in claim 85 including means for limiting the relative axial inward movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members. .Iaddend..Iadd. 87. The universal joint set forth in claim 85 wherein each said limiting means includes a pair of surfaces which are in continuous pivotal contact as the universal joint rotates during the limiting action. .Iaddend..Iadd. 88. The universal joint set forth in claim 85 wherein one surface of each said pair of surfaces is a segment of a sphere whose center lies in the centerplane of the torque transmitting means during said limiting action. .Iaddend..Iadd. 89. The universal joint set forth in claim 85 wherein one surface of one said pair of surfaces is carried by said grooved member and the other surface of said pair being carried by said armed member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 90. The universal joint set forth in claim 85 wherein one surface of one said pair of surfaces is permitted limited radial movement with respect to the member which carries it. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 91. A telescoping universal joint comprising a driving member having grooves therein, a driven member having grooves therein axially movable with respect to said driving member, torque transmitting elements engaging said grooves, positioning means movable relative to said members and engaging said elements and, with the cooperation of said grooves and elements, maintaining said elements in the desired position relative to said members at any angular alignment of said members, and means for limiting the relative axial outward movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 92. The universal joint set forth in claim 91 including means for limiting the relative axial inward movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members. .Iaddend..Iadd. 93. The universal joint set forth in claim 91 wherein each said limiting means includes a pair of surfaces in continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the limiting action. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 94. A telescoping universal joint comprising a driving member having grooves therein, a driven member having grooves therein axially movable with respect to said driving member, torque transmitting elements engaging said grooves, said grooves in said members being paired and each pair having an intersecting mirror image relationship to assist in positioning said torque transmitting elements at any angular alignment of said members, positioning means movable relative to said members and engaging said elements and, with the cooperation of said grooves, maintaining said elements in the desired position relative to said members, and means for limiting the relative axial movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement at any angular alignment of said members. .Iaddend.

Claim 44

.Iadd. 95. The universal joint set forth in claim 94 including means for limiting the relative axial inward and outward movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 96. The universal joint set forth in claim 94 wherein each said limiting means includes a pair of surfaces in continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the limiting action. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 97. A telescoping universal joint comprising a driving member, a driven member axially movable with respect to said driving member, torque transmitting means, positioning means movable with respect to said members to assist in positioning said torque transmitting means relative to said members, and means for limiting relative axial movement between said members, said limiting means including a pair of surfaces which are in continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the limiting action, means associated with said surfaces for retaining lubricant within the joint, one surface of said pair of surfaces being associated with one of said driving member, driven member and positioning means, and the other surface of said pair being associated with another of said driving member, driven

Claim 45

member and positioning means. .Iaddend..Iadd. 98. A telescoping universal joint comprising a driving member, a driven member axially movable with respect to said other member, torque transmitting means, all of which maintain driving contact with said members during operation of the joint, and means for limiting relative axial movement between said members, said limiting means including a pair of surfaces which engage one another and maintain continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the limiting action, means associated with said surfaces for retaining lubricant within the joint, one surface of said pair of surfaces being associated with one of said members, and the other surface of said pair being associated with the other of said members. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 99. A telescoping universal joint comprising a driving member, a driven member axially movable with respect to said driving member, torque transmitting means between the driving and driven members, all of which maintain driving contact with the driving and driven members during operation of the joint, and means for limiting relative axial inward and outward movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members, said limiting means in each direction comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces which engage one another and maintain continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the limiting action, one surface of said pair being a surface on one of said driving member and said driven member and the other surface of said pair being a surface of the other of said driving member and said driven member. .Iaddend..Iadd.

Claim 46

A telescoping universal joint comprising a driving member, a driven member axially movable with respect to said driving member, torque transmitting means between the driving and driven members, all of which maintain driving contact with the driving and driven members during operation of the joint, and means for limiting relative axial outward movement between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the member, said means limiting axial outward movement comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces which engage one another and maintain continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the limiting action, one surface of said pair being a surface on one of said driving member and said driven member and the other surface of said pair carried by the other of said driving member and said driven member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 101. The combination set forth in claim 100 wherein said telescoping joint comprises a part of a drive line including a second universal joint and telescoping torque transmitting connection in series with said joints, each said universal joint being such that the telescoping action of one joint is independent of the action of the other. .Iaddend..Iadd. 102. The combination set forth in claim 100 wherein said telescoping universal joint comprises a part of a drive line including a second telescoping universal joint including a driving member, a driven member, torque transmitting means between the driving and driven members, and means for limiting relative axial outward movement between said members, said means for limiting relative axial outward movement of said second joint comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces, said surfaces coming into contact to limit the stroke, said surfaces being in continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the stroke limiting action, one of said surfaces being associated with one of said driving member, driven member or torque transmitting means, and the other of said surfaces being associated with another of said driving member, driven member or said torque transmitting means, each said universal joint being such that the telescoping action of one joint is independent of the telescoping action of the other.

Claim 47

.Iaddend..Iadd. 103. A telescoping universal joint comprising an outer driving or driven member, an inner driving or driven member received within said outer member and axially movable with respect to said outer member, axially extending grooves in at least one of said outer member and said inner member, torque transmitting means between said members and engaging said grooves, all of which maintain driving contact with the driving and driven members during operation of the joint, and means for limiting the relative movement in each axial direction between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members, said limiting means in each direction comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces which engage one another and maintain continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the limiting action, one surface of said pair being a surface on one of said driving member and said driven member and the other surface of said pair being a surface of the other of said driving member and said driven member. .Iaddend..Iadd.

Claim 48

A universal joint according to claim 103 wherein one surface of each pair of cooperating surfaces is spherical in shape. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 105. A telescoping universal joint comprising an outer driving or driven member, an inner driving or driven member received within said outer member and axially movable with respect to said outer member, axially extending grooves in at least one of said outer member and said inner member, torque transmitting means between said members and engaging said grooves, all of which maintain driving contact with the driving and driven members during operation of the joint, and means for limiting the relative axial movement in the outward direction between said members and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the member, said limiting means comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces which engage one another and maintain continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the limiting action, one surface of said pair being a surface on one of said driving member and said driven member and the other surface of said pair being a surface of the other of said driving member and said driven member. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 106. A telescoping universal joint comprising an outer driving or driven member, an inner driving or driven member received within said outer member and axially movable with respect to said outer member, axially extending grooves in at least one of said outer member and said inner member, torque transmitting means in said grooves, positioning means movable with respect to said members to assist in positioning said torque transmitting means relative to said members, and means for limiting the relative movement between said members in each axial direction and for maintaining said members in fixed axial relationship while limiting said axial movement between said members as the joint rotates at any angular alignment of the members, said limiting means in each direction comprising a pair of cooperating surfaces which engage one another and maintain continuous contact as the universal joint rotates during the limiting action, one surface of said pair of cooperating surfaces being a surface of one of said driving member, driven member and positioning means, and the other surface of said pair of cooperating surfaces being a surface of another of said driving member, driven member and positioning means. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 107. A universal joint according to claim 41 wherein one surface of each pair of cooperating surfaces is spherical in shape. .Iaddend.