Method of manufacturing a bellowed seal
US5851476A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S277/944
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved seal or boot for inhibiting contaminants from interfering with operation of a mechanism having two flexibly interconnected components which axially extend from opposite ends of the seal. The seal is formed as a one-piece hollow and elongated body defining an enclosed cavity wherein the pivotal connection of the mechanism is arranged and having first and second annular mounting ends. The first and second annular mounting ends are configured to allow the components of the mechanism protected by the seal to axially extend therefrom. To permit flexural movement of the seal and the interconnected components of the mechanism protected by the seal, a plurality of bellow-like configurations are disposed along a major length of the seal between the first and second mounting ends. Each bellow-like configuration on the seal has predetermined root and crest diameters with wall sections of a predetermined material thickness extending therebetween. To facilitate economic manufacture of the seal, the elongated body is formed from a cost efficient non-blow mold grade thermoplastic polyester elastomer. Forming the seal from a non-blow mold graded thermoplastic polyester elastomer furthe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.