Sealing lip having improved load loss and compression set properties

Abstract

A sealing lip assembly exhibits improved load loss and compression set properties. In a first embodiment, a seal lip has a first end connected to a base and a second end extending outwardly from the base. A hinge is provided in the seal lip between the first and second ends to allow the second end to angularly rotate relative to the base wherein the base and seal lip are made from a single elastomeric material. In a second embodiment, a seal lip has a first end connected to a base and a second end extending outwardly from the base. A hinge is provided between the first and second ends to allow the second end to angularly rotate relative to the base. The base and seal lip are made from different hardness elastomeric materials. The seal lip has a first durometer portion over substantially an entire length between the hinge and the second end, and a second durometer portion from the first end to a knit line formed where the first and second durometer portions abut one another.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.