Seal
AssigneeTowmotor Corporation
InventorJames G. Blaha
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A seal (16) is positioned to prevent entry of foreign matter through an annular opening (26) between first and second members (12,14). The first and second members (12,14) are, for example, a stationary backing plate (20) and a rotatable hub (22) of a brake assembly (24) or a rotatable shaft and associated housing element. Foreign matter passing between the backing plate (20) and the hub (22), for example, can enter an associated brake drum (30) and interfere with effectiveness of the brake assembly (24). Apparatus (67) connects the seal (16) to the backing plate (20). The seal (16) has first and second legs (38,40) each having a sealing surface (58,60). The sealing surfaces contact a face (94) and outer surface (92) of the hub (22), respectively, to substantially block passage of foreign matter to the brake drum (30).
Claims20
A seal (16), comprising:
- a body (36) having a first and second end portions (50,52) and first, second and third sides (42,44,46), said first and third sides (42,46) being oriented generally opposite one from the other, said second side (44) extending between said first and third sides (42,46);
- a first leg (38) having a sealing surface (58) and being connected to said first end portion (50) of the body (36) and extending outwardly from said first side (42) of said body (36);
- a second leg (40) having a sealing surface (60) and being connected to said second end portion (52) of said body (36) and extending outwardly from said first side (42) of said body (36);
- and
- a fastening element (68) connected to said body (36) and being oriented opposite of said outward extension of said first and second legs (38,40) from said body (36) and extending outwardly from said third side (46) of said body (36).
A seal (16), comprising:
- a body (36) having first and second end portions (50,52) and first, second and third sides (42,44,46), said first and third sides (42,46) being oriented generally opposite one another, said second side (44) extending between said first and third sides (42,46);
- a first leg (38) having a sealing surface (58) and being connected to said first end portion (50) of said body (36) and extending outwardly from and generally perpendicular to said first side (42) of said body (36);
- a second leg (40) having first and second end portions (54,56) and being connected at said first end portion (54) to said second end portion (52) of said body (36), and extending outwardly from and generally perpendicular to said first side (42) of said body (36), said second end portion (56) of said second leg (40) having a lip (64), said lip (64) having a sealing surface (60) and extending generally inwardly from said second end portion (56) in a direction (D.sub.1) toward said first end portion (50) of said body (36);
- and
- locating means (67) for fastening said seal (16) in a preselected position, said means (67) being oriented opposite of said first and second legs (38,40) and extending in a direction (D.sub.3) away from said first and second legs (38,40).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.