Segmented annular lip seal

An annular seal between a rotatable shaft sleeve and a surrounding housing to prevent the flow of fluid along said shaft sleeve comprising:

• a rigid ring movably disposed within said housing and surrounding said shaft sleeve such that said ring is movable relative to said shaft sleeve in a radial direction;
• first and second flexible flanges attached to said ring such that said first flexible flange is disposed between and connected to said housing and said ring wherein said first flexible flange further comprises a portion spaced radially from said housing and said ring;
• said second flexible flange being disposed between said ring and said shift sleeve and connected to said ring;
• a sealing contact lip operatively associated with said second flexible flange and forming a seal against said shaft sleeve, wherein said second flexible flange is disposed between said shaft sleeve and said ring and wherein said second flexible flange further comprises a portion spaced radially from said housing and said shaft sleeve and wherein said first and second flanges further comprise deformation means for variations of radial clearance between said housing and said shaft sleeve during rotation of said shaft sleeve such that said seal is maintained at said sealing contact lip.