Multi-function gasket

A multi-function gasket for electrical apparatus and the like, operation of which tends to generate or be adversely affected by electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI), comprising:

• a molded, resilient core having a sealed outer boundary layer;
• a flexible, electrically conductive and substantially abrasion resistant sheath surrounding the core and bonded to the boundary layer, the core filling the interior of the sheath;
• and,
• means for mounting the gasket, whereby an apparatus may be sealed against EMI/RFI leakage, noise emission and environmental infiltration through perimeter gaps of electrically conductive doors, access panels and the like by the actions and interactions of the sheath, the core and the boundary layer, the flexible sheath being continuously pressed by the resilient core into positive engagement with conductive surfaces between which the gasket may be mounted, forming a continuous electrical path across the gaps and preventing EMI/RFI leakage through the gaps, the boundary layer preventing noise emission and environmental infiltration across the gaps and the sheath protecting the boundary layer against damage from abrasion and the like.

A movable closure assembly forming a weatherstripped window, door or the like, comprising:

• a multi-function gasket having a continuous, molded, resilient foam core with a sealed outer boundary layer;
• a flexible, electrically conductive and substantially abrasion sheath externally surrounding the foam core and bonded to the boundary layer, the foam filling the interior of the sheath;
• and,
• means for mounting the gasket along facing conductive surfaces of said window, door or the like, the multi-function gasket forming at least some weather stripping of said movable closure assembly, and further comprising means for electrically grounding the sheath, whereby electrical signals radiated on one side of the closure assembly will be blocked from radiating through weatherstripped gaps in the closure assembly sealed by the multi-function gasket, thereby inhibiting reception of the signals on the other side of the closure assembly by electronic surveillance techniques.