Interlocking segmented seal

A continuous seal for isolating a first area bounded by said seal from an exterior area, said first area in communication with internal portions of first and second separable bodies, said seal being held by attachment means to at least one of said bodies;

• said seal including:
• a retainer, said retainer comprised of generally rigid material, said retainer having a first face and a second face generally opposed of said first face;
• said retainer comprised of separable segments, each of said segments having a first edge and a second edge, said first and second edges abutting second and first edges respectively of adjacent segments when said segments are assembled in said seal, at least one first segment being attached to a first body before at least one second segment is attached to said first body;
• each of said segments further including a resilient element mounted thereon, said element including a first portion extending normal or said first surface on each segment, and a second portion extending normal of said second surface on each segment;
• said first and second element portions each having first ends and second ends adjacent said first and second edges respectively of each segment, said first and second ends of said resilient element portions each extending beyond said first and second edges when said segments are in the unassembled condition, whereby said resilient element portions are in abutting compressed relation when said segments are assembled in said seal to provide continuity of said sealing elements about said seal;
• wherein an improvement comprises:
• said first and second ends of said resilient element portions comprising first and second tapered element surfaces respectively, said first and second surfaces extending at an acute angle relative to a direction normal of said first and second faces of said segments, and wherein said first tapered element surface of said first segment is directed outward and away from said first body, whereby upon attachment of said second segment to said first body said first and second tapered faces are in abutting compressed relation and dislocation of adjacent resilient element portions is minimized.