Method of manufacturing a bellowed seal

Abstract

An improved seal or boot for inhibiting contaminants from interfering with operation of a mechanism having two flexibly interconnected components which axially extend from opposite ends of the seal. The seal is formed as a one-piece hollow and elongated body defining an enclosed cavity wherein the pivotal connection of the mechanism is arranged and having first and second annular mounting ends. The first and second annular mounting ends are configured to allow the components of the mechanism protected by the seal to axially extend therefrom. To permit flexural movement of the seal and the interconnected components of the mechanism protected by the seal, a plurality of bellow-like configurations are disposed along a major length of the seal between the first and second mounting ends. Each bellow-like configuration on the seal has predetermined root and crest diameters with wall sections of a predetermined material thickness extending therebetween. To facilitate economic manufacture of the seal, the elongated body is formed from a cost efficient non-blow mold grade thermoplastic polyester elastomer. Forming the seal from a non-blow mold graded thermoplastic polyester elastomer furthermore enhances the durability and life of the seal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.