Method of making a segmented gasket having a continuous seal member

Abstract

A method of making a gasket of a variety which includes a generally annular retainer member having an inner and outer diametric extent which define a perimeter of a closed geometric shape, and at least one generally annular seal member formed of an elastomeric material and supported on the retainer member to be compressible intermediate a pair of interface surfaces for providing a fluid-tight seal therebetween. At least a first and a second retainer segment each is provided as extending intermediate a first end and a second end, and as having an inner periphery and an outer periphery. To form the retainer member, the first end of each of the retainer segments is connected to the second end of an adjacent segment such that the inner periphery of each segment defines a portion of the inner diametric extent of the retainer member, with the outer periphery of each segment defining a portion of the outer diametric extent of the retainer member. The seal member then is attached to the retainer member so as to formed a continuous ring of elastomeric material which extends along the perimeter of the retainer member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.