Radial lip seal

U.S. Patent Number: 5380016

Abstract: A radial lip seal for sealing about a pin of a hinge joint is disclosed. Such seal includes an outer mounting ring, a rubber flex ring mounted inside the mounting ring, a tension ring mounted inside the flex ring, and an inner elastomeric seal ring mounted inside the tension ring. The seal ring has an inside diameter that is a sufficient amount smaller than the pin to cause the tension ring to be stretched by a predetermined amount when the seal is mounted about the pin. The tension ring is capable of exerting a radial force of at least 20N/cm of circumference on the seal ring upon being stretched the predetermined amount. The unique construction of such a seal is effective in sealing out highly abrasive materials found in very severe operating applications, such as on earthmoving vehicles, and provides a seal having an extremely long service life in such applications.

Inventors: Reinsma; Harold L. (Dunlap, IL), Dickey; Alan M. (Peoria, IL)

Assignee: Caterpillar Inc. (Peoria, IL)

Application Number: 07/974,635

Issued: 1995-01-10

Expired: 2007-01-10

Classes: 277/503 ; 277/556; 277/560; 277/565; 277/944

Field of search: 277/146,152,165,198,227,138,182,101

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