Idler roll wet seal

Details Idler roll wet seal Idler roll wet seal

1999-01-13

2001-06-26

Knight, Anthony (Department: 3626)

Seal for a joint or juncture

Seal between relatively movable parts

Diverse and distinct dynamic seals

C277S565000, C198S501000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06250639

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a seal for protecting an idler roll from contaminants found in wet environments.
2. Description of Prior Art
Idler rolls are used for conveying material, supplies and/or production components in various industrial applications such as material handling, storage and/or manufacturing. Idler rolls typically comprises a tube rotatably joined to a fixed support at each end of the tube. At least one bearing is positioned within the tube to enable smooth rotation of the tube. The tubes and bearings are typically constructed from steel. Such steel components are susceptible to corrosion and contamination, specifically when used in damp environments.
A series of idler rolls are arranged to comprise a conveyor that transports material through the rotation of the idler rolls. The effectiveness of the conveyor is severely reduced when one or more idler rolls freeze up due to corroded components. Therefore a seal for protecting the idler rolls from corrosion and contamination is desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A seal for an end of the idler roll according to this invention includes a fastener that is engageable with the end of the idler roll. A first sealing member having a top surface and a bottom surface is preferably molded onto the fastener and extends radially outward from the fastener. The seal additionally includes a second sealing member. The second sealing member is molded into the first sealing member and preferably extends from the bottom surface of the first sealing member. When the seal is assembled with the idler roll, the first sealing member and the second sealing member preferably project into frictional engagement with the end of the idler roll.
Preferably, the seal further includes a flange that projects from an underside of the fastener and extends circumferentially around the fastener. When the seal is assembled with the idler roll, the flange is preferably seated within a portion of the end of the idler roll. As a result, the flange creates a close clearance labyrinth seal, thus protecting the idler roll in the event of deterioration of both the first sealing member and the second sealing member.
A lubricant, such as water resistant grease, may be inserted between the bottom surface of the first sealing member and the idler roll. The lubricant reduces friction and wear on the seal and fills the gap between the seal and the end of the idler roll thus preventing entry of water and other contaminants.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3399589 (1968-09-01), Breed
patent: 3606351 (1971-09-01), Hallerback
patent: 4277114 (1981-07-01), Lindegger
patent: 4373759 (1983-02-01), Greener et al.
patent: 4972939 (1990-11-01), Uttke et al.
patent: 5028054 (1991-07-01), Peach
patent: 5188214 (1993-02-01), Uttke et al.
patent: 5261528 (1993-11-01), Bouchal
patent: 5957461 (1999-09-01), Ulrich
patent: 2 650 047 (1991-04-01), None

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