Laminated tubular structure

Details Laminated tubular structure Laminated tubular structure

2000-06-23

2001-11-27

Knight, Anthony (Department: 3626)

Seal for a joint or juncture

Seal between fixed parts or static contact against...

Contact seal for a pipe, conduit, or cable

C277S627000, C277S634000, C277S635000, C277S650000, C277S654000, C277S922000, C277S923000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06322085

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to vehicle steering and suspension systems, and particularly relates to a boot seal for sealing a movable joint in a vehicle steering or suspension system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Boot seals are used to protect the bearings in joints between relatively movable parts of vehicle steering and suspension systems. The boot seals are typically formed of molded neoprene rubber and polyurethane. Molded thermoplastic elastomers also are used for making boot seals. The boot seals are molded into the configurations in which they are to be installed, and are snapped into place in an interference fit which is secured by metal clips. Boot seal failures are a common cause of joint failures. This is because water and dirt get in, and/or grease gets out, if the boot seal fails.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a boot seal for protecting a bearing between first and second relatively movable vehicle parts, and further comprises a method of installing the boot seal. The boot seal is a heat-shrinkable thermoplastic tube. The tube has a diametrically stretched, unshrunken configuration with a first end portion shrinkable against the first vehicle part, a second end portion shrinkable against the second vehicle part, and a flexible intermediate portion which is deflectable between the opposite end portions.
The boot seal is installed in accordance with the present invention by placing the first end portion of the tube over the first vehicle part, by placing the second end portion of the tube over the second vehicle part, and by heating the end portions of the tube to shrink them against the vehicle parts.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat shrinkable thermoplastic tube has a laminate structure defined by co-extruded films of heat shrinkable thermoplastic material. At least one of the films is formed of a material that is selected for properties of chemical resistance and toughness. At least one other film is formed of a material which is selected for properties of flexibility.


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