Resilient Seal

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a resilient, annular, seal. The annular seal has a generally “J” shaped or hook-shaped cross-section ( 50 ). The annular seal includes a first end portion ( 52 ) having a first distal end ( 54 ), a generally curled second end portion ( 57 ) that extends to a second distal end ( 58 ), and a central body portion ( 60 ) between and contiguous with the first and second end portions. The annular seal has a first side ( 70 ) and an opposite second side ( 72 ). The second end portion curls in a first direction ( 73 ) in accordance with a predetermined radius such that the second distal end is located across from the first side of the annular seal and the first and second distal ends do not face each other. The seal can be fabricated from metal or ceramic or alloys.

1 . An annular seal having a generally hook shaped cross-section and comprising a first end portion having a first distal end, a generally curled second end portion that extends to a second distal end, and a central body portion between and contiguous with said first and second end portions, said central body portion having a slight curve, said annular seal having a first side and an opposite second side, said second end portion curling in a first direction in accordance with a predetermined radius such that said second distal end is located across from said first side of said annular seal and said first and second distal ends do not face each other. 
     
     
         2 . The annular seal according to  claim 1  wherein the portion of the first end portion having said first distal end is slightly angulated. 
     
     
         3 . The annular seal according to  claim 1  wherein said central body portion has a generally frustro-conical shape. 
     
     
         4 . The annular seal according to  claim 1  wherein said central body portion is configured without inflection points. 
     
     
         5 . The annular seal according to  claim 1  wherein said annular seal has a degree of resiliency. 
     
     
         6 . The annular seal according to  claim 1  wherein said annular seal has a thickness that tapers toward said first distal end. 
     
     
         7 . The annular seal according to  claim 1  wherein said second end portion comprises an arcuate portion having said predetermined radius and a generally linear section extending between said arcuate portion and said second distal end. 
     
     
         8 . The annular seal according to  claim 7  wherein said second end portion includes a distal portion that has said second distal end, said distal portion being slightly angulated in a direction that is opposite said first direction. 
     
     
         9 . The annular seal according to  claim 1  wherein said annular seal is metallic. 
     
     
         10 . The annular seal according to  claim 1  wherein said annular seal is fabricated from an alloy chosen from the group consisting of nickel-based alloys, nickel super alloys, nickel cobalt alloys, copper-based alloys, aluminum-based alloys, Waspaloy and Inconel. 
     
     
         11 . The annular seal according to  claim 1  wherein said annular seal is fabricated from a composite material. 
     
     
         12 . The annular seal according to  claim 1  wherein said annular seal is fabricated from a ceramic material. 
     
     
         13 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . The annular seal according to  claim 6  wherein the rate of taper is such that the thickness of said annular seal at said first end portion is about 70% of the thickness of said annular seal at said second end portion. 
     
     
         26 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . An annular, axial seal comprising:
 a central section having of opposite ends, a first side and an opposite second side, said central section having a slight curve;   a curled section contiguous with one of said ends of said central section, said curled section curling in a first direction to a distal end, said curled section curling in said first direction in accordance with a predetermined radius and predetermined distance such that said distal end of said curled section is located directly across from said first side of said central section;   said central section and said curled section providing a generally hook shaped cross-section; and   a slightly curved tip portion contiguous with the opposite end of said central section such that said central section is between said slightly curved tip portion and said curled section, said slightly curved tip portion having an end that does not directly face said distal end of said curled section.