Patent ID: 9217508
Filing Date: 2015-12-22
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
1. An elastomeric or polymeric seal assembly comprising a first component and a second component, an annular elastomeric or polymeric sealing element in the form of a ring of channel section having a base and inner and outer limb formations extending from the base, an internal circumferential surface of the inner limb formation of said the sealing element sealingly engaging said a first component, the base of the sealing element abutting a radial annular face of said a second component and an external circumferential surface of the outer limb of the sealing element sealingly engaging an internal circumferential surface of said the second component, a vent being provided in the said internal circumferential surface of said the second component having a vent adjacent to the radial annular face, to vent the space between the external circumferential surface of the outer limb formation of the sealing element, the radial face of the second component and the internal circumferential surface of the second component, an inlet to the vent being defined by an annular groove in the internal circumferential surface of the second component, an annular helically wound element being provided in the annular groove to prevent extrusion of the sealing element into the vent, the helically wound element being formed from a strip of material of elongate section extending longitudinally of the helically wound element, with adjacent winds of the helically wound element material being spaced from one another when the helically wound element is located within the annular groove.