Patent ID: 6039325
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
A scaling article comprising:a core having crush resistance properties in a load bearing direction and fluid flow resistance properties in a sealing direction generally perpendicular to the load bearing direction, wherein the core extends in a longitudinal direction generally perpendicular to both the load bearing direction and the sealing direction;a spring member, wherein the spring member includes a plurality of coils, wherein each coil in the plurality of coils extends in surrounding relation of and in supporting connection with the core, and wherein in transverse cross section along the load bearing direction each coil includes a first coil section on a first side of the core and a second coil section at an opposed side of the core, and wherein a coil segment extends between the first and second sections of each coil whereby each coil includes two coil segments, and wherein each first coil section is disposed away from each immediately longitudinally adjacent first coil section, and wherein each coil segment is disposed away from and extends generally parallel to each immediately longitudinally adjacent coil segment, and wherein each of the two coil segments which comprise each coil is disposed at a substantial acute angle in the same angular direction relative to the load bearing direction, wherein the spring member is resiliently deformable in the load bearing direction; anda generally impervious cover extending longitudinally and in generally surrounding overlying relation of the core and the spring member.