Patent ID: 6354602
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: F16D,F16J,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A seal assembly comprising:a boot seal formed from a resilient elastomeric material, the boot seal including a sealing lip and an annular groove; a clamp structure disposed in the annular groove and positionable between an uncompressed state and a compressed state, wherein placement of the clamp structure in the compressed state is adapted to exert a radially directed clamp force to onto the boot seal to bring the sealing lip into contact with a sealing surface of a structure to be sealed; and a discrete clip structure coupled to at least one of the boot seal and the clamp structure, the clip structure including an axially projecting portion that extends radially inward of and axially across the sealing lip; wherein contact between the axially projecting portion of the clip structure and the sealing surface of the structure to be sealed is adapted to create a vent which inhibits a buildup of fluid pressure within the boot seal when the seal assembly is installed to the structure to be sealed, the clip structure thereafter being removed from engagement with the boot seal after the boot seal has been installed to permit the seal lip to sealingly engage the sealing surface.