| Abstract |
An annular shaft seal including a continuous lip sealing element for sealing against oil flow between a bore and a shaft extending through the bore includes a convoluted elastomeric flexible section which connects the sealing element with a rigid case support. The flexible section is defined by a plurality of annuli, wherein each adjoining pair of annuli defines a reverse bend therebetween. One or more of the reverse bends is reinforced with a relatively non-elastic material, preferably plastic, which is integrally molded thereinto, and provides a torsional rigidity while permitting radial flexibility. This provides a closer following of the lip seal element on the shaft under conditions of extreme runout wherein the lip seal element would otherwise become dynamically distorted. |