Miner Enterprises, Inc.

Adidas Ag

Neal E Wydra

David W Geick, Jr

Simon Luthi

Wolfgang Scholz

Xavier K Kalin

An improved seal or boot for inhibiting contaminants from interfering with operation of a mechanism having two flexibly interconnected components which axially extend from opposite ends of the seal. The seal is formed as a one-piece hollow and elongated body defining an enclosed cavity wherein the pivotal connection of the mechanism is arranged and having first and second annular mounting ends. The first and second annular mounting ends are configured to allow the components of the mechanism protected by the seal to axially extend therefrom. To permit flexural movement of the seal and the interconnected components of the mechanism protected by the seal, a plurality of bellow-like configurations are disposed along a major length of the seal between the first and second mounting ends. Each bellow-like configuration on the seal has predetermined root and crest diameters with wall sections of a predetermined material thickness extending therebetween. To facilitate economic manufacture of the seal, the elongated body is formed from a cost efficient non-blow mold grade thermoplastic polyester elastomer. Forming the seal from a non-blow mold graded thermoplastic polyester elastomer furthermore enhances the durability and life of the seal.

Method of manufacturing a bellowed seal

Bellowed seal

Footwear midsole

A compression spring formed of an elastomer having a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain that is greater than 1.5 to l and formed into a spherical body having cone frustums at each end to provide for a substantially constant spring rate over a major portion of its displacement. The spring is precompressed to overcome the compression set characteristics of the elastomer and to orient its molecular structure. The spring is particularly useful as a bumper spring for an automotive vehicle.

Compression spring with cone shaped frustums subject to compression set

A radial compression spring having a formed of an elastomer having a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain that is greater than 1.5 to 1 into a hollow body having oriented wall sections that include a bend as a result of radial precompression. The spring is precompressed to overcome the compression set characteristics of the elastomer and to orient its molecular structure.

Radial elastomer compression spring

A bellows shaped compression spring having a variable spring rate and formed of an elastomer having tensile characteristics such that the ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain is greater than 1.5 to 1, said spring being particularly adapted for use in the strut assemblies of light weight, low profile automobiles for minimizing noise, vibration and impact forces otherwise transmitted from the wheel to the vehicle body.

Elastomer rebound, jounce and related compression springs

A method of producing segmented hollow body devices and the resulting products. The segmentation is accomplished by providing areas of increased cross-section around the circumference of the preform followed by axial compression thereof. These steps are followed by removal of the axial force resulting in a product which is segmented in accordance with the areas of increased cross-section and has a reduced free height.

Growing community of inventors

Glen Ellyn, IL, United States of America

Neal E Wydra