The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 01, 2000
Filed:
Oct. 10, 1997
Johnny N Smith, Toledo, OH (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
A seal assembly and seal guard are provided for a bearing cup positioned on a trunnion of a universal joint. The seal assembly includes a support ring and an elastomeric seal. The support ring is generally L-shaped in cross section, having a lower radial flange that is connected to an axial portion. The axial portion of the support ring is press fit within an inner bearing surface of the bearing cup. The support ring flange extends radially outwardly adjacent the open end of the bearing cup. The elastomeric seal is disposed within the support ring axial portion. An annular elastomeric seal guard is removably secured to the seal assembly. The seal guard is generally funnel shaped. The seal guard has an upper body with an annular interior groove. The interior groove has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the support ring flange. Thus, the seal guard can be secured to the support ring flange. The seal guard has a lower body inclined radially inwardly from the upper body. The lower body has an interior annular sealing surface. The seal guard interior sealing surface defines an inner diameter that is smaller than a diameter of a outer sealing surface along the circumference of the trunnion of the universal joint. When the bearing cup is installed on the trunnion, the seal guard engages the trunnion in a light press fit. The press fit establishes a lubrication chamber. The lubrication chamber is bordered by the trunnion, elastomeric seal, and seal guard. When filled with grease, the lubrication chamber provides a waterproof compartment to keep moisture away from the seal assembly.