Method of using a retrofittable severe duty seal for a shaft

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method of sealing dynamic shaft applications. The method comprises providing a dynamic shaft assembly containing a bore for receiving a seal, providing a unitized seal, and placing the unitized seal on the shaft, thus sealing the assembly so that lubricants may not escape, and foreign material may not enter. The unitized seal can provide permanently lubricated sealed bearings in severe service conditions such as rollers and idlers of track-driven vehicles and agricultural equipment.

1 . A method for sealing a dynamic shaft assembly containing a bore for receiving a seal, comprising: 
 providing a seal having a faceplate and at least one structure between an inner and an outer portion of the seal that substantially limits foreign particles from entering the seal; and    placing the seal into the bore.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the seal further comprises a first flange extending radially outwardly from the inner portion, and a perimeter lip extending radially outwardly from the first flange.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one structure and the perimeter lip are constructed of elastomeric material.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the seal further comprises a main sealing lip.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the main sealing lip is biased.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the main sealing lip is biased with a garter spring.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the seal further comprises at least one excluder lip.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the seal further comprises a case skirt extending radially outwardly from, and generally perpendicular to the outer portion.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the seal further comprises a second flange extending radially inwardly from, and generally perpendicular to, the outside portion.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the faceplate is made primarily of metal and has a wiper ring proximate the shaft.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the faceplate is affixed to said case skirt by crimping.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one structure is formed having a triangular cross section.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the inner portion has a bore that is coated with an elastomeric coating.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the bore of said inner portion has a radial channel formed generally medial the two ends of the inner portion.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the outer portion is covered with an elastomeric coating.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein an outer portion outside diameter relief channel is formed in said elastomeric coating proximate the case skirt.