End reinforced valve stem seal assembly

Abstract

A valve stem seal assembly comprises an elastomeric seal having first and second radially inwardly directed sealing lips that are in intimate sealing contact with a valve stem. Also, a metal seal retainer has a first metal seal retainer portion disposed on a first top portion of the elastomeric seal. The metal seal retainer radially abuts a second top portion of the elastomeric seal and is bonded thereto, where no portion of the elastomeric seal is axially above the first metal seal retainer portion. A second metal seal retainer portion is continuous and unitary with, and perpendicular to the first metal seal retainer portion. An outer surface of the elastomeric seal is bonded to an inner surface of the second metal seal retainer portion, and no portion of the elastomeric seal is radially outward of the second metal seal retainer portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A valve stem seal assembly  10 , comprising:
 an elastomeric seal  12  having first and second radially inwardly directed sealing lips  14 ,  16  in intimate sealing contact with a valve stem  18 ;   a metal seal retainer  21  having a first metal seal retainer portion  23  disposed on a first top portion  24  of the elastomeric seal  12 , radially abutting a second top portion  26  of the elastomeric seal  12 , and bonded to both elastomeric seal top portions  24 ,  26 , wherein no portion of the elastomeric seal  12  is axially above the first metal seal retainer portion  23 ; and   a second metal seal retainer portion  28  unitary with and perpendicular to the first metal seal retainer portion  23 , wherein an outer surface  30  of the elastomeric seal  12  is bonded to an inner surface  32  of the second metal seal retainer portion  28 , and no portion of the elastomeric seal  12  is radially outward of the second metal seal retainer portion  28 ;   wherein the metal seal retainer  21  extends up the full vertical height of a valve stem seal assembly  10  and over the top of the seal  12 , to support the elastomeric seal  12  and prevent extrusion thereof.