Abstract: A rim seal and method of manufacturing are provided. A rim seal segment is provided having two free ends and being constructed of a sealing material having a contoured cross-sectional profile. The rim seal segment has a length shorter than a circumference of the rim seal. The two free ends are inserted into a mold in spaced relationship with each other, and a connector is molded between the two free ends to connect the free ends and transform the rim seal segment into a continuous circumferential rim seal. A valve stem may be molded into the connector. A tire-facing surface defined by the combination of the rim portion and an outer surface of the rim seal has a profile conforming to an industry standard.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 25, 2010
Date of Patent:
June 30, 2015
Assignees:
Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC, Lauren Maufacturing Company
Inventors:
Randal Erler, Anthony Wilcox, Christopher Ojstrsek, Eric P. Alander