Adjustable seal

Abstract

In some implementations, the adjustable seal (102) includes a multi-layer strip (104) having a first end (110) and a second end (112). The first layer (106) of the multi-layer strip (104) comprises a non-sealing material. The second layer (108) of the multi-layer strip (104) comprises a sealing material. The first end (110) of the multi-layer strip (104) includes a locking mechanism (114) on a first layer (106) of the multi-layer strip (104). The second end (112) of the multi-layer strip (104) is configured to be inserted through an opening (116) of the locking mechanism (114) such that the multi-layer strip (104) forms a loop providing the seal (102). A first layer (106) of the multilayer strip (104) forms an outer layer of the loop and a second layer (108) of the multilayer strip (104) forms an inner layer of the loop.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to seals, and for example, to an adjustable seal. BACKGROUND

[0002] O-ring seals are annular seals that can be used to seal fluids or gases (e.g., between two surfaces). In some cases, when assembling components, an O-ring seal can be placed in a desired location, such as a joint between components of a machine. Exemplary machines include dump trucks, trains, mining vehicles, and other vehicles. However, O-ring seals deteriorate over time (e.g., due to environmental conditions of a worksite at which the machine is operated), and are subject to damage or rupture due to operation of the machine (e.g., debris at the worksite can contact and damage the O-ring seal). Because the O-ring seal is formed from a continuous piece of sealing material, in many cases, a deteriorated, damaged, or ruptured O-ring seal cannot be replaced with a new O-ring seal without disassembling one or more components, placing the new O-ring seal in the desired location, and reassembling the one or more components. This is a time-intensive and complex process that can cause damage to the one or more components (e.g., due to improper disassembly and / or reassembly of the one or more components). As a result, deteriorated, damaged, or ruptured O-ring seals are often not replaced until the one or more components are serviced for another reason. This can also result in damage to the one or more components.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 10,689,173 (the ‘173 patent) discloses an elastomeric lined self- locking tie that avoids damage to objects collected by the self-locking tie and securely encloses such objects. Notably, however, the ‘173 patent does not disclose that the self-locking tie can provide a sealing function.

[0004] The adjustable seal of the present invention addresses one or more of the problems set forth above and / or other problems in the art. SUMMARY

[0005] An adjustable seal, comprising: a multi-layered strip having a first end and a second end, wherein: a first layer of the multi-layered strip comprises a non-sealing material; a second layer of the multi-layered strip comprises a sealing material; the first end of the multi-layered strip comprises a locking mechanism on the first layer of the multi-layered strip; and the second end of the multi-layered strip is configured to be inserted through an opening of the locking mechanism to cause the multi-layered strip to form a loop that provides the seal, wherein the first layer of the multi-layered strip forms an outer layer of the loop and the second layer of the multi-layered strip forms an inner layer of the loop.

[0006] An adjustable seal includes a strip having a first end and a second end, wherein: a first layer of the strip includes a non-sealing material; a second layer of the strip includes a sealing material; the first end of the strip includes a locking mechanism; and the second end of the strip is configured to be inserted through an opening of the locking mechanism to form a loop that provides the seal.

[0007] An adjustable seal includes a strip having a first end and a second end, wherein: a first layer of the strip includes a non-sealing material; a second layer of the strip includes a sealing material; the first end of the strip includes a locking mechanism; and the second end of the strip is configured to be inserted through an opening of the locking mechanism to form a loop that provides the seal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figures 1A-1D is a schematic diagram of an example implementation of an adjustable seal.

[0009] Figures 2A-2D is a schematic diagram of an example implementation related to a locking mechanism of an adjustable seal.

[0010] Figures 3A-3C is a schematic diagram of an example implementation related to a locking mechanism of an adjustable seal.

[0011] Figures 4A-4B is a schematic diagram of an example implementation related to a locking component of a locking mechanism of an adjustable seal.

[0012] Figures 5A-5C is a schematic diagram of an example implementation related to another configuration of an adjustable seal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an adjustable seal that can be applied to any machine that requires a seal (e.g., for sealing a joint of a machine). For example, the machine can be an engineering machine, a marine vessel, an automobile, a transport vehicle, or another type of machine.

[0014] Figures 1A-1D is a schematic diagram of an example implementation 100 of an adjustable seal 102. The adjustable seal 102 can include a strip 104 (e.g., a multi-layered strip) that includes a first layer 106 and a second layer 108, and has a first end 110 and a second end 112. Figure 1A is shown an angled side view of the adjustable seal 102, Figure 1B is shown an angled bottom view of the adjustable seal 102, Figure 1C is shown an angled side view of the adjustable seal 102 when the adjustable seal 102 is formed into a loop (e.g., to provide a seal), and Figure 1DAn angled side view of the adjustable seal 102 is shown when the adjustable seal 102 is formed as a loop around an object (e.g., to provide a seal around the object).

[0015] The first layer 106 can include a non-sealing material. The non-sealing material can include, for example, at least one of nylon, polypropylene, polyester, or metal. The second layer 108 can include a sealing material. The sealing material can include, for example, at least one of natural rubber, silicone rubber, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, or polyurethane. As Figures 1A-1D As shown, the first layer 106 of the strip 104 can be disposed on the second layer 108 of the strip 104 (e.g., in a stacked configuration, with the first layer 106 on top of the second layer 108). The first layer 106 can be disposed directly on the second layer 108, or alternatively, one or more other layers can be disposed between the first layer 106 and the second layer 108. In some implementations, the first layer 106 can be secured to the second layer 108 by an adhesive, adhesive tape, adhesive film, and / or some other material. The first layer 106 can be configured to form an outer layer of a loop formed by the strip 104, and the second layer 108 can be configured to form an inner layer of the loop, as further described herein.

[0016] Each of the first layer 106 and the second layer 108 can have a particular cross-section (e.g., when viewed from the first end 110 or the second end 112 of the strip 104), such as a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, and / or a polygonal cross-section. For example, the first layer 106 and the second layer 108 can each have the same shape cross-section, such as a rectangular cross-section. As another example, the first layer 106 can have a different cross-section (such as a polygonal cross-section) than the cross-section (such as an elliptical cross-section) of the second layer 108.

[0017] As Figures 1A-1B As shown, the strip 104 can extend in a "longitudinal" direction from the first end 110 to the second end 112 (e.g., when the strip 104 is not formed into a loop, such as when the strip 104 is positioned on a flat surface). The first end 110 can include a locking mechanism 114 (e.g., including an opening 116) and a lip 118.

[0018] Locking mechanism 114 may be formed on the first layer 106 of strip 104 (e.g., at the first end 110). For example, locking mechanism 114 may be disposed on the first layer 106 (e.g., on top of the first layer 106), or it may be an integrated component of the first layer 106. Therefore, locking mechanism 114 may include a non-sealing material (e.g., the same non-sealing material as the first layer 106, or alternatively, a different non-sealing material). Locking mechanism 114 may include an opening 116 that may be configured to receive a second end 112 of strip 104. Therefore, second end 112 may be configured to be inserted through opening 116 of locking mechanism 114.

[0019] Therefore, when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114, the strip 104 can form a loop. For example, as Figures 1C-1D As shown, the second end 112 can be inserted through (and thus extend from) the opening 116, which allows the strip 104 to form a loop. When the strip 104 is formed into a loop, the first layer 106 forms the outer layer of the loop, while the second layer 108 forms the inner layer of the loop. Figure 1D As shown, the inner layer of the ring (e.g., formed by a second layer 108) can be configured to surround an object. In this way, the strip 104 (e.g., when formed as a ring) can be configured to provide a seal around the object (e.g., for sealing fluids and / or gases) (e.g., when the ring is sufficiently tightened to apply a sealing force to the object). Additionally, a locking mechanism 114 can be configured to prevent the ring from loosening (e.g., when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114), as further described herein, which can help the strip 104 provide a seal (e.g., by maintaining a sealing force) when the ring is formed.

[0020] like Figures 1A-1D As further shown, the second end 112 may have an angled, tapered, or other shaped geometry to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the second end 112 may comprise only the first layer 106 (e.g., the second layer 108 may be omitted). This can reduce the thickness of that portion of the second end 112, thereby facilitating insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114.

[0021] The lip 118 can be positioned at the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 (e.g., at the first end 110 of the strip 104). For example, as Figures 1A-1DAs shown, the lip 118 can be positioned on an input side of the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. The lip 118 can include a sealing material (e.g., the same sealing material as the second layer 108, or alternatively, a different sealing material), and can be configured to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. For example, the lip 118 can have an angled, tapered, or otherwise shaped geometry to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116. Thus, the lip 118 can act as a ramp, allowing the second end 112 to be inserted through the opening 116. Further, the lip 118 can be configured to contact a portion of the second layer 108 of the strip 104 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 to form the loop, such as Figures 1C-1D As shown, the lip 118 can be positioned on an input side of the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. The lip 118 can include a sealing material (e.g., the same sealing material as the second layer 108, or alternatively, a different sealing material), and can be configured to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. For example, the lip 118 can have an angled, tapered, or otherwise shaped geometry to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116. Thus, the lip 118 can act as a ramp, allowing the second end 112 to be inserted through the opening 116. Further, the lip 118 can be configured to contact a portion of the second layer 108 of the strip 104 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 to form the loop, such as Figure 1D As shown, the lip 118 can be positioned on an input side of the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. The lip 118 can include a sealing material (e.g., the same sealing material as the second layer 108, or alternatively, a different sealing material), and can be configured to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. For example, the lip 118 can have an angled, tapered, or otherwise shaped geometry to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116. Thus, the lip 118 can act as a ramp, allowing the second end 112 to be inserted through the opening 116. Further, the lip 118 can be configured to contact a portion of the second layer 108 of the strip 104 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 to form the loop, such as

[0022] As shown, the lip 118 can be positioned on an input side of the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. The lip 118 can include a sealing material (e.g., the same sealing material as the second layer 108, or alternatively, a different sealing material), and can be configured to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. For example, the lip 118 can have an angled, tapered, or otherwise shaped geometry to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116. Thus, the lip 118 can act as a ramp, allowing the second end 112 to be inserted through the opening 116. Further, the lip 118 can be configured to contact a portion of the second layer 108 of the strip 104 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 to form the loop, such as Figures 1A-1D As shown, the lip 118 can be positioned on an input side of the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. The lip 118 can include a sealing material (e.g., the same sealing material as the second layer 108, or alternatively, a different sealing material), and can be configured to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. For example, the lip 118 can have an angled, tapered, or otherwise shaped geometry to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116. Thus, the lip 118 can act as a ramp, allowing the second end 112 to be inserted through the opening 116. Further, the lip 118 can be configured to contact a portion of the second layer 108 of the strip 104 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 to form the loop, such as Figures 1C-1D As shown, the lip 118 can be positioned on an input side of the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. The lip 118 can include a sealing material (e.g., the same sealing material as the second layer 108, or alternatively, a different sealing material), and can be configured to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. For example, the lip 118 can have an angled, tapered, or otherwise shaped geometry to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116. Thus, the lip 118 can act as a ramp, allowing the second end 112 to be inserted through the opening 116. Further, the lip 118 can be configured to contact a portion of the second layer 108 of the strip 104 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 to form the loop, such as

[0023] As shown, the lip 118 can be positioned on an input side of the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. The lip 118 can include a sealing material (e.g., the same sealing material as the second layer 108, or alternatively, a different sealing material), and can be configured to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. For example, the lip 118 can have an angled, tapered, or otherwise shaped geometry to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116. Thus, the lip 118 can act as a ramp, allowing the second end 112 to be inserted through the opening 116. Further, the lip 118 can be configured to contact a portion of the second layer 108 of the strip 104 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 to form the loop, such as Figures 1A-1D As shown, the lip 118 can be positioned on an input side of the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. The lip 118 can include a sealing material (e.g., the same sealing material as the second layer 108, or alternatively, a different sealing material), and can be configured to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. For example, the lip 118 can have an angled, tapered, or otherwise shaped geometry to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116. Thus, the lip 118 can act as a ramp, allowing the second end 112 to be inserted through the opening 116. Further, the lip 118 can be configured to contact a portion of the second layer 108 of the strip 104 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 to form the loop, such as Figures 1A-1D As shown, the lip 118 can be positioned on an input side of the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. The lip 118 can include a sealing material (e.g., the same sealing material as the second layer 108, or alternatively, a different sealing material), and can be configured to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. For example, the lip 118 can have an angled, tapered, or otherwise shaped geometry to facilitate insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116. Thus, the lip 118 can act as a ramp, allowing the second end 112 to be inserted through the opening 116. Further, the lip 118 can be configured to contact a portion of the second layer 108 of the strip 104 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 to form the loop, such as

[0024] Figures 2A-2D is a schematic diagram of an example implementation 200 related to a locking mechanism 114 of an adjustable seal 102 (e.g., at a first end 110 of a strip 104). Figure 2A shows an angled side view of a locking mechanism 114 at a first end 110 of a strip 104, Figure 2Ban angled side view of the first end 110 of the strap 104 associated with insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 is shown, Figure 2C an angled side view of the second end 112 of the strap 104 inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 is shown, and Figure 2D an angled side view of the second end 112 of the strap 104 inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 is shown, with a portion of the locking mechanism 114 cut away.

[0025] As Figures 2A-2D shown, the locking mechanism 114 can include a locking component 202 and / or a valley 204. The locking component 202 can include a detent component or other locking component configured to secure a portion of the second end 112 of the strap 104 within the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 (e.g., when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114). For example, the locking component 202 can be configured to engage with at least one of the one or more engagement components 120 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 (e.g., to form a loop, such as to provide a seal). In this way, the locking mechanism 114 (and / or the locking component 202) can be configured to prevent loosening of the loop.

[0026] As Figures 2A-2D further shown in FIG. 2, the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 can be aligned with the first layer 106 of the strap 104 at the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. That is, an insertion axis of the opening 116 can be parallel to a tangent within a tolerance (e.g., less than or equal to 1 degree, 2 degrees, or 3 degrees, among other examples) of the first layer 106 at the opening 116. In this way, a portion of the second layer 108 within the opening 116 can be aligned with the insertion axis of the opening 116 and / or the first layer 106 at the opening 116 when the second end 112 of the strap 104 is inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 (e.g., to form a loop). This can facilitate providing a sealing material (e.g., provided by the second layer 108 and / or the lip 118) on an inner surface of the loop (e.g., on or proximate to an entirety of the inner surface of the loop), which can facilitate the strap 104 providing a seal.

[0027] Additionally, as Figures 2A-2DAs shown, the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 can have a cross-section that matches a cross-section of the second end 112 of the strap 104. For example, an upper portion of the cross-section of the opening 116 can match a cross-section of the first layer 106 of the strap 104, and a lower portion of the cross-section of the opening 116 can match a cross-section of the second layer 108 of the strap 104. Further, the locking mechanism 114 can include a valley 204 (e.g., which can extend into a portion of the first layer 106 at an output side of the opening 116), which can facilitate insertion of the second layer 108 of the second end 112 of the strap 104 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116.

[0028] As indicated above, providing Figures 2A-2D As an example. Other examples can vary from those described Figures 2A-2D in association with

[0029] Figures 3A-3C is a schematic diagram of an example implementation 300 related to a locking mechanism 114 of the adjustable seal 102 (e.g., at the first end 110 of the strap 104). Figure 3A shows an angled side view of the locking mechanism 114 at the first end 110 of the strap 104, Figure 3B shows a side view of the adjustable seal 102 in association with insertion of the second end 112 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114, and Figure 3C shows a side view of the adjustable seal 102 in association with the second end 112 inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 (e.g., in a final position).

[0030] In a similar manner as described above in association with Figures 2A-2D the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 can have a cross-section that matches a cross-section of the second end 112 of the strap 104. For example, as Figures 3A-3C shown, when a portion of the second end 112 of the strap 104 (e.g., to be inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114) includes the first layer 106 and does not include the second layer 108, the cross-section of the opening 116 can match a cross-section of the first layer 106. This can facilitate insertion of the first layer 106 of the second end 112 of the strap 104 when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116.

[0031] Further, as Figures 3B-3CAs shown, this can allow an end of the second layer 108 (e.g., at a point associated with the second end 112 of the strap 104) to contact (e.g., in a flush manner) the lip 118, such as when the second end 112 of the strap 104 is inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 to form a loop (e.g., and when the loop formed by the strap 104 is sufficiently taut). This can facilitate providing a sealing material (e.g., provided by the second layer 108 and / or the lip 118) on an inner surface of the loop (e.g., on or proximate to an entirety of the inner surface of the loop), which can facilitate the strap 104 providing a seal.

[0032] In some implementations, a user of the adjustable seal 102 can cut a portion of the second layer 108 from the second end 112 of the strap 104 (e.g., using a knife, such as a utility knife). This can allow a length dimension of the second layer 108 to be set to provide a seal of a particular diameter, width, or other dimension (e.g., when contacting the lip 118) (e.g., when the second end 112 of the strap 104 is inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 to form a loop). In some implementations, the adjustable seal 102 can include an indicator that indicates a location along the second layer 108 at which a portion of the second layer 108 is to be removed (e.g., to allow the length of the second layer 108 to be appropriately dimensioned). The indicator can be an indentation (e.g., an imprint, a cutout, a notch, a recess, a groove, or another type of indentation), a mark (e.g., a printed feature including paint or ink, or another type of mark), or another type of indicia (e.g., on a surface of the second layer 108). Removing the portion of the second layer 108 (e.g., as indicated by the indicator) can also facilitate the insertion of the second end 112 of the strap 104 through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 (e.g., to allow the strap 104 to form a loop). Additionally or alternatively, the adjustable seal 102 can include an indicator that indicates at least one of the engagement components 120 with which the locking component 202 is to engage (e.g., to allow the loop to apply a sealing force when the dimension of the second layer 108 is set to provide a seal of a particular diameter, width, or other dimension). Thus, a user of the adjustable seal 102 can cause the second end 112 to be inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism to allow the locking component 202 to engage the at least one engagement component 120 (e.g., to cause the loop to apply a sealing force).

[0033] As indicated above, providing Figures 3A-3C by way of example. Other examples can differ from Figures 3A-3C what is described.

[0034] Figures 4A-4Bis a schematic diagram of an example implementation 400 related to a locking component 202 (e.g., at the first end 110 of the strap 104) of a locking mechanism 114 of the adjustable seal 102. Figure 4A shows an angled side view of the locking component 202 and the locking mechanism 114 at the first end 110 of the strap 104, Figure 4B shows an angled side view of the locking component 202 and the locking mechanism 114 at the first end 110 of the strap 104, with a portion of the locking mechanism 114 cut away.

[0035] As Figures 4A-4B shown, the locking component 202 can provide a disengagement function (e.g., allowing the locking component 202 to stop engaging with the at least one engagement component 120). For example, a user of the adjustable seal 102 can push the locking component 202 downward (e.g., with a finger of the user) to cause the locking component 202 to adjust from an engaged position to a disengaged position. This can cause the locking component 202 to stop engaging with the at least one engagement component 120, and thus can adjust the position of the second end 112 of the strap 104 within the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114. This can allow the loop formed by the strap 104 to be loosened (e.g., allowing the strap 104 to be removed from an object, or repositioned on an object).

[0036] As indicated above, the provision Figures 4A-4B is by way of example. Other examples can differ from those described Figures 4A-4B in connection with what is described.

[0037] Figures 5A-5C is a schematic diagram of an example implementation 500 related to another configuration of the adjustable seal 102. Figure 5A shows an angled side view of the adjustable seal 102, Figure 5B shows a top view of the adjustable seal 102, and Figure 5C shows an angled side view of the adjustable seal 102 when the adjustable seal 102 forms a loop.

[0038] In some implementations, the strap 104 can include a plurality of sections 502 along a length of the strap 104. For example, as Figures 5A-5CAs shown, the strip can include a first section 502-1 (e.g., at the first end 110 of the strip 104), a second section 502-2 (e.g., at the second end 112 of the strip 104), and a third section 502-3 (e.g., disposed along the length of the strip 104 between the first section 502-1 and the second section 502-2). The first section 502-1 can include a first portion of the first layer 106 disposed on a first portion of the second layer 108, and the second section 502-2 can include a second portion of the first layer 106 disposed on a second portion of the second layer 108. Notably, the third section 502-3 can include a third portion of the second layer 108 on which no portion of the first layer 106 is disposed (e.g., the third section 502-3 can include only the second layer 108). In this way, a“central” portion of the strip 104 can include only the sealing material, which can facilitate the strip 104 providing a seal when the second end 112 is inserted through the opening 116 of the locking mechanism 114 (e.g., because the sealing material can be more elastic than the non-elastic material, and thus can be more likely to allow the loop formed by the strip 104 to be sufficiently tightened to apply a sealing force to the object).

[0039] As indicated above, there is provided Figures 5A-5C By way of example. Other examples can differ from that described. Figures 5A-5C Without intending to be limited thereto.

[0040] Industrial Applicability The disclosed adjustable seal (e.g., the adjustable seal 102) can be used in any application that would otherwise use an O-ring seal. For example, the adjustable seal can be used to form a loop, and thereby seal (as described herein) a joint between components of a machine. Thus, the adjustable seal can be used to replace a deteriorated, damaged, or broken O-ring seal of a joint without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the components. For example, a user of the adjustable seal can wrap the strip of the adjustable seal around the joint, insert the second end of the strip into the locking mechanism at the first end of the strip to form a loop, and pull the second end of the strip to tighten the loop, thereby causing the loop to form a seal around the joint. This reduces the time required to replace the O-ring seal, and reduces the likelihood of damaging the components due to the replacement (e.g., because disassembly and reassembly of the components is not required). Further, because replacing the O-ring seal with the adjustable seal is a simple and straightforward process, the likelihood of replacing the O-ring seal when needed is increased, which reduces the likelihood of damage to the components due to improper sealing or lack of sealing of the joint. Thus, this improves the performance of the components and the machine, and reduces the amount of maintenance required to maintain the components and the machine.

[0041] Adjustable seals are also more durable than O-ring seals. For example, when formed as a ring to provide a seal, an adjustable seal has an outer layer that includes a non-sealing material. This non-sealing material protects an inner layer that includes a sealing material from everyday normal wear and tear. For example, the outer layer protects the inner layer from degradation from ultraviolet light (e.g., from the sun), and also protects the inner layer from contact with debris or other objects that might otherwise contact and damage or destroy the inner layer. Thus, compared to O-ring seals, adjustable seals provide improved sealing performance that further protects components and machines. This, in turn, further improves the performance of components of machines, and further reduces the amount of maintenance required to maintain components and machines.

[0042] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations can be made in light of the above disclosure or can be acquired from practice of the implementations. Additionally, any implementation described herein can be combined with one or more other implementations, unless expressly providing to the contrary otherwise. Even though particular combinations of features can be enumerated in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure to precisely those combinations. The disclosure of various implementations includes each and every combination of the elements taught by the various implementations.

[0043] As used herein, "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include one or more items, and can be used interchangeably with "one or more." Further, as used herein, the article "the" is intended to include one or more items referenced by the article "the" unless otherwise clearly indicated by context to be singular. Additionally, as used herein, the term "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, as used herein, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive (i.e., the phrase "A or B" is intended to mean "A or B or both") unless otherwise explicitly indicated (e.g., if used in the context of "A or B but not both"). Further, to facilitate description, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, can be used to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device, apparatus, and / or element in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. An adjustable seal (102) comprising: a multi-layered strip (104) having a first end (110) and a second end (112), wherein: a first layer (106) of the multi-layered strip (104) comprises a non-sealing material; a second layer (108) of the multi-layered strip (104) comprises a sealing material; the first end (110) of the multi-layered strip (104) comprises a locking mechanism (114) on the first layer (106) of the multi-layered strip (104); and the second end (112) of the multi-layered strip (104) is configured to be inserted through an opening (116) of the locking mechanism (114) to cause the multi-layered strip (104) to form a loop providing a seal (102), wherein the first layer (106) of the multi-layered strip (104) forms an outer layer of the loop and the second layer (108) of the multi-layered strip (104) forms an inner layer of the loop.

2. The adjustable seal (102) of claim 1, wherein the inner layer of the loop is configured to surround an object.

3. The adjustable seal (102) of any one of claims 1-2, wherein: a portion of the first layer (106) comprises one or more engagement components (120); and the locking mechanism (114) comprises a locking component (202) configured to engage with the one or more engagement components (120).

4. The adjustable seal (102) of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the locking mechanism (114) is configured to prevent loosening of the loop when the second end (112) of the multi-layered strip (104) is inserted through the opening (116) of the locking mechanism (114) and the locking component (202) engages with at least one of the one or more engagement components (120).

5. The adjustable seal (102) of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first end (110) of the multi-layered strip (104) comprises a lip (118) at the opening (116) of the locking mechanism (114), and wherein the lip (118) comprises the sealing material and is configured to contact a portion of the second layer (108) of the multi-layered strip (104) when the second end (112) of the multi-layered strip (104) is inserted through the opening (116) of the locking mechanism (114) to cause the multi-layered strip (104) to form the loop.

6. The adjustable seal (102) of any one of claims 1-5, wherein: a first section of the multi-layered strip (104) comprises a first portion of the first layer (106) disposed on a first portion of the second layer (108); a second section of the multi-layered strip (104) comprises a second portion of the first layer (106) disposed on a second portion of the second layer (108); and a third section of the multi-layered strip (104) comprises a third portion of the first layer (106) disposed on a third portion of the second layer (108). a third section of the multi-layered strip (104) includes a third portion of the second layer (108) on which no portion of the first layer (106) is disposed, wherein the third section is disposed between the first section and the second section along a length of the multi-layered strip (104).

7. An adjustable seal (102) comprising: a strip (104) having a first end (110) and a second end (112), wherein: a first layer (106) of the strip (104) comprises a non-sealing material; a second layer (108) of the strip (104) comprises a sealing material; the first end (110) of the strip (104) includes a locking mechanism (114) on the first layer (106) of the strip (104); and the second end (112) of the strip (104) is configured to be inserted through an opening (116) of the locking mechanism (114) to cause the strip (104) to form a loop providing the seal (102).

8. The adjustable seal (102) of claim 7, wherein the opening (116) of the locking mechanism (114) is aligned with the first layer (106) of the strip (104) at the opening (116) of the locking mechanism (114).

9. The adjustable seal (102) of any one of claims 7-8, wherein the first layer (106) of the strip (104) includes an indicator that indicates that the locking component is engaged with at least one of the one or more engagement components.

10. The adjustable seal (102) of any one of claims 7-9, wherein the second layer (108) of the strip (104) includes an indicator that indicates a location along the second layer (108) at which a portion of the second layer (108) is to be removed to facilitate insertion of the second end (112) of the strip (104) through the opening (116) of the locking mechanism (114) to cause the strip (104) to form the loop.

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