Exhaust seal ring

Claim 1

An improved sealing annulus for use in an articulated ball type connection of a vehicle exhaust system between an exhaust manifold means for conducting exhaust gas from a vehicle engine and an exhaust header for conducting exhaust gas from the manifold to the atmosphere, one of the members having a seal seating surface defined thereby including an annular interior surface, the other member carrying the sealing annulus which has a sealing surface adapted to engage the annular interior surface of the one member as the members are urged toward one another parallel to the direction of exhaust gas flow, the improved annulus comprising: a member composed of a plurality of separate wires each having a relatively small diameter as compared to the dimensions of the annulus and compact molded into a ring-like configuration of sufficient density and structural rigidity to prohibit any substantial movement of the members toward each other subsequent to initial engagement so as to preserve spacing necessary for any significant angulation therebetween, the annulus having a sealing surface defined by closely packed wire portions extending along the exterior surface thereof whereby the annulus displays good thermal stability with high temperature compatability and slight resiliency to conform to imperfect seat surfaces.