US Patent 7147231 Seal feature to prevent bending

A gasket for statically sealing between two members is disclosed. The gasket includes a first generally planar portion having an inner perimeter and an exterior perimeter, and having a first surface and a second surface on an opposite side from the first surface. A seal bead rises from the first surface a first predetermined height and extends about the inner perimeter. A fastener hole extends through the first portion and is located between the seal bead and the exterior perimeter. The gasket also includes a protruding feature located between the fastener hole and the exterior perimeter that rises from the first surface a second predetermined height that is about equal to or greater than the first predetermined height.