US3881759A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Plastic seal
Assignee: Stoffel Seals Corp
•
Filing: 1973-01-02
•
Granted: 1975-05-06
•
Expires: 1993-01-02
Abstract
Abstract An all plastic seal in which the socket receiving the locking head of a strap connected to the seal body is provided with a housing open at both ends. The locking head is inserted into one end of the housing into locking engagement with resilient locking fingers. The tip of the locking head is tapered in a single plane which intersects the longitudinal centerline of the opening in the housing forming the socket. A stop shoulder is provided in a recessed part of the housing for engaging a corresponding stop member on the locking head to prevent inward movement of the locking head beyond the distance necessary to engage the locking fingers. The housing may also be provided with inwardly projecting flute-like projections for minimizing the freedom of movement of the locking head in its locked condition in a direction transverse to the longitudinal centerline of the housing and socket structure. Weakened portion may be provided immediately adjacent the tapered end surface of the locking head, immediately adjacent the shoulder on the locking head engaging with the locking fingers, and in the strap or tie member immediately adjacent the stop member. Each of these weakened places serves as an intentional breaking section for indicating unauthorized unlocking of the seal. A weakened portion in the form of a transverse bore adjacent the tapered surface of the locking head serves to cause expansion of the locking head in response to excess axial forces on said tapered surface. The end of the socket housing which accepts the locking head is conically shaped on the outside and thin walled at the extreme end of the housing to preclude excessive backing forces being applied with no visible signs of tampering when the head is axially forced.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles Fuehrer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:56
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B21/00; F16B21/06; F16B21/07; F16B21/071; G; G09; G09F; G09F3/00; G09F3/02; G09F3/03; G09F3/0305; G09F3/0347; G09F3/0352; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T292/00; Y10T292/48; Y10T292/497; Y10T292/499
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 66
Claim 1
Independent Claim
273 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, the extreme free end of said head portion being positioned inside said bore at a spacing from said second bore end with said head means in a seal locking position, the extreme free end of said head portion which faces said second bore end when said head means is in a seal locking position including portions which are angularly inclined with respect to a centerline through said head portion, said angularly inclined head portions being arranged to provide a non-symmetrical spacing of points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portion from said second bore end with respect to said centerline.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
273 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, the extreme free end of said head portion being positioned inside said bore at a spacing from said second bore end with said head means in a seal locking position, the extreme free end of said head portion which faces said second bore end when said head means is in a seal locking position including portions which are angularly inclined with respect to a centerline through said head portion, said angularly inclined head portions being arranged to provide a non-symmetrical spacing of points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portion from said second bore end with respect to said centerline.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
84 words
A seal according to claim 1, wherein said housing means has a substantially longitudinally extending cylindrical outer configuration, and wherein said tie member is constructed as a flat member having a maximum dimension corresponding to the diameter of the housing means, said housing being provided with a stop shoulder in said socket means for limiting the extent of insertion of said locking head means into said socket means, said tie member being attached to said housing means in the plane of the stop shoulder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A seal according to claim 1, wherein all points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portion lie in a single plane which intersects said centerline through said head portion at an angle of less than 90*.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A seal according to claim 3, wherein said single plane intersects said centerline through said head portion at an angle of less than 45*.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A seal according to claim 3, wherein said head portion includes a first cylindrically shaped part extending between said single plane and said shoulder.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
A seal according to claim 5, further including a weakening bore extending transversely through said first cylindrically shaped part, said weakening bore serving as an intentional radial expansion section for said head portion in the event of excessive tampering forces on said extreme free end of said head portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
62 words
A seal according to claim 3, wherein said bore is a longitudinally extending bore, and wherein said at least one locking elements includes a plurality of prong-like locking elements symmetrically arranged with respect to the centerline of said bore, the centerline of said bore coinciding with the centerline through said head portion when said head portion is inserted into said socket means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A seal according to claim 7, wherein said bore is of cylindrical stepped cross-section along the length thereof from said first bore end to said locking elements.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
230 words
A seal comprising: housing means, locking socket means arranged in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to saId housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means to lock the seal, the socket means including inwardly projecting pronglike locking elements and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically expand the prong-like locking elements during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind the end surfaces of the prong-like locking elements when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, said housing having a longitudinally extending bore means open at both ends, one end portion of said bore means enclosing said socket means with said socket means extending substantially parallel to said bore means, said locking head means and locking socket means including tamper proofing means for preventing undetectable unlocking of said seal, wherein said tamper proofing means includes weakening means adjacent the end of said head portion, said weakening means being configured such that said head portion expands transversely in response to force components in the unlocking direction along a longitudinal centerline of said locking head and socket means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
230 words
A seal comprising: housing means, locking socket means arranged in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to saId housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means to lock the seal, the socket means including inwardly projecting pronglike locking elements and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically expand the prong-like locking elements during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind the end surfaces of the prong-like locking elements when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, said housing having a longitudinally extending bore means open at both ends, one end portion of said bore means enclosing said socket means with said socket means extending substantially parallel to said bore means, said locking head means and locking socket means including tamper proofing means for preventing undetectable unlocking of said seal, wherein said tamper proofing means includes weakening means adjacent the end of said head portion, said weakening means being configured such that said head portion expands transversely in response to force components in the unlocking direction along a longitudinal centerline of said locking head and socket means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
228 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end which walls exhibit a longitudinal cross-section tapering from a point at said first bore end to a greater thickness in the direction of the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
228 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end which walls exhibit a longitudinal cross-section tapering from a point at said first bore end to a greater thickness in the direction of the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
A seal according to claim 10, wherein the walls of said housing means at said first bore end are substantially thinner than the walls of said housing means adjacent said locking head when in the locked condition.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
A seal according to claim 11, wherein a longitudinal cross-section of said walls taper from a point at said first bore end to a uniform thickness adjacent said locking head when in the locked condition.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
81 words
A seal according to claim 12, wherein the extreme free end of said head portion which faces said second bore end with said head means in a seal locking position includes portions which are angularly inclined with respect to a centerline through said head portion, said angularly inclined head portions being arranged to provide a non-symmetrical spacing of points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portions from said second bore end with respect to said centerline.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
72 words
A seal according to claim 10, wherein the housing means is constructed such that when in a seal locking postion, the ratio of the distance between the innermost end of the extreme free end of said head portion and the second bore end and the smallest cross-section dimension of said second bore end is such as to substantially preclude access to the at least one locking element from said second bore end.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
62 words
A Seal according to claim 10, wherein said bore is a longitudinally extending bore, and wherein said at least one locking elements includes a plurality of prong-like locking elements symmetrically arranged with respect to the centerline of said bore, the centerline of said bore coinciding with the centerline through said head portion when said head portion is inserted into said socket means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
69 words
A seal according to claim 7, wherein the housing means is constructed such that when in a seal locking postion, the ratio of the distance between the innermost end of the extreme free end of said head portion and the second bore end and the smallest cross-section dimension of said second bore end is such as to substantially preclude access to the locking elements from said second bore end.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
66 words
A seal according to claim 1, wherein the housing means is provided in said bore means with inwardly projecting means at least in the area behind the locking surface portion of the at least one locking element for substantially minimizing the freedom of movement of the head portion in the bore means, when in the locked position thereof, in a direction transverse to said longitudinal centerline.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
269 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end, and wherein the housing means is provided in said bore means with inwardly projecting means at least in the area behind the locking surface portion of the at least one locking element for substantially minimizing the freedom of movement of the head portion in the bore means, when in the locked position thereof, in a direction transverse to said longitudinal centerline.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
269 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end, and wherein the housing means is provided in said bore means with inwardly projecting means at least in the area behind the locking surface portion of the at least one locking element for substantially minimizing the freedom of movement of the head portion in the bore means, when in the locked position thereof, in a direction transverse to said longitudinal centerline.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
287 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectabale application of backing forces at said hOusing means adjacent said first bore end, and wherein said housing means has a substantially longitudinally extending cylindrical outer configuration, and wherein said tie member is constructed as a flat member having a maximum dimension corresponding to the diameter of the housing means, said housing being provided with a stop shoulder in said socket means for limiting the extent of insertion of said locking head means into said socket means, said tie member being attached to said housing means in the plane of the stop shoulder.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
287 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectabale application of backing forces at said hOusing means adjacent said first bore end, and wherein said housing means has a substantially longitudinally extending cylindrical outer configuration, and wherein said tie member is constructed as a flat member having a maximum dimension corresponding to the diameter of the housing means, said housing being provided with a stop shoulder in said socket means for limiting the extent of insertion of said locking head means into said socket means, said tie member being attached to said housing means in the plane of the stop shoulder.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
214 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein weakening means are provided adjacent the extreme free end of said head portion, said weakening means being configured such that said head portion expands transversely in response to force components in the unlocking direction along a longitudinal centerline of said locking head and socket means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
214 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein weakening means are provided adjacent the extreme free end of said head portion, said weakening means being configured such that said head portion expands transversely in response to force components in the unlocking direction along a longitudinal centerline of said locking head and socket means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
A seal according to claim 20, wherein said weakening means is a transverse bore through said head portion, and wherein that part of said head portion adjacent said transverse bore expands transversely.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
81 words
A seal according to claim 21, wherein the extreme free end of said head portion which faces said second bore end with said head means in a seal locking position includes portions which are angularly inclined with respect to a centerline through said head portion, said angularly inclined head portions being arranged to provide a non-symmetrical spacing of points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portions from said second bore end with respect to said centerline.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
46 words
A seal according to claim 21, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
62 words
A seal according to claim 21, wherein said bore is a longitudinally extending bore, and wherein said at least one locking elements includes a plurality of prong-like locking elements symmetrically arranged with respect to the centerline of said bore, the centerline of said bore coinciding with the centerline through said head portion when said head portion is inserted into said socket means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
69 words
A seal according to claim 20, wherein the housing means is constructed such that when in a seal locking postion, the ratio of the distance between the innermost end of the extreme free end of said head portion and the second bore end and the smallest cross-section dimension of said second bore end is such as to substantially preclude access to the locking elements from said second bore end.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
66 words
A seal according to claim 20, wherein the housing means is provided in said bore means with inwardly projecting means at least in the area behind the locking surface portion of the at least one locking element for substantially minimizing the freedom of movement of the head portion in the bore means, when in the locked position thereof, in a direction transverse to said longitudinal centerline.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
84 words
A seal according to claim 20, wherein said housing means has a substantially longitudinally extending cylindrical outer configuration, and wherein said tie member is constructed as a flat member having a maximum dimension corresponding to the diameter of the housing means, said housing being provided with a stop shoulder in said socket means for limiting the extent of insertion of said locking head means into said socket means, said tie member being attached to said housing means in the plane of the stop shoulder.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
81 words
A seal according to claim 20, wherein the extreme free end of said head portion which faces said second bore end with said head means in a seal locking position includes portions which are angularly inclined with respect to a centerline through said head portion, said angularly inclined head portions being arranged to provide a non-symmetrical spacing of points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portions from said second bore end with respect to said centerline.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
46 words
A seal according to claim 28, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
46 words
A seal according to claim 22, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
66 words
A seal according to claim 30, wherein the housing means is provided in said bore means with inwardly projecting means at least in the area behind the locking surface portion of the at least one locking element for substantially minimizing the freedom of movement of the head portion in the bore means, when in the locked position thereof, in a direction transverse to said longitudinal centerline.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
84 words
A seal according to claim 30, wherein said housing means has a substantially longitudinally extending cylindrical outer configuration, and wherein said tie member is constructed as a flat member having a maximum dimension corresponding to the diameter of the housing means, said housing being provided with a stop shoulder in said socket means for limiting the extent of insertion of said locking head means into said socket means, said tie member being attached to said housing means in the plane of the stop shoulder.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
46 words
A seal according to claim 20, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
A seal according to claim 24, wherein said bore is of cylindrical stepped cross-section along the length thereof from said first bore end to said locking elements.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
69 words
A seal according to claim 30, wherein the housing means is constructed such that when in a seal locking postion, the ratio of the distance between the innermost end of the extreme free end of said head portion and the second bore end and the smallest cross-section dimension of said second bore end is such as to substantially preclude access to the locking elements from said second bore end.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
283 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder fOrmed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end, wherein the extreme free end of said head portion which faces said second bore end with said head means in a seal locking position includes portions which are angularly inclined with respect to a centerline through said head portion, said angularly inclined head portions being arranged to provide a non-symmetrical spacing of points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portions from said second bore end with respect to said centerline.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
283 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder fOrmed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end, wherein the extreme free end of said head portion which faces said second bore end with said head means in a seal locking position includes portions which are angularly inclined with respect to a centerline through said head portion, said angularly inclined head portions being arranged to provide a non-symmetrical spacing of points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portions from said second bore end with respect to said centerline.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
41 words
A seal according to claim 36, wherein all points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portion lie in a single plane which intersects said centerline through said head portion at an angle of less than 90*.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
A seal according to claim 37, wherein said single plane intersects said centerline through said head portion at an angle of less than 45*.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
286 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end, wherein said bore is a longitudinally extending bore, and wherein said at least one locking element includes a plurality of prong-like locking elements symmetrically arranged with respect to the centerline of said bore, the centerline of said bore coinciding with the centerline through said head portion when said head portion is inserted into said socket means, and wherein said bore is of cylindrical stepped cross-section along the length thereof from said first bore end to said locking elements.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
286 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end than adjacent the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end, wherein said bore is a longitudinally extending bore, and wherein said at least one locking element includes a plurality of prong-like locking elements symmetrically arranged with respect to the centerline of said bore, the centerline of said bore coinciding with the centerline through said head portion when said head portion is inserted into said socket means, and wherein said bore is of cylindrical stepped cross-section along the length thereof from said first bore end to said locking elements.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
264 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending in said housing means with first and second bore ends, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, the extreme free end of said head portion being positioned inside said bore at a spacing from said second bore end with said head means in a seal locking position, the extreme free end of said head portion which faces said second bore end when said head means is in a seal locking position including portions which are angularly inclined with respect to a centerline through said head portion, said angularly inclined head portions being arranged to provide a non-symmetrical spacing of points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portion from said second bore end with respect to said centerline.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
264 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending in said housing means with first and second bore ends, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, the extreme free end of said head portion being positioned inside said bore at a spacing from said second bore end with said head means in a seal locking position, the extreme free end of said head portion which faces said second bore end when said head means is in a seal locking position including portions which are angularly inclined with respect to a centerline through said head portion, said angularly inclined head portions being arranged to provide a non-symmetrical spacing of points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portion from said second bore end with respect to said centerline.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
41 words
A seal according to claim 40, wherein all points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portion lie in a single plane which intersects said centerline through said head portion at an angle of less than 90*.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
205 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending in said housing means with first and second bore ends, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein weakening means are provided adjacent the extreme free end of said head portion, said weakening means being configured such that said head portion expands transversely in response to force components in the unlocking direction along a longitudinal centerline of said locking head and socket means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
205 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending in said housing means with first and second bore ends, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein weakening means are provided adjacent the extreme free end of said head portion, said weakening means being configured such that said head portion expands transversely in response to force components in the unlocking direction along a longitudinal centerline of said locking head and socket means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
81 words
A seal according to claim 42, wherein the extreme free end of said head portion which faces said second bore end with said head means in a seal locking position includes portions which are angularly inclined with respect to a centerline through said head portion, said angularly inclined head portions being arranged to provide a non-symmetrical spacing of points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portions from said second bore end with respect to said centerline.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
219 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending in said housing means with first and second bore ends, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with walls surronding said bore adjacent said first bore end which walls exhibit a longitudinal cross-section tapering from a point at said first bore end to a greater thickness in the direction of the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
219 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending in said housing means with first and second bore ends, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with walls surronding said bore adjacent said first bore end which walls exhibit a longitudinal cross-section tapering from a point at said first bore end to a greater thickness in the direction of the socket means so as to limit undetectable application of backing forces at said housing means adjacent said first bore end.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
81 words
A seal accordiNg to claim 44, wherein the extreme free end of said head portion which faces said second bore end with said head means in a seal locking position includes portions which are angularly inclined with respect to a centerline through said head portion, said angularly inclined head portions being arranged to provide a non-symmetrical spacing of points of the surface of said extreme free end of said head portions from said second bore end with respect to said centerline.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
52 words
A seal according to claim 45, wherein weakening means are provided adjacent the extreme free end of said head portion, said weakening means being configured such that said head portion expands transversely in response to force components in the unlocking direction along a longitudinal centerline of said locking head and socket means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
52 words
A seal according to claim 44, wherein weakening means are provided adjacent the extreme free end of said head portion, said weakening means being configured such that said head portion expands transversely in response to force components in the unlocking direction along a longitudinal centerline of said locking head and socket means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
258 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end, said thinner walls being tapered with the thinnest portion thereof at said first bore end, said locking head including a stop member for limiting the extent of insertion of said locking head in said socket means, said stop member having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of said first bore end such that said stop member substantially fills the cross-section of said first bore end when said seal is in a locked condition.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
258 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending completely through said housing means with first and second bore ends opening to the outside of said housing means, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being dimensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end, said thinner walls being tapered with the thinnest portion thereof at said first bore end, said locking head including a stop member for limiting the extent of insertion of said locking head in said socket means, said stop member having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of said first bore end such that said stop member substantially fills the cross-section of said first bore end when said seal is in a locked condition.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
74 words
A seal according to claim 48, wherein the tie member is attached directly to an end portion of the stop member, wherein said stop member has a cross-sectional size substantially greater than the cross-sectional size of the tie member, and wherein the end portion of said stop member attached to the tie member is located in said socket means spaced inwardly of said first bore end when said seal is in a locked condition.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
A seal according to claim 48, wherein a longitudinally cross-section of said walls taper from a point at said end to a uniform thickness adjacent said locking head when in the locked condition.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
250 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending inside of said housing means with first and second bore ends, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being diMensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end, said thinner walls being tapered with the thinnest portion thereof at said first bore end, said locking head including a stop member for limiting the extent of insertion of said locking head in said socket means, said stop member having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of said first bore end such that said stop member substantially fills the cross-section of said first bore end when said seal is in a locked condition.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
250 words
A seal comprising: housing means, a bore extending inside of said housing means with first and second bore ends, locking socket means arranged in said bore in said housing means, a tie member having a free end and an end operatively connected to said housing means, and a locking head means at the free end of said tie member, said locking head means being insertable into the socket means by way of said first bore end to lock the seal, the socket means including at least one inwardly projecting locking element and the head means including a head portion with a locking shoulder formed between the head portion and an adjoining section with smaller cross-section, said head portion being diMensioned to elastically deflect the at least one locking element during insertion thereof so that the locking shoulder snaps in behind locking surface portions of the at least one locking element when the head portion is inserted into said socket means, wherein the housing means is constructed with thinner walls surrounding said bore adjacent said first bore end, said thinner walls being tapered with the thinnest portion thereof at said first bore end, said locking head including a stop member for limiting the extent of insertion of said locking head in said socket means, said stop member having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of said first bore end such that said stop member substantially fills the cross-section of said first bore end when said seal is in a locked condition.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
74 words
A seal according to claim 51, wherein the tie member is attached directly to an end portion of the stop member, wherein said stop member has a cross-sectional size substantially greater than the cross-sectional size of the tie member, and wherein the end portion of said stop member attached to the tie member is located in said socket means spaced inwardly of said first bore end when said seal is in a locked condition.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
33 words
A seal according to claim 51, wherein a longitudinally cross-section of said walls taper from a point at said end to a uniform thickness adjacent said locking head when in the locked condition.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-05 | 1978-11-04 | 1979-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-05 | 1982-11-04 | 1983-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-05 | 1986-11-04 | 1987-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |