Abstract A pipe closure apparatus which includes a resilient plug and a threaded shaft which extends axially through the plug. Means are mounted on one end of the shaft to restrain longitudinal movement of the shaft in respect to the resilient plug, and a nut is threaded on the opposite end of the shaft so that upon tightening or loosening the nut the resilient plug expands or retracts respectively. A rigid washer is slidably mounted on the shaft between the nut and the resilient plug for providing bearing surfaces and a distribution of force from the nut to the resilient plug. A cup shaped resilient ring is mounted about the washer. The ring has an exterior diameter which is greater than the resilient plug when the plug is in its retracted condition and is capable of flexing inwardly. With such an arrangement the pipe closure apparatus can be utilized to seal a pipe from contamination by expanding the plug therein and to wipe the pipe clean with the resilient ring when the plug is retracted and withdrawn. The pipe closure apparatus may also include means for retaining the shaft and selectively tightening or loosening the nut.
A pipe closure apparatus comprising: a resilient plug; a threaded shaft extending axially through the resilient plug; means mounted on one end of the shaft to restrain longitudinal movement of the shaft with respect to the resilient plug, and a nut threaded on the opposite end of the shaft so that upon tightening or loosening the nut the resilient plug expands or retracts respectively; a rigid washer slidably mounted on the shaft between the nut and the resilient plug for providing bearing surfaces and a distribution of force from the nut to the resilient plug; a cup shaped resilient ring mounted about the washer; and said ring having an exterior diameter which is greater than the resilient plug when the plug is in its retracted condition and being capable of flexing inwardly, means for retaining the shaft and selectively tightening or loosening said nut; the retaining, tightening, and loosening means including: a tube which has a shaped end for engaging the nut; a pin extending from the nut end of the shaft; and another tube slidable within the first mentioned tube and having a shaped end for engaging said pin, whereby a pipe can be sealed from contamination by expanding the plug therein and is wiped clean by the ring when the plug is retracted and withdrawn.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
217 words
A pipe closure apparatus comprising: a resilient plug; a threaded shaft extending axially through the resilient plug; means mounted on one end of the shaft to restrain longitudinal movement of the shaft with respect to the resilient plug, and a nut threaded on the opposite end of the shaft so that upon tightening or loosening the nut the resilient plug expands or retracts respectively; a rigid washer slidably mounted on the shaft between the nut and the resilient plug for providing bearing surfaces and a distribution of force from the nut to the resilient plug; a cup shaped resilient ring mounted about the washer; and said ring having an exterior diameter which is greater than the resilient plug when the plug is in its retracted condition and being capable of flexing inwardly, means for retaining the shaft and selectively tightening or loosening said nut; the retaining, tightening, and loosening means including: a tube which has a shaped end for engaging the nut; a pin extending from the nut end of the shaft; and another tube slidable within the first mentioned tube and having a shaped end for engaging said pin, whereby a pipe can be sealed from contamination by expanding the plug therein and is wiped clean by the ring when the plug is retracted and withdrawn.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A pipe closure apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including: a retrieval wire connected to the nut end of the shaft; and both tubes being longitudinally slotted for the insertion of said wire to pull the shaft and plug from the cavity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pipe closure apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including: a stem threaded axially through the interior tube and engagable with the nut end of the shaft.