Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
In a device for maintaing a latrally expanded resilient sleeve, or the like, in a laterally expanded condition, and for progressively permitting the sleeve to contract onto a member therewithin, the sleeve to contract onto a member therewithin, the combination of: a. a first, outer annulus positionable adjacent one end of the sleeve in alignment therewith; b. a second, inner annulus aligned with said first annulus and positionable relative to the sleeve at a location spaced inwardly of the sleeve with respect to said one end of the sleeve; c. a laterally contractible arrangement of longitudinal members carried by said first annulus and supported in a laterally expanded condition by engagement thereof with said second annulus and positionable within the sleeve; d. said second annulus being movable toward said first annulus to permit said arrangement of longitudinal members to progressively contract laterally, thereby allowing the sleeve to progressively contract onto the member therewithin; and e. actuating means connected to said second annulus for displacing it longitudinally toward said first annulus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
In a device for maintaing a latrally expanded resilient sleeve, or the like, in a laterally expanded condition, and for progressively permitting the sleeve to contract onto a member therewithin, the sleeve to contract onto a member therewithin, the combination of: a. a first, outer annulus positionable adjacent one end of the sleeve in alignment therewith; b. a second, inner annulus aligned with said first annulus and positionable relative to the sleeve at a location spaced inwardly of the sleeve with respect to said one end of the sleeve; c. a laterally contractible arrangement of longitudinal members carried by said first annulus and supported in a laterally expanded condition by engagement thereof with said second annulus and positionable within the sleeve; d. said second annulus being movable toward said first annulus to permit said arrangement of longitudinal members to progressively contract laterally, thereby allowing the sleeve to progressively contract onto the member therewithin; and e. actuating means connected to said second annulus for displacing it longitudinally toward said first annulus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said annuli are circular.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said annuli have a lateral dimension greater than another lateral dimension thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein each of said annuli is separable into at least two parts to facilitate removal of said annuli from a member onto which the sleeve has been contracted.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said acutating means comprises a flexible loop connected at laterally opposite points to said second annulus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said longitudinal members are provided with stops abutting said first annulus to prevent movement of said longitudinal members relative to said first annulus as said second annulus is displaced toward said first annulus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said longitudinal members are disposed in and project from external longitudinal grooves in said annuli.