US4365818A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-lubricating pipe joint seal with rupturable membrane
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-07-27
•
Granted: 1982-12-28
•
Expires: 2001-07-27
Abstract
Abstract A pressure responsive pipe joint seal for sealing connecting pipe joint members includes sealing flanges which define upwardly, outwardly and downwardly curved upper surfaces so that there is less tendency for them to get caught on a pipe joint member as adjacent members are slid into coupling relationship. The seal includes an inflatable bladder whereby the seal can be inflated after it is in its operative position. In one embodiment disclosed, the seal includes a cavity containing a lubricant, the cavity being covered with a rupturable membrane such that when pipe joint members are joined together, the membrane ruptures releasing the lubricant.
Inventors
- 👤 Wilbur E. Tolliver
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 18:23
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L17/00; F16L17/02; F16L17/025; F16L17/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A self-lubricating pipe joint seal fitting between and sealing connecting pipe joint members which are slid into each other to form a pipe joint comprising: a reservoir means in said seal for containing a lubricant; and means for releasing said lubricant from said reservoir means as said pipe joint members are slid into each other to form said pipe joint, said pipe joint seal being annular and said reservoir means comprising a cavity that extends generally circumferentially around said seal and contains said lubricant therein and wherein said means for releasing said lubricant from said cavity comprises a rupturable membrane on said cavity, said membrane being ruptured and releasing said lubricant from said cavity as said pipe sections are slid into each other to form said pipe joint.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A self-lubricating pipe joint seal fitting between and sealing connecting pipe joint members which are slid into each other to form a pipe joint comprising: a reservoir means in said seal for containing a lubricant; and means for releasing said lubricant from said reservoir means as said pipe joint members are slid into each other to form said pipe joint, said pipe joint seal being annular and said reservoir means comprising a cavity that extends generally circumferentially around said seal and contains said lubricant therein and wherein said means for releasing said lubricant from said cavity comprises a rupturable membrane on said cavity, said membrane being ruptured and releasing said lubricant from said cavity as said pipe sections are slid into each other to form said pipe joint.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The pipe joint seal of claim 1 comprising: an annular base member and oppositely, upwardly outwardly curved sealing flanges on said base member defining said cavity therebetween; and said rupturable membrane being suspended between said sealing flanges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The pipe joint seal of claim 2 wherein said base member comprises an expandable inflatable bladder, said bladder when expanded acting to tighten said sealing flanges and said base member against said pipe sections to prevent fluid flow through said pipe joint.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
77 words
A self-lubricating pipe joint seal fitting between and sealing connecting pipe joint members which are slid into each other to form a pipe joint comprising: a reservoir means in said seal for containing a lubricant; and means for releasing said lubricant from said reservoir means as said pipe joint members are slid into each other to form said pipe joint, and wherein said means for releasing said lubricant comprises a rupturable cover means on said reservoir means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
A self-lubricating pipe joint seal fitting between and sealing connecting pipe joint members which are slid into each other to form a pipe joint comprising: a reservoir means in said seal for containing a lubricant; and means for releasing said lubricant from said reservoir means as said pipe joint members are slid into each other to form said pipe joint, and wherein said means for releasing said lubricant comprises a rupturable cover means on said reservoir means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-12-27 | 1986-06-28 | 1986-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-12-27 | 1990-06-28 | 1990-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-12-27 | 1994-06-28 | 1994-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |