Pipe seal

Abstract

A peripheral sealing gland includes a body 200, a semi-rigid ring 300, an adhesive component 400, and an optional cover component. The body 200 includes a partially or fully frustoconical shaped skirt and a flange 220. The frustoconical shaped skirt includes an upper aperture and a lower aperture with the flange extending outwardly from the lower aperture. The flange includes a flange top surface and a flange bottom surface with a plurality of flange apertures passing from the flange top surface through the flange bottom surface. The semi-rigid-ring includes a plurality of ring apertures with each ring aperture corresponding to and co-locatable with at least one of the flange apertures. The semi-rigid ring is connected to at least a portion of the flange top surface while the adhesive component is adhered to at least a portion of the flange bottom surface.

Description

PIPE SEAL CROSS REFERENCES AND PRIORITIES

[0001] This Application claims priority from United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 588,351 filed on 6 October 2023 the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. BACKGROUND

[0002] Chemical manufacturing, particularly pharmaceutical manufacturing, often requires aseptic sealing of the vessel within which the manufacturing process occurs and within the lines and conduits connected to said vessel. When elongate members such as conduits, pipes, and the like are present in such manufacturing environments, it is often necessary to pass them through a flat surface such as a wall, floor, or ceiling. In doing so, a clean seal between the elongate member and the flat surface is often required. Such seal should be easy to apply.

[0003] Several ways of sealing an elongate member to a flat surface through which it has passed have been proposed. The traditional way of sealing involves application of a sealant about the periphery of the elongate member adjacent to the region of the flat surface through which the elongate member passes. However, this method is messy and time consuming.

[0004] Another example uses a flange attached to the elongate member to seal the elongate member to the flat surface. The flange is attached to the flat surface in a number of ways, such as by a sealant, a series of fasteners such as bolts in conjunction with a sealant, gasket, or o-ring, or the like. Once again, this method can be messy and time consuming. In addition, these systems often encounter difficulty withstanding the vibration and flexure of the elongate member relative to the flat surface during the manufacturing process.

[0005] More recently, attempts have been made to utilize a boot or sealing gland to engage and seal the elongate member and the flat surface. One example of such an attempt is disclosed in United States Patent No. 10,000,934 B2, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. United States Patent No. 10,000,934 B2 teaches an at least in part frustoconical shaped skirt through which the elongate member is to pass and defining a deformable upper seal configured to deform about and form a first seal to a periphery of the elongate member providing a flange depending from a lower periphery of the skirt, and providing a substantially rigid ring structure to bear on the outer surface of the flange so as to apply a substantially consistent pressure to the two or more endless lip seals to form a second seal against the flat surface.PIPE SEAL

[0006] In practice, the lip seals in United States Patent No. 10,000,934 B2 have been found to create an inconsistent seal resulting from the limited contact surface of the lip seals to the flat surface. Gaps between the lip seals often require the addition of a sealant – such as squeezed-on caulk – to fill the gaps and prevent leakage.

[0007] The need exists, therefore, for an improved peripheral sealing gland which is easy to install, and which maintains sealing and prevents leakage without the need for squeeze- on caulk or other sealant to be added post-installation. SUMMARY

[0008] Disclosed herein is a peripheral sealing gland. The peripheral sealing gland comprises a body, a semi-rigid ring, and an adhesive component. The body comprises a partially or fully frustoconical shaped skirt and a flange. The frustoconical shaped skirt has an upper aperture and a lower aperture. The flange extends outwardly from the lower aperture and comprises a plurality of flange apertures. The flange also has a flange top surface and a flange bottom surface opposite the flange top surface. The semi-rigid ring comprises a plurality of ring apertures with each ring aperture corresponding to and co- locatable with at least one of the flange apertures. The semi-rigid ring is connected to at least a portion of the flange top surface. The adhesive component is adhered to at least a portion of the flange bottom surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the peripheral sealing gland may further comprise a cover component connected to a surface of the adhesive component opposite the flange bottom surface. The cover component may be an aluminized biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate film.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the plurality of flange apertures may comprise a number of flange apertures in a range of between 2 and 12. The plurality of ring apertures may comprise a number of ring apertures in a range of between 2 and 12.

[0011] In some embodiments, the adhesive component may be a ring. The adhesive component may be located between the lower aperture and the plurality of flange apertures. Alternatively, the adhesive component may be located between the plurality of flange apertures and a flange outer edge.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the peripheral sealing gland may further comprise a seam passing through the body, the semi-rigid ring, and the adhesive component. A first edge of the seam may comprise a seam adhesive.

[0013] In some embodiments, the body may comprise a silicone material or an elastomeric material. In certain embodiments, the semi-rigid ring may comprise a metalPIPE SEAL or thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the adhesive component may comprise a silicone based adhesive.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the body may comprise a bulbous region.

[0015] In some embodiments, the body may comprise a removable end. When present, the removable end may comprise one or more circumferential indentations in the body.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the peripheral sealing gland may further comprise a lip. When present, the lip may extend upwardly from the flange top surface about an outer perimeter of the flange. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0017] FIG.1 is a perspective view of a peripheral sealing gland.

[0018] FIG.2 is an exploded perspective view of a peripheral sealing gland.

[0019] FIG.3 is an axial cross section view of a peripheral sealing gland.

[0020] FIG.4 is a bottom view of a peripheral sealing gland.

[0021] FIG.5 is a cross section assembled view of a peripheral sealing gland in use.

[0022] FIG.6 is a perspective assembled view of a peripheral sealing gland in use.

[0023] FIG.7 is a perspective view of a peripheral sealing gland.

[0024] FIG.8 is a perspective view of a peripheral sealing gland.

[0025] FIG.9 is an exploded perspective view of a peripheral sealing gland.

[0026] FIG.10 is an axial cross section view of a peripheral sealing gland.

[0027] FIG.11 is a bottom view of a peripheral sealing gland.

[0028] FIG.12 is a cross section assembled view of a peripheral sealing gland in use.

[0029] FIG.13 is a perspective assembled view of a peripheral sealing gland in use.

[0030] FIG.14 is a perspective view of a peripheral sealing gland. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Disclosed herein is a peripheral sealing gland. The peripheral sealing gland is described below with reference to the Figures. As described herein, the following numbers refer to the following structures as noted in the Figures.

[0032] 5 refers to a fastener.

[0033] 10 refers to a flat planar surface.

[0034] 15 refers to a hole.

[0035] 20 refers to an elongate member.

[0036] 100 refers to a peripheral sealing gland.

[0037] 200 refers to a body.

[0038] 210 refers to a frustoconical shaped skirt.PIPE SEAL

[0039] 211 refers to an upper aperture.

[0040] 212 refers to a lower aperture.

[0041] 220 refers to a flange.

[0042] 221 refers to a flange aperture.

[0043] 222 refers to a flange top surface.

[0044] 223 refers to a flange bottom surface.

[0045] 224 refers to a flange outer edge.

[0046] 250 refers to a bulbous region.

[0047] 260 refers to a removable end.

[0048] 300 refers to a semi-rigid ring.

[0049] 310 refers to a ring aperture.

[0050] 320 refers to a ring top surface.

[0051] 330 refers to a ring bottom surface.

[0052] 340 refers to a lip.

[0053] 400 refers to an adhesive component.

[0054] 410 refers to a surface (of the adhesive component)

[0055] 500 refers to a cover component.

[0056] 600 refers to a seam.

[0057] 610 refers to a seam adhesive.

[0058] FIG.1 is a perspective view of a peripheral sealing gland (100) with FIG.2 showing an exploded view of the peripheral sealing gland. As shown in FIG.1 and / or FIG.2, the peripheral sealing gland comprises at least a body (200), a semi-rigid ring (300), and an adhesive component (400). By semi-rigid, it is meant that the ring can be bent or formed to suit the contours of a wall, ceiling, or floor without the aid of tools, yet resists deformation by fasteners. Bending or forming to suit the contours of a wall may require the application of a bend force. The bend force may be expressed as an amount of force required to bend the ring a certain distance. Setting the distance to bend the ring at 6.35 mm, the semi-rigid ring preferably has a bend force in a range selected from the group consisting of between 1.0 lbs. and 5.0 lbs., between 1.0 lbs. and 4.5 lbs., between 1.0 lbs. and 4.0 lbs., between 1.0 lbs. and 3.5 lbs., between 1.5 lbs. and 5.0 lbs., between 1.5 lbs. and 4.5 lbs., between 1.5 lbs. and 4.0 lbs., and between 1.5 lbs. and 3.5 lbs.

[0059] The body (200) includes a skirt member (210). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the skirt member may have a shape which is partially or fully frustoconical. The frustoconical shaped skirt has both an upper aperture ((211) as shown in FIG. 3) and aPIPE SEAL lower aperture ((212) as shown in FIG. 3). A flange (220) extends outwardly from the lower aperture. The flange includes a flange top surface ((222) as shown in FIG.3) and a flange bottom surface ((223) as shown in FIG. 3) optionally with a plurality of flange apertures (221) passing through the flange from the flange top surface through the flange bottom surface.

[0060] The body (200) may be manufactured of any number of materials utilizing any number of manufacturing techniques. Non-limiting examples of such materials include a silicone material, and an elastomeric material such as nitrile rubber (commonly known as NBR rubber or Buna-N), ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), and flourine kautschuk material (FKM). In some embodiments, these materials may include a metal inside making them metal detectable for purposes of detecting contamination. Non- limiting examples of such manufacturing techniques include molding, casting, and other techniques commonly used to form silicone or elastomeric structures.

[0061] The semi-rigid ring (300) includes a ring top surface ((320) as shown in FIG. 3) and a ring bottom surface ((330) as shown in FIG. 3). Optionally, passing through the semi-rigid ring from the ring top surface through the ring bottom surface may be a plurality of ring apertures (310) as shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2.

[0062] The semi-rigid ring (300) may be manufactured of any number of materials utilizing any number of manufacturing techniques. Non-limiting examples of such materials include metals such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel and the like, thermoplastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the like. Non- limiting examples of such manufacturing techniques include cutting from a sheet of the material, injection molding, casting, and the like.

[0063] The number and location of the optional flange apertures (221) and optional ring apertures (310) is not considered important. In general, when present, the plurality of flange apertures may comprise a number of flange apertures in a range of between 2 and 12. Similarly, when present, the plurality of ring apertures may comprise a number of ring apertures in a range of between 2 and 12. Preferably, when present, each ring aperture will correspond to and be co-locatable with at least one of the flange apertures (221) thereby allowing a fastener (5) – such as a bolt, a screw, a rivet, or the like – to pass through each ring aperture and corresponding flange aperture and into or through a flat planar surface (10) such as a wall board.PIPE SEAL

[0064] The semi-rigid ring (300) is connected to the body with at least a portion of the ring bottom surface (330) contacting at least a portion of the flange top surface (222) as shown in FIG.3. At least a portion of the adhesive component (400) is then adhered to at least a portion of the flange bottom surface (223).

[0065] The adhesive component (400) may be in the form of a ring as shown in FIG.4. The location of the adhesive component on the flange bottom surface (223) is not considered important. In some embodiments where flange apertures are present, the adhesive component may be located between the lower aperture (212) and the plurality of flange apertures (221). In other embodiments where flange apertures are present, the adhesive component may be located between the plurality of flange apertures and a flange outer edge ((224) as shown in FIG.3).

[0066] The adhesive component (400) may be of any number of adhesive materials. Non- limiting examples of such materials include silicone based adhesive materials. Preferably, the adhesive material will cure at ambient temperature.

[0067] Optionally, the peripheral sealing gland (100) may also include a cover component (500). When present, the cover component may be in the form of a film connected to a surface ((410) as shown in FIG. 4) of the adhesive component (400) opposite the flange bottom surface (223) as shown in FIG. 3. The cover component, which is intended to be removed prior to installing the peripheral sealing gland, may be made of any number of materials. One preferred material is an aluminized biaxially- oriented polyethylene terephthalate film commonly sold under the trademark MYLAR® by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A.

[0068] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of a peripheral sealing gland (100) in use to seal an elongate member (20) – such as a pipe or other conduit – to a flat planar surface (10) – such as a wall, floor, or ceiling with FIG.6 showing a perspective view thereof. As shown in FIG.5 and FIG.6, the flat planar surface includes a hole (15) therein through which the elongate member passes. As sealing between the elongate member and the flat planar surface is provided by the peripheral sealing gland, the size of the hole relative to the outer dimension of the elongate member is not considered important. It is preferred that the hole dimensions be less than the dimension of the lower aperture ((212) as shown in FIG. 3) of the frustoconical shaped skirt (210).

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a portion of the elongate member (20) passes through the upper aperture ((211) as shown in FIG. 3) of the frustoconical shaped skirt (210). The upper opening has a dimension which is smaller than the outer dimension ofPIPE SEAL the elongate member. As the frustoconical shaped skirt is made of a flexible material, the upper opening flexes about and seals to the outer surface of the elongate member as it passes through the upper opening.

[0070] The flange (220) connects to the flat planar surface (10) around the periphery of the hole (15) with the adhesive component (400) attaching the flange to the flat planar surface. In embodiments where the peripheral sealing gland (100) includes a cover component (500), the cover component is removed from the surface (410) of the adhesive component (400) prior to installation.

[0071] The adhesive component (400) – which preferably is in the form of a ring – not only attaches the peripheral sealing gland (100) to the flat planar surface (10), but it also provides for a more consistent leakless sealing between the peripheral sealing gland and the flat planar surface. The ring-like nature of the adhesive component provides sealing through the interior outer and inner circumference of the flange as opposed to the use of fasteners – such as bolts, screws, rivets, or the like – which provide an inconsistent sealing force about the flange circumference. In addition, the width of the adhesive component can be increased or decreased to provide a wider sealing surface when compared to lip seals, such as those utilized in United States Patent No.10,000,934 B2. In addition, the flexible nature of the semi-rigid ring (300) allows the adhesive component to more closely match the contour of the opposing surface.

[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a peripheral sealing gland (100) which may be utilized as a retrofit for chemical manufacturing systems which have already been manufactured. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the peripheral sealing gland includes a seam (600) which passes through the body (200) – including the frustoconical shaped skirt (210) and the flange (220) – the semi-rigid ring (300), the adhesive component (400), and (when present) the cover component (500). During installation about a pre-installed elongate member in a chemical manufacturing system, the seam allows the peripheral sealing gland to pass over and around the elongate member. A seam adhesive (610) which may be of the same adhesive material utilized for the adhesive component extends along substantially all or all of the length of one edge of the seam. Once the peripheral sealing gland is passed over and around the elongate member, the two edges of the seam are sealed to one another via the seam adhesive. Sealing the two edges of the seam to one another may be accomplished by hand or with the assistance of tools such as pliers or clamps.PIPE SEAL

[0073] FIGS. 8 to 14 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a peripheral sealing gland (100) including additional optional features. One of the optional features is a bulbous region (250) within the body (200) of the peripheral sealing gland. Preferably the bulbous region will originate at or near the end of the body which is connected to the flange (220) and extend towards the opposite end as shown in the Figures.

[0074] Another optional feature is a removable end (260). The removable end may be created by applying one or more circumferential indentations into the body (200) as shown in FIGS. 8 to 14. The circumferential indentations serving as a marker line to allow a user to cut the removable end away from the body using a knife, scissors, or similar implements to form the upper aperture (211). By including multiple circumferential indentations, a user may change the diameter of the upper aperture can be varied to accommodate elongate members (20) of different sizes.

[0075] Another optional feature is a lip (340). When present, the lip may extend upwardly from the flange top surface (222) about the outer perimeter of the flange (200) as shown in FIGS.8 to 14. The lip will preferably have an inside diameter which is equal to or slightly greater than the outside diameter of the semi-rigid ring (300) allowing the semi-rigid ring to nest within the perimeter formed by the lip as shown in FIGS.8 to 14.

[0076] While the peripheral sealing gland has been described as having one or more exemplary designs, the present peripheral sealing gland may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the peripheral sealing gland using its general principles.

Claims

PIPE SEAL CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A peripheral sealing gland (100) comprising: a body (200) comprising a partially or fully frustoconical shaped skirt (210) and a flange (220), said frustoconical shaped skirt having an upper aperture (211) and a lower aperture (212), said flange extending outwardly from the lower aperture, said flange comprising a plurality of flange apertures (221), and said flange having a flange top surface (222) and a flange bottom surface (223) opposite the flange top surface; a semi-rigid ring (300) comprising a plurality of ring apertures (310), with each ring aperture corresponding to and co-locatable with at least one of the flange apertures; and an adhesive component (400); and wherein the semi-rigid ring is connected to at least a portion of the flange top surface, and the adhesive component is adhered to at least a portion of the flange bottom surface.

2. The peripheral sealing gland of claim 1, further comprising a cover component (500) connected to a surface (410) of the adhesive component opposite the flange bottom surface.

3. The peripheral sealing gland of claim 2, wherein the cover component is an aluminized biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate film.

4. The peripheral sealing gland of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of flange apertures comprises a number of flange apertures in a range of between 2 and 12.

5. The peripheral sealing gland of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of ring apertures comprises a number of ring apertures in a range of between 2 and 12.

6. The peripheral sealing gland of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the adhesive component is a ring.

7. The peripheral sealing gland of claim 6, wherein the adhesive component is located between the lower aperture and the plurality of flange apertures.

8. The peripheral sealing gland of claim 6, wherein the adhesive component is located between the plurality of flange apertures and a flange outer edge (224).PIPE SEAL 9. The peripheral sealing gland of any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a seam (600) passing through the body, the semi-rigid ring, and the adhesive component.

10. The peripheral sealing gland of claim 9, wherein a first edge of the seam comprises a seam adhesive (610).

11. The peripheral sealing gland of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the body comprises a silicone material or an elastomeric material.

12. The peripheral sealing gland of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the semi-rigid ring comprises a metal or thermoplastic material.

13. The peripheral sealing gland of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the adhesive component comprises a silicone based adhesive material.

14. The peripheral sealing gland of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the body comprises a bulbous region (250).

15. The peripheral sealing gland of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the body comprises a removable end (260).

16. The peripheral sealing gland of claim 15, wherein the removable end comprises one or more circumferential indentations in the body.

17. The peripheral sealing gland of any of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a lip (340) extending upwardly from the flange top surface about an outer perimeter of the flange.

Images