Sealing glands

Abstract

This invention relates to a various forms of hygiene suitable seal systems. A first system of which relates to a sealing gland providing for a double-sided sealing gland having a first sealing side and a second sealing side, each of the respective sealing sides to be put into a sealing configuration with opposing substantially planar surfaces. A second system of which relates to sleeve for sleeving of a joint connection, where the sleeve provides for a sealing engagement about a first member and a second member which are jointed together. A third system of which relates to a sealing cap providing for a hollow body to accommodate an elongate structure to be housed therein and sealed off from a surrounding environment, such a sealing cap providing for an engagement with the structure to be capped and with a surface from which the elongate structure extends from.

Description

SEALING GLANDS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to various forms of sealing glands. More particularly, though not solely, to: a sealing gland for sealing with a pair of substantially opposing substantially planar (or flat) surfaces, such as between a base plate or a flange portion of a piece of equipment and a floor or a support upon which the equipment is to be mounted; as well as to a sealing gland in the form of a sleeve, and a sleeved jointed connection, such as a joint sleeve for use with a jointed connection where the jointed connection is to be substantially isolated or protected from contamination by ingress of surrounding environmental conditions (such as moisture or liquids or particles or debris or detritus) by the sleeve; as well as to a seal in the form of a sealing cap for sealingly capping a structure and forming a seal with a surface at a base of the structure to substantially isolate or protect the structure from contamination by ingress of surrounding environmental conditions or material (such as moisture or liquids or particles or debris or detritus). BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] The ability to prevent the fouling or accumulation of materials between surfaces which are to be brought together is desirable for a range of reasons, for example in meeting safety or hygiene requirements of a factory or manufacturing or process facility.

[0003] In one example, where a flanged surface is to be brought into contact with or be mounted or seated upon a surface (whether that surface is vertical or horizontal or at any other angle), any gap or space between an underside of a flange and the surface upon which the flange is to be brought into contact with may allow for the undesired accumulation of materials. Materials may be fluids (liquids or gases) or solids (such as particles or powders). Such gaps or spaces may be difficult to adequately clean or remove any accumulated materials, and as such may present a health and safety issue or an unwanted fouling or contamination risk to the factory or manufacturing or process facility.

[0004] Many manufacturing facilities have requirements to allow for clean-in-place (CIP) and cleaning out of place (COP). COP includes for example removal of solid materials (dust, particles, powders) and liquid wash downs (using hot or cold liquids, such as hot water or cleaning chemicals). As noted above, where gaps or spaces may exist between equipment,some gaps or spaces may present cleaning challenges and if not sufficiently cleaned can present health and safety risks.

[0005] In processing or manufacturing facilities, or clean room or other substantially sterile environments, steps are typically taken to seal up the joints or connections to try and prevent fouling or contamination of the joint or ingress into the joint by solids, or liquids or gases, such as moisture or liquids or particles or powders, or debris or detritus. In this way, the steps taken are intended to reduce the likelihood of materials from the surrounding environment ingressing the connection or joint between surfaces.

[0006] While some steps may be taken to seal connections to limit or try and prevent contaminants from ingress into a jointed connection, typically this may include the use of tapes wound in-place, or liquid silicones or grease or other glues to provide a seal between for example a flanged end of a pipe or a piece of process equipment and a floor or a wall or other surface. However, these solutions may themselves attract and collect or accumulate fouling materials and may be difficult to sufficiently and adequately clean.

[0007] In another example, seals may be provided in situations such as jointed connections between members, whether the members are solid or hollow, are used to connect one member with another member. The joint or junction, or parts of the joint or junction, between the members typically include small nooks and crannies or threads or other recessed portions (such as small gaps or spaces between the members and the jointing connection part). In processing or manufacturing facilities, or clean room or other substantially sterile environments, steps aretypically taken to seal up the jointed connection to try and prevent fouling or contamination of the joint or ingress into the joint or the members by moisture or liquids or particles or debris or detritus. In this way, the steps taken are intended to reduce the likelihood of materials from the environment surrounding the joint connection from entering the joint or entering the members themselves (for example when the members may be hollow).

[0008] In another example of steps taken to seal joint connections to limit or try and prevent contaminants from ingress into the jointed connection (or deeper into a hollow member), such steps include use of joint connection sealing materials or sealants such as (but not limited to) hemp, Teflon tape, thread seal tape, o-rings, greases, sealants, silicones, PTFE sealant or sealant tape, or welds to try and stops contaminant ingress via mechanisms suchas wicking, soaking, capillary action, or pressure differential conditions between an inside and an outside of the joint connection or between an inside of a hollow member with a jointed connection and outside of the hollow member with the jointed connection). Such steps taken are for sealing the joint connection that is made. These are typically different to trying to form a fluid-tight seal between one member and another member (e.g. where such members are hollow members), as such fluid-tight seals between conduit are typically provided for with other means.

[0009] Where a member has a thread which is used for connection with a threaded joint connecting member, the exposure of the thread of a member may be difficult to clean in a processing or manufacturing facility, or in a clean room or other sterile environment, even when using chemical washes, such as hot caustic soda (an industry standard chemical wash for cleaning process equipment). Such exposed thread can be a difficult surface and shape to clean, and may provide harbour for accumulation of undesired fouling. Accordingly, such threads are often provided with some form of a seal in the form of the tapes, resins, greases etc described above. However, even when steps are taken to seal or coat the exposed thread, or try to minimise any small gaps or spaces which may also accumulate unwanted fouling, the various tapes, threads, resins and other sealants can themselves just provide other surfaces which are also difficult to suitably clean or keep hygienic. Indeed, the attempts made so far to seal such jointed connections may inadvertently contribute to the undesired fouling issues of jointed connections.

[0010] In another example, where a structure, such as a mechanical structure formed of say, a series of nuts (including hex, heavy hex, nylon insert lock, jam, wing, cap, acorn, flange, tee, square, prevailing torque lock, k-lock or Kep, coupling, slotted, castle) or washers (including flat, fender, finishing, split lock, external tooth lock, internal tooth lock, open, round, square or dock style) or other types of spacers or mechanical locking threaded components are threaded onto a thread, such as a bolt – such an upstanding series or array of mechanical structure typically includes many nooks and crannies and small spaces or gaps. Typically, in a factory setting, such a mechanical structure may be coated in a sealant to try and provide for a surface which can be cleanable or which does not accumulate undesired materials (such as processing materials or cleaning materials or other foreign materials introduced into the surrounding environment).

[0011] In processing or manufacturing facilities, or clean room or other substantially sterile environments, steps are typically taken to seal up such structures to try and prevent fouling or contamination of the structure or ingress into the structure by moisture or liquids or particles or debris or detritus. In this way, the steps taken are intended to reduce the likelihood of materials from the environment surrounding the joint connection from entering the structure or providing for a cleanable surface.

[0012] Examples of steps taken to try and seal such structures include use of sealing materials or sealants such as (but not limited to) hemp, Teflon tape, thread seal tape, O- rings, greases, sealants, silicones, PTFE sealant or sealant tape, or welds to try and stops contaminant ingress via mechanisms such as wicking, soaking, capillary action, or pressure differential conditions between the surrounding environment and the small nooks and crannies or spaces or gaps of the structure.

[0013] Where the structure includes a thread which is used for connection with other threaded connecting members, the exposure of the thread may be difficult to clean in a processing or manufacturing facility, or in a clean room or other sterile environment, even when using chemical washes, such as hot caustic soda (an industry standard chemical wash for cleaning process equipment). Such exposed thread can be a difficult surface and shape to clean, and may provide harbour for accumulation of undesired fouling. Accordingly, such threads are often provided with some form of a seal in the form of the tapes, resins, greases etc described above. However, even when steps are taken to seal or coat the exposed thread, or try to minimise any small gaps or spaces which may also accumulate unwanted fouling, the various tapes, threads, resins and other sealants can themselves just provide other surfaces which are also difficult to suitably clean or keep hygienic. Indeed, the attempts made so far to seal such structures may inadvertently contribute to the undesired fouling issues of structures. The above structures may extend from a base structure, such as a flange or a base plate.

[0014] In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention(s). Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0015] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention(s) will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Accordingly, this specification discloses herein seal systems which may go at least some way toward addressing or ameliorating various issues associated with sealing jointed connections and other connecting interfaces between equipment, particularly when used in facilities which may need to operate to certain hygiene standards or cleaning protocols.

[0017] In a first system configuration, it may be of particular interest to provide a sealing gland, such as a double sided sealing gland, more particularly, though not solely, for the purposes of protecting or isolating a connection for example a flange or plate of a first member (such as a flange of a pipe, or between a base plate of a piece of equipment and a surface, such as a floor or wall, to which the base plate is to be secured or mounted) from ingress of fouling or contamination of material.

[0018] It may also be of interest to provide a double-sided sealing gland which go at least some way towards addressing the issues of preventing materials (such as liquids, solids, gas, including vapour) from ingress between a pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces.

[0019] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a double-sided sealing gland which will go at least some way towards addressing the foregoing problems or capabilities which will at least provide the industry and / or public with a useful choice.

[0020] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a double-sided sealing gland providing for a seal between a pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces, the sealing gland comprising: a body comprising of a first sealing side for sealing with a first substantially planar surface and a second sealing side for sealing with a second substantially planar surface, the first sealing side comprising of a first base surface from which one or more first side lip seal(s) extend, and wherein at least one of the one or more first side lip seal(s) extends about an outer perimeter portion of the first base surface of the body, andthe second sealing side comprising of a second base surface from which one or more second side lip seal(s) extend, and wherein at least one of the one or more second side lip seal(s) extends about an outer perimeter portion of the second base surface of the body.

[0021] The one or more first side lip seal(s) may be endless lip seals.

[0022] The one or more second side lip seal(s) may be endless lip seals.

[0023] The endless lip seals may be continuous lip seals. For example, such continuous or endless lip seals provide for a complete sealing feature around the body.

[0024] Where a plurality of endless lip seals are provided, on either or both of the first side and / or the second side, the endless lip seals on a side of the sealing gland may be concentrically arranged with each other.

[0025] An outer-most lip seal or the lip seal substantially extending about an outer perimeter portion one or each base surface, being either or both of the first base surface and / or the second base surface, may be of a greater lip length or may extend a greater height from the base surface relative to more inwardly arranged lip seals.

[0026] The body may be substantially flat, with the first side lip seals extending from the first base surface, and the second side lip seals extending from the second base surface.

[0027] The body may comprise of a plurality of apertures.

[0028] Each aperture of the plurality of apertures may be provided as a channel or passageway through the sealing gland extending between the first base surface and the second base surface.

[0029] The plurality of apertures may be arranged or distributed or located to be substantially uniformly or evenly spaced about the sealing gland.

[0030] Each of the plurality of apertures may be located inwardly of the outer perimeter of the body, and inwardly of at least one lip seal.

[0031] Each of the plurality of apertures may be located between a pair of substantially concentric lip seals, or substantially concentrically adjacent lip seals.

[0032] The plurality of apertures may be arranged or distributed or located so as to be provided between lip seals, or so as to avoid overlap of an aperture with a lip seal.

[0033] Each aperture, or a portion of the base surface surrounding of each aperture, may comprise of a reinforced portion. The reinforced portion may comprise of a thickened body, or base surface region, substantially surrounding of each aperture.

[0034] A spacing apart or a distance or a gap between substantially concentric lip seals between which an aperture is to be located, may be configured for receiving a fastener without interference of an adjoining lip seal or an inner more lip seal and an outer more lip seal.

[0035] The plurality of apertures may be configured to receive a fastener. For example, the fastener may be a threaded fastener (such as a screw or bolt), or a penetrative fastener (such as a nail).

[0036] The plurality of apertures may be of a smaller or reduced diameter relative to the diameter of a fastener to be received, such as to substantially contact a fastener when received therethrough for sealing with a said fastener.

[0037] At least one further lip seal may be provided substantially concentrically inwardly of a lip seal extending about an outer perimeter portion and / or an inner perimeter portion of the first base surface and / or the second base surface.

[0038] At least two lip seals may be provided outwardly of an aperture or at least one lip seal is provided between an aperture and a lip seal extending substantially about an outer perimeter portion of the body or the first base surface and / or the second base surface.

[0039] At least two lip seals may be provided inwardly of an aperture or at least one lip seal is provided between an aperture and a lip seal extending substantially about an inner perimeter portion of the body or the first base surface and / or the second base surface.

[0040] At least one further lip seal may be provided between a lip seal extending substantially about a perimeter portion (such as an inner perimeter portion or an outer perimeter portion) of the body, or of the first base surface and / or of the second base surface.

[0041] There may be at least two lip seals provided between an aperture and an outer perimeter of the body, or of the first base surface and / or of the second base surface.

[0042] There may be at least two lip seals provided between an aperture an inner perimeter portion of the body, or of the first base surface and / or of the second base surface.

[0043] At least two lip seals may be provided outwardly of an aperture (such as between an aperture and an outer perimeter of the body, or of the first base surface and / or of the second base surface) are arranged substantially concentrically closer together than at least two lip seals provided more inwardly of the aperture (such as between an aperture and an inner perimeter of the body, or of the first base surface and / or of the second base surface, or between an aperture and a centre or centroid.

[0044] Each of the first lip seals may be arranged and located about the first surface and substantially correspond with the arrangement and location of the second lip seals about the second surface.

[0045] Each of the lip seals provided about the first sealing side (such as the first lip seals) may be substantially mirrored by respective lip seals provided about the second sealing side (such as the second lip seals). For example, through a mid-line or middle cross section the sealing gland may be mirror symmetrical.

[0046] Each lip seal may taper from a base (substantially at a base surface of the body) to a relatively narrowed distal end or tip.

[0047] A distal end or a tip of a or each lip seal may be substantially flexible or elastically deformable or is of a feathered shape.

[0048] Each lip seal may comprise of a pair of walls extending from a base surface from which the lip seals extend, and the pair of walls converging together to a distal end or tip.

[0049] Each lip seal may comprise of a pair of walls extending from a base surface from which the lip seals extend, and configured as an first or outer-more wall and a second or an inner-more wall (inner and outer being with respect to an outer perimeter of the body), wherein the second or outer-more wall may extend substantially orthogonally from the surface, and the inner-more wall may extend from an inner-more location on the base surface to the distal end (or tip), thereby defining an angle of the inner-more wall.

[0050] A central portion of the body may substantially correspond with the centre or centroid, for example as a void space.

[0051] An inner perimeter of the body may define a void space. For example, the inner perimeter may define a circular void space, or a square void space, or a rectangular void space, or a triangular void space, or other another shape.

[0052] A central portion of the body may be shaped to accommodate or receive a member or allow a member to pass through the central portion. For example, the member to be received or pass through the central portion may be circular, or square, or rectangular, or triangular, or other another shape.

[0053] An inner perimeter (and therefore a, or the, void space so formed) may be shaped to be of a substantially commensurate shape or geometry of one or both of substantially opposing planar surfaces to which the first sealing side and / or the second sealing side of the body are to form a seal therewith.

[0054] The sealing gland may provide for a first seal with one of the pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces via the first sealing side, and may provide for a second seal with the other of the pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces.

[0055] The sealing gland may provide for a perimeter seal between the pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces. For example, the sealing gland can provide for a seal about a perimeter of each the opposing surfaces to which the sealing gland is to seal with in- use. A central portion defined by an inner perimeter of the body may be a void space, that is, the sealing gland body can provide for a sealing perimeter about the opposing surfaces to which it is to be sealed with, and an interior portion or central portion may be a void space (i.e., there is no material or body) - this can reduce the amount of material required for a sealing gland, yet still achieving a perimeter seal. In other configurations, where for example a plurality of sealing glands are provided as part of a single main body formed and having a plurality of substantially concentric sealing glands, a suitable sized sealing gland can be detached or disconnected or separated from the single main body and used.

[0056] The sealing gland may be integrally formed as a single or unitary body.

[0057] A plurality of sealing glands may be integrally formed as a single main body, each sealing gland of which may be concentrically located of each other.

[0058] A plurality of sealing glands may be provided in a single main body, each sealing gland of which may be disconnectable or separable from an adjoining sealing gland.

[0059] A disconnection or a separation of one or more sealing glands from a single main body ma y be by a frangible connection between adjacently formed sealing glands.

[0060] A relatively reduced thickness portion of the single main body may be provided between concentrically arranged sealing glands, when the single main body is formed as a single or unitary body.

[0061] A sealing gland may comprise of at least two lip seals, or at least three lip seals, or at least four lip seals, or five or more lip seals, on each of the first sealing side and the second sealing side.

[0062] In-use, the sealing gland may be configured to prevent ingress of material between the substantially opposing surfaces.

[0063] The material may for example be fluids, gases, or liquids or solids (particles, dust, powder), including but not limited to: cleaning or washdown or sanitation materials (i.e., can for example be: chemicals or water, or liquids or fluids, such caustic soda (can be hot or cold), hot or cold water, acids or bases, detergents, sanitisers and disinfectants, solvents, alcohols, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, degreasers, abrasives,), other examples of cleaning materials may include, but are not limited to: Isopropyl alcohol, Hydrogen peroxide, Sodium hypochlorite, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats), Acetone, Ethanol, Citric acid, Sodium bicarbonate, Hydrochloric acid, Purified water, powdered or particle foods or chemicals (including pharmaceuticals).

[0064] The sealing gland may be formed of, for example: rubber, EPDM, fluroelastomers (such as a material known as VitonTM), silicone (including industrial-grade, food-grade, medical-grade, high-consistency rubber (HCR) silicone, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), nitrile rubber, synthetic rubbers (such as neoprene), urethanes, thermoplastic rubbers (TPR), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), flexible PVC.

[0065] The sealing gland may be formed of a flexible material. In this way, the lip seals can be elastically deformed to conformable to the surface to which they are to come into contact with and form a seal.

[0066] Provision of a plurality of lip seals may provide for a plurality of substantially concentric seals to prevent ingress of unwanted materials into the gap or space between the pair of opposing surfaces.

[0067] A first of the pair of opposing surfaces may for example be flange or flanged-type surface, while the other of the pair of opposing surfaces may for example be a floor or a wallor another surface upon which the first of the pair of opposing surfaces is intended to be mounted upon.

[0068] The apertures of the sealing gland may allow for a securement or fixing or fastening of the sealing gland to one of the opposing surfaces.

[0069] There may be at least four lip seals. At least two lip seals may be provided as a pair of outer lip seals (being outward of an aperture), and at least two lip seals may be provided as a pair of inner lip seals (being inward of an aperture). It will be appreciated there may be a greater number of lip seals. The number of lip seals may be increased or decreased.

[0070] At least one lip seal may be provided as an outer lip seal, being a most outward lip seal of a set of lip seals for a sealing gland. Such an outward or outer-more lip seal may have a greater length than the other lip seals of a set of lip seals provided for a sealing gland.

[0071] In some configurations, a spacer or packer or other structural support may be provided to be positioned in the central portion or void space defined by an inner perimeter of the sealing gland, to thereby support a defined separation of the opposing surfaces which are being brought together and to avoid complete squashing of the sealing gland lip seals, and yet the sealing gland lip seals have a sufficient height so as to sufficiently engage with the first surface and the second surface and form seals with each of those surfaces.

[0072] In some configurations, such spacers or packers or other structural supports may themselves have a central portion which has a void space to allow for a member to pass therethrough. For example, one use case involves a material transfer pipe or conduit that may pass through a surface, such as a floor. Such a material transfer pipe or conduit can have a flange portion which extends radially outward of the pipe or conduit, and which is traditionally supported upon the floor to stop the entire pipe or conduit from falling through the through floor penetration or hole. However, in various situations, such a material transfer pipe or conduit may not be a permanent installation and may need to be periodically removed from the floor penetration or hole (say for cleaning or other maintenance purposes). Accordingly, the floor penetration or hole is often larger than the pipe or conduit to allow for ease of insertion or removal. However, spaces or gaps between the outside surface of the pipe or conduit and the inner wall of the floor penetration or hole mean material may accumulate into such a space or gap, and this is desirably to be avoided.

[0073] In say a powder handling material transfer use case, excess powder may be present in the surrounding environment and this material is ideally not able to fall through the floor penetration or hole. Providing for a seal between the flange of the pipe or conduit and the support surface upon which the flange is to be supported, such as the floor, can help alleviate this issue. It will be appreciated that other material handling situations would benefit from such a sealing gland (for example, other solid material transfers or liquids or gases).

[0074] In say another situation, a support strut for a piece of process equipment may be terminated in a flange or a base plate which would typically be mounted to a support surface, such as a floor. Providing for a seal between the underside surface of the flange or base plate and the floor can also be useful for preventing undesired fouling or accumulation of fouling materials in any gaps or spaces between the underside surface of the flange or base plate and say the floor. In addition, often such a flange or base plate is to be bolted to the floor to secure the equipment in place. Floors are often relatively rough, and the bolted connections typically require bolts or other connections to be buried and secured in the floor, and this may involve disturbing the finished floor surface, which then results in a more uneven surface finish of the floor. As a result, gaps or spaces between the floor and the underside surface of the flange or base plate can exist and may prove difficult places to clean or keep free of contamination or unwanted fouling. For these reasons, providing for a perimeter type seal about the junction between the underside surface of a flange or a base plate and a floor may help alleviate these fouling concerns.

[0075] In the situation above, it may be useful to provide for the spacers or packers or other structural support(s) as noted elsewhere to help support the flange or base plate from the floor surface, thereby avoiding squashing the sealing gland, and instead allowing for the lip seals of the first sealing side to sealingly engage with the first opposing surface, and allowing the lip seals of the second sealing side to sealingly engage with the second opposing surface.

[0076] In a second system configuration, it may be of particular interest to provide a joint sleeve. It may therefore be of particular interest to provide a sleeve, such as a joint sleeve, or a sleeved jointed connection, more particularly, though not solely, for the purposes of protecting or isolating a joint connection from fouling or unwanted contamination, and yet which addresses the issues of fouling or contamination of jointed connections, or to at least provide for a more easily cleanable surface or more convenient system for protecting orisolating a joint connection from a surrounding environment and / or to reduce undesired fouling or contamination of a jointed connection.

[0077] Accordingly, problems of fouling or contamination of jointed connections may be addressed by the sleeve or sleeved joint connection as described herein, such as when jointed connections are used in process or manufacturing facilities which may have certain hygienic or sanitary condition requirements. It should also be appreciated that any jointed connection could be sleeved and protected by the joint sleeve as described herein so as to help isolate the jointed connection from a surrounding environment and ingress of fluids (such as moisture, vapour, liquids) or solids (such as dust, debris or other particulates).

[0078] Furthermore, a sleeve for a jointed connection as described herein may be of a relatively smooth external surface profile so as to allow for ease of cleaning or wiping, and / or to reduce or minimise surfaces or surface profiles which may accumulate fouling material (such as small nooks or crannies or recesses).

[0079] It may also be of interest to provide a sleeve which go at least some way towards addressing the issues of preventing fluids (such as vapour, moisture or liquids) or solids (such as dust or debris or particles) from ingress to a joint connection or deeper and into the joint itself.

[0080] Accordingly, in a second aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a sleeved joint connection, the sleeved joint connection between at least a first member and an associated joint connection member, wherein a sleeve substantially houses a jointed connection made between at least the first member and the associated joint connection member, the sleeve configured to sealingly engage with each of the first member and the associated joint connection member, such that the sleeve sealingly protects the housed jointed connection from exposure to the surrounding environment by the sleeve, or at least provides for a substantially fluid- tight seal or a liquid-tight seal when sealingly engaged.

[0081] In a third aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a sleeve for sleeving of a joint connection between at least a first member and an associated joint connection member,wherein a sleeve substantially provides for a housing of a jointed connection made between at least the first member and the associated joint connection member, the sleeve configured to sealingly engage with an exterior surface of each of the first member and the associated joint connection member, such that the sleeve sealingly protects the housed jointed connection from exposure to the surrounding environment by the sleeve, or at least provides for a substantially fluid- tight seal or a liquid-tight seal or a dust-tight seal when sealingly engaged.

[0082] In a fourth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a joint sleeve for protectively sleeving (such as by housing) of a jointed connection between at least a first member and an associated joint connection member, the joint sleeve comprising of at least a first open end and at least a second open end, and a passageway extending between each of the open ends, the first open end comprising of a first passageway portion configured for sealingly engaging with an exterior surface of the first member, and the second open end comprising of a second passageway portion configured for sealingly engaging with: - an exterior surface of the associated joint connection member, or - an exterior surface of a second member when the second member is jointed to the first member by the associated joint connection member, such that a jointed connection between at least the first member and the associated joint connection member is substantially sealed from environmental ingress, and / or such that jointed connections between at least a first member and a second member by a joint connection member are substantially sealed from environmental ingress.

[0083] According to each of the second, third or fourth aspects, the following may be provided.

[0084] The associated joint connection member may be a second member that is joint connected to the first member.

[0085] The first member may be hollow or a conduit.

[0086] The second member may be hollow or a conduit.

[0087] The associated joint connection member may be a joiner or a connector to join or connect members, such as conduit or pipe, together.

[0088] A joint connection may be a connection between at least two pipes, fittings, or other components of a structure.

[0089] The first member may be an electrical conduit.

[0090] The second member may be an electrical conduit.

[0091] Electrical cabling or wiring may extend through the electrical conduit (electrical cabling including conductive cabling, such as used in signal wiring).

[0092] An associated joint connection member may be a threaded-type connector or may be a push-fit type connector or may be a crimped type of connector or may be a compression type connector or may be a welded connection.

[0093] The first open end may have a first end internal diameter.

[0094] The second open end may have a second end internal diameter.

[0095] The first end internal diameter and the second end internal diameter may be the same or different.

[0096] The first end internal diameter may be different to the second end internal diameter, one end of which can have a larger or greater internal diameter than the other end.

[0097] The first passageway portion may have a greater internal diameter than the internal diameter at the first open end.

[0098] The second passageway portion may have a greater internal diameter than the internal diameter at the second open end.

[0099] The internal diameter of the first end and the second end may be respectively smaller than an external diameter of a member to be accommodated through the respective first end and second end.

[0100] The internal diameter of an end (such as the first end and / or the second end) may be sized to be about 50% or less, or about 40% or less, or about 30% or less, or about 25% or less, or about 15% or less, or about 10% or less (smaller) than the external diameter of a member to be received therethrough. Optionally, may be about 5% or less, or may be about4% or less, or may be about 3% or less, or may be about 2% or less than an external diameter of a member to be received therethrough.

[0101] Optionally, one or each passageway portion associated with one or each open end (being either or both of the first open end or the second open end) may comprise of a ribbed portion, the ribbed portion for engagement with an external surface of a member to be accommodated by the sleeve, or for securing an open end about a member.

[0102] Optionally, one or each passageway portion associated with one or each open end (being either or both of the first open end or the second open end) may comprise of a tapered portion, the tapered portion tapered from a larger external diameter to a smaller internal diameter toward the open end.

[0103] The tapered portion may have a tapered side wall thickness, tapering from a larger side wall thickness to a relatively reduced side wall thickness at or substantially adjacent to an open end of the sleeve.

[0104] The sleeve may comprise of at least one internal feature located about an internal side wall for engagement with a member to be received within the sleeve.

[0105] The at least one internal feature may be a projection extending radially inwardly from the internal side wall.

[0106] The at least one internal feature may extend substantially circumferentially about the internal side wall, such as a ring seal. It will be appreciated one or more internal features may extend longitudinally or may be radially or circumferentially spaced apart or provided at different locations to help ensure either a sealing capability with the member or may provide for a mechanical or surface contact or friction engagement with the member or members.

[0107] The at least one internal feature is of a rib or a lip or finger type configuration.

[0108] There may be at least one internal feature associated with each end of the sleeve. Optionally, there may be a plurality of internal features associated with one or both ends or passageways of the sleeve.

[0109] Each open end of the sleeve may taper to be of a relatively reduced side wall thickness.

[0110] Wherein each open end is configured to be stretch fitted over a member to be received therethrough.

[0111] An external surface of the side wall may be substantially smooth or devoid of irregularities.

[0112] Each open end may comprise of a thickening, such as a localised thickening, of the side wall thickness in the region at or adjacent to an or each end of the sleeve.

[0113] The thickening of the side wall thickness may be provided as a rib or band. Optionally, the rib or band may be of a relatively smooth outer surface and devoid of irregularities.

[0114] One of the open ends may be of a reduced internal diameter relative to the other open end.

[0115] The at least one internal feature may be provided as a sealing feature. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one internal feature may be provided as a mechanical inter-lock or mechanical engagement feature for locating or holding the sleeve in place once fitted.

[0116] Advantageously, when fitted, the sleeve may help with providing a frictional engagement between the first member and the associated joint member, to minimise a joint connect from being disconnected. For example, the sleeve may help to absorb vibration or unwinding or rotation of the first member and the associated joint member relative to each other, thereby helping to further improve the security of a joint connection so made.

[0117] The sleeve may be formed of at least of: rubber, EPDM, fluroelastomers (such as a material known as VitonTM), silicone (including industrial-grade, food-grade, medical-grade, high-consistency rubber (HCR) silicone, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), nitrile rubber, synthetic rubbers (such as neoprene), urethanes, thermoplastic rubbers (TPR), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), flexible PVC.

[0118] The sleeve may be formed of a substantially flexible or elastically deformable material.

[0119] The sleeve may be of a pre-form. For example, such a pre-form can be a pre-formed shape of the sleeve of the internal shape configured to suitably accommodate or house a jointed connection (the sleeve may be substantially in contact with the joint connection ormay be partially in contact with the joint connection or may be configured to surround the joint connection but avoid direct contact with the joint connection).

[0120] An internal shape of the sleeve body may be configured to provide for a space about a surrounded joint connection to substantially avoid contact with a joint connection, or to partially contact a portion of a joint connection.

[0121] Each of the open ends of the sleeve may be sufficiently tapered or provide for a substantially thinned wall thickness, thinned at a terminal end of each open end, to minimise a terminal end or terminal edge of each open end. Optionally, minimising a wall thickness at a terminal end of each of the open ends may help minimise a height of an end wall of the open end with the member about which the sleeve extends, to reduce surface area which may accumulate fouling materials and / or which may assist with ease of cleaning.

[0122] A side wall of each open end is configured as a foot portion to engage with an exterior surface of a member to be sleeved.

[0123] The foot portion may comprise of an internal side wall surface configured for contact with an external surface of a member.

[0124] The joint sleeve as described here is configured to protect or shroud or isolate a joint connection from a surrounding environment and advantageously help avoid such a joint connection from coming into contact with materials in the surrounding environment (solids, liquids or gases) which may pose a fouling risk.

[0125] In particular, the sleeve as described here is configured to minimise or prevent ingress of material from the surrounding environment from entering the area surrounding of the joint connection. For example, preventing ingress of dust or solids (such as particles or debris) or liquids or fluids (including vapour and moisture) from ingress to the area surrounding the joint connection. In this manner, a further attempt is made to help eliminate unwanted fouling or contamination of jointed connections by unwanted materials.

[0126] Unwanted materials may be materials used in a processing facility or may be cleaning materials or may be other foreign materials introduced into the surrounding environment, and which are desirably kept away from ingressing of the jointed connection or from fouling around the joint connection itself. For example, avoiding fouling of an exposed thread of athread joint connection, or avoiding fouling of any small nooks or crannies or gaps or spaces exposed between a member and a joint connection member.

[0127] For example, a threaded joint connection may often have a small portion of a thread exposed, even when a joint connection has been successfully made. Such an exposed thread portion can be difficult to clean or keep substantially free of fouling. Accordingly, providing a way to shield such an exposed thread and avoid the issues associated with fouling or cleaning of difficult to clean surfaces would be advantageous.

[0128] For example, a push-fit joint connection may often have small nooks or crannies or spaces or gaps exposed, even when a joint connection is successfully made. Providing a way to avoid exposure of such nooks or crannies or spaces or gaps to fouling or provide a solution for ease of cleaning would be advantageous.

[0129] For example, a welded joint connection may have two members brought together and joint connected by a weld applied to form the joint connection. Typically, a weld may then be smoothed such as by polishing to provide for a finished joint connection. Although welds may be polished, a raised area where the weld material is may still exist and accordingly may present a surface which may undesirably accumulate fouling material or may present cleaning difficulties if a roughened weld surface is still present. Providing a way to avoid exposure of such a welded surface to fouling material or provide a solution for ease of cleaning would be advantageous.

[0130] Similarly, for other joint connections, protecting or isolating the joint connection from exposure to fouling material and providing for a smooth surface for cleaning purposes would be advantageous. Particular application may be directed to threaded connections to the particular issues of exposed threads and current attempts to prevent such exposed threads from accumulating fouling materials (e.g., the application of adhesives or sealants abut the thread, including the exposed thread. However, this can often lead to greater issues of problematic or difficult-to-clean surfaces or more problematic surfaces which fouling materials may accumulate and then be difficult to remove.

[0131] In some configurations, the sleeve may be of a colour, such as a grey colour, or another colour, to suitably blend in with the members upon which the sleeve is to be accommodated.

[0132] In some configurations, the sleeve is of particular application as a sleeve to be used over a threaded joint connection. Advantageously, the sleeve sealingly shrouds or protects or accommodates a threaded portion of a member to isolate such a threaded portion from a surrounding environment.

[0133] The sleeve may be configured to seal a threaded portion from ingress of fouling material from a surrounding environment, such as fluid ingress.

[0134] Typical sealants used on jointed connections are used to prevent leakage of a fluid from escaping or leaking from within a member to a surrounding environment. However, in a preferred application of the second seal system as described herein, the sleeve has application to members which are not under pressure or are not operated at pressure or with fluid or liquids within those members. For example, the pipe or conduit as hollow member may be used to convey electrical or signal cable or other conduit, and therefore the application of sealants to the joint connection is not required. Instead, a system for preventing ingress of surrounding materials into the joint connection is to be avoided.

[0135] In a fifth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a sleeved joint connection, the jointed connection comprising of a sleeve as defined in any of the second, third or fourth aspects described above, where the sleeve houses or surrounds the jointed connection.

[0136] For the purposes of this specification, the term ‘joint connection’ or ‘jointed connection’ means a connection or an inter-connection between members, such as pipe or conduit or hollow members (such as electrical conduit or conduit housing conductive members or wiring), where the connection between members is made. For example, the joint being a zone where two or more elements are interconnected. Interconnection between members can be by one or more of at least: threaded connections, push-fit connections, welded connections, compression connections, crimped connections, glued connections, flanged connections.

[0137] In a third system configuration, it may be of particular interest to provide a sealing cap. It may therefore be of particular interest to provide a sealing cap, more particularly, though not solely, a sealing cap for the purposes of protecting or isolating a structure such as a substantially upstanding structure that may extend from a base structure (such as a base plate or a flange or another surface) from fouling or unwanted contamination, and yet which addresses the issues of fouling or contamination of for example jointed connections ormechanical build-ups or an aperture through which an upstanding structure may extend through or from, or to at least provide for a more easily cleanable surface or more convenient system for protecting or isolating a structure and / or any joint connections from a surrounding environment and / or to reduce undesired fouling or contamination of the structure or the joint connections.

[0138] Accordingly, problems of fouling or contamination of jointed connections may be addressed by the sealing cap as described herein, such as when upstanding structures exist in process or manufacturing facilities which may have certain hygienic or sanitary condition requirements. It should also be appreciated that capping or seal capping any such structures as described herein can help isolate the structure or jointed connections from a surrounding environment and ingress of fluids (such as moisture, vapour, liquids) or solids (such as dust, debris or other particulates).

[0139] Furthermore, a sealing cap as described herein may be of a relatively smooth external surface profile so as to allow for ease of cleaning or wiping, and / or to reduce or minimise surfaces or surface profiles which may accumulate fouling material (such as small nooks or crannies or recesses).

[0140] It may also be of interest to provide a sealing cap which go at least some way towards addressing the issues of preventing fluids (such as vapour, moisture or liquids) or solids (such as dust or debris or particles) from ingress to a structure or joint connection or deeper and into the joint itself or into an aperture through or from which such a structure may extend therefrom.

[0141] The substantially upstanding structures can be of various forms but may for example be of threaded constructions or arrangements or may be of non-threaded constructions or arrangements. Such constructions or arrangements may extend from a base structure. For example, the base structure may be a base plate or a flange. The substantially upstanding structure may extend from the surface of the base structure, for example as a structure that has been welded or otherwise affixed to the base structure, or the substantially upstanding structure may extend from the base structure for example as a through type arrangement (e.g. a threaded rod or bolt extending through an aperture of the base structure).

[0142] Typical arrangements may for example include a threaded rod or bolt, either welded to the surface of a base structure or extending from the base structure via an aperture(threaded or not) through the base structure. Various mechanical components such as nuts, washers or other locking components may be used to be connected together and form the substantially upstanding structure. In this way, a mechanical build up is formed.

[0143] For example, a structure may be formed of say, a series of nuts (including hex, heavy hex, nylon insert lock, jam, wing, cap, acorn, flange, tee, square, prevailing torque lock, k- lock or Kep, coupling, slotted, castle) or washers (including flat, fender, finishing, split lock, external tooth lock, internal tooth lock, open, round, square or dock style) or other types of spacers or mechanical locking threaded components are threaded onto a thread, such as a bolt – such an upstanding series or array of mechanical structure typically includes many nooks and crannies and small spaces or gaps.

[0144] The various nooks and crannies and other spaces or gaps between adjacent components or as part of the overall upstanding structure itself can be problematic in that these structures are difficult to clean or may accumulate fouling materials. Accordingly, attempts are made to reduce the likelihood of accumulation of fouling on such a structure, for example by the use of sealants. However, such sealants themselves may contribute to problems and are often difficult to clean or may themselves attract or adhere fouling materials, further contributing to the problems of maintaining an appropriately hygienic or clean environment, or an environment which can be acceptably cleaned.

[0145] Accordingly, in a sixth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a sealing cap providing for a sealing enclosure of an upstanding structure to be received therein with a base structure, the sealing cap comprising: a body for enclosing an upstanding structure and to form a seal with a base structure from or through which an upstanding structure is to extend in-use, the body comprising an open end, a closed end, and a chamber portion defined between the open end and the closed end, the chamber portion configured for accepting of an upstanding structure to be received therein via the open end, and the open end comprising of at least one sealing feature portion configured to form a seal with a base structure from or through which the upstanding structure is, in-use, toextend, to seal the chamber portion and an upstanding structure enclosed therein from ingress.

[0146] The body may have an internal surface, being a surface which is not exposed to a surrounding environment when the sealing cap is installed in-use or has formed a seal with a base structure.

[0147] The body may have an external surface, being a surface which is exposed to a surrounding environment when the sealing cap is installed in-use or has formed a seal with a base structure.

[0148] The external surface may be of a relatively smooth surface finish or is of an uninterrupted surface finish or is substantially devoid of discontinuities or surface irregularities.

[0149] The internal surface may extend substantially from the open end to the closed end.

[0150] The internal surface may be shaped to substantially match an intended shape of an upstanding structure to be received therein, or is shaped to receive or accommodate a variety of intended shapes of upstanding structures to be received therein.

[0151] The internal surface may comprise one or more surface features.

[0152] At least one of the one or more surface features may be an engagement feature for engaging with a surface of an upstanding structure to be received therein.

[0153] A surface feature may be an engagement feature, such as a mechanical engagement feature, for mechanically engaging with an upstanding structure to be received or accommodated by the sealing cap.

[0154] A surface feature may be an engagement feature, such as a sealing feature, providing for a sealing portion with a structure to be received or accommodated by the sealing cap.

[0155] The one or more surface features may comprise of inwardly extending (such as radially inward) projections or relatively thickened (or thinned) side wall thicknesses, that is, extending inwardly or internally into the chamber portion from the internal surface of a side wall of the body.

[0156] The one or more surface features may comprise of one or more of: bands, ribs, bumps, lumps, lips, fins, wedge-shapes, dome-shapes, dimples, recesses, projections,whether provided as localised features about a localised region of an internal surface or extending circumferentially or radially or longitudinally (or other orientations or directions, such as helically) about the internal surface.

[0157] The one or more surface features may provide for a contact with parts or portions of the substantially upstanding structure or components of the substantially upstanding structure, for example nuts or washers, and may function to prevent rotation of such components relative to each other, which may result in a loosening of components of the upstanding structure.

[0158] The one or more surface features may comprise of at least one lip seal.

[0159] The at least one lip seal may be at least one endless lip seal(s).

[0160] There may be a plurality of endless lip seals.

[0161] The plurality of endless lip seals may be arrayed or arranged in a substantially longitudinal manner about an internal surface of the chamber portion.

[0162] At least one sealing feature may be provided on an inner or interior surface of the side wall, optionally at least upon the side wall surface of the chamber portion.

[0163] The open end may comprise of a mouth configured for receiving or accepting of an upstanding structure, and allows such an upstanding structure to be inserted substantially into the chamber portion.

[0164] The mouth may be a relatively smaller or smaller sized or a reduced opening relative to the open end.

[0165] The mouth may be substantially axially aligned with the chamber portion. For example to axially receive or axially align with an axis of a substantially upstanding member to be received therethrough and into the chamber.

[0166] The mouth may be provided at, or is substantially adjacent to or with, the entrance to the chamber portion.

[0167] Interposed between the mouth and the open end may be an intermediate mouth portion, the intermediate mouth portion having an opening that is relatively larger or a greater opening relative to the mouth.

[0168] The intermediate mouth portion may be configured to be seated upon a component of an upstanding structure to be received by the sealing cap, such a component being located substantially at, toward or adjacent to a base structure from or through which the upstanding structure is to extend.

[0169] The intermediate mouth portion may be configured for seating upon a washer type component of an upstanding structure.

[0170] The intermediate mouth portion may comprise of a substantially inwardly extensive internal surface (such as radially inwardly extensive).

[0171] The closed end may be of a cap configuration for enclosing of the internal chamber.

[0172] The closed end may have a substantially thickened body side wall thickness.

[0173] The closed end may have an external surface shape that is relatively smooth surface finish or of an uninterrupted surface finish or is substantially devoid of discontinuities or surface irregularities.

[0174] The upstanding structure may be a mechanical structure, such as a mechanical build- up of components, including but not limited to: a threaded component upon which nuts and / or washers and / or other mechanical components are attached.

[0175] The upstanding structure may be of a substantially elongate shape, and the chamber may be of a substantially elongate hollow form for accommodating or receiving of the upstanding structure.

[0176] The upstanding structure may be a threaded bar or a non-threaded bar with a series of components therein, including but not limited to: washers, split or locking washers, nuts, round or elongate headed type nuts.

[0177] The sealing portion of the open end of the body may comprise of a substantially flexible or thinned side wall portion.

[0178] The sealing portion of the open end of the body may be substantially elastically deformable to sealingly conform to a surface to which the sealing portion is to seal in-use.

[0179] The open end of the body may comprise of an outwardly extending skirt portion, at least a terminal end of the skirt portion to sealingly contact a surface to which the sealing portion is to seal in-use.

[0180] The outwardly extending skirt portion may depend outwardly from the mouth, or the intermediate mouth portion, or substantially outwardly from a base portion of the sealing cap body.

[0181] The outwardly extending skirt portion may extend as a longitudinally and radially or outwardly extensive portion, such that a terminal end of the skirt portion defines a position of greatest longitudinal length between the open end and the closed end.

[0182] The terminal end of the skirt portion may be of a relatively thinned or reduced side wall thickness.

[0183] The terminal end of the skirt portion may be of a lip or fin or wedge type shape.

[0184] The terminal end of the skirt portion may be of a sufficiently thinned or reduced side wall thickness so as to allow for a relatively flexible side wall portion.

[0185] At least a portion of an internal surface of the skirt portion may be shaped to form a sealing contact with a base structure through or from which an upstanding structure is to extend.

[0186] In-use, application of a pressure or force to the sealing body or the skirt portion in a direction from the closed end toward the open end, may encourage or allow for a deflection of the skirt portion and for an internal surface of the skirt portion to make contact with a base structure surface. For example, to splay the skirt portion outwardly in a substantially progressive manner for increasing contact with a base structure.

[0187] Between the mouth and the skirt portion there may be one or more bending moment regions or live hinge regions.

[0188] At least one of the bending moment regions or live hinge regions may be provided between the mouth and the intermediate mouth portion.

[0189] At least one of the bending moment regions or live hinge regions may be provided between the intermediate mouth portion and the skirt portion or a terminal end of the skirt portion or the open end.

[0190] Application of a pressure or force to the sealing body or the skirt portion in a direction from the closed end toward the open end, encourages or allows for a splaying of the skirt portion or at least a terminal end of the skirt portion, such that an internal surfaceportion of the skirt portion can be deflected into contact with a surface of a base structure upon which the sealing cap is to form a seal.

[0191] A skirt portion may define a foot, an internal side wall surface of the foot configured to be depressed to make contact with a surface to which the sealing portion is to seal in-use.

[0192] The foot may be of a substantially tapered wall thickness, tapered to be of a reducing side wall thickness, the side wall thickness reducing in a direction toward a terminal end of the skirt portion.

[0193] The skirt portion may, in-use, form a seal with a surface of a base structure to sealingly enclose an upstanding structure within the body from ingress of materials of a surrounding environment.

[0194] The skirt portion in-use forms at least a perimeter seal substantially about a base of the body with a base structure or a surface of a base structure from or through which an upstanding structure is to extend.

[0195] The sealing portion of the open end may comprise one or a plurality of sealing features.

[0196] At least one sealing feature may comprise of at least one lip seal.

[0197] The at least one lip seal may be at least one endless lip seal(s).

[0198] There may be a plurality of endless lip seals.

[0199] The plurality of endless lip seals may be substantially concentrically arrayed lip seals, for example may be concentrically arrayed or arranged across an internal surface of a skirt portion or an internal surface of the side wall, optionally at least upon the internal surface of the side wall surface of the foot portion.

[0200] A base structure or a surface of a base structure upon which the sealing cap is to form a seal, may be substantially planar or flat, optionally may be substantially planar or flat at least in the region to receive the at least one sealing feature of the outwardly extending skirt portion.

[0201] The base structure may be a base plate or a flange.

[0202] An outwardly extending skirt portion may comprise a foot portion and may terminate at an outer peripheral with a sealing feature.

[0203] The foot portion may be a region of the outwardly extending skirt portion having a side wall thickness that tapers from a relatively thicker side wall thickness to a relatively thinner or reduced side wall thickness at a terminal end of the outwardly extending skirt portion.

[0204] The sealing body may be of a grey colour.

[0205] The sealing body may be formed of one or more of: rubber, EPDM, fluroelastomers (such as a material known as VitonTM), silicone (including industrial-grade, food-grade, medical-grade, high-consistency rubber (HCR) silicone, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), nitrile rubber, synthetic rubbers (such as neoprene), urethanes, thermoplastic rubbers (TPR), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), flexible PVC.

[0206] The external surface of the closed end may be of a substantially rounded shape.

[0207] The internal surface of the chamber portion may be substantially hexagonally shaped for receipt of a substantially hexagonally shaped upstanding structure or substantially hexagonally shaped components of an upstanding structure or may be substantially circular or rounded for receipt of shapes which may fittingly be accepted into such a shape.

[0208] The body may be formed of a substantially flexible or elastic material, such that the body, or the chamber, may allow for some stretch to accept or accommodate different shapes within the chamber, such as a stretch fit.

[0209] The body is formed of a substantially flexible or elastically deformable material.

[0210] The upstanding structure to be enclosed may be a threaded type of mechanical structure or is a non-threaded type of structure.

[0211] The sealing cap as described here is configured to minimise or prevent ingress of material from the surrounding environment from entering the area surrounding of the substantially upstanding structure or a joint connection between the upstanding structure and a base structure or an aperture through the base structure from which the upstanding structure may extend. For example, preventing ingress of dust or solids (such as particles or debris) or liquids or fluids (including vapour and moisture) from ingress to the area surrounding the joint connection. In this manner, a further attempt is made to help eliminate unwanted fouling or contamination of jointed connections by unwanted materials.

[0212] Unwanted materials may be materials used in a processing facility or may be cleaning materials or may be other foreign materials introduced into the surrounding environment, and which are desirably kept away from ingressing of the jointed connection or from fouling around the joint connection itself. For example, avoiding fouling of an exposed thread of a thread joint connection, or avoiding fouling of any small nooks or crannies or gaps or spaces exposed between a member and a joint connection member.

[0213] The term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0214] This invention(s) may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention(s) relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0215] The invention(s) consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0216] Preferred embodiments of the invention(s) will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0217] Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a first side of a sealing gland showing a plurality of lip seals and a plurality of apertures spaced about the body of the sealing gland.

[0218] Figure 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view through the sealing gland of Figure 1, through the line X-X.

[0219] Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view of a component part of the sealing gland of Figure 1 after separation.

[0220] Figure 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view showing lines along which the sealing gland of Figure 1, may be separated to form component parts.

[0221] Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the sealing gland of Figure 1.

[0222] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a first side of a sealing gland showing a plurality of lip seals and a plurality of apertures spaced about the body of the sealing gland.

[0223] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view through the sealing gland of Figure 3, through the line Y-Y.

[0224] Figure 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the first side of the sealing gland of Figure 3.

[0225] Figure 7A is a schematic illustration of one use case of a sealing gland provided in-situ between an underside surface of a flange (provided as a first surface of a pair of opposing surfaces), such as a mounting plate for a piece of equipment to be mounted to a surface, and a mounting surface, such as a floor or ceiling or a wall (provided as a second surface of the pair of opposing surfaces), the sealing gland providing for a seal between the opposing surfaces to prevent ingress of materials into any gap or space which may otherwise exist between the pair of opposing surfaces when brought together.

[0226] Figure 7B is another schematic illustration, similar to that of Figure 7A, where an arm or leg attached to a flange or a base plate is shown at an angle (as may be the case where a piece of process equipment may have as support strut which is terminated with a flange or base plate and to be seated or supported or mounted upon a surface (such as a floor).

[0227] Figure 8 is another schematic illustration, of another use case of a sealing gland provided in-situ between an underside surface of a flange (provided as a first surface of a pair of opposing surfaces), such as a flange extending outwardly of a member, such as a pipe or conduit, the flange to be typically supported upon a surface such as a floor, and a mounting or support surface, such as a floor (but could be a ceiling or a wall, provided as a second surface of the pair of opposing surfaces), the sealing gland providing for a seal between the opposing surfaces to prevent ingress of materials into any gap or space which may otherwise exist between the pair of opposing surfaces when brought together. Figure 8 showing a pipe or conduit with the flange in an orientation prior to being put into a seated or supported arrangement with an opposing surface to receive an underside surface of the flange.

[0228] Figure 9 is another schematic illustration, showing the arrangement of Figure 7B when in a seated or supported and sealed configuration, the sealing gland providing for a seal between an underside of a flange and (for example) a floor surface. Note the pipe or conduit extending through the hole or penetration of the floor.

[0229] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view first configuration of a sleeve comprising of thickened portions or localised thickenings at each of the ends of the sleeve.

[0230] Figure 11 illustrates another perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 10.

[0231] Figure 12 illustrates an internal sectional perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 10.

[0232] Figure 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of Figure 10 (or Figure 14).

[0233] Figure 14 illustrates an external side view of the sleeve of Figure 10.

[0234] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view another configuration of a sleeve comprising of tapered or reduced side wall thicknesses at each of the ends of the sleeve.

[0235] Figure 16 illustrates another perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 15.

[0236] Figure 17 illustrates an internal sectional perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 15.

[0237] Figure 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of Figure 15 (or Figure 19).

[0238] Figure 19 illustrates an external side view of the sleeve of Figure 15.

[0239] Figure 20 illustrates an external view of a sleeve, such as that of Figure 15, in-situ with a member and an associated joint member.

[0240] Figure 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 20 with a sleeve in-situ with a member and an associated joint member.

[0241] Figure 22 illustrates a top perspective schematic view of a sealing cap prior to installation over an upstanding structure which is extending from a base structure.

[0242] Figure 23 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of a seal cap once installed to enclose an upstanding structure that extends from a base structure.

[0243] Figure 24 illustrates a side cross-sectional schematic view of a sealing cap in an installed configuration enclosing an upstanding structure (but with base structure removed in this view).

[0244] Figure 25 illustrates the configuration of Figure 24, but with a base structure shown.

[0245] Figure 26 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a sealing cap when in an installed configuration (albeit with the upstanding structure and base structure not shown).

[0246] Figure 27 illustrates a sectional underside perspective view of a sealing cap when in an installed configuration (albeit with the upstanding structure and base structure not shown).

[0247] Figure 28 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a sealing cap prior to installation, note the skirt portions in an undeflected or pre-deflection shape condition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0248] Various embodiments of the different seal systems are described with reference to the Figures. Throughout the Figures and specification, the same reference numerals may be used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0249] The following description relates to a sealing gland.

[0250] This sealing gland provides for a double-sided sealing gland to provide for a seal with a first surface and a second surface, where the first and second surfaces are to be brought substantially together or into close proximity of each other. For example, the first surface may be the underside surface of a flange or a base plate, and the second surface may be a surface which is to provide the support or mounting for the first surface. In this way, a seal can be provided between the opposing surfaces of, for example, a flange or a base plate, and for example, a floor or a ceiling or a wall or another surface upon which the first surface is to be brought into contact.

[0251] In one particular example, a material transfer conduit or pipe may be used to transfer material from one location to another. In some examples, such a material transfer pipe or conduit may need to pass through a hole in a floor (or ceiling, or wall or other surface). Typically, such material transfer pipe or conduit cam have a flanged portion that is attached to the outside of the pipe or conduit (e.g. is welded on). Such a flanged portion is used to help support the pipe or conduit in place and prevent the pipe from falling down through the hole. However, fouling or contamination of the hole or of material (e.g. powders or liquids) from entering the hole and then falling down, or dripping or draining down through the hole is advantageously to be avoided. Hazards can be formed beneath the hole (e.g. for a lowerlevel of a building) or fouling or contamination and difficulty in cleaning. For example, when washdown or cleaning is carried out, hazards may be created by the cleaning materials going down the hole.

[0252] Although not shown in the arrangements of Figures 7-9, a spacer or packer or other structural support can be used to help support the separation of the two opposing surfaces form each other (for example of a pre-determined separation height), and to allow the sealing gland of this invention to be located between the spaced apart surfaces and allow the lip seals to sealingly engage with each of the opposing surfaces.

[0253] The sealing gland described herein can provide for a sealing, such as about a perimeter of the first and second opposing surfaces to prevent ingress of contaminants or other unwanted materials toward the hole or between the opposing surfaces, and yet can allow for a central portion shaped to allow for a member, such as a pipe or conduit, to pass through the sealing gland.

[0254] In other configurations, the sealing gland may not need to allow for a member to pass through a central portion of the gland but can still provide for a perimeter style seal between a pair of opposing surfaces. For example, a flange or base plate which may be provided at the end of a leg or arm, say being a structural strut member, which is used to support a piece of equipment, is typically connected or attached to a support surface, such as a floor or a wall, or a ceiling, to support and hold equipment in a secured position. However, it is the junction between the surface of the flange or base plate and the surface to which the flange or base plate is to be attached which can cause issues, such as small nooks and crannies or gaps or spaces which may accumulate unwanted materials or be difficult to clean. Again, in this situation, a spacer or packer or other structural support may be used to help keep the opposing surfaces a pre-determined or set distance apart and allow for the lip seals of an interposed sealing gland to sealingly engage with each of the opposing surfaces to be sealed.

[0255] Accordingly, the various configurations of the invention as described herein are intended to go at least some way toward addressing the issues described above.

[0256] The following description is also made with reference to the accompanying Figures 1- 9.

[0257] In a first configuration, there is provided a double-sided sealing gland 1. The double- sided sealing gland 1 providing for a seal to be formed between a pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces. The sealing gland comprises a body 13 comprising of a first sealing side 10 for sealing with a first substantially planar surface and a second sealing side 11 for sealing with a second substantially planar surface.

[0258] The first sealing side 10 comprising of a first base surface 8 from which one or more first side lip seal(s) 5 extend, and wherein at least one of the one or more first side lip seal(s) extends about an outer perimeter portion 2 of the first base surface 8 of the body 13.

[0259] The second sealing side 11 comprising of a second base surface 9 from which one or more second side lip seal(s) 5 extend, and wherein at least one of the one or more second side lip seal(s) 5 extends about an outer perimeter portion 2 of the second base surface 9 of the body 13.

[0260] The one or more first side 8 lip seal(s) 5 can be endless lip seals, for example of the type shown in Figures 1-6. Similarly, the one or more second side 9 lip seal(s) 5 can be of the same configuration of endless lip seals.

[0261] The endless lip seals 5 are advantageously continuous lip seals (that is, without discontinuities) to provide for a complete sealing surface or a complete sealing feature around the body 13 for sealing with the respective opposing surface to be sealed thereto.

[0262] Where the plurality of endless lip seals 5 are provided, on either or both of the first side 10 and / or the second side 11, the endless lip seals 5 on a side of the sealing gland 1 may be concentrically arranged with each other. In this manner, a series of sealing lips or sealing features can be provided as a series of concentric seals for sealing from ingress of unwanted materials.

[0263] An outer-most lip seal 7 or the lip seal substantially extending about an outer perimeter portion 2 of one or each base surface 8, 9, being either or both of the first base surface 8 and / or the second base surface 9, may be of a greater lip length or may extend a greater height from the base surface relative to more inwardly arranged lip seals.

[0264] The body 13 may be substantially flat, with the first side 10 lip seals 5 extending from the first base surface 8, and the second side 11 lip seals extending from the second base surface 9.

[0265] The body 13 may comprise of a plurality of apertures 4. Each aperture 4 of the plurality of apertures may be provided as a channel or passageway through the sealing gland 1 extending between the first base surface 8 and the second base surface 9.

[0266] The plurality of apertures 4 may be arranged or distributed or located to be substantially uniformly or evenly spaced about the sealing gland 1.

[0267] Each of the plurality of apertures 4 may be located inwardly of the outer perimeter 2 of the body 13, and inwardly of at least one lip seal 5.

[0268] Each of the plurality of apertures 4 may be located between a pair of substantially concentric lip seals, or substantially concentrically adjacent lip seals.

[0269] The plurality of apertures 4 may be arranged or distributed or located so as to be provided between lip seals 5, or so as to avoid overlap or interference of an aperture 4 with a lip seal 5.

[0270] Each aperture, or a portion of the base surface surrounding of each aperture, may comprise of a reinforced portion 18. The reinforced portion 18 may comprise of a thickened body, or base surface region, substantially surrounding of each aperture. It will be appreciated that this optional feature may be applied to apertures 4, in any described configuration.

[0271] A spacing apart or a distance or a gap between substantially concentric lip seals between which an aperture 4 is to be located, may be configured for receiving a fastener (not shown in Figures 1-7, but is shown in Figures 8, 9) without interference of an adjoining lip seal or an inner more lip seal and an outer more lip seal. In this way, the lip seals 5 are able to operate without intervention or interference by the fastener.

[0272] The plurality of apertures 4 may be configured to receive a fastener. For example, the fastener may be a threaded fastener (such as a screw or bolt), or a penetrative fastener (such as a nail).

[0273] The plurality of apertures 4 may be of a smaller or reduced diameter relative to the diameter of a fastener to be received, such as to substantially contact a fastener when received therethrough for sealing with a said fastener.

[0274] At least one further lip seal may be provided substantially concentrically inwardly of a lip seal extending about an outer perimeter portion 2 and / or an inner perimeter portion 3 of the first base surface 8 and / or the second base surface 9.

[0275] At least two lip seals 5 may be provided outwardly of an aperture 4 or at least one lip seal 5 can be provided between an aperture 4 and a lip seal 5, 7 extending substantially about an outer perimeter portion 2 of the body or the first base surface 8 and / or the second base surface 9.

[0276] At least two lip seals 5 may be provided inwardly of an aperture 4 or at least one lip seal is provided between an aperture 4 and a lip seal 5 extending substantially about an inner perimeter portion 3 of the body 13 or the first base surface 8 and / or the second base surface 9.

[0277] At least one further lip seal may be provided between a lip seal extending substantially about a perimeter portion (such as an inner perimeter portion 3 or an outer perimeter portion 2) of the body 13, or of the first base surface 8 and / or of the second base surface 9.

[0278] There may be at least two lip seals provided between an aperture 4 and an outer perimeter 2 of the body 13, or of the first base surface 8 and / or of the second base surface 9.

[0279] There may be at least two lip seals provided between an aperture 4 and an inner perimeter portion 3 of the body 13, or of the first base surface 8 and / or of the second base surface 9.

[0280] At least two lip seals may be provided outwardly of an aperture 4 (such as between an aperture 4 and an outer perimeter 2 of the body 13, or of the first base surface 8 and / or of the second base surface 9) are arranged substantially concentrically closer together than at least two lip seals provided more inwardly of the aperture (such as between an aperture 4 and an inner perimeter 3 of the body 13, or of the first base surface 8 and / or of the second base surface 9, or between an aperture 4 and a centre or centroid or void space 6.

[0281] Each of the first lip seals may be arranged and located about the first surface and substantially correspond with the arrangement and location of the second lip seals about the second surface.

[0282] Each of the lip seals provided about the first sealing side 10 (such as the first lip seals) may be substantially mirrored by respective lip seals provided about the second sealing side 11 (such as the second lip seals). For example, through a mid-line or middle cross section the sealing gland may be mirror symmetrical.

[0283] Each lip seal 5 may taper from a base (substantially at a base surface of the body) to a relatively narrowed distal end or tip.

[0284] A distal end or a tip of a or each lip seal 5 may be substantially flexible or elastically deformable or is of a feathered shape.

[0285] Each lip seal 5 may comprise of a pair of walls extending from a base surface from which the lip seals extend, and the pair of walls converging together to a distal end or tip.

[0286] Each lip seal 5 may comprise of a pair of walls extending from a base surface from which the lip seals extend, and configured as an first or outer-more wall and a second or an inner-more wall (inner and outer being with respect to an outer perimeter of the body), wherein the second or outer-more wall may extend substantially orthogonally from the surface, and the inner-more wall may extend from an inner-more location on the base surface to the distal end (or tip), thereby defining an angle of the inner-more wall.

[0287] A central portion of the body may substantially correspond with the centre or centroid, for example as a void space 6.

[0288] An inner perimeter 3 of the body 13 may define a void space 6. For example, the inner perimeter 3 may define a circular void space, or a square void space, or a rectangular void space, or a triangular void space, or other another shaped void space.

[0289] A central portion of the body 13 may be shaped to accommodate or receive a member or allow a member to pass through the central portion. For example, the member to be received or pass through the central portion may be circular, or square, or rectangular, or triangular, or other another shaped member.

[0290] An inner perimeter 3 (and therefore a, or the, void space 6 so formed) may be shaped to be of a substantially commensurate shape or geometry of one or both of substantially opposing planar surfaces to which the first sealing side 10 and / or the second sealing side 11 of the body 13 are to form a seal therewith.

[0291] The sealing gland may provide for a first seal with one of the pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces via the first sealing side 10, and may provide for a second seal via the second sealing side 11 with the other of the pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces.

[0292] The sealing gland 1 may provide for a perimeter seal between the pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces. For example, the sealing gland can provide for a seal about a perimeter of each the opposing surfaces to which the sealing gland 1 is to seal with in-use. A central portion or void space 6 defined by an inner perimeter 3 of the body may be the void space 6, that is, the sealing gland body 13 can provide for a sealing perimeter about the opposing surfaces to which it is to be sealed with, and an interior portion or central portion may be a void space (i.e., there is no material or body) - this can reduce the amount of material required for a sealing gland, yet still achieving a perimeter seal. In other configurations, where for example a plurality of sealing glands are provided as part of a single main body formed and having a plurality of substantially concentric sealing glands, a suitable sized sealing gland can be detached or disconnected or separated from the single main body and used.

[0293] The sealing gland 1 may be integrally formed as a single or unitary body (for example as shown in Figure 1). It will be appreciated that a number of different sized or shaped sealing glands may be provided depending on the size or shape of the opposing surfaces which are to be respectively sealed by the sealing gland 1.

[0294] In another configuration, a plurality of sealing glands 1 may be integrally formed as a single main body. In such a configuration, each sealing gland 1 of which may be concentrically located of each other.

[0295] A plurality of sealing glands 1 may be provided in a single main body, each sealing gland of which may be disconnectable or separable from an adjoining sealing gland. For example, see Figures 4-6. In particular, Figure 2B shows a component part sealing gland after separation from sealing gland 1, as shown in Figure 2A for example. Further Figure 2C, illustrates separation lines 19, along which the unitary gland of Figure 2A is separated into component parts.

[0296] A disconnection or a separation of one or more sealing glands 1 from a single main body may be by a frangible connection between adjacently formed sealing glands.

[0297] A relatively reduced thickness portion 12 of the single main body may be provided between concentrically arranged sealing glands 1, when the single main body is formed as a single or unitary body.

[0298] Alternatively, it will be appreciated that an annular gland (for example as shown in Figure 2B), may be formed separately (i.e. not separated from a unitary structure).

[0299] In-use, the sealing gland 1 may be configured to prevent ingress of material between the substantially opposing surfaces.

[0300] A sealing gland may comprise of at least two lip seals, or at least three lip seals, or at least four lip seals, or five or more lip seals, on each of the first sealing side and the second sealing side. As described, a plurality of sealing glands may be provided as a single main body, with each sealing gland at least initially connected or attached to a concentrically more inward (or outward) sealing gland, and with each sealing gland being able to be independently separable from the main body.

[0301] The material may for example be fluids, gases, or liquids or solids (particles, dust, powder), including but not limited to: cleaning or washdown or sanitation materials (i.e., can for example be: chemicals or water, or liquids or fluids, such caustic soda (can be hot or cold), hot or cold water, acids or bases, detergents, sanitisers and disinfectants, solvents, alcohols, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, degreasers, abrasives), other examples of cleaning materials may include, but are not limited to: Isopropyl alcohol, Hydrogen peroxide, Sodium hypochlorite, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats), Acetone, Ethanol, Citric acid, Sodium bicarbonate, Hydrochloric acid, Purified water, powdered or particle foods or chemicals (including pharmaceuticals).

[0302] The sealing gland 1 may be formed of, for example: rubber, EPDM, fluroelastomers (such as a material known as VitonTM), silicone (including industrial-grade, food-grade, medical-grade, high-consistency rubber (HCR) silicone, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), nitrile rubber, synthetic rubbers (such as neoprene), urethanes, thermoplastic rubbers (TPR), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), flexible PVC. Other materials are contemplated and the above should be taken as a non-limiting set of examples.

[0303] The sealing gland 1 may be formed of a flexible material. In this way, the lip seals 5 can be elastically deformed to conformable to the surface to which they are to come into contact with and form a seal.

[0304] Provision of a plurality of lip seals may provide for a plurality of substantially concentric seals to prevent ingress of unwanted materials into the gap or space between the pair of opposing surfaces.

[0305] A first of the pair of opposing surfaces may for example be flange or flanged-type surface, while the other of the pair of opposing surfaces may for example be a floor or a wall or another surface upon which the first of the pair of opposing surfaces is intended to be mounted upon.

[0306] The apertures 4 of the sealing gland 1 can allow for a securement or fixing or fastening of the sealing gland to one of the opposing surfaces. For example, see Figures 8, 9 in which the sealing gland is secured or fastened in place to a surface. The surface may for example be a floor or other support surface, 16.

[0307] There may be at least four lip seals. At least two lip seals may be provided as a pair of outer lip seals (being outward of an aperture 4), and at least two lip seals may be provided as a pair of inner lip seals (being inward of an aperture 4). It will be appreciated there may be a greater number of lip seals. The number of lip seals may be increased or decreased.

[0308] At least one lip seal 5 may be provided as an outer lip seal 7, being a most outward lip seal of a set of lip seals for a sealing gland 1. Such an outward or outer-more lip seal may have a greater length than the other lip seals of a set of lip seals provided for a sealing gland. In this way, the outer most lip seal 7 may lay down upon the surface to be sealed and provide for a relatively smooth or greater contact sealing surface with the surface to be sealed.

[0309] In some configurations, a spacer or packer or other structural support (not shown) may be provided to be positioned in the central portion or void space defined by an inner perimeter of the sealing gland, to thereby support a defined separation of the opposing surfaces which are being brought together and to avoid complete squashing of the sealing gland lip seals, and yet the sealing gland lip seals have a sufficient height so as to sufficiently engage with the first surface and the second surface and form seals with each of those surfaces.

[0310] In some configurations, such spacers or packers or other structural supports may themselves have a central portion which has a void space to allow for a member to pass therethrough. For example, one use case involves a material transfer pipe or conduit thatmay pass through a surface, such as a floor. Such a material transfer pipe or conduit can have a flange portion which extends radially outward of the pipe or conduit, and which is traditionally supported upon the floor to stop the entire pipe or conduit from falling through the through floor penetration or hole. However, in various situations, such a material transfer pipe or conduit may not be a permanent installation and may need to be periodically removed from the floor penetration or hole (say for cleaning or other maintenance purposes). Accordingly, the floor penetration or hole is often larger than the pipe or conduit to allow for ease of insertion or removal. However, spaces or gaps between the outside surface of the pipe or conduit and the inner wall of the floor penetration or hole mean material may accumulate into such a space or gap, and this is desirably to be avoided.

[0311] In say a powder handling material transfer use case, excess powder may be present in the surrounding environment and this material is ideally not able to fall through the floor penetration or hole. Providing for a seal between the flange of the pipe or conduit and the support surface upon which the flange is to be supported, such as the floor, can help alleviate this issue. It will be appreciated that other material handling situations would benefit from such a sealing gland (for example, other solid material transfers or liquids or gases).

[0312] In say another situation, a support strut for a piece of process equipment may be terminated in a flange or a base plate which would typically be mounted to a support surface, such as a floor. Providing for a seal between the underside surface of the flange or base plate and the floor can also be useful for preventing undesired fouling or accumulation of fouling materials in any gaps or spaces between the underside surface of the flange or base plate and say the floor. In addition, often such a flange or base plate is to be bolted to the floor to secure the equipment in place. Floors are often relatively rough, and the bolted connections typically require bolts or other connections to be buried and secured in the floor, and this may involve disturbing the finished floor surface, which then results in a more uneven surface finish of the floor. As a result, gaps or spaces between the floor and the underside surface of the flange or base plate can exist and may prove difficult places to clean or keep free of contamination or unwanted fouling. For these reasons, providing for a perimeter type seal about the junction between the underside surface of a flange or a base plate and a floor may help alleviate these fouling concerns.

[0313] In the situation above, it may be useful to provide for the spacers or packers or other structural support(s) as noted elsewhere to help support the flange or base plate from the floor surface, thereby avoiding squashing the sealing gland, and instead allowing for the lip seals of the first sealing side to sealingly engage with the first opposing surface, and allowing the lip seals of the second sealing side to sealingly engage with the second opposing surface.

[0314] Figure 1 shows a top view of a sealing gland, along with the void space 6 and the various apertures 4 spaced about. The lip seals 5 are provided as a concentric series of lip seals with apertures located between pairs of substantially adjacent lip seals.

[0315] The configuration of the sealing gland shown by Figure 1 illustrates a sealing gland 1 that can be used as shown, or the sealing gland 1 can be cut (knife etc) by an end user to separate different sized sub-sets of sealing glands from other sized sealing glands.

[0316] Figures 5, 6 illustrate the configuration of the sealing gland shown by Figure 3, in which reduced thickness portions 12 are provided for easier disconnection of different sized sealing glands from each other depending upon a required end size of sealing gland needed.

[0317] Figures 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of a flange or base plate 14 that is to be mounted or supported upon a surface 16. The flange or base plate 14 having an underside surface provided for example as a first opposing surface 15 which is to be brought to bear upon or into close proximity with the second opposing surface, or surface 16. The sealing gland 1 as described herein is provided in the space between the underside surface of the flange or base plate and the surface 16. In this way, a seal can be provided between the substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces 15, 16 by the sealing gland 1. Although not shown, a spacer or packer or other structural support can be provided to help ensure the two opposing surfaces do not completely squash the sealing gland 1, and instead the sealing lips 5 of the sealing gland 1 are allowed to perform as lip seals with the respective surfaces.

[0318] Figures 8 and 9 provide for a further arrangement 20 as a further schematic illustration of a pipe or conduit or member which is to pass through a hole or other penetration (such as a hole through a floor or ceiling or wall) where a flange portion 14 of the pipe or conduit is to be typically seated upon the floor or ceiling or wall for support. The sealing gland 1 as shown can be fastened in place using fasteners 17 to say a surface 16, such floor portion. In this way, the sealing gland can be located into a fixed or desired location. The sealing gland 1 has a void space 6 which allows the member, such as the pipe or conduitto pass through. An underside surface 15 of the flange 14 can then be seated upon say the first sealing side 10 of the sealing gland 1, whilst the second sealing side 11 is seated upon and forms a seal with the opposing surface, such as surface 16. Often, such a pipe or conduit may be rested in place and its own self weight can hold the flange in place against the first sealing side of the sealing gland. When a material transfer operation has finished, or the pipe or conduit is to be removed from the hole, say for cleaning or maintenance, then the pipe or conduit can be removed. The sealing gland can remain in place or may be removed and replaced or may have another permanent or temporary seal applied over.

[0319] The following description relates to a joint sleeve.

[0320] This joint sleeve provides for a sleeve in the form of a sleeve for a joint. Such a joint sleeve is configured to accommodate a jointed connection and provide protection or isolation of the jointed connection from fouling and provide for a smooth surface which is less likely to accumulate fouling material or which at least provides for a more easily cleanable surface.

[0321] Jointed connections may have rough surfaces or small nooks and crannies or other spaces or gaps which may be difficult to keep clean of fouling materials or may be difficult to clean once fouled. Accordingly, providing a sleeve which can shroud such jointed connections may have a number of advantages.

[0322] The description below is made with reference to the accompanying Figures 10-21, which are provided as illustrative examples.

[0323] In a first configuration, there is provided a sleeved joint connection 20a, such as that shown in Figures 19, 20. The sleeved joint connection 20a is to between at least a first member M and an associated joint connection member AM. The sleeve 1 substantially houses a jointed connection made between at least the first member M and the associated joint connection member AM. The sleeve 1a is configured to sealingly engage with each of the first member and the associated joint connection member at least about the respective open ends 2a, 3a of the sleeve 1a. In this way, the sleeve 1a can be used to sealingly protect the housed jointed connection from exposure to the surrounding environment. Advantageously, sleeved joint connection can provide for a substantially fluid-tight seal or a liquid-tight seal when sealingly engaged, or for keeping dust or powders or other particulates out of the joint connection region.

[0324] Accordingly, this invention is also a sleeved joint connection, where the jointed connection comprises of a sleeve 1a as defined in any of the aspects described above, where the sleeve 1a houses or surrounds the jointed connection.

[0325] In another configuration, there is provided a sleeve 1a for sleeving of a joint connection between at least a first member M and an associated joint connection member AM. Such a sleeve 1a can substantially provide for a housing of a jointed connection made between at least the first member M and the associated joint connection member AM, for example as shown in the arrangement 20a of Figures 19, 20. The sleeve 1a is configured to sealingly engage with an exterior surface of each of the first member and the associated joint connection member. Accordingly, the sleeve 1a can sealingly protect the housed jointed connection from exposure to the surrounding environment, or as described above, at least provides for a substantially fluid-tight seal or a liquid-tight seal or a dust-tight seal when sealingly engaged, or for keeping dust or powders or other particulates out of the joint connection region.

[0326] Such a sleeve 1a can also have a relatively smooth external surface or a surface which is substantially devoid of discontinuities. In this manner, the external surface can reduce the potential for unwanted accumulation of fouling material and may also provide for a more easily cleanable surface.

[0327] In another configuration, there is provided a joint sleeve 1a for protectively sleeving (such as by housing) of a jointed connection between at least a first member M and an associated joint connection member AM. The joint sleeve 1a comprises of at least a first open end 2a and at least a second open end 3a. A passageway 4a extends between each of the open ends 2a,3a. The first open end 2a itself comprises of a first passageway portion 5a configured for sealingly engaging with an exterior surface of the first member. The second open end 3a comprises of a second passageway portion 6a that is configured for sealingly engaging with an exterior surface of the associated joint connection member AM, or an exterior surface of a second member (not shown) when the second member is jointed to the first member M by the associated joint connection member AM. In this way, a jointed connection between at least the first member M and the associated joint connection member AM can be substantially sealed from environmental ingress, and / or such that jointed connections between at least a first member and a second member by a joint connection member are substantially sealed from environmental ingress.

[0328] The associated joint connection member may be a second member that is joint connected to the first member.

[0329] The first member may be hollow or a conduit. Similarly, the second member may be hollow or a conduit.

[0330] The associated joint connection member may be a joiner or a connector to join or connect members, such as conduit or pipe, together.

[0331] A joint connection may be a connection between at least two pipes, fittings, or other components of a structure.

[0332] The first member may be an electrical conduit, or the second member may be an electrical conduit.

[0333] Electrical cabling or wiring may extend through the electrical conduit (electrical cabling including conductive cabling, such as used in signal wiring). Other components such as pneumatic lines or other signal cables or wiring may be housed with the protection of the hollow member, for example electrical cabling may need to be structurally protected for various equipment, nut the hollow members used for conveying of the wiring to such equipment typically requires various joints and associated junctions. It is these joints and junctions which are vulnerable to fouling of unwanted materials or which may be difficult to clean. For example, small sections of exposed thread from threaded joint connections can be difficult to clean well and may accumulate unwanted materials.

[0334] An associated joint connection member may be a threaded-type connector or may be a push-fit type connector or may be a crimped type of connector or may be a compression type connector or may be a welded connection.

[0335] The first open end 2a can have a first end internal diameter d1. The second open end 3 can have a second end internal diameter d2.

[0336] The first end internal diameter and the second end internal diameter may be the same or different and can be suitably sized depending on the member which is to be sleeved. For example, different gauge conduit or size and shaped joint connectors.

[0337] The first end internal diameter d1 may be different to the second end internal diameter d2, and one of the open ends 2a,3a can have a larger or greater internal diameter than the other open end 2a, 3a.

[0338] The first passageway portion 5a may have a greater internal diameter D1 than the internal diameter d1 at the first open end 2a.

[0339] The second passageway portion 6a may have a greater internal diameter D2 than the internal diameter d2 at the second open end 3a.

[0340] The internal diameter of the first end and the second end may be respectively smaller than an external diameter of a member to be accommodated through the respective first end and second end.

[0341] The internal diameter d1, d2 of one or each or both open ends (such as the first end and / or the second end) may be sized to be about 50% or less, or about 40% or less, or about 30% or less, or about 25% or less, or about 15% or less, or about 10% or less smaller than the external diameter of a member to be received therethrough. Optionally, may be about 5% or less, or may be about 4% or less, or may be about 3% or less, or may be about 2% or less than an external diameter of a member to be received therethrough.

[0342] Optionally, one or each passageway portion 5a, 6a associated with one or each open end (being either or both of the first open end or the second open end) 2a, 3a may comprise of a ribbed portion 7a. The ribbed portion 7a may be configured for engagement with an external surface of a member to be accommodated by the sleeve 1a, or for securing an open end 2a, 3a about a member (e.g. M or AM).

[0343] Optionally, one or each passageway portion 5a, 6a associated with one or each open end (being either or both of the first open end or the second open end) may comprise of a tapered portion (these are also labelled as 5a, 6a). The tapered portion 5a, 6a can taper from a larger external diameter to a smaller internal diameter, in a tapering direction toward an open end.

[0344] The tapered portion 5a, 6a may have a tapered or reducing side wall thickness. For example, tapering or reducing in side wall thickness from a larger side wall thickness to a relatively reduced side wall thickness at or substantially adjacent to an open end of the sleeve.

[0345] The sleeve 1a can comprise of at least one internal feature 8a located about an internal side wall for engagement with a member to be received within the sleeve.

[0346] The at least one internal feature 8a may be a projection extending radially inwardly from the internal side wall. For example, dimples or dots or ribs or lips or other surface features or projections.

[0347] In one example, the at least one internal feature 8a extends substantially circumferentially about the internal side wall, such as a ring seal or a rib. It will be appreciated one or more internal features may extend longitudinally or may be radially or circumferentially spaced apart or provided at different locations to help ensure either a sealing capability with the member or may provide for a mechanical or surface contact or friction engagement with the member or members.

[0348] The at least one internal feature 8a can be of a rib or a lip or finger type configuration, or other surface detailing as side wall projections or surface features which can facilitate for a surface contact with a member to be sleeved.

[0349] In further configurations, there may be at least one internal feature 8a associated with each end of the sleeve. For example, there may be a plurality of internal features associated with one or both ends or passageways of the sleeve. Such internal features can be projections from the side wall or other shapes for surface contact or engagement with an exterior surface of a member to be sleeved.

[0350] In further configurations, each open end 2a, 3a of the sleeve 1a can have a side wall thickness or external shape that tapers or is of a relatively reduced side wall thickness. For example, see the configuration of Figures 15-19 in which tapered portions 5a, 6a are associated with each end 2a, 3a of the sleeve 1a. The side wall can taper to a relatively thin terminal end (i.e. at the terminal of each open end 2a, 3a) so as to provide for a minimal end wall height of the side wall at the junction of the open end and the member being sleeved. In this way, cleaning may be enhanced as there is minimal external surface features to clean or contend with at the junction of the open end of the sleeve and the member.

[0351] Each open end 2a, 3a can be configured to be stretch fitted over a member to be received therethrough.

[0352] As noted previously, an external surface of the side wall or body of the sleeve may advantageously be substantially smooth or devoid of irregularities. This can aid in cleaning and reduce likelihood of accumulation of undesired fouling material.

[0353] Where a sleeve 1 may be provide with each open end having a thickening, such as item 7a as shown in Figures 10-14, this may be provided as a localised thickening of the side wall thickness in the region at or adjacent to an or each end of the sleeve.

[0354] The thickening 7a of the side wall thickness may be provided as a rib or band. Optionally, the rib or band may be of a relatively smooth outer surface and devoid of irregularities.

[0355] In the figures, a sleeve configuration is shown in which one of the open ends 2a is of a reduced internal diameter d1 relative to the internal diameter d2 of the other open end 3a.

[0356] Returning to the internal feature 8a, the at least one internal feature may be provided as a sealing feature. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one internal feature may be provided as a mechanical inter-lock or mechanical engagement feature for locating or holding the sleeve in place once so fitted.

[0357] Advantageously, when fitted, the sleeve may help with providing a frictional engagement between the first member and the associated joint member, to minimise a joint connect from being disconnected. For example, the sleeve may help to absorb vibration or unwinding or rotation of the first member and the associated joint member relative to each other, thereby helping to further improve the security of a joint connection so made.

[0358] The sleeve may be formed of at least of: rubber, EPD M, fluroelastomers (such as a material known as VitonTM), silicone (including industrial-grade, food-grade, medical-grade, high-consistency rubber (HCR) silicone, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), nitrile rubber, synthetic rubbers (such as neoprene), urethanes, thermoplastic rubbers (TPR), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), flexible PVC.

[0359] The sleeve may be formed of a substantially flexible or elastically deformable material.

[0360] The sleeve may be of a pre-form. For example, such a pre-form can be a pre-formed shape of the sleeve of the internal shape configured to suitably accommodate or house a jointed connection (the sleeve may be substantially in contact with the joint connection or may be partially in contact with the joint connection or may be configured to surround the joint connection but avoid direct contact with the joint connection).

[0361] An internal shape of the sleeve body may be configured to provide for a space about a surrounded joint connection to substantially avoid contact with a joint connection, or to partially contact a portion of a joint connection.

[0362] Each of the open ends of the sleeve may be sufficiently tapered or provide for a substantially thinned wall thickness, thinned at a terminal end of each open end, to minimise a terminal end or terminal edge of each open end. Optionally, minimising a wall thickness at a terminal end of each of the open ends may help minimise a height of an end wall of the open end with the member about which the sleeve extends, to reduce surface area which may accumulate fouling materials and / or which may assist with ease of cleaning.

[0363] A side wall of each open end is configured as a foot portion to engage with an exterior surface of a member to be sleeved.

[0364] The foot portion may comprise of an internal side wall surface configured for contact with an external surface of a member.

[0365] The joint sleeve as described here is configured to protect or shroud or isolate a joint connection from a surrounding environment and advantageously help avoid such a joint connection from coming into contact with materials in the surrounding environment (solids, liquids or gases) which may pose a fouling risk.

[0366] In particular, the sleeve as described here is configured to minimise or prevent ingress of material from the surrounding environment from entering the area surrounding of the joint connection. For example, preventing ingress of dust or solids (such as particles or debris) or liquids or fluids (including vapour and moisture) from ingress to the area surrounding the joint connection. In this manner, a further attempt is made to help eliminate unwanted fouling or contamination of jointed connections by unwanted materials.

[0367] Unwanted materials may be materials used in a processing facility or may be cleaning materials or may be other foreign materials introduced into the surrounding environment, and which are desirably kept away from ingressing of the jointed connection or from fouling around the joint connection itself. For example, avoiding fouling of an exposed thread of a thread joint connection, or avoiding fouling of any small nooks or crannies or gaps or spaces exposed between a member and a joint connection member.

[0368] For example, a threaded joint connection may often have a small portion of a thread exposed, even when a joint connection has been successfully made. Such an exposed thread portion can be difficult to clean or keep substantially free of fouling. Accordingly, providing a way to shield such an exposed thread and avoid the issues associated with fouling or cleaning of difficult to clean surfaces would be advantageous.

[0369] For example, a push-fit joint connection may often have small nooks or crannies or spaces or gaps exposed, even when a joint connection is successfully made. Providing a way to avoid exposure of such nooks or crannies or spaces or gaps to fouling or provide a solution for ease of cleaning would be advantageous.

[0370] For example, a welded joint connection may have two members brought together and joint connected by a weld applied to form the joint connection. Typically, a weld may then be smoothed such as by polishing to provide for a finished joint connection. Although welds may be polished, a raised area where the weld material is may still exist and accordingly may present a surface which may undesirably accumulate fouling material or may present cleaning difficulties if a roughened weld surface is still present. Providing a way to avoid exposure of such a welded surface to fouling material or provide a solution for ease of cleaning would be advantageous. In other situations, use of the sleeve as defined herein may allow for the avoidance of the need to polish such a welded joint connection, thereby further saving time and effort and cost.

[0371] Similarly, for other joint connections, protecting or isolating the joint connection from exposure to fouling material and providing for a smooth surface for cleaning purposes would be advantageous. Particular application may be directed to threaded connections to the particular issues of exposed threads and current attempts to prevent such exposed threads from accumulating fouling materials (e.g., the application of adhesives or sealants abut the thread, including the exposed thread. However, this can often lead to greater issues of problematic or difficult-to-clean surfaces or more problematic surfaces which fouling materials may accumulate and then be difficult to remove.

[0372] In some particular configurations, the sleeve may be of a colour, such as a grey colour, or another colour, to suitably blend in with the members upon which the sleeve is to be accommodated.

[0373] In some configurations, the sleeve is of particular application as a sleeve to be used over a threaded joint connection. Advantageously, the sleeve sealingly shrouds or protects or accommodates a threaded portion of a member to isolate such a threaded portion from a surrounding environment.

[0374] The sleeve is configured to seal a threaded portion from ingress of fouling material from a surrounding environment, such as fluid ingress.

[0375] Typical sealants used on jointed connections are used to prevent leakage of a fluid from escaping or leaking from within a member to a surrounding environment. However, in a preferred application as described herein, the sleeve has application to members which are not under pressure or are not operated at pressure or with fluid or liquids within those members. For example, the pipe or conduit as hollow member may be used to convey electrical or signal cable or other conduit, and therefore the application of sealants to the joint connection is not required. Instead, a system for preventing ingress of surrounding materials into the joint connection is to be avoided.

[0376] Figures 10-14 illustrate one configuration of a sleeve 1a, whilst Figures 15-119 illustrate another. Figures 19 and 20 illustrate the sleeve 1a of Figures 15-19 when applied to a particular joint connection.

[0377] The following description relates to a sealing cap.

[0378] Various embodiments are described with reference to the Figures 22-28.

[0379] Of particular advantage of the sealing cap as described, is the ability to provide for a sealed enclosure of a structure, such as a mechanical buildup (e.g., nuts, washers etc. on a threaded bolt or rod, or non-threaded upstanding members which may have multiple components arranged along such a member).

[0380] The various nooks and crannies and spaces or gaps that inherently exist at the interfaces between such components, and for example at the base of such an upstanding structure with a base structure (e.g. when the base structure has an aperture through which the upstanding structure may be extending) or a welded connection between a base structure and an upstanding structure that extends therefrom, present locations which may undesirably accumulate fouling material or may be difficult to keep clean or allow for cleaning.

[0381] In one such example, a base structure in the form of a flange or a base plate (such as may be provided at the end of a leg or an arm for supporting equipment, where the flange or base plate is to be bolted or anchored or secured to a floor or a wall or a ceiling or another component or structure), can have a threaded bolted connection, which can include a series of washers and locking components, such as locking washers, nuts and other threaded components. Often, a round headed nut may be used to relatively neatly terminate the top or terminal end of the threaded bolt.

[0382] Sealants, being those as described previously as typical sealant type materials, may be used to try and seal up the thread and threaded components on the structure. However, such sealants may actually may the challenges of cleaning and avoiding accumulation of fouling materials more difficult. Accordingly, a sealing cap such as that described herein may be of particular use for shrouding or enclosing such an upstanding structure with a base structure. In doing so, the upstanding structure can be cloaked or shrouded or enclosed within the body of the sealing cap, and the cap can include features which enable a seal to be formed with a base structure. This can allow for the upstanding structure housed within the sealing cap to be conveniently protected or isolated from the surrounding environment, avoiding the need for sealants to be used. In addition, protection and isolation provides a benefit in that fouling of the structure is avoided. Furthermore, forming a seal with the base structure can allow for a seal to be formed on the surface of the base structure about the base of the upstanding member, to further prevent fouling or ingress of fouling materials into either a joint connection between the upstanding member and the base structure or through an aperture of the base structure.

[0383] Advantageously, the sealing cap operates, in-use, for preventing ingress of fouling materials into the cavity defined by the body of the sealing cap.

[0384] In addition, surface features provided by an internal surface of the sealing cap can engage with the upstanding structure, and may operate, in-use, for preventing inadvertent loosening or rotation of components which make up the upstanding structure. In an example of a threaded system of components forming the upstanding structure, engaging such components and preventing rotation or loosening of these components (e.g. as may happen due to vibration) can be a further benefit.

[0385] This invention provides for a sealing cap 1b. The sealing cap 1b provides for a sealing enclosure of an upstanding structure 2b to be received therein with a base structure 3b. The sealing cap 1b comprises a body 4b for enclosing an upstanding structure 2b and to form a seal with a base structure 3b from or through which an upstanding structure is to extend in- use. The body 4b comprises an open end 5b, a closed end 6b, and a chamber portion 7b that is defined between the open end and the closed end. The chamber portion 7b is configured for accepting of an upstanding structure 2b to be received therein via the open end 5b. The open end 5b comprising of at least one sealing feature 8b portion configured to form a seal with a base structure 3b from or through which the upstanding structure 2b is, in-use, to extend. In this way, a seal is formed of the chamber portion 7b and an upstanding structure 2b enclosed therein from ingress of fouling material.

[0386] The body 4b has an internal surface 9b, being a surface which is not exposed to a surrounding environment when the sealing cap is installed in-use or has formed a seal with a base structure.

[0387] The body has an external surface 10b, being a surface which is exposed to a surrounding environment when the sealing cap is installed in-use or has formed a seal with a base structure.

[0388] The external surface 10b may be of a relatively smooth surface finish or is of an uninterrupted surface finish or is substantially devoid of discontinuities or surface irregularities.

[0389] The internal surface 9b extends substantially from the open end to the closed end of the body. The internal surface 9b may be shaped to substantially match an intended shape of an upstanding structure to be received therein or is shaped to receive or accommodate a variety of intended shapes of upstanding structures to be received therein. In other configurations, the sealing cap can be formed of a relatively elastic or stretchable material that can be stretched over or stretch-fitted to a substantially upstanding structure. It may be that there is a combination of both a shape matched chamber and a stretch fit. For example, the chamber internal surface may have a hexagonal shape configured for receiving of a hexagonally shaped upstanding structure or may be of a round of circular shape for receiving of a round or circular shaped upstanding structure. Figure 22 illustrates an upstandingstructure having hexagonally shaped components that are built up as part of the structure. In Figure 22, a top-most component of the upstanding structure has a rounded head.

[0390] The internal surface may comprise one or more surface features 11b. Figures 23-27 illustrate surface features 11b in the form of protrusions or projections from the internal surface or side wall of the body. In particular, Figures 23-27 illustrate radially extensive rib features.

[0391] At least one of the one or more surface features 11b may be provided as an engagement feature for engaging with a surface of an upstanding structure to be received therein. For example, as shown in Figures 23-25, such surface features 11b project or protrude inwardly from the side wall surface a sufficient distance to contact the upstanding structure 2b. In this way, the surface feature 11b may be a mechanical engagement feature, such as for mechanically engaging with an upstanding structure to be received or accommodated by the sealing cap.

[0392] Where an engagement of the surface features 11b is provided with the upstanding structure 2b, such engagement may help to provide a form of mechanical inter-lock capability of the components making up the upstanding structure (for example, to help hold the components in place and which may help to reduce risk of rotation of loosening of the components, for example due to vibration over time).

[0393] In a further configuration, the surface features 11b can be located about the internal surface in a pre-determined manner so as to be provided to intersect or engage the upstanding structure at positions where components of the upstanding structure may connect or adjoin each other.

[0394] In a further configuration, the surface features 11b can provide for tactile feedback to an installer. For example, as the sealing cap 1b is being pushed down over an upstanding structure, the surface features 11b can progressively engage with different surfaces of the upstanding structure, and this may provide for positive feedback to an installer that the sealing cap is moving into a fitted engagement with the upstanding structure or components thereof.

[0395] In other configurations, the surface feature 11b may be in the form of a sealing feature, providing for a sealing portion with a structure to be received or accommodated by the sealing cap. Provision of further seals with the upstanding structure or componentsthereof may further contribute to an even greater level of isolation or protection of the upstanding structure.

[0396] The one or more surface features 1b may comprise of inwardly extending (such as radially inward) projections or relatively thickened (or thinned) side wall thicknesses, that is, extending inwardly or internally into the chamber portion from the internal surface of a side wall of the body.

[0397] In other configurations, the one or more surface features 11b may comprise of one or more of: bands, ribs, bumps, lumps, lips, fins, wedge-shapes, dome-shapes, dimples, recesses, projections, whether provided as localised features about a localised region of an internal surface or extending circumferentially or radially or longitudinally (or other orientations or directions, such as helically) about the internal surface.

[0398] In one particular configuration, the one or more surface features 11b may comprise of at least one lip seal. Such a lip seal may be of an endless lip seal(s) format. In further configurations, there may be a plurality of endless lip seals, and the plurality of endless lip seals may be arrayed or arranged about the internal surface. In one example, such lip seals may be provided in a substantially longitudinal manner about an internal surface of the chamber portion, or radially, or helically about the internal surface 9b.

[0399] In other configurations, it will be appreciated some surface features 11b may be provided in localised regions, for example more surface features in the form of sealing features may be concentrated toward the mouth or open end of the body than other surface features 11b, and for example other surface features in the form of engagement features may be more concentrated toward the closed end 6 of the chamber 7b.

[0400] As noted above, advantageously, the one or more surface features 11b may provide for a contact with parts or portions of the substantially upstanding structure or components of the substantially upstanding structure, for example nuts or washers, and may function to prevent rotation of such components relative to each other, which may result in a loosening of components of the upstanding structure.

[0401] The open end 5b may comprise of a mouth 12b. The mouth 12b configured for receiving or accepting of an upstanding structure 2b, and allows such an upstanding structure to be inserted substantially into the chamber portion 7b.

[0402] The mouth 12b may be a relatively smaller or smaller sized or a reduced opening relative to the open end 5b.

[0403] The mouth 12b may be substantially axially aligned with the chamber portion 7b. For example, to axially receive or axially align with an axis of a substantially upstanding member 2b to be received therethrough and into the chamber 7b.

[0404] The mouth 12b may be provided at, or is substantially adjacent to or with, the entrance to the chamber portion 7b.

[0405] Interposed between the mouth 7b and the open end 5b may be an intermediate mouth portion 13b. The intermediate mouth portion 13b having an opening that is relatively larger or a greater opening relative to the mouth 12b.

[0406] The intermediate mouth portion 13b may be configured to be seated upon a component of an upstanding structure 2b to be received by the sealing cap, such a component being located substantially at, toward or adjacent to a base structure 3b from or through which the upstanding structure 2b is, in-use, to extend.

[0407] The intermediate mouth portion 13b may be configured for seating upon a washer type component of an upstanding structure.

[0408] The intermediate mouth portion 13b may comprise of a substantially inwardly extensive internal surface 14b (such as radially inwardly extensive).

[0409] The closed end 6 may be of a cap configuration for enclosing of the internal chamber 7b.

[0410] The closed end 6b may have a substantially thickened body side wall thickness or may be a relatively thinned side wall thickness. For example, thickened or thinned relative to a thickness of the side wall elsewhere along the body.

[0411] The closed end 6b may have an external surface shape that is relatively smooth surface finish or of an uninterrupted surface finish or is substantially devoid of discontinuities or surface irregularities.

[0412] The upstanding structure 2b may be a mechanical structure, such as a mechanical build-up of components, including but not limited to: a threaded component upon which nuts and / or washers and / or other mechanical components are attached.

[0413] The upstanding structure 2b may be of a substantially elongate shape, and the chamber may be of a substantially elongate hollow form for accommodating or receiving of the upstanding structure.

[0414] The upstanding structure may be a threaded bar or a non-threaded bar with a series of components therein, including but not limited to: washers, split or locking washers, nuts, round or elongate headed type nuts.

[0415] The sealing portion 8b of the open end 5b of the body 4b may comprise of a substantially flexible or thinned side wall portion. For example, the flexible or thinned side wall portion may be at a distal or terminal end or tip of the sealing portion 8b.

[0416] The sealing portion 8b of the open end 5b of the body 2b may be substantially elastically deformable to sealingly conform to a surface to which the sealing portion is to seal in-use.

[0417] The open end 5b of the body 4b may comprise of an outwardly extending skirt portion 15b. In some configurations, a terminal end 16 of the skirt portion 15b is configured to sealingly contact a surface to which the sealing portion is to seal in-use. Figure 28 illustrates the sealing cap 1b in a shape configuration or condition prior to the skirt portion 15b being deflected or splayed outwardly upon surface contact with a base structure 3b. Figures 23-27 illustrate the sealing cap in a shape configuration or condition after or post the skirt portion 15b having been deflected and splayed outwardly upon surface contact with a base structure 3b.

[0418] The outwardly extending skirt 15b portion may depend outwardly from the mouth 12b, or the intermediate mouth portion 13b, or substantially outwardly from a base portion of the sealing cap body 4b.

[0419] The outwardly extending skirt portion 15b may extend as a longitudinally and radially or outwardly extensive portion, such that a terminal end 16b of the skirt portion defines a position of greatest longitudinal length between the open end 5b and the closed end 6b.

[0420] The terminal end 16b of the skirt portion 15b may be of a relatively thinned or reduced side wall thickness. For example, the skirt portion 15b may be tapered from a relatively thickened side wall thickness to a relatively thinned or thin terminal end 16b. Theterminal end 16b of the skirt portion 15b may be of a sufficiently thinned or reduced side wall thickness so as to allow for a relatively flexible side wall portion.

[0421] The terminal end 16b of the skirt portion 15b may be of a lip or fin or wedge type shape.

[0422] At least a portion of an internal surface of the skirt portion 15b may be shaped to form a sealing contact with a base structure 3b through or from which an upstanding structure 2b is to extend.

[0423] In-use, application of a pressure or force to the sealing body or the skirt portion in a direction from the closed end toward the open end, may encourage or allow for a deflection of the skirt portion and for an internal surface of the skirt portion to make contact with a base structure surface. For example, to splay the skirt portion outwardly in a substantially progressive manner for increasing contact with a base structure.

[0424] Between the mouth 12b and the skirt portion 15b there may be one or more bending moment regions or live hinge regions, for example where there may be changed in angle of localised regions of thinned side wall thickness to allow for preferential bending. Some of these regions are labelled as item 17b in the figures.

[0425] At least one of the bending moment regions or live hinge regions may be provided between the mouth 12b and the intermediate mouth portion 13b.

[0426] At least one of the bending moment regions or live hinge regions may be provided between the intermediate mouth portion 13b and the skirt portion 5b or a terminal end 16b of the skirt portion 5b or the open end 5b.

[0427] Application of a pressure or force to the sealing body or the skirt portion in a direction from the closed end toward the open end, encourages or allows for a splaying of the skirt portion or at least a terminal end of the skirt portion, such that an internal surface portion of the skirt portion can be deflected into contact with a surface of a base structure upon which the sealing cap is to form a seal.

[0428] A skirt portion 5b may define a foot 17b, being an internal side wall surface configured to be depressed to make contact with a surface of a base structure to which the sealing portion 8b is to seal in-use.

[0429] The foot 17b or the side skirt portion 15b may be of a substantially tapered wall thickness, tapered to be of a reducing side wall thickness, the side wall thickness reducing in a direction toward a terminal end 16 of the skirt portion 15b or the foot 17b.

[0430] The skirt portion 15b may, in-use, form a seal with a surface of a base structure to sealingly enclose an upstanding structure within the body from ingress of materials of a surrounding environment.

[0431] The skirt portion 15b in-use forms at least a perimeter seal substantially about a base of the body with a base structure or a surface of a base structure from or through which an upstanding structure is to extend.

[0432] The sealing portion 8b of the open end 5b may comprise one or a plurality of sealing features. In some configurations, at least one sealing feature may comprise of at least one lip seal. Such a lip seal may be an endless lip seal(s). There could be a plurality of endless lip seals. In some configurations, the plurality of endless lip seals could be substantially concentrically arrayed lip seals, for example may be concentrically arrayed or arranged across an internal surface of a skirt portion 15b or an internal surface of the side wall, optionally at least upon the internal surface of the side wall surface or of the foot portion 17b.

[0433] A base structure 3b or a surface of a base structure upon which the sealing cap is to form a seal, may be substantially planar or flat, optionally may be substantially planar or flat at least in the region to receive the at least one sealing feature of the outwardly extending skirt portion. In some examples, the base structure may be a base plate or a flange.

[0434] The outwardly extending skirt portion 15b comprising of a foot portion 17b may terminate at an outer peripheral or terminal end 16b in one or more sealing features.

[0435] The foot portion 17b may be a region of the outwardly extending skirt portion 15b having a side wall thickness that tapers from a relatively thicker side wall thickness to a relatively thinner or reduced side wall thickness at a terminal end of the outwardly extending skirt portion.

[0436] In some particular configurations, the sealing body may be of a grey colour or a colour which may blend in with components on which the sealing cap is to be provided.

[0437] The sealing body may be formed of one or more of: rubber, EPDM, fluroelastomers (such as a material known as VitonTM), silicone (including industrial-grade, food-grade, medical-grade, high-consistency rubber (HCR) silicone, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), nitrile rubber, synthetic rubbers (such as neoprene), urethanes, thermoplastic rubbers (TPR), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), flexible PVC.

[0438] The external surface 10b of the closed end 6b may be of a substantially rounded shape.

[0439] The internal surface 9b of the chamber portion 7b may be substantially hexagonally shaped for receipt of a substantially hexagonally shaped upstanding structure or substantially hexagonally shaped components of an upstanding structure or may be substantially circular or rounded for receipt of shapes which may fittingly be accepted into such a shape.

[0440] The body 4b may be formed of a substantially flexible or elastic material, such that the body, or the chamber, may allow for some stretch to accept or accommodate different shapes within the chamber, such as a stretch fit. Accordingly, the body could be formed of a substantially flexible or elastically deformable material.

[0441] The upstanding structure to be enclosed may be a threaded type of mechanical structure or is a non-threaded type of structure.

[0442] The sealing cap 1b as described here is configured to minimise or prevent ingress of material from the surrounding environment from entering the area surrounding of the substantially upstanding structure or a joint connection between the upstanding structure and a base structure or an aperture through the base structure from which the upstanding structure may extend. For example, preventing ingress of dust or solids (such as particles or debris) or liquids or fluids (including vapour and moisture) from ingress to the area surrounding the joint connection. In this manner, a further attempt is made to help eliminate unwanted fouling or contamination of jointed connections by unwanted materials.

[0443] Unwanted materials may be materials used in a processing facility or may be cleaning materials or may be other foreign materials introduced into the surrounding environment, and which are desirably kept away from ingressing of the jointed connection or from fouling around the joint connection itself. For example, avoiding fouling of an exposed thread of athread joint connection, or avoiding fouling of any small nooks or crannies or gaps or spaces exposed between a member and a joint connection member.

[0444] The foregoing description of the invention(s) includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention(s).

Claims

CLAIMS [0445] Sealing gland 1. A double-sided sealing gland providing for a seal between a pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces, the sealing gland comprising: a body comprising of a first sealing side for sealing with a first substantially planar surface and a second sealing side for sealing with a second substantially planar surface, the first sealing side comprising of a first base surface from which one or more first side lip seal(s) extend, and wherein at least one of the one or more first side lip seal(s) extends about an outer perimeter portion of the first base surface of the body, and the second sealing side comprising of a second base surface from which one or more second side lip seal(s) extend, and wherein at least one of the one or more second side lip seal(s) extends about an outer perimeter portion of the second base surface of the body.

2. The sealing gland of claim 1, wherein the one or more first side lip seal(s) and the one or more second side lip seal(s) is / are endless lip seals.

3. The sealing gland of claim 2, wherein where a plurality of endless lip seals are provided, on either or both of the first side and / or the second side, the endless lip seals on a side of the sealing gland are concentrically arranged with each other.

4. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-3, wherein an outer-most lip seal or the lip seal substantially extending about an outer perimeter portion one or each base surface, being either or both of the first base surface and / or the second base surface, is of a greater lip length or extends a greater height from the base surface relative to more inwardly arranged lip seals.

5. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the body is substantially flat, with the first side lip seals extending from the first base surface, and the second side lip seals extending from the second base surface.

6. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the body comprises of a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures is provided as a channel orpassageway through the sealing gland extending between the first base surface and the second base surface.

9. The sealing gland of claim 6, wherein the plurality of apertures are arranged to be substantially uniformly or evenly spaced about the sealing gland.

10. The sealing gland of claim 6 or 7, wherein each of the plurality of apertures is located inwardly of the outer perimeter of the body, and inwardly of at least one lip seal.

11. The sealing gland of any one of claims 6-10, wherein each of the plurality of apertures is located between a pair of substantially concentric lip seals, or substantially concentrically adjacent lip seals.

12. The sealing gland of any one of claims 6-11, wherein each aperture, or a portion of the base surface surrounding of each aperture, comprises of a reinforced portion.

13. The sealing gland of any one of clams 6-12, wherein a spacing apart between substantially concentric lip seals between which an aperture is to be located, is configured for receiving a fastener without interference of an adjoining lip seal or an inner more lip seal and an outer more lip seal.

14. The sealing gland of any one of claims 8-15, wherein the plurality of apertures are of a smaller or reduced diameter relative to the diameter of a fastener to be received, such as to substantially contact a fastener when received therethrough for sealing with a said fastener.

15. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-14, wherein at least one further lip seal is provided substantially concentrically inwardly of a lip seal extending about an outer perimeter portion and / or an inner perimeter portion of the first base surface and / or the second base surface.

16. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-15, wherein at least two lip seals are provided outwardly of an aperture or at least one lip seal is provided between an aperture and a lip seal extending substantially about an outer perimeter portion of the body or the first base surface and / or the second base surface, or wherein there are at least two lip seals provided between an aperture and an outer perimeter of the body, or of the first base surface and / or of the second base surface.

17. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-16, wherein at least two lip seals are provided inwardly of an aperture or at least one lip seal is provided between an aperture and a lip seal extending substantially about an inner perimeter portion of the body or the first base surface and / or the second base surface, wherein there are at least two lip seals provided between an aperture an inner perimeter portion of the body, or of the first base surface and / or of the second base surface.

18. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-17, wherein at least one further lip seal is provided between a lip seal extending substantially about a perimeter portion, such as an inner perimeter portion or an outer perimeter portion, of the body, or of the first base surface and / or of the second base surface.

19. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the at least two lip seals provided outwardly of an aperture, such as between an aperture and an outer perimeter of the body, or of the first base surface and / or of the second base surface, are arranged substantially concentrically closer together than at least two lip seals provided more inwardly of the aperture, such as between an aperture and an inner perimeter of the body, or of the first base surface and / or of the second base surface, or between an aperture and a centre or centroid.

20. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-23, wherein each of the first lip seals is / are arranged and located about the first surface and substantially correspond with the arrangement and location of the second lip seals about the second surface.

21. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-20, wherein each of the lip seals provided about the first sealing side, such as the first lip seals, are substantially mirrored by respective lip seals provided about the second sealing side, such as the second lip seals.

22. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-21, wherein each lip seal tapers from a base (substantially at a base surface of the body) to a relatively narrowed distal end or tip.

23. The sealing gland of claim 22, wherein the distal end or tip of a or each lip seal is substantially flexible or elastically deformable or is of a feathered shape.

24. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-23, wherein each lip seal comprises of a pair of walls extending from a base surface from which the lip seals extend, configured as an first or outer-more wall and a second or an inner-more wall (inner and outer being with respectto an outer perimeter of the body), wherein the second or outer-more wall extends substantially orthogonally from the surface, and the inner-more wall extends from an inner- more location on the base surface to the distal end (or tip), thereby defining an angle of the inner-more wall.

25. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-28. wherein a central portion of the body substantially corresponding with the centre or centroid, is a void space, or wherein an inner perimeter of the body defines a void space.

26. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-25, wherein a central portion of the body is shaped to accommodate or receive a member or allow a member to pass through the central portion.

26. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-25, wherein the sealing gland provides for a first seal with one of the pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces via the first sealing side, and provides for a second seal with the other of the pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces.

27. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-26, wherein the sealing gland provides for a perimeter seal between the pair of substantially opposing substantially planar surfaces.

28. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the sealing gland is integrally formed as a single or unitary body.

29. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-28, wherein the sealing gland comprises of at least two lip seals, or at least three lip seals, or at least four lip seals, or five or more lip seals, on each of the respective first sealing side and the second sealing side.

30. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-29, wherein a plurality of sealing glands are integrally formed as a single main body, each sealing gland of which is concentrically located of each other.

31. The sealing gland of any one of claims 1-30, wherein where a plurality of sealing glands are provided in a single main body, each sealing gland is disconnectable or separable from an adjoining sealing gland.

32. The sealing gland of claim 31, wherein a disconnection or a separation of one or more sealing glands from a single main body is by a frangible connection between adjacently formed sealing glands.

33. The sealing gland of any one of claims 30-32, wherein a relatively reduced thickness portion of the single main body is provided between concentrically arranged sealing glands, when the single main body is formed as a single or unitary body. [0446] Joint Sleeve 34. A sleeve for sleeving of a joint connection between at least a first member and an associated joint connection member, wherein a sleeve substantially provides for a housing of a jointed connection made between at least the first member and the associated joint connection member, the sleeve configured to sealingly engage with an exterior surface of each of the first member and the associated joint connection member, such that the sleeve sealingly protects the housed jointed connection from exposure to the surrounding environment by the sleeve, or at least provides for a substantially fluid-tight seal or a liquid-tight seal or a dust-tight seal when sealingly engaged.

35. A joint sleeve for protectively sleeving (such as by housing) of a jointed connection between at least a first member and an associated joint connection member, the joint sleeve comprising of at least a first open end and at least a second open end, and a passageway extending between each of the open ends, the first open end comprising of a first passageway portion configured for sealingly engaging with an exterior surface of the first member, and the second open end comprising of a second passageway portion configured for sealingly engaging with: an exterior surface of the associated joint connection member, or an exterior surface of a second member when the second member is jointed to the first member by the associated joint connection member, such that a jointed connection between at least the first member and the associated joint connection member is substantially sealed from environmental ingress, and / or such that jointed connections between at least a first member and asecond member by a joint connection member are substantially sealed from environmental ingress.

36. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-19, wherein one or each passageway portion associated with one or each open end (being either or both of the first open end or the second open end) comprises of a tapered portion, the tapered portion tapered from a larger external diameter to a smaller internal diameter toward the open end.

37. The sleeve of claim 20, wherein the tapered portion has a tapered side wall thickness, tapering from a larger side wall thickness to a relatively reduced side wall thickness at or substantially adjacent to an open end of the sleeve.

38. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the sleeve comprises of at least one internal feature located about an internal side wall for engagement with a member to be received within the sleeve.

39. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the at least one internal feature is a projection extending radially inwardly from the internal side wall.

40. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the at least one internal feature extends substantially circumferentially about the internal side wall, such as a ring seal.

41. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the at least one internal feature is of a rib or a lip or finger type configuration.

42. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-25, wherein there is at least one internal feature associated with each end of the sleeve.

43. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-27, wherein each open end of the sleeve is tapered to be of a relatively reduced side wall thickness.

44. The sleeve of any one of claims 1-29, wherein an external surface of the sleeve or side wall is substantially smooth and / or devoid of irregularities. [0447] Sealing Cap 45. A sealing cap providing for a sealing enclosure of an upstanding structure to be received therein with a base structure, the sealing cap comprising: a body for enclosing an upstanding structure and to form a seal with a base structure from or through which an upstanding structure is to extend in-use,the body comprising an open end, a closed end, and a chamber portion defined between the open end and the closed end, the chamber portion configured for accepting of an upstanding structure to be received therein via the open end, and the open end comprising of at least one sealing feature portion configured to form a seal with a base structure from or through which the upstanding structure is, in-use, to extend, to seal the chamber portion and an upstanding structure enclosed therein from ingress.

46. The sealing cap of claim 1, wherein the body has an internal surface, being a surface which is not exposed to a surrounding environment when the sealing cap is installed in-use or has formed a seal with a base structure, wherein the internal surface comprises one or more surface features.

47. The sealing cap of claim 2, wherein the body has an external surface, being a surface which is exposed to a surrounding environment when the sealing cap is installed in-use or has formed a seal with a base structure, and wherein the external surface is of a relatively smooth surface finish or is of an uninterrupted surface finish or is substantially devoid of discontinuities or surface irregularities.

48. The sealing cap of claim 46 or 47, wherein at least one of the one or more surface features is / are an engagement feature for engaging with a surface of an upstanding structure to be received therein.

49. The sealing cap of any one of claims 46-48, wherein the one or more surface features comprise of inwardly extending (such as radially inward) projections or relatively thickened (or thinned) side wall thicknesses, that is, extending inwardly or internally into the chamber portion from the internal surface of a side wall of the body.

50. The sealing cap of any one of claims 46-49, wherein the one or more surface features comprise of one or more of: bands, ribs, bumps, lumps, lips, fins, wedge-shapes, dome- shapes, dimples, recesses, projections, whether provided as localised features about a localised region of an internal surface or extending circumferentially or radially or longitudinally (or other orientations or directions, such as helically) about the internal surface, optionally the one or more surface features may provide for a contact with parts orportions of the substantially upstanding structure or components of the substantially upstanding structure, for example nuts or washers, and may function to prevent rotation of such components relative to each other, which may result in a loosening of components of the upstanding structure.

51. The sealing cap of any one of claims 46-50, wherein the one or more surface features comprises at least one lip seal.

52. The sealing cap of claim 51, wherein there is a plurality of endless lip seals.

53. The sealing cap of claim 52, wherein the plurality of endless lip seals are arrayed or arranged in a substantially longitudinal manner about an internal surface of the chamber portion.

54. The sealing cap of any one of claims 45-53, wherein the at least one sealing feature is provided on an inner or interior surface of the side wall, optionally at least upon the side wall surface of the chamber portion.

55. The sealing cap of any one of claims 45-54, wherein the open end comprises of a mouth configured for receiving or accepting of an upstanding structure, and allows such an upstanding structure to be inserted substantially into the chamber portion.

56. The sealing cap of any one of claims 45-55, wherein interposed between the mouth and the open end is an intermediate mouth portion, the intermediate mouth portion having an opening that is relatively larger or a greater opening relative to the mouth.

57. The sealing cap of claim 56, wherein the intermediate mouth portion is configured to be seated upon a component of an upstanding structure to be received by the sealing cap, such a component being located substantially at, toward or adjacent to a base structure from or through which the upstanding structure is to extend.

58. The sealing cap of any one of claims 45-57, wherein the upstanding structure is of a substantially elongate shape, and the chamber is of a substantially elongate hollow form for accommodating or receiving of the upstanding structure.

59. The sealing cap of any one of claims 45-58, wherein the sealing portion of the open end of the body comprises of a substantially flexible or thinned side wall portion.

60. The sealing cap of any one of claims 45-59, wherein the sealing portion of the open end of the body is substantially elastically deformable to sealingly conform to a surface to which the sealing portion is to seal in-use.

61. The sealing cap of any one of claims 45-60, wherein the open end of the body comprises of an outwardly extending skirt portion, at least a terminal end of the skirt portion to sealingly contact a surface to which the sealing portion is to seal in-use.

62. The sealing cap of claim 61, wherein the outwardly extending skirt portion extends as a longitudinally and radially or outwardly extensive portion, such that a terminal end of the skirt portion defines a position of greatest longitudinal length between the open end and the closed end.

63. The sealing cap of claim 62, wherein the terminal end of the skirt portion is of sufficiently thinned or reduced side wall thickness so as to allow for a relatively flexible side wall portion.

64. The sealing cap of any one of claims 61-63, wherein the skirt portion in-use forms at least a perimeter seal substantially about a base of the body with a base structure or a surface of a base structure from or through which an upstanding structure is to extend.

65. The sealing cap of any one of claims 45-64, wherein the sealing portion of the open end comprises one or a plurality of sealing features.

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