Adherent partial-thickness segmented gaskets

Abstract

A segmented gasket includes multiple segments having partial thickness mating portions at ends thereof. The mating portions joinable via an adhesive and are configured to interlock the segments and to isolate the adhesive from the surface of the gasket. The segmented gasket may be provided in a kit with the detached segments and a pre-applied or separate adhesive.

Description

ADHERENT PARTIAL-THICKNESS SEGMENTED GASKETSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 661,381, filed on June 18, 2024, and entitled “ADHERENT PARTIAL-THICKNESS SEGMENTED GASKETS,” the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by references in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to the domain of gasket engineering, focusing on the application of adhesive methodologies to segmented gaskets that exhibit partial thickness joints. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to segmented industrial gaskets with partial thickness shielded interlocking adhesive bonded joints.BACKGROUND

[0003] In various industrial applications, the need for large diameter gaskets is paramount to ensure effective sealing in flanged equipment or pipeline systems. This necessity is particularly evident in sizable apparatuses such as electrolyzers, heat exchangers, industrial digesters, distillation towers, reactors, filters, pressure vessels, large glass-lined flanges, and other similar applications. These devices often require large diameter soft gaskets to establish an adequate seal.

[0004] The production of such gaskets, however, presents distinct manufacturing challenges. Typically, gaskets are fabricated by cutting them from extensive rectangular sheets. The dimensions of these sheets are inherently limited by the size constraints of the manufacturing equipment. When the required gasket size exceeds the dimensions of these sheets, a prevalent solution involves producing segmented gasket pieces that are later assembled as one large gasket on the equipment.

[0005] It is noteworthy that this segmentation approach is not exclusive to large diameter gaskets. In certain instances, even gaskets that could be cut as a whole from a single sheet are segmented. This strategy is often employed to optimize material usage and minimize waste.

[0006] A critical issue arising from this segmentation process is the question of how best to join the segmented parts. This query has sparked considerable debate and led to the development of numerous innovative methods. These methods predominantly focus on designing uniqueinterlocking geometries at the ends of each segment. The purpose of these geometries is to facilitate a mechanical connection between segments, thereby ensuring the integrity and continuity of the gasket’s seal.

[0007] From classic dovetail j oints to the innovative use of pins, sockets, and intricate tortuous paths, the industry has developed various methods for attaching gasket segments. Yet, as of now, there is no industry-wide consensus or standardized guidelines dictating the optimal geometry for each specific application of gasket segment attachment.

[0008] More critically, the manual handling and positioning of these segmented gaskets present a substantial challenge for operators. Given the structural instability of segmented gaskets prior to complete assembly, operators must precisely assemble the gasket, often under time constraints. This instability can increase the risk of improper installation, potentially compromising the pipeline’s integrity and safety.

[0009] Segmented gaskets will not typically seal as efficiently as single piece gaskets under low gasket stresses. They are more susceptible to failure in smooth flanges due to joint outwards deformation and offer an increased risk of blow-outs.

[0010] Hence, there emerges a pressing need to innovate in the realm of segmented gaskets, specifically focusing on enhancing their performance, maneuverability, and ease of use during assembly operations. The goal of such innovation is to significantly elevate the safety, efficiency, and consistency of the assembly process. By addressing these key areas, the enhanced design can not only reduce the risk of errors and accidents but also speed up the overall assembly workflow, thus saving valuable time and resources.SUMMARY

[0011] The present disclosure provides an alternative design method for segmented gaskets, where adhesive substances are placed on an interlocking structure of partial -thickness joints located at the end of the gasket segments. The proposed design may provide improved performance, maneuverability, and / or handling of such gaskets in the field.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a partial thickness interlocking structure segmented gasket, with the characteristic of having adhesive substances strategically deposited over their mating surfaces. The adhesive is not placed on surfaces in which contact with outside media tothe gasket is produced, but is completely enclosed by the gasket material. These interlocking structures may include a variety of geometric shapes and / or multiple configurations thereof.

[0013] The motivation behind the aforementioned adhesive method lies in securing an easier manipulation of the gasket structure. Due to the lack of such adhesive substances in today’s partial thickness segmented gaskets, the only physical event keeping them from detaching from one another is the mechanical lock in the circumferential direction of the gasket. Such mechanical lock is not sufficient to keep the structure stable during handling and assembly, since the interlocking structure has a degree of freedom in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the gasket. Therefore, as it stands, such a gasket is prone to collapse, making it challenging to move it without compromising its structural integrity.

[0014] It has been found that adhesive substances are required to provide a mechanically stable structure while maintaining the simplicity of the partial thickness design. The adhesive acts as a mechanical constraint to the degree of freedom perpendicular to the plane of the gasket, therefore stabilizing the structure since the other directions are already constrained by the interlocking attachment design.

[0015] The methodologies employed for adhesion purposes are diverse and encompass a range of techniques. These methodologies are not confined to, but prominently include advanced liquid glues, thermoplastic foil welding, and double-sided tapes. Liquid glues are characterized by their high tensile strength, rapid curing properties, and exceptional bonding capabilities with a variety of materials including, but not limited to, metals, polymers, and ceramics. These glues are formulated to provide durable and long-lasting adhesion, resisting environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and moisture. Thermoplastic foil welding in gaskets is characterized by introducing a thin foil layer of certain thermoplastic material, such as perfluoro alkoxy alkane (PF A), and applying enough pressure and temperature to form a strong bond between the gasket layers. Double-sided tapes offer a unique combination of convenience and robust adhesion. These tapes are designed with a high flexibility, enabling them to conform to irregular or textured gasket surfaces, while maintaining a strong bond. The adhesive layer of these tapes is composed of a custom-developed polymer blend, tailored to ensure maximum adhesion strength and longevity.

[0016] The approach disclosed herein takes advantage of the versatility and proven effectiveness of existing adhesive technologies, applying them specifically to enhance the structural integrityand ease of assembly of the gasket segments. Additionally, this approach considers the operational environments of the gaskets. The adhesives selected are based on their compatibility with the materials comprising the gasket segments and their resilience under various environmental conditions typical in gasket applications. This consideration ensures that the adhesion remains robust and enduring, safeguarding against any compromise in the performance of the gasket over its lifespan.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are for illustrative purposes only. The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction, or the arrangement of the components illustrated in the drawings. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like components, unless otherwise indicated.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an isometric projection view of a segmented gasket with a partial thickness shielded interlocking adhesive bonded joint design, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is an isometric projection view of a segmented gasket with adherent, dovetail style, partial thickness shielded interlocking adhesive bonded joint design, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a top partial view of an assembled segmented gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is an isometric projection view of a double-sided adherent tape and a cut on the tape in the same geometry of the partial -thickness joint design, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 is an isometric projection view of a double-sided adherent tape and a cut on the tape in the same geometry of the partial -thickness joint design, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following descriptions are provided to explain and illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. The described examples and embodiments should not be construed to limit the present disclosure.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a segmented gasket 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. The segmented gasket 10 includes at least a first segment 10a and a second segment 10b and a partial thickness shielded interlocking adhesive bonded joint 40 configured to interlock the first segment 10a and the second segment 10b. The joint 40 includes an interlocking joint geometry with a first mating portion 20 of the first segment 10a and a second mating portion 30 of the second segment 10b. The first mating portion 20 and the second mating portion 30 are carefully fabricated, partial thickness (as compared with a full or maximum axial thickness of the first segment 10a and the second segment 10b, respectively) portions of the segmented gasket 10 with complementary geometries. The first mating portion 20 includes an extension 20a extending from the first segment 10a, a seat 20b extending into the first segment 10a, and a bridge 20c between the extension 20a and the seat 20b, wherein the bridge 20c has a reduced radial width as compared with the extension 20a and the seat 20b. The second mating portion 30 includes an extension 30a extending from the second segment 10b, a seat 30b extending into the second segment 10b, and a bridge 30c between the extension 30a and the seat 30b, wherein the bridge 30c has a reduced radial width as compared with the extension 30a and the seat 30b. The extension 20a is configured to precisely mate with the seat 30b and the extension 30a is configured to precisely mate with the seat 20b.

[0025] Although a single mating portion 20, 30 is shown for each of the gasket segments 10a, 10b in FIG. 1, the gasket segments 10a, 10b may include a plurality of mating portions 20, 30, provided that the number of first mating portions 20 is equal to the number of second mating portions 30. In some embodiments, the first segment 10a includes 2 mating portions 20 and the second segment 10b includes 2 mating portions 30. In some embodiments, the first segment 10a includes 3 mating portions 20 and the second segment 10b includes 3 mating portions 30. In some embodiments, the first segment 10a includes more than 3 mating portions 20 and the second segment 10b includes an equal number of mating portions 30. When more than one mating portion 20, 30 is included in each segment 10a, 10b, the mating portions 20, 30 may be uniform or non-nonuniform provided that pairs of corresponding mating portions 20, 30 arecomplementary as described herein. In some embodiments, first and second pairs of mating portions 20, 30 may differ in shape or size and / or may differ in adhesive composition or configuration. In some embodiments, the number of mating pairs is even, e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 pairs of mating portions 20, 30.

[0026] When the first mating portion 20 and the second mating portion 30 are mated, the reduced radial width of the bridges 20c, 30c thereof acts to interlock the first mating portion 20 and the second mating portion 30 and consequently constrains circumferential movement of the first segment 10a with respect to the second segment 10b. In some embodiments, the mating portions 20, 30 may have a radial line of symmetry. In other embodiments, the mating portions 20, 30 may be asymmetrical provided that the extension 20a, 30a of one mating portion 20, 30 has the same geometry as the seat 20b, 30b of the other mating portion 20, 30.

[0027] Additionally, when mated, the partial thicknesses of the first mating portion 20 and the second mating portion 30 along with a thickness of an adhesive 5a, 5b (discussed in more detail below) combine to provide the joint 40 with a thickness equal to a full thickness of the first segment 10a and the second segment 10b. In some embodiments, the thickness of the mating portions 20, 30 is uniform. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first mating portion 20 is equal to the thickness of the second mating portion 30. In some embodiments, the thickness of the mating portions 20, 30 is not uniform. For example, the thickness of the extension 20a may be greater than the thickness of the seat 20b and the thickness of the extension 30a may be greater than the thickness of the seat 30b, or vice versa. Other non-uniform thicknesses may include protrusions on one or both mating portions 20, 30 with complementary indentations on the other mating portion 20, 30. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first mating portion 20 is not equal to the thickness of the second mating potion 30. In such embodiments, the mating portions 20, 30 may have uniform thickness or, with non-uniform thickness, their thickness may be an average thickness.

[0028] The first mating portion 20 includes a mating surface 20d configured to contact a mating surface 30d of the second mating portion 30. In some embodiments, each of the mating surfaces 20d, 30d is substantially flat. In such embodiments, if the mating portions 20, 30 have non- uniform thicknesses, the thickness would smoothly taper along, e.g., a circumferential length or radial width of the mating portions 20, 30 to provide flat mating surfaces 20d, 30d. In otherembodiments, the mating surfaces 20d, 30d may include protrusions or indentations, or may include a surface roughness.

[0029] The joint 40 further includes a first adhesive 5a applied to the mating surface 20d of the first mating portion 20 and / or a second adhesive 5b applied to the mating surface 30d of the second mating portion 30. The joint 40 may include only one of the first adhesive 5a and the second adhesive 5b, or may include both of first adhesive 5a and second adhesive 5b. In some embodiments, one or both of the adhesives 5a, 5b is applied to 100% of the respective mating surfaces 20d, 30d. In some embodiments, one or both of the adhesives 5a, 5b is applied to less than 100% of the respective mating surfaces 20d, 30d. In some embodiments, both of the adhesives 5a, 5b are employed in the joint 40 and the adhesives 5a, 5b entirely overlap or partially overlap. In some embodiments, the first adhesive 5a is applied to less than 100% of the mating surface 20d, the second adhesive 5b is applied to less than 100% of the mating surface 30d, and, when mated, 100% of the mating surfaces 20d, 30d is in contact with at least one of the adhesives 5a, 5b. That is, the first adhesive 5a and second adhesive 5b may combine to provide full adhesive coverage of the joint 40. Other configurations of the adhesives 5a, 5b may include, for example, one of the adhesives 5a, 5b isolated from peripheries of the respective mating surface 20d, 30d and the other of the adhesives 5a, 5b positioned at the peripheries of the respective mating surface 20d, 30d. In any embodiment, the adhesive 5a, 5b may be configured to avoid any contact with exterior surfaces of the gasket 10. In some embodiments, the adhesive 5a, 5b is within the mating surfaces 20d, 30d and spaced at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.5 mm, or at least 1 mm from peripheral edges of the mating surfaces 20d, 30d.

[0030] The adhesives 5a, 5b may be the same or different from one and another and may include, but are not limited to, acrylate-based or acrylic adhesives, advanced liquid glues, thermoplastic foil welding, and double-sided tapes. In some embodiments, the adhesive 5a, 5b may be or include thread, such as PTFE yam, sewn through the mating surfaces 20d, 30d.

[0031] Liquid glues are distinguished by their notable tensile strength, swift curing times, and superior bonding effectiveness with a diverse range of materials such as metals, polymers, and ceramics. These glues are engineered to offer robust and enduring adhesion, effectively withstanding environmental conditions like temperature changes and humidity.

[0032] Thermoplastic foil welding is a term in the art that describes the use of thin polymeric films to join two gasket mating surfaces (e.g., mating surfaces 20d, 30d), when submitted topressure and elevated temperatures. The film material may include, but is not limited to, perfluoro alkoxy alkane (PF A), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). Upon completion of the welding process, the result is the formation of a bond that is both robust and resilient, ensuring durable adherence between the joined surfaces.

[0033] In parallel, double-sided tapes represent an alternative adhesive method, notable for their ease of application coupled with strong adhesive properties. For example, a suitable doublesided tape may include a polyethylene (PET) carrier with an acrylate-based or acrylic adhesive on each side. These tapes are specially designed to be highly flexible, allowing them to adapt to uneven or textured surfaces of gaskets, while still ensuring a reliable bond. In some embodiments, the adhesive 5a, 5b has a thickness of greater than 0 to 10%, greater than 0 to 5%, or 5 to 10% of the thickness of the gasket 10 in an axial direction (gasket thickness).Importantly, the combined thickness of the mating portions 20, 30 and the adhesive 5a, 5b should be equal to or within 5% or 10% of the gasket thickness. The aforementioned combined thickness may refer to a pre-compressed thickness or a compressed thickness. For non- compressible adhesives, the combined thickness may be set to within 5% of the gasket thickness. For compressible adhesives, the combined thickness may be set to within 10% of the gasket thickness.

[0034] In the specified joint configuration, it is mandatory to implement at least one of the adhesives 5a, 5b. The application of at least one adhesive 5a, 5b in a joint crucially restricts the degree of freedom in the direction orthogonal to the plane of the segmented gasket 10 (an axial direction) when the opposing mating surfaces 20d, 30d are joined. This restriction, coupled with the limitation of the circumferential degree of freedom discussed above, ensures mechanical stability in the joint 40 by effectively constraining relative motion between the gasket segments 10a, 10b.

[0035] It is crucial that the application of adhesive(s) 5a, 5b is strictly limited to the designated area of the joint geometry, as illustrated by the hatched surfaces (mating surfaces 20d, 30d) in FIG. 1. This precise confinement of the adhesive 5a, 5b to the specified area is essential to prevent any contact between the adhesive substance and the environment surrounding the segmented gasket 10. Such a measure is imperative to ensure that, during operation, the adhesive 5a, 5b does not come into contact with a fluid being contained or transported by adevice employing the segmented gasket 10. This precaution serves to inhibit premature degradation of the adhesive 5a, 5b and effectively prevents any potential contamination of the fluid by traces of the adhesive substance.

[0036] The fabrication of the segmented gasket 10 may be accomplished using, but not limited to, milling machines or cutting tools. As discussed above, the gasket segments 10a, 10b and their respective mating portions 20, 30 are configured such that the combined thickness of the components in their assembled state aligns precisely with the specified gasket thickness. This is critical to prevent any deviation in the combined thickness, either exceeding or falling short of the gasket thickness, which could result in the formation of potential leakage pathways near the mating surfaces 20d, 30d. Failure to comply with these specifications could compromise the integrity of the assembly and lead to functional deficiencies.

[0037] In some embodiments, a method of fabricating the segmented gasket 10 includes forming at least two gasket segments 10a, 10b having partial thickness mating portions 20, 30 at each end thereof. The number of segments is not particularly limited provided that the segments are configured to be joined into a full segmented gasket 10. That is, the gasket segments each have an arc length that does not include the extensions of the mating portions and the sum of the gasket segment arc lengths is equal to the circumference of the segmented gasket. The segments may be of equal or unequal lengths. In some embodiments, the method may include forming uniform thickness gasket segments and then reducing a thickness of the mating portions by milling, sanding, or cutting. In such embodiments, the milling, sanding, or cutting may be performed on the same surface for both ends of the first segment 10a and then on the opposite surface for both ends of the second segment 10b, such that each of the segments 10a, 10b has one entirely planar surface. In other such embodiments, the milling, sanding, or cutting may be performed on opposite surfaces of the segments 10a, 10b, such that neither surface is entirely planar. In some embodiments, the mating portions 20, 30 may be formed concurrently with formation of the segments 10a, 10b. The method next includes applying an adhesive 5a, 5b to at least a portion of at least one of the mating portions 20, 30. Lastly, the method includes contacting the mating surfaces 20d, 30d of the mating portions 20, 30 to form a joint 40, wherein the mating portions 20, 30 entirely enclose the adhesive 5a, 5b such that none of the adhesive 5a, 5b is exposed.

[0038] In some embodiments, the segmented gasket 10 may be provided in a kit including the gasket segments 10a, 10b, the adhesive(s) 5a, 5b, and, optionally, instructions for use. In some embodiments, the adhesive(s) 5a, 5b may be pre-applied to the mating surfaces 20d, 30d. For example, the adhesive(s) 5a, 5b may include a glue or double-sided tape adhered to one or both mating surfaces 20d, 30d and a release liner over the adhesive 5a, 5b to isolate the adhesive 5a, 5b prior to assembly of the segmented gasket 10. In some embodiments, the adhesive(s) may be provided separately and applied by a user of the kit. In some embodiments, the segments 10a, 10b may be marked to ensure proper orientation and order during assembly.

[0039] It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 2 depicts a segmented gasket 10 with mating portions 20, 30 each having a dovetail shape. Reference numerals repeated from FIG. 1 have the same meaning and features as discussed above. The joint 40 in FIG. 2 includes a first adhesive 6a applied to a mating surface 20d of the first mating portion 20 and / or a second adhesive 6b applied to a mating surface 30d of the second mating portion 30. The adhesives 6a, 6b may include the compositions and configurations discussed above with respect to adhesives 5a, 5b. However, the adhesives 6a, 6b may be uniquely adapted to accommodate the distinct surface geometry of this embodiment. This adaptation ensures the integrity and effectiveness of the joint in line with the overarching principles of the present disclosure.

[0040] The present disclosure emphasizes partial thickness designs, similar to those previously described, with key design principles integrated into each variant. These designs necessitate the inclusion of partial -thickness joints at both ends of the gasket segment. In some embodiments, the segmented gasket 10 has uniformity in the geometry of mating surfaces 20d, 30d across all segments 10a, 10b for specific applications and, optionally, alignment of these mating surfaces 20d, 30d are planar and / or parallel to the gasket surface. Additionally, the combined thickness of the mating structures, together with the adhesive method employed, is carefully calibrated to align with the gasket thickness, ensuring that it neither significantly exceeds nor falls short of the desired dimension. This approach ensures consistency and functionality across all similar design implementations within the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] In some embodiments, the thickness of the segmented gasket 10 is specified not to exceed 10 millimeters. This parameter is set in consideration of the usual applications for industrial gaskets.

[0042] In some embodiments, the segmented gasket 10 is formed of non-metallic, soft gasket materials. These include, but are not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), structured polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), compressed fiber gaskets (CFG), flexible graphite gaskets, rubber gaskets, as well as any hybrid or composite forms derived from a combination of these materials. These materials represent the primary categories of soft gaskets applicable within the scope of this disclosure. It should be noted that variations in material properties, encompassing the use of various additives and fabrication processes, are considered to fall within the ambit of this disclosure without deviating from its fundamental scope.

[0043] Turning to FIG. 3, the segmented gasket 10 is shown in an assembled form, wherein the segments 10a, 10b are joined via the mating portions 20, 30. The mating portions 20, 30 have a bridge width Wb measured in a radial direction of the gasket 10 at a juncture between the segments 10a, 10b, a maximum width Wm measured in a direction parallel to the bridge width Wb direction, and a length Lmmeasured in a direction perpendicular to the bridge width Wb direction. The location of the maximum width Wm is dictated by the shape of the mating portions 20, 30. For example, the maximum width Wmin the embodiment of FIG. 2 would be located at distal ends of the mating portions 20, 30. The gasket 10 has a width Wgmeasured in a radial direction. A reference area A is equal to the mating portion length Lmtimes the gasket width Wg. A mating area is equal to the area of the mating portion 20 or 30. When a plurality of pairs of mating portions 20, 30 are present, the mating area is equal to a sum of the areas of the mating portions 20 or a sum of the areas of the mating portions 30. In some embodiments, the mating area is 20%-85%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at most 85%, or at most 70% of the reference area A.

[0044] The mating portions 20, 30 have a clearance C defined as a minimum distance between the mating portions 20, 30 and an interior or exterior circumferential edge of the gasket. In some embodiments, the clearance C is at least 3 mm, at least 6 mm, or between 3 and 6 mm. If the clearance C is too large, the mating area may be too small and, if the clearance C is too small, the integrity of the juncture may be compromised (e.g., adhesive could escape and contaminate the gasket).

[0045] In some embodiments, the bridge width Wb (or, when a plurality of pairs of mating portions 20, 30 are present, the sum of bridge widths Wb) is at least 20%, at least 30%, at least40%, or at least 50% of the gasket width Wg. In any embodiment, the bridge width Wb may be less than the maximum mating portion width Wm. In some embodiments, a ratio between the width Wb and the width Wm is from 0.3 to less than 1, from 0.5 to less than 1, from 0.6 to less than 1, from 0.7 to less than 1, from 0.8 to less than 1, from 0.3 to 0.9, from 0.5 to 0.9, from 0.7 to 0.9, from 0.3 to 0.8, or from 0.5 to 0.8.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, shaped double-sided tapes 50a, 50b cut from doublesided tapes 60a, 60b are depicted. The shaped double-sided tape 50a may be useable as the adhesive 5a, 5b and the shaped double-sided tape 50b may be useable as the adhesive 6a, 6b. The shaped double-sided tape 50a is designed to be accurately tailored into a shape that corresponds with the geometry of the mating portions 20, 30 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ensuring that its dimensions are slightly smaller and do not exceed those of the mating portions 20, 30. The shaped double-sided tape 50b is similarly tailored to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. This custom-cut tape serves as an effective adhesive solution, simplifying the process of affixing it to the designated surface. Notably, the shaped double-sided tape 50a, 50b, retains its double-sided protective sheets, enhancing ease of handling and application. These protective layers can be conveniently removed when the tape is ready to be applied, either during the assembly process or subsequent to the production of the segmented gasket 10. The present disclosure acknowledges that the geometries of the custom-cut tape can be varied to accommodate different configurations of the mating surfaces on segmented gaskets 10.

[0047] In a manner akin to the application of double-sided tapes, liquid glue and thermoplastic foil welding can also be employed for similar purposes. These adhesive solutions are suitable for use in the same contexts and scenarios as the aforementioned tapes.

[0048] It is understood that variations and manufacturing techniques may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] In several embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some (or all) of the embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and / or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various embodiments.

[0050] Any spatial references, such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom -to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom -up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.

[0051] Although several embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are illustrative only and are not limiting, and those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and / or substitutions are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes, and / or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word “means” together with an associated function.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A segmented gasket comprising: a first segment comprising a first body portion having uniform thickness and a first mating portion at an end thereof, the first mating portion having a partial thickness as compared to the thickness of the first body portion, wherein the first mating portion comprises a first seat extending into the first body portion, a first extension extending away from the first body portion, and a first bridge positioned between the first seat and the first extension, wherein the first bridge has a smaller radial width than that of the first seat and the first extension; a second segment comprising a second body portion having uniform thickness equal to that of the first body portion and a second mating portion at an end thereof, the second mating portion having a partial thickness as compared to the thickness of the second body portion, wherein the second mating portion comprises a second seat extending into the second body portion, a second extension extending away from the second body portion, and a second bridge positioned between the second seat and the second extension, wherein the second bridge has a smaller radial width than that of the second seat and the second extension; wherein the first extension is positioned within the second seat and the second extension is positioned within the first seat to restrict movement of the first segment relative to the second segment in a planar direction of the segmented gasket; and an adhesive disposed between the first mating portion and the second mating portion such that the adhesive is isolated from exterior surfaces of the segmented gasket, the adhesive, the first mating portion, and the second mating portion forming a joint, wherein a thickness of the joint is equal to the thickness of the first body portion and the second body portion.

2. The segmented gasket of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first body portion is 10 mm or less.

3. The segmented gasket of claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises a double-sided adhesive tape.

4. The segmented gasket of claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises a liquid glue.

5. The segmented gasket of claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises a thermoplastic foil welding.

6. The segmented gasket of claim 1, wherein the first segment comprises exactly one mating portion at each end thereof and the second segment comprises exactly one mating portion at each end thereof.

7. The segmented gasket of claim 1, wherein the first segment comprises two mating portions at each end thereof and the second segment comprises two mating portions at each end thereof.

8. The segmented gasket of claim 1, wherein the first segment comprises more than two mating portions at each end thereof and the second segment comprises an equal number of mating portions at each end thereof.

9. The segmented gasket of claim 1, wherein the first segment and the second segment each comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), structured polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), compressed fibers, flexible graphite, rubber, or combinations thereof.

10. A kit for assembling a segmented gasket comprising: a first segment comprising a first body portion having uniform thickness and a first mating portion at an end thereof, the first mating portion having a partial thickness as compared to the thickness of the first body portion, wherein the first mating portion comprises a first seat extending into the first body portion, a first extension extending away from the first body portion, and a first bridgepositioned between the first seat and the first extension, wherein the first bridge has a smaller radial width than that of the first seat and the first extension; a second segment comprising a second body portion having uniform thickness equal to that of the first body portion and a second mating portion at an end thereof, the second mating portion having a partial thickness as compared to the thickness of the second body portion, wherein the second mating portion comprises a second seat extending into the second body portion, a second extension extending away from the second body portion, and a second bridge positioned between the second seat and the second extension, wherein the second bridge has a smaller radial width than that of the second seat and the second extension; wherein the first extension is configured to be received in the second seat and the second extension is configured to be received in the first seat to restrict movement of the first segment relative to the second segment in a planar direction of the segmented gasket; and an adhesive configured to bond the first mating portion and the second mating portion such that the adhesive is isolated from exterior surfaces of the segmented gasket and such that a thickness of the adhesive, the first mating portion, and the second mating portion is equal to the thickness of the first body portion and the second body portion.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the thickness of the first body portion is 10 mm or less.

12. The kit of claim 10, wherein the adhesive comprises a double-sided adhesive tape.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the double-sided adhesive tape is shaped to cover the first mating portion without extending beyond the first mating portion.

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein one side of the double-sided adhesive tape is adhered to one of the first mating portion and the other side of the double-sided adhesive tape comprises a release liner disposed thereon.

15. The kit of claim 10, wherein the adhesive comprises a liquid glue or a thermoplastic foil welding.

16. The kit of claim 10, wherein the first segment and the second segment each comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), structured polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), compressed fibers, flexible graphite, rubber, or combinations thereof.

17. A method of forming a gasket comprising, providing a first segment comprising a first body portion having uniform thickness and a first mating portion at an end thereof, the first mating portion having a partial thickness as compared to the thickness of the first body portion, wherein the first mating portion comprises a first seat extending into the first body portion, a first extension extending away from the first body portion, and a first bridge positioned between the first seat and the first extension, wherein the first bridge has a smaller radial width than that of the first seat and the first extension; providing a second segment comprising a second body portion having uniform thickness equal to that of the first body portion and a second mating portion at an end thereof, the second mating portion having a partial thickness as compared to the thickness of the second body portion, wherein the second mating portion comprises a second seat extending into the second body portion, a second extension extending away from the second body portion, and a second bridge positioned between the second seat and the second extension, wherein the second bridge has a smaller radial width than that of the second seat and the second extension; applying an adhesive to at least one of the first mating portion or the second mating portion such that the adhesive does not contact the first body portion or the second body portion; and positioning the first extension within the second seat and the second extension within the first seat to secure the first segment to the second segment and to form a joint comprising the adhesive, the first mating portion, and the second mating portion;wherein, after securing the first segment to the second segment, the adhesive is isolated from exterior surfaces of the gasket; and wherein a thickness of the joint is equal to the thickness of the first body portion and the second body portion.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the thickness of the first body portion is 10 mm or less.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the adhesive comprises a double-sided adhesive tape and the method further comprises cutting the double-sided adhesive tape into a shape matching a shape of the first mating portion.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first segment and the second segment each comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), structured polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), compressed fibers, flexible graphite, rubber, or combinations thereof.

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