Seal for a joint or juncture – Seal between fixed parts or static contact against... – Contact seal for a pipe – conduit – or cable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-26
2001-05-15
Knight, Anthony (Department: 3626)
Seal for a joint or juncture
Seal between fixed parts or static contact against...
Contact seal for a pipe, conduit, or cable
C285S045000, C285S336000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06231052
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to pipe flange protectors, and more particularly to a lightweight, weather resistant, transparent flange protector for protecting the flange and interior flange surfaces from the moisture and corrosion that is inherent in a pipeline environment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pipelines are typically constructed by employing sections of pipe joined together by opposing metal pipe flanges. These opposing pipe flanges should be properly sealed in order to prevent air and moisture from entering onto the interior surfaces of the flanges and causing pifting and corrosion that often results in a loss of pipeline integrity and an increased need for costly inspection and repair. Means for sealing the pipe flanges typically involve the use of pipe flange protectors that employ bands or rings that cover the outer edge of the opposing flanges. Many of these flange protectors have valve means for injecting lubricants and corrosion inhibitors under the flange protector.
An example of one such flange protector is that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,517 to Dunegan. This patent discloses the use of an elastomer ring secured around the opposing flange surfaces by a continuous metal band. The elastomer ring has grease fittings for injecting lubricants into the area covered by the elastomer ring. One problem associated with a flange protector such as that disclosed by Dunegan arises during the inspection of the flange after the flange protector has been installed. The continuous metal band and elastomer ring cover the outer surface of the flange so that the lubricated flange surface cannot be visualized. Consequently, a visual inspection of the flange and flange protector will not reveal whether a sufficient quantity of lubricant has been injected into the flange protector or whether corrosion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an object of the invention to provide a flange protector for attachment to a flange of a pipe or conduit that will allow a visual inspection of the outer surfaces of the opposing flanges without removing the flange protector.
Another object is to provide a flange protector that will allow an installer and an inspector to visualize the amount of lubricant injected into the protector.
To achieve these and other objects and advantages, the flange protector of the present invention is comprised of a length of flexible, transparent, elastomeric material forming a band to be placed around the perimeter surface of adjoining pipe flanges of a pipe joint. The each end of the band has a metal strap or buckle for securing the band over and around the flanges to be protected. In the preferred embodiment, the transparent band is clear enough to allow an installer or an inspector to see the outer surfaces of the opposing flanges forming the pipe joint as well as the amount of lubricant or corrosion inhibitor that may have been injected into the flange protector.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a flange protector having a resilient, transparent, elastomer seal for sealing the outer surface of opposing pipeline flanges that is configured to eliminate the need for a metal band completely around the circumference of the flange to be sealed.
Another aspect of the invention is to provide a transparent band for sealing a flange that works in cooperation with fittings means for injecting a lubricant or corrosion inhibitor into the pipe flange protector for impeding or prohibiting the formation of corrosion on the pipe flange.
These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention are described in or apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3834744 (1974-09-01), Masatchi
patent: 4457517 (1984-07-01), Dunegan
patent: 4927182 (1990-05-01), Moore
patent: 5222769 (1993-06-01), Kaempen
patent: 5609369 (1997-03-01), Wilder et al.
Knight Anthony
Schwing Karlena D.
Stagg William W.
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