Expandable band and locking mechanism
US6152455A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/1457
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. A plurality of slots are disposed in the first band end portion, and a locking member extends from the second band end portion. The locking member includes a tab for extending through the second band end portion and into one of the plurality of slots to lock the expandable band at the desired diameter. An end section of the second band end portion extends beyond the tab of the locking member to ease the transition between the overlapping first and second band end portions. When the band is expanded, the tab is disengaged from the slots and slides over the slots, allowing the first and second band end portions to move relative to one another. At the desired diameter, the tab engages one of the slots to lock the band at the desired diameter. The locking member is disposed on the outside region of the band with the tab extending inward such that the sealing member provides a resilient backing against the locking member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.