Self-sealing releasable and reusable plug
US6390042B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2102
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved releasable and reusable self-sealing plug for mechanically sealing a bore. A cylindrical body is formed on its outer surface to retain radial sealing means such as an O-ring. An oversize annular cap at the outer end of the body limits ingress of the plug into a bore, and a pair of opposed, flexible limbs terminating in flanges beyond the inner end of the body are compressed radially during insertion of the plug and spring out at completion of insertion to grip the inner entrance to the bore, thus holding the O-ring and plug in the bore. Insertion may be accomplished manually without the aid of tools. The plug cannot be driven out by pressure on the bore, but is easily removed by recompression of the limbs and flanges and withdrawal of the plug by, for example, needle-nose pliers. The plug may be formed inexpensively and easily by injection molding of a suitable plastic polymer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.