Patent ID: 7828302
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
1. A gasket for sealing a pair of opposing flanges together against the passage of liquid without compressing the flanges together, said gasket comprising: an elongated elastomeric gasket body defining a generally continuous length; said gasket body including an integral first sealing member extending in a first lateral direction relative to said length, and an integral second sealing member extending in a second lateral direction generally opposite to said first lateral direction, each of said first and second sealing members extending continuously and uninterrupted along said length of said gasket body; a first pair of opposing beads protruding laterally from said first sealing member, said first opposing pair of beads extending continuously and uninterrupted along said length for establishing a laterally directed contact seal against a first one of the opposing flanges; a second pair of opposing beads protruding laterally from said second sealing member, said second opposing pair of beads extending continuously and uninterrupted along said length for establishing a laterally directed contact seal against a second one of the opposing flanges; and an elongated reinforcing spring embedded within said gasket body and extending within each of said first and second sealing members, said reinforcing spring having at least one U-shaped bend for continuously urging said respective first and second pairs of beads laterally relative to said length to enhance the contact pressure of said beads against their respective opposing flanges, whereby said gasket maintains a liquid impervious seal between the opposing flanges through self-generated lateral contact pressure on each of the flanges without compressive force; said resilient spring having a generally Y-shaped configuration as viewed in cross-section taken perpendicularly through said length; and said generally Y-shaped configuration of said resilient spring being defined by a pair of diverging legs embedded within said second sealing member and a confluent stem embedded within said first sealing member, said U-shaped bend contained within said stem, said first pair of opposing beads protruding laterally away from one another and said second pair of opposing beads protruding laterally toward one another.