Patent ID: 6145891
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A double booted flexible entry boot for providing a fluid-tight fitting between a wall of a fluid containment region and a conduit passing through the wall, the flexible entry boot comprising:an inner seal member adapted to be disposed within the containment region, the inner seal member having a substantially planar seal portion and an integral first hollow support sleeve concentric with the seal portion and adapted to extend axially into the containment region, the support sleeve having an outer surface and an inner, conduit receiving surface, the hollow support sleeve further having a degree of flexibility relative to the seal portion sufficient to allow for the insertion of the conduit at angles equal to or other than an angle normal to the fluid containment wall while maintaining a fluid-tight environment;means for rigidifying the seal portion of the inner seal member;means for releasably attaching the first hollow support sleeve to the conduit;an outer seal member adapted to be disposed outside of the containment region, the outer seal member having a substantially planar seal portion and an integral second hollow support sleeve concentric with the seal portion and adapted to extend axially away from the containment region, the support sleeve having an outer surface and an inner, conduit receiving surface, the hollow support sleeve further having a degree of flexibility relative to the seal portion sufficient to allow for the insertion of the conduit at angles equal to or other than an angle normal to the fluid containment wall while maintaining a fluid-tight environment;means for rigidifying the seal portion of the outer seal member;means for releasably attaching the second hollow support sleeve to the conduit; andmeans, carried by the rigidified seal portion of the outer seal member and adapted to extend axially through the wall and the rigidified seal portion of the inner seal member, for releasably attaching the inner seal member to the wall of the containment region;wherein the inner seal member may be repaired or replaced without substantial outside fluid invading the containment region.