Patent ID: 6709023
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A flexible slide joint comprising:a first tube member having a first center axis; a second tube member having a second center axis; a slideable sealing assembly configured and arranged between said first and second tube members to accommodate a first range of axial movement between said first and second tube members upon a first predetermined axial force occurring between said first and second tube members; and an axially compressible element configured and arranged between said first and second tube members to accommodate a second range of axial movement between said first and second tube members upon a second predetermined axial force occurring between said first and second tube members, said axially compressible element being force balanced relative to said slidable sealing assembly such that said second predetermined axial force is smaller than said first predetermined axial force, said axially compressible element being configured and arranged to operate in series with said slidable sealing assembly.