Patent ID: 6708985
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A ring seal and retainer assembly wherein said ring seal is adapted to be compressed and decompressed in the axial direction for making a sealed joint between first and second axially mating opposed surfaces, the ring seal and retainer assembly comprising:an annularly shaped ring seal having an axially aligned hole for gas or fluid passage, a radial inner surface, a radial outer surface, and substantially uncovered first and second axial end surfaces constructed to engage the axially opposed mating surfaces, said radial outer surface including a circumferential groove at least partially circumnavigating said radial outer surface; a retainer having an outer circular sidewall, said retainer substantially circumnavigating said ring seal so that said circular sidewall predominantly covers and engages said ring seal's radial outer surface; attachment means for attaching said retainer to said ring seal; and said ring seal's first and second axial end surfaces being predominately uncovered by said retainer so as to enable said uncovered portions of said first and second axial end surfaces to engage and form a seal with two axially opposed surfaces.