Patent ID: 6695357
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
An assembly for joining a tubular first section to a tubular second section, each of the sections having an externally-threaded end terminating at an end face disposable a spaced-apart distance from an opposing surface along a longitudinal axis, and the sections being rotatably displaceable in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis to move each of the end faces towards its opposing surface, the assembly comprising:a generally tubular coupling comprising: a first coupling end and a second coupling end opposite the first coupling end, each of the first and second coupling ends being internally-threaded to be threadably engageable with an end of a corresponding one of the first and second sections for the rotational displacement thereof along the longitudinal axis; and a first seating portion defined intermediate the first and second coupling ends; and at least a first gasket seatable in the seating portion between, when the first section end is threadably engaged with the coupling first end, the end face of the first section and the surface opposing the first section end face, the first gasket comprising: a retainer having opposing first and second radial surfaces, each of the first and second radial surfaces extending in a radial direction generally normal to the axial direction intermediate an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter which together define a closed geometry registrable between the first section end face and its opposing surface, the retainer including a generally annular first mounting groove formed in the first radial surface intermediate the inner and outer perimeter and extending substantially continuously along the closed geometry, the first mounting groove defining a first void volume between the first section end face and being formed as having an axial first inner sidewall adjacent the inner perimeter and an opposing axial first outer sidewall adjacent the outer perimeter disposed a spaced-apart radial distance from the first inner sidewall, and as having a radial first groove bottom wall extending intermediate the first inner and the first outer sidewall; and a generally annular first seal element received in the first mounting groove to extend therein substantially continuously along the entirety of the closed geometry, the first seal element configured in a free state to be compressible axially intermediate the first groove bottom wall and the first section end face into an energized state effecting a fluid-tight sealing therewith, the first seal element occupying in the energized state a filled portion of the first void volume, the remainder of the first void volume being an unfilled portion, wherein the first gasket retainer further includes one or more first channels formed into the first radial surface to extend radially through a corresponding one of the first inner and the first outer sidewall to define an opening therein, and through the adjacent one of the inner and the outer perimeter, each of the first channels being coupled through a corresponding opening in fluid communication with the unfilled portion of the first void volume, and defining with the first section end face a vent relieving from the unfilled portion of the first void volume a first hydrostatic pressure developed therein from a source of fluid pressure between the first section end face and the first gasket as the first section end face is moved towards its opposing surface.