Patent ID: 7448445

Claim:
A downhole tool having an annular seal ring and a cam surface for radially expanding the seal ring from a run-in position to a set position in engagement with an outer tubular member, the seal ring comprising: a reinforcing element having an annular wall with an outer wall surface, an inner wall surface, an upper circular rim at an upper end, a lower circular rim at a lower end, and a plurality of holes extending through the annular wall, the plurality of holes being disposed in at least three parallel rings, a first parallel ring being disposed adjacent the upper circular rim, a second parallel ring being disposed adjacent the lower circular rim, and a third parallel ring being disposed between the first and second parallel rings, and the reinforcing element being radially enlarged when the seal ring expands from the run-in position to the set position; and a sealing material disposed around the outer wall surface of the reinforcing element for engagement with the outer tubular member, through the hole of the reinforcing element, and around at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the reinforcing element.