Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02586829 2010-04-01
GASKET PACKAGE
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to gaskets for use in providing a liquid tight
seal between an opening in a wall and a pipe. More particularly, the invention
relates to a packaging arrangement for retaining a clamp assembly with the
gasket during transport of the gasket, before it is installed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Gaskets or connectors made of rubber, or similar resilient material, are
typically utilized in sewage systems for providing a liquid tight seal between
a
pipe and an opening in a side wall of a cast member, such as, for example, a
manhole assembly.
There are two standard techniques for mounting a gasket within an
opening in a cast member. First, one can embed an end of the gasket into a
cast
member during the casting operation. In this manner, the gasket is integrally
joined to the cast member during the casting operation as the cast member is
being formed, for example, at the factory.
The other technique is to mount the gasket into an opening in a side wall
of a cast member. The opening may be either formed during a casting operation
or may be formed by the step of coring an opening in a member previously cast
prior to installation of the gasket. Gaskets mounted into a cast member after
a
casting operation are provided with a mounting portion which has a surface'
designed to make substantially intimate engagement with the surface of the
opening. An expansion band is then placed against the interior surface of the
gasket mounting portion and is expanded by an amount sufficient to expand the
gasket mounting portion and compress it between the expansion band and the
opening in the side wall of the cast member. This is sufficient to maintain a
liquid
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tight seal, satisfactory to withstand a given,. level of pressure, which may
be
exerted by subsurface water upon the liquid tight seal between the gasket and
the cast member.
After the gasket has been mounted, it is ready to receive a pipe, which is
inserted into the opposite end of the gasket. The gasket opposite end serves
as
the pipe engaging portion, the pipe being inserted into the gasket so that the
pipe
engaging portion encircles the exterior surface of the pipe at that point. In
order
to assure a proper liquid tight seal, a clamp, sometimes known as a take-down
clamp, is placed about the outer periphery of the gasket pipe engaging
portion.
The clamp is then tightened by an amount suitable to provide the desired
liquid
tight seal between the-gasket and the pipe.
Historically, the gasket and the clamp were shipped to the customer loose,
either in a shared packaging or separately. For gaskets which have an end
embedded into a cast member, it is common practice in the industry to take the
gasket and mount it on hole forming equipment that positions the end to be
embedded in the desired location during the casting of precast components in
steel shaping molds. After the precast component is adequately cured, the
precast producer will demold the component from the steel mold, remove the
hole forming equipment and store the precast component. When it comes time
to ship the precast component to the job site for installation, the
manufacturer
must locate and match the correct clamp to the gasket or make provisions for
the
contractor to do the same so that all gasket components are available at the
time
of installation. Such installations could be a short distance from the
producer of
the precast component, or as far as several hundred miles away. It is apparent
that there can be much aggravation and expense associated with lost or
misplaced clamps, not to mention the liability risk when the contractor goes
to the
local hardware store to improvise with a clamp that may not be suitable for
direct
burial.
One known packaging design which reduces the possibility of misplaced
or lost clamps is illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 6,921,085. That patent
discloses a
package including gasket mounting clamps and instructions for. mounting same.
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The mounting clamps include an expansion.clamp and a take-down clamp. The
expansion clamp engages an interior of the gasket. The take-down clamp is
positioned in the gasket and is urged against a surface of either the
expansion
clamp or the gasket. A flexible fastener loops through the expansion clamp and
around the take-down clamp, also passing through an opening in an instruction
card, thereby retaining the card and the take-down clamp within the gasket.
However, in a design where there is no expansion clamp, the take-down
clamp could not be easily held within the gasket with such a flexible
fastener.
Accordingly, it is desirable to develop a new and improved packaging
design for gaskets and clamps which would overcome the foregoing difficulties
and others while providing better and more advantageous overall results.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment of the present invention, a gasket assembly is
provided.
In this embodiment of the invention, the gasket assembly comprises a
one-piece gasket including a mounting end for mounting to, an opening of an
associated enclosure body and a pipe engaging end for receiving an. associated
pipe. An intermediate section is located between the mounting end and the pipe
engaging end. A mounting element, of one piece with one of the mounting end,
the pipe engaging end and the intermediate section, is provided on the gasket.
A
clamping member is provided for use with the gasket. The clamping member is
looped to assume an annular configuration. A retaining member is. looped
through an aperture in the mounting element and through the clamping member
for retaining the clamping member to the gasket in a transport position.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a gasket assembly is
provided. In this embodiment of the invention, a gasket is made of a resilient
material and includes an annular mounting end for mounting to an opening of an
associated cast member and a pipe engaging end for receiving an associated
pipe. A tapered intermediate section is located between the mounting end and
the pipe engaging end. A clamping member is used on the pipe engaging end of
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the gasket. The clamping member is looped to assume an annular configuration.
The clamping member cooperates with the gasket pipe engaging end in a use
position of the gasket. An elongated tie is looped through an aperture located
in
the mounting element and through the clamping member for retaining the
clamping member to the gasket in a transport position of the gasket.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a gasket
assembly is provided for joining together a pipe and an enclosure body, having
an opening formed therein. More particularly, in accordance with this aspect
of
the invention, the gasket assembly comprises a one-piece elastomeric gasket
which assumes a first, transport orientation and a second, use orientation.
The
gasket comprises a larger end for -mounting to an opening of an associated
enclosure body and a smaller end for receiving an associated pipe. A tapered
intermediate section is located between the two ends. A mounting element is of
one piece with one of the larger end, the smaller end and the intermediate
section. A clamp assembly is looped to assume an annular configuration. In the
use orientation of the gasket, the clamp assembly extends around the smaller
end of the gasket for clamping around the associated pipe. A close looped
fastener, looped through an aperture located in the mounting element and
through the clamp assembly, retains the clamp assembly to the gasket in the
transport orientation of the gasket.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a gasket assembly comprising-: a one piece gasket including: a
mounting end for mounting to an associated enclosure body, a pipe
engaging end for receiving an associated pipe, an intermediate section
located between said mounting end and said pipe engaging end, and a
mounting element, of one piece with one of said mounting end, said pipe
engaging end and said intermediate section; a clamping member for use
with said gasket, said clamping member being looped to assume are annular
configuration; and; a retaining member which extends through an aperture
located in said mounting element and through said clamping member for
retaining said clamping member to said gasket in a transport position of
said gasket assembly.
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In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a gasket assembly comprising: a gasket made of a resilient
material and including: an annular mounting end for mounting to an opening
of an associated cast member, a pipe engaging end for receiving an
associated pipe, a tapered intermediate section located between said pipe
engaging end and said mounting end, and a mounting element of one piece
with one of said mounting end, said pipe engaging end and said
intermediate section; a clamping member for use with said gasket pipe
engaging end, said clamping member being looped to assume an annular
configuration, said clamping member cooperating with said gasket pipe
engaging end in a use position of said gasket; and, an elongated tie looped
through an aperture located in said mounting element and through said
clamping member for retaining said clamping member to said gasket in
transport position of said gasket.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a gasket
assembly for joining together an associated pipe and an associated enclosure
body
having an opening formed therein, the gasket assembly comprising: a one piece
elastomeric gasket which assumes a first, transport orientation and a second,
use
orientation including: a larger end for mounting to an opening of an
associated enclosure
body, a smaller end for receiving an associated pipe, a tapered intermediate
section
located between said pipe engaging end and said mounting end, and a mounting
element
of one piece with one of said larger end, said smaller end and said
intermediate section.
a clamp assembly, said clamp assembly being looped to assume an annular
configuration,
said clamp assembly extending around said smaller end of said gasket in a use
position of
said gasket; and, a close looped fastener looped through an aperture located
in said
mounting element and through said clamp assembly for retaining said clamp
assembly to
said gasket in the transport orientation of said gasket.
Other benefits and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the
following detailed specification.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may take form in certain components and structures,
preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in this
specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a schematic cross sectional view of a first embodiment
of a gasket assembly according to the present invention, in a first
orientation;
FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view thereof;
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FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view, in cross section, of the gasket
assembly of FIGURE 1 in a second orientation
FIGURE 3A is a side elevational view in cross section of another gasket
assembly, together with a mounting mandrel used in a placement of the gasket
in
an associated cast member;
FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view of the gasket assembly of FIGURE 1
in a third orientation, as installed in an associated cast member;
FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view in. cross section of the gasket
assembly of FIGURE 4 in a fourth orientation, with a pipe extending through
the
.10 gasket;
FIGURE 6-. is a perspective- view of a portion of a gasket --assembly
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a gasket assembly according to a third
embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 8 is a perspective, broken away, view of a gasket assembly
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the gasket
assembly of FIGURE 8;
FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a gasket assembly of FIGURE 8, as
mounted on a flat wall mandrel;
FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the gasket assembly of FIGURE 8 as
mounted on a radius wall mandrel;
FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of a gasket assembly according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of the gasket assembly of FIGURE 12
from another direction;
FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of a gasket assembly according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention.;
FIGURE 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of the gasket assembly of
FIGURE 14;
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FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of a gasket assembly according to a
seventh embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 17 is an enlarged view of a. portion of FIGURE 16;
FIGURE 18 is a perspective view of an alternative fastening arrangement
for the embodiment of FIGURE .16;
FIGURE 19 is a perspective view of a further alternative fastening
arrangement for the embodiment of FIGURE 16;
FIGURE 20 is a perspective view of a gasket assembly according to an
eighth embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of the gasket assembly of
FIGURE 20;
FIGURE 22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the
gasket assembly of FIGURE 20;
FIGURE 23 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the present
invention;
FIGURE 24 is an enlarged view of a portion of the gasket assembly of
FIGURE 23;
FIGURE 25 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the present
invention; and,
FIGURE 26 is an enlarged view of a portion of the gasket assembly of
FIGURE 25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of
illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes
of
limiting same, FIGURE 1 illustrated a gasket assembly according . to a first
embodiment of the present invention. In FIGURE 1, a gasket body 10 is
provided. The gasket body includes a first or mounting end 12 and a second or
pipe engaging end 14. An intermediate portion 16 connects the two ends. As is
evident from FIGURE 1, the gasket body can have a somewhat tapered
configuration. The gasket body also includes a first wall 18 and a second wall
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20. The first and second walls 18 and 20 of the gasket can be either the inner
wall or the outer wall of the gasket, depending on its orientation. An
anchoring
projection 24 can be located at the first end 12. The anchoring projection is
also
sometimes known as the embedment end of the gasket. Located adjacent the
second end 14 is a bead 26. While the anchoring projections 24 are located on
the first wall 18, it is evident that the bead 26 is located on the second
wall 20.
Located on the first wall adjacent the second end are a plurality of spaced
ribs or
serrations 28, which can extend circumferentially around the gasket. The
gasket
14 is of conventional design and can be formed from a resilient material, such
as
rubber or a rubber-like material, which is compressible and it can be
partially
expandable as well.
Spaced from the bead 26 and located on the second wall 20 are tabs 30.
As is evident from FIGURE 2, in this embodiment, there are two tabs which are
spaced from each other by approximately 180 so that the two tabs face each
other. Also, an installation tag 34 can be provided for the gasket assembly.
After
the gasket has been formed, it can be turned inside out. In other words, the
gasket is pulled so that the second wall 20 now becomes the outer wall, as the
gasket is pulled via arrows 44 in FIGURE 3. Now, the bead 26 is located on the
outer wall of the gasket and the ribs or serrations 28 are located on the
inner wall
thereof.
Positioned in the gasket, is a take-down clamp assembly 50. The take-
down clamp can be a conventional clamp, which finds widespread use through a
variety of different industries. It is similar to a tightening clamp used,
e.g., in the
automotive industry for tightening hoses in vehicles such as cars, trucks or
farm
equipment. It includes a band 52 and a tightening screw 54 (FIG. 2). This is
tightened conventionally via a torque wrench, or similar tool. The take-down
clamp may be formed of plastic, metal or a combination of suitable known non-
corrosive materials. The installation tag can be secured to the band 52 via a
loop
56 of material that is either part of the tag or is a separate loop fastener
of the
type illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,085.
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As is evident from FIGURE 3, when the gasket body 10 is partially pulled
through itself, so as to assume a transport position, the clamp assembly 50 is
trapped between the tabs 30 and a curved portion 58 of the gasket material. In
this orientation, the gasket assembly can then be shipped from the gasket
manufacturing site to the concrete casting assembly site, where it will be
installed
in the cast member. With reference now to FIGURE 4, it can, be seen that when
the gasket body 10 is installed in a cast member 60, the anchoring projections
24
are embedded in the material of the cast member. Now, the gasket body can be
pulled all the way through, as is illustrated in FIGURE 4.
However, in this orientation, the clamp assembly 50 is still not located in
its final position. With reference now to FIGURE 5, a pipe 64- can be-inserted
through the opening 62 in the cast member 60 and the gasket pipe engaging end
14. Then, the clamp assembly 50 can be pulled over the tabs 30 and into its
final
position, adjacent bead 26, as shown by arrows 68. There, itis tightened
around
the gasket pipe engaging end so that the gasket body 10 seals against the pipe
64 in a liquid-tight manner.
Shown in FIGURE 3A is an alternate embodiment in which like
components are identified by like numerals with a primed suffix (') and a new
components are identified by new numerals. FIGURE 3A illustrates a gasket
body 10' in which a pipe engaging end 14' has been partially pulled through
the
gasket so as to assume a transport position, as in FIGURE 3 discussed
hereinbefore. A clamp assembly 50' is located adjacent one of a plurality of
tabs
30' such that the clamp assembly 50' is spaced from a bead 26'. Also
illustrated
in Figure 3A is a mounting mandrel having two sections 65 and 67. The mandrel
is used in the mounting of the gasket assembly 10' in the correct location
during
the casting of the associated cast member, such as the cast member 60
illustrated in Figure 4.
While it, has been noted that the gasket 14 comprises a resilient material,
that material does not have to be of a single durometer. In other words, one
could utilize a dual durometer gasket material, in order to enhance the
characteristics of the retaining member, for retaining the take down clamp
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assembly to the gasket in the transport position. For example, the tabs 30
could
be made of a harder durometer compound than the remainder of the gasket or
connector body 10. This would enhance the ability of the tabs 30 to secure the
clamp assembly 50 in position, until the time of installation. Also, a dual
durometer material could be employed such that the first and second walls 18
and 20 (FIG. 1) of the gasket are made of a higher durometer material, to
strengthen the wall in order to better resist hydrostatic pressure. At the
same
time, a lower durometer material can be employed for the spaced ribs 28 (FIG.
1)
of the gasket, to allow a better liquid tight seal to form between the pipe
64,
.10 illustrated in FIGURE 5, and the gasket 10.
With-reference riowAo -FIGURE 6, a further embodiment of the present-
invention includes a gasket body 190 having a first tab 192, a second tab 194
and' a third tab 196. In this embodiment, the three tabs are aligned with each
other, as is evident. The gasket body 190 accommodates a first band 198 and a
second band 200. In this embodiment, a suitable conventional tie 202 can
extend through the set of aligned tabs. The tabs 192-196 could be made of a
higher durometer material than the remainder of the gasket, in order to
enhance
the characteristics of the retaining member to secure the take down clamp
during
shipment. It should be appreciated that such a dual durometer design could be
employed on any of the embodiments discussed herein.
The tie includes a first protrusion 204 on a first end thereof, an elongated
central section 206 and a second protrusion 208 at its opposite end. Suitable.
apertures 210 in the aligned tabs allow for the elongated section of the tie
to
extend through the tabs, thereby holding the first and second bands 198 and
200
in position on the gasket body for transport purposes. In this embodiment, the
bands are shipped in their use position. But, if the bands would need to be.
moved to their use position, the tie 202 can simply be cut. Then, the bands
can
be moved from their transport position to their use position.
While FIGURE 6 illustrates an embodiment in which three tabs are aligned
with each other, it should be appreciated that a further embodiment could only
have two tabs aligned with each other. Such an embodiment would
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accommodate a single band, when only a single band is called for in connection
with securing the gasket body and around a pipe.
With reference now to FIGURE 7, a still further embodiment of the present
invention comprises a gasket 350 which includes a pair of spaced and aligned
tabs 352 and 354. In this embodiment, each tab is manufactured with a through
hole or aperture 356 and 358, respectively. A suitable conventional push pin
360
can be employed in this embodiment. More particularly, the push pin can
include
a tapered tip 362 which can protrude through the aligned apertures 356 and
358,
a stem portion 364 and a bulbous head portion 366. When the push pin extends
.10 through the tabs, a clamping band (not illustrated in this embodiment)
extending
between the- tabs, it -held in- place on the gasket body-350: - The-push-pin
is
prevented from being pulled out of the tabs due to the presence of an enlarged
proximal end or shoulder 368 of the tip 362. It resists being pulled back
through
the tabs. To remove the push pin, it can be simply cut away or removed. In one
embodiment, the push pin can be formed from a suitable conventional plastic or
metal material.
The prior embodiments pertain to molded gaskets. Molded gaskets or
rubber connectors are generally supplied in diameters ranging from. 1" to 18".
Gaskets having diameters greater than 18" are generally extruded. In this way,
one shape can be used for various diameters in a range by varying the cut
length
of the profile, in order to accommodate - the necessary sealing requirement.
However, with extruded gaskets, the extrusion profile must be constant..
Therefore, tabs cannot be extruded, only molded. Accordingly, a flange must be
extruded on the gasket in order to accomplish the holding function of securing
a
clamping band or a clamping member to the gasket.
With reference now to FIGURE 8, a fourth embodiment of a gasket
assembly according to the present disclosure is there illustrated. In this
embodiment, an extruded gasket is disclosed. Since it is extruded, the gasket
can be of any suitable desired diameter. The ends of the extruded gasket are
secured to each other in a conventional manner so that the gasket forms a
toroidal configuration. In this embodiment, a gasket body 410 includes a
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mounting end 412 and a second, pipe engaging end 414. An intermediate
portion 416 connects the two ends. Located on the second end 414 are a set of
aligned ribs 428 which can be best seen in FIGURE 9. Extending away from the
pipe engaging end 414 is a flange 430. With continued reference to Figure 9,
it
can be seen that the flange extends in a direction that can be oriented
approximately normal to a sealing plane formed by the ribs 428. Of course,
other
angular relationships are also contemplated. Extending through the flange 430
is
an aperture 432. FIGURE 9 illustrates that the aperture is spaced away from
the
ribs 428 in order not to interfere with the sealing function performed by the
gasket
second end 414. Also, if desired, the flange can include a beaded end portion
434 as illustrated infIGURE-8.
Extending through the aperture 432 is a retaining member. In this
embodiment, the retaining member can be an elongated tie, in the form of a
close looped fastener. Such fasteners are conventional and, as best. shown in
FIGURE 9, generally include a proximal end 442 and a distal end 444 and a
central portion 445. Positioned on the proximal end is a retaining element
446.
In this embodiment, also positioned on the proximal end is a component
identification plate or tag 448. As is well known, the retaining member can be
a
continuous plastic member with the central portion 445 being provided with
enlargements or indentations (not visible) at spaced intervals along the
length of
the elongated member. The distal end and the central portion, having the
spaced enlargements or indentations, is urged into the locking member. So long
as one of the enlargements or indentations passes a given point within the
locking member, the retaining member, which' can also be termed a tie wrap,
may not be pulled apart. Metallic or combination metal/plastic tie wraps may
be
employed, as can completely plastic tie wraps or close looped fasteners. Many
types of fasteners of this nature are known to the art.
Such a retaining member or tie wrap can hold one or more compression
bands or clamping members 450 to the gasket 410 in order to form the gasket
assembly. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 8, two such compression
bands are attached to the gasket body 410. More particularly, each compression
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band or clamp assembly 450 includes a band 452 and a tightening screw or
other tightening element 454. One reason why two or more compression bands
or clamp assemblies would be secured to the gasket is to fit around larger
diameter gaskets. For example, the two clamp assemblies may be secured or
"fished" together to accommodate the larger diameter of the gasket. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9, an extruded gasket, of any desired'
diameter, can have mounted thereto one or more compression bands, clamp
assemblies or take down clamps so that these elements are readily available at
the job site.
The gaskets shown in FIGURES 8 and 9 can be mounted on mandrels or
hole formers, if so desired With reference now to FIGURE 10, one type- of
mandrel, namely, a flat wall mandrel 470, is there illustrated. The gasket 410
is
shown as being mounted over the mandrel 470 such that the lip 430 extends
over an end wall 472 of the mandrel. As can be seen, the fastener 440 and the
compression band 450 depend from the lip 430 and are encircled by an inner
periphery .474 of the mandrel. In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGURE
11, a round wall mandrel is shown. This mandrel comprises a first piece 480
and
a second piece 482. In this embodiment, the gasket 410 is trapped between an
end wall 484 of the first mandrel piece 480 and the second mandrel piece 482.
The fastener 440 and the band 450 are thus located between the first and
second mandrel pieces 480 and 482.
With reference now to FIGURE 12, a different type of fastener 490 can
also be employed. This fastener comprises a first strap 492 and a second strap
494. The straps extend from a fastener end portion 496, which is enlarged so
that it.can also function as the component identification tag. First and
second
securing portions 498 and 500 are provided on the fastener end portion so that
the first and second straps can be looped through, = respectively, a
compression
band'450 and the gasket body 410 and secured in place, as can be best seen in
FIGURE 13. With reference again to FIGURE 12, the first strap.492 is looped
through the flange 430 of the gasket 410. In this embodiment, the straps are
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wide, and they could be termed bands. As a result, a slit 504 is provided in
the
gasket. flange 430, to accommodate the strap 492.
With reference now to FIGURE 14, the connector can be employed on a
different type of gasket 510. With reference also to FIGURE 15, the gasket
includes a lip 512 through which the fastener 440 is looped so as to hold a
compression band 450 to the gasket.
With reference now to FIGURE 16, yet another type of gasket 520 is there
illustrated. As best shown in FIGURE 17, the gasket includes a lip 522 through
which the fastener 440 is looped. The compression band 450 is thus held to
the.
gasket.
FIGURES -18 - and 19 illustrate 'yet another embodiment. -- In-- this
embodiment, a gasket 530 has first and second lips 532 and 534 and the
fastener 440 is looped through aligned apertures in both lips so as to hold
the
compression band 450 to the gasket.
Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGURES 20 and 21. A gasket 540
includes a lip 542 on which is disposed a tab 54.4. The fastener 440 is looped
through an aperture 556 in the tab 544 so as to hold the compression band 450
to the gasket 540.. FIGURE 22 illustrates a gasket 550 which is provided with
a
lip 552 on which there is disposed a tab 554. The fastener 440 is looped.
through
the tab and holds a compression band 450 to the gasket 550. Since tabs 544
and 554 are illustrated in FIGURES 21 and 22, it is apparent that the gaskets
540
and 550 illustrated therein are molded gaskets, not extruded gaskets.
FIGURES 23 and 24 illustrate yet another, embodiment. - In this
embodiment, a gasket 560 is provided with a lip 562 on which there is disposed
a
tab 564. The fastener 440 is looped through the tab and holds the compression
band 450 to the gasket. As with the previous embodiment, the presence of the
tab 564 indicates that the gasket 560 illustrated herein is a molded gasket.
Finally, another embodiment is illustrated in FIGURES 25 and 26. In this
embodiment, a gasket 570 includes an end wall 572. Extending through a pair of
spaced apertures 574 and 576 in the end wall is the fastener body 442. The
compression band 450 is thereby held to the gasket 570 by the fastener 440. As
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with the previous two embodiments, the gasket 570 illustrated herein is a
molded
gasket.
Disclosed herein have been several embodiments of a gasket assembly
including a gasket and a clamp assembly for use on a pipe engaging end of the
gasket., The gasket includes a retaining means, of one piece with a gasket,
and
extending from a wall of a gasket for retaining the clamp assembly to the
gasket
in a transport position. A variety of retaining means has been disclosed.
These
include tabs spaced circumferentially around the gasket body, aligned tabs,
through which a tie selectively extends, as well as a variety of flanges. Also
.10 presented have been fasteners which cooperate with the retaining means to
retain the clamp assembly= in atransport position on-the-gasket. Such
fasteners-
would be removed in order to allow the clamp to assume a use position or
orientation. In all of these designs, the retaining means is of one piece with
the
gasket so that it can be molded or extruded as the gasket is molded or
extruded.
Thus, the disclosed embodiments eliminate the need for using a separate
expansion band, such as is disclosed in the 6,921,085 patent, for holding a
takedown clamp to the gasket before the clamp is mounted to the gasket in the
use position.
The invention has been described with reference to several preferred
embodiments. Obviously, modifications and. alterations will occur to others
upon
a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include
all
such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of
the
appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
14
