Sealing Element for Pipes

Abstract

A sealing element for pipes comprises a body made up of a section of stem that has a circular plant head region at one end that acts as a grip area. The stem section includes in a downward direction from the head region a plurality of parallel positioning regions with a substantially discoidal shape, having a primary positioning region that has a larger diameter than remaining secondary positioning regions. The primary positioning region has two sections devoid of material diametrically opposed to each other, so as to define two opposite fins capable of bending. A positioning region adjacent to the primary positioning region in a direction to head region has two sections devoid of material which are offset by 90 degrees with respect to the positioning of the two sections devoid of material of the region of primary positioning.

Claims

1. A sealing element for pipes, comprising: a body of injection-mouldable plastic material, being made up of a section of stem that has a circular plant head region at one end that acts as a grip area, in which the stem section includes in a downward direction from the head region a plurality of parallel positioning regions with a substantially discoidal shape, having a primary positioning region that has a larger diameter than remaining secondary positioning regions, wherein the primary positioning region has two sections devoid of material diametrically opposed to each other, so as to define two opposite fins capable of bending, and wherein a positioning region adjacent to the primary positioning region in a direction to the head region has two sections devoid of material which are offset by 90 degrees with respect to the positioning of the two sections devoid of material of the region of primary positioning.

2. The sealing element for pipes according to claim 1, wherein each of the sections devoid of material diametrically opposite each other of the primary positioning region are defined by a concave recess.

3. The sealing element for pipes according to claim 1, further comprising at least two extensions spaced apart, which protrude in the same direction perpendicular to the section of central rod, which have a length equal to or less than the diameter of the third positioning region.

4. The sealing element for pipes according to claim 1, wherein the central stem has a cross-shaped cross-section.

5. The sealing element for pipes according to claim 1, further comprising a primary positioning region and two secondary positioning regions, each being adjacent to the primary positioning region.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a sealing element for pipes according to the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a side elevation and plan view from below of the sealing element shown in FIG. 1; and

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sealing element which shows two different positions taken by the primary positioning region

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] In light of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the adopted numbering, one may observe therein a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

[0019] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims are used to distinguish between similar items and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. The terms may be interchanged in appropriate circumstances and embodiments of the invention may operate in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0020] Furthermore, the terms top, bottom, top, bottom, and the like in the description and claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe relative positions.

[0021] The embodiment shown of the sealing element for pipes comprises a body (1) made up of injection-mouldable plastic material, for example, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), with a degree of elasticity such that it makes it easier for the operator to assemble the cap.

[0022] The body (1) is made up of a section of elongated central stem (2), with a cross-section in the shape of a cross (see FIG. 2), which has at one end a head region (3) with a circular plan and a flat surface that it acts as a grip area for the user in the operations of placing and removing the sealing element at one end of the conduit (not shown), as well as abutment against the side wall of the tube, once it is assembled. As shown, the head (3) protrudes radially considerably with respect to the section of central rod (2).

[0023] The section of central rod (2) includes along it and in a downstream direction from said head region (3) and in a separate way a plurality of parallel positioning regions with a substantially discoidal shape, having a primary positioning region (4) having a larger diameter than the rest of the secondary positioning regions (5). More specifically, it comprises a primary positioning region (4) and two secondary positioning regions (5), each of which is adjacent to the primary positioning region.

[0024] Particularly, the primary positioning region (4) has two sections (40) devoid of material diametrically opposed to each other, so as to define two opposite fins capable of bending, and wherein a positioning region adjacent to the primary positioning region (4) in the direction of the head region has two sections (50) devoid of material which are 90 degrees offset with respect to the positioning of the two sections devoid of material in the primary positioning region (4). In this way, the two sections (50) define a gap that allows a greater degree (angle) of bending of the sections (40) of the primary positioning region (4) since it allows the location of such sections (40) during the bending action, as can be seen in FIG. 3, where the initial rest position of the primary positioning region (4) has been represented with dashed lines and the primary positioning region (4) in a continuous line in a bent condition.

[0025] Each of the sections (40) devoid of material diametrically opposite each other of the primary positioning region (4) are defined by a concave recess.

[0026] Additionally, the body (1) includes a pair of extensions (7) of circular cross-section that are spaced apart from each other, and that protrude in the same direction perpendicular to the section of the central rod, which have a length equal to or less than the diameter of the third positioning region.

[0027] The details, shapes, dimensions and other secondary elements, used to manufacture the sealing element of the invention, may be suitably replaced with others that do not depart from the scope defined by the claims included below.