Seal apparatus and method of using same
OwnerThomas L. Warreninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a seal apparatus for sealing an opening of a structure having a thickness at the opening. The seal apparatus includes a first section disposed at a proximal end, a second section disposed at a distal end, and an intermediate section disposed between the first and second sections. The first section defines a cone-like configuration. An opening extends through the first section, the second section, and the intermediate section.
Claims9
A system for sealing an opening of a structure having a thickness at the opening, and a first side and a second side on opposing sides of the opening, the system comprising:
- a first seal apparatus, comprising:
- a first section disposed at a proximal end, the first section defining a collapsible cone-like portion including a plurality of relief areas;
- a second section disposed at a distal end;
- an intermediate section extending between inner walls of the first and second sections to define a continuous opening extending through the first section, the second section, and the intermediate section, the intermediate section including a radial groove disposed in a proximal portion of the intermediate section;
- a conduit disposed within and extending through the continuous opening of the first seal apparatus;
- and
- a connection between the first seal apparatus and the opening of the structure forms a plurality of fluid-tight seals.
A method of sealing an opening of a structure having a thickness at the opening, the method comprising:
- positioning a first section of a seal apparatus adjacent to the opening of the structure, the seal apparatus including:
- (i) the first section disposed at a proximal end and defining a collapsible cone-like portion including a plurality of relief areas, (ii) a second section disposed at a distal end, and (iii) an intermediate section extending between the first and second sections to define a continuous opening extending through the first section, the second section, and the intermediate section, the continuous opening configured to receive a conduit therethrough, and the intermediate section including a radial groove disposed in a proximal portion of the intermediate section;
- compressing the first section during passage of the first section through the opening of the structure;
- and
- expanding the first section into an expanded configuration after passage of the first section through the opening of the structure;
- whereby a connection between the seal apparatus and the opening of the structure forms a plurality of fluid-tight seals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.