Pipe plugging apparatus
OwnerGeronimo C. Williamsoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for plugging a pipe including an inflatable bag which is insertable into the pipe in a collapsed condition and which is inflatable therein to block the flow within the pipe. The bag is secured to a hollow tube having air outlet openings therein with the openings being positioned within the bag. A tubular member connects an air inlet opening of the hollow tube to an air compressor for transmitting compressed air through the hollow tube to thereby inflate the bag in order to plug the pipe. Preferably, an air valve is coupled between the air inlet opening of the hollow tube and the tubular member for controlling the flow of air into and out of the bag.
Claims10
Apparatus for plugging a pipe comprising:
- an inflatable bag insertable into a pipe in a collapsed condition and inflatable to block any flow within the pipe;
- A hollow tube having at least one closed end, said hollow tube being provided with air input means and air outlet means, said air outlet means of said hollow tube being disposed within said inflatable bag, said air outlet means including at least one opening longitudinally spaced along said hollow tube spaced from said closed end of said hollow tube;
- said inflatable bag including an elastic sleeve surrounding said hollow tube and covering said opening of said air outlet means;
- securing means for connecting said sleeve around said hollow tube, said securing means being disposed on end portions of said sleeve to secure said sleeve on said hollow tube;
- connecting tube means for interconnecting said air input means of said hollow tube to an air compressor for transmission of compressed air through said hollow tube to inflate said sleeve and thereby plug the pipe;
- valve means coupled between said air input means of said hollow tube and said connecting tube means for controlling the flow of air into and out of said sleeve;
- and
- a band of elastic material overlying each end portion of said sleeve for protecting said sleeve from said securing means and for limiting inflation of said sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.