Pipe gasket with reinforcing means in its base self-energizing

Abstract

A self-energizing pipe gasket includes a base and arm configuration projecting therefrom which cooperates with the base when pipe sections are assembled to cause the lip or sealing edge of the arm to kick away or distend towards the sealing surface of the pipe. To facilitate this action a harder insert is provided in the base in the form of a reinforcing ring providing a less compressible surface for the arm to react against. The ring also stiffens the gasket making it more difficult to dislodge upon assembly of the pipe sections enabling higher compression forces and assuring that the gasket does not go under or below the minimal compression requirements to form a sound flexible yet fluid tight seal. In one embodiment a raised portion of the arm is manufactured in contact with a surface of the base and in another embodiment the gasket includes two symmetrical arms each of which includes four surfaces.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.