Tube closure
AssigneePorex Technologies Corp.
InventorsKevin D. Foster, Ioakim Haldopoulos
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tube closure of elastomeric material having specific properties has an open end, a closed end and a side wall defining a tapering outer frustoconical surface. The side wall has a predetermined thickness at its thinnest point, which is determined in connection with the angle of taper of the outer frustoconical surface and the properties of the elastomeric material to provide a seal with high integrity over a range of tube sizes. The closure has a radially extending flange of predetermined thickness by which the closure can be removed from a tube by a pushing force. The closure has an inner surface for sealing against an outer surface of other tubes.
Claims21
A tube closure comprising a hollow member having a closed end, an open end and a side wall extending between said open end and said closed end, said side wall defining a junction with said closed end, said side wall having a tapering portion defining a frustoconical outer surface for engaging an inner surface of a tube, said frustoconical outer surface tapering toward said closed end, said side wall having an inner surface for engaging an outer surface of a tube, said closed end defining a septum, said side wall having a minimum thickness at said junction with said closed end, said tube closure being made of an elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness of 70-80, a tensile strength of 1,000-1,300 psi, and an elongation to break of 650%-750%.
In combination, a first tube having an inner surface and an outer surface;
- and
- a tube closure comprising a hollow member having a closed end, an open end and a side wall extending between said open end and said closed end, said side wall defining a junction with said closed end, said side wall having a tapering portion defining a frustoconical outer surface engaging said inner surface of the tube, said frustoconical outer surface tapering toward said closed end, said side wall having an inner surface for engaging an outer surface of another tube, said closed end defining a septum, said side wall having a minimum thickness at said junction with said closed end, said tube closure being made of an elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness of 70-80, a tensile strength of 1,000-1,300 psi, and an elongation to break of 650%-750%.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.