Pipe repair device

Abstract

A pipe repair device (10) includes a slotted strap (18) having a first end (20) and a second end (22). The second end (22) of the strap (18) is connected to an adjusting mechanism (24) that is operable to engage the slots in the strap (18) to increase or decrease the diameter of the loop formed when the first end (20) of the strap (18) engages the adjusting mechanism (24). A sealing member (14) having a pair of spaced, substantially parallel slots (50) is slidably carried by the strap (18) through the engagement of the strap (18) with both slots (50). A body portion (52) of the sealing member (14) that is disposed between both slots (50) is disposed radially inward of the strap (18). A backing plate (60) is carried by the sealing member (14) between the sealing member (14) and the strap (18). The backing plate (60) has two tabs (64) that are inserted in the slots (50) causing the backing plate (60) to be retentively carried by the sealing member (14). The tabs (64) are separated from the main body (62) of the plate (60) by pairs of aligned notches (66). The pairs of aligned notches (66) are connected to the main body (62) by neck portions (68) that are slightly less wide than the length of the slots (50). The engagement of the tabs (64) with the slots (50) allows the sealing member (14) and the backing plate (60) to be rotated as a unit about the circumference of the loop to be positioned over a fault in a pipe (12).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.