Flexible entry boot

Abstract

A flexible entry boot assembly provides a fluid-tight fitting between a wall of a fluid containment region and a conduit passing through the wall. The flexible entry boot assembly comprises a seal member disposed within the containment region. The seal member has a substantially planar seal portion and an integral hollow support sleeve concentric with the seal portion and extending axially into the containment region. The support sleeve has an outer surface and an inner, conduit receiving surface, the hollow support sleeve further having a degree of flexibility relative to the seal portion sufficient to allow for the insertion of the conduit at angles equal to or other than an angle normal to the fluid containment wall while maintaining a fluid-tight environment. The flexible entry boot assembly further comprises a mechanism for rigidifying the seal portion of the seal member. A mechanism is provided for releasably attaching the hollow support sleeve to the conduit. A corrosion resistant securing plate is disposed outside the containment region. A mechanism, disposed between the securing plate and the wall, is provided for sealing. A mechanism, carried by the securing plate and extending axially through the wall and the rigidified seal portion, is provided for releasably attaching the seal member to the wall of the containment region.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.