Torquing-limiting apparatus

A retrofit apparatus for limiting torque that is applied by a torque-providing device to a used plug, the apparatus comprising:

• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon the used plug, the torque ring having:
• a torque ring aperture capable of engaging the torque-providing device;
• and
• an axially-protruding resilient finger providing a resisting force;
• a torque collar securable to the used plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having:
• a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device;
• and
• a finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in a closing direction, the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the used plug in the closing direction until the torque overcomes the resisting force of the axially-protruding resilient finger, whereupon the axially-protruding resilient finger disengages from the finger aperture, resulting in the torque ring continuing to rotate in the closing direction independent of the torque collar and the used plug.

An apparatus for limiting torque applied by a torque-providing device, the apparatus comprising:

• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon a plug, the torque ring having:
• a torque ring aperture capable of engaging the torque-providing device;
• and
• an axially-protruding resilient finger providing a resisting force;
• a torque collar securable to the plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having:
• a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device;
• and
• a finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in an opening direction, the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the opening direction until the torque is no longer applied by the torque-providing device;
• and
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in a closing direction, the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the closing direction until the torque overcomes the resisting force of the axially-protruding resilient finger, whereupon the axially-protruding resilient finger disengages from the finger aperture, resulting in the torque ring continuing to rotate in the closing direction independent of the torque collar and the plug.

An apparatus for limiting torque applied by a torque-providing device, the apparatus comprising:

• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon a plug, the torque ring having:
• a torque ring aperture capable of engaging the torque-providing device;
• and
• an axially-protruding resilient finger providing a resisting force;
• a torque collar securable to the plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having:
• a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device;
• and
• a finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in an opening direction, the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the opening direction until the torque is no longer applied by the torque-providing device;
• and
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in a closing direction, the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the closing direction until the torque overcomes the resisting force of the axially-protruding resilient finger, whereupon the axially-protruding resilient finger disengages from the finger aperture, resulting in the torque ring continuing to rotate in the closing direction independent of the torque collar and the plug such that the torque applied to the plug in the closing direction is limited.

An apparatus for limiting torque applied by a torque-providing device, the apparatus comprising:

• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon a plug, the torque ring having:
• a torque ring aperture capable of engaging a torque-providing device;
• and
• an axially-protruding resilient finger having a front surface and a friction surface, the friction surface providing a resisting force;
• a torque collar having a sliding surface, the torque collar securable to the plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having:
• a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device;
• and
• a finger aperture having a camming surface, the finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in an opening direction, the front surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the camming surface of the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the opening direction until the torque is no longer applied by the torque-providing device;
• and
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in a closing direction, the friction surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the sliding surface of the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the closing direction until the torque overcomes the resisting force provided by the friction surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger, whereupon the friction surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger disengages from the sliding surface of the finger aperture, resulting in the torque ring continuing to rotate in the closing direction independent of the torque collar and the plug such that the torque applied to the plug in the closing direction is limited.

An apparatus for limiting torque applied by a torque-providing device, the apparatus comprising:

• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon a plug, the torque ring having:
• a torque ring aperture capable of engaging a torque-providing device;
• and
• an axially-protruding resilient finger having a front surface and a friction surface, the friction surface providing a portion of a resisting force;
• a torque collar having a sliding surface, the sliding surface providing a portion of the resisting force, the torque collar securable to the plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having:
• a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device;
• and
• a finger aperture having a camming surface, the finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in an opening direction, the front surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the camming surface of the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the opening direction until the torque is no longer applied by the torque-providing device;
• and
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in a closing direction, the friction surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the sliding surface of the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the closing direction until the torque overcomes the resisting force provided by the friction surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger and the sliding surface of the torque collar, whereupon the friction surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger disengages from the sliding surface of the finger aperture, resulting in the torque ring continuing to rotate in the closing direction independent of the torque collar and the plug such that the torque applied to the plug in the closing direction is limited.

An apparatus, which is retro-fit upon a used plug, for limiting torque applied by a torque-providing device, the apparatus comprising:

• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon a used plug, the torque ring having:
• a torque ring aperture capable of engaging a torque-providing device;
• and
• an axially-protruding resilient finger having a front surface and a friction surface, the friction surface providing a portion of a resisting force;
• a torque collar having a sliding surface, the sliding surface providing a portion of the resisting force, the torque collar securable to the used plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having:
• a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device;
• and
• a finger aperture having a camming surface, the finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in an opening direction, the front surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the camming surface of the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the used plug in the opening direction until the torque is no longer applied by the torque-providing device;
• and
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in a closing direction, the friction surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the sliding surface of the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the used plug in the closing direction until the torque overcomes the resisting force provided by the friction surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger and the sliding surface of the torque collar, whereupon the friction surface of the axially-protruding resilient finger disengages from the sliding surface of the finger aperture, resulting in the torque ring continuing to rotate in the closing direction independent of the torque collar and the used plug such that the torque applied to the used plug in the closing direction is limited.

An assembly for limiting torque applied by a torque-providing device, the assembly comprising

• a plug having a periphery;
• a gasket disposed upon the plug proximate the periphery;
• and
• an apparatus secured to the plug, the apparatus comprising:
• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon the plug, the torque ring having a torque ring aperture capable of engaging the torque-providing device and an axially-protruding resilient finger providing a resisting force;
• and
• a torque collar securable to the plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device and a finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in an opening direction, the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the opening direction until the torque is no longer applied by the torque-providing device;
• and
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in a closing direction, the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the closing direction, thereby compressing the gasket, until the torque overcomes the resisting force of the axially-protruding resilient finger, whereupon the axially-protruding resilient finger it disengages from the finger aperture, resulting in the torque ring continuing to rotate in the closing direction independent of the torque collar and the plug such that the torque applied to the plug in the closing direction is limited and the compressed gasket is not damaged.

An assembly for limiting torque applied by a torque-providing device, the assembly comprising

• a plug having a periphery;
• a gasket disposed upon the plug proximate the periphery;
• and
• an apparatus secured to the plug, the apparatus comprising:
• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon the plug, the torque ring having a torque ring aperture capable of engaging the torque-providing device and an axially-protruding resilient finger providing a resisting force;
• and
• a torque collar securable to the plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device and a finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in an opening direction, the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the opening direction until the torque is no longer applied by the torque-providing device;
• and
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in a closing direction, the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the closing direction, thereby compressing the gasket to seal a container, until the torque overcomes the resisting force of the axially-protruding resilient finger, whereupon the axially-protruding resilient finger disengages from the finger aperture, resulting in the torque ring continuing to rotate in the closing direction independent of the torque collar and the plug such that the torque applied to the plug in the closing direction is limited, the compressed gasket is not damaged, and the container does not leak.

An assembly for sealing a container, the assembly comprising:

• a plug having a periphery;
• a gasket disposed upon the plug proximate the periphery;
• a flange for threadably receiving the plug having the gasket disposed thereon, the flange in combination with the plug capable of compressing the gasket to seal the container;
• and
• a torque-limiting apparatus comprising:
• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon the plug, the torque ring having a torque ring aperture capable of engaging a torque-providing device and an axially-protruding resilient finger providing a resisting force;
• and
• a torque collar securable to the plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device and a finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in an opening direction, the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the opening direction until the torque is no longer applied by the torque-providing-device, the plug thereby rotatably extractable from within the flange;
• and
• wherein, when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in a closing direction, the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar, permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the closing direction, thereby compressing the gasket, until the torque overcomes the resisting force of the axially-protruding resilient finger, whereupon the axially-protruding resilient finger disengages from the finger aperture, resulting in the torque ring continuing to rotate in the closing direction independent of the torque collar and the plug such that the torque applied to the plug in the closing direction is limited and the container is sealed.

A system for sealing, the system comprising:

• a plug having a periphery;
• a gasket disposed upon the plug proximate the periphery;
• a container comprising a flange for threadably receiving the plug having the gasket disposed thereon, the flange in conjunction with the plug being capable of compressing the gasket to thereby seal the container;
• and
• a torque-limiting apparatus comprising:
• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon the plug, the torque ring having a torque ring aperture capable of engaging a torque-providing device and an axially-protruding resilient finger providing a resisting force;
• and
• a torque collar securable to the plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device and a finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• wherein when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in an opening direction the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the opening direction until the torque is no longer applied by the torque-providing device, the plug thereby rotatably removable from within the flange;
• and
• wherein when the torque is applied to the torque ring by the torque-providing device in a closing direction the axially-protruding resilient finger engages the finger aperture to transfer the torque from the torque ring to the torque collar permitting the torque collar to rotate the plug in the closing direction, thereby compressing the gasket, until the torque overcomes the resisting force of the axially-protruding resilient finger whereupon the axially-protruding resilient finger disengages from the finger aperture resulting in the torque ring continuing to rotate in the closing direction independent of the torque collar and the plug such that the torque applied to the plug in the closing direction is limited, the compressed gasket remains free of damaged as a result of the compression, and the container is sealed such that the container resists leakage.

A method of limiting torque applied by a torque-providing device, the method comprising:

• providing a plug having a torque-limiting apparatus, the torque-limiting apparatus comprising:
• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon the plug, the torque ring having a torque ring aperture capable of engaging the torque-providing device and an axially-protruding resilient finger providing a resisting force;
• and
• a torque collar securable to the plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device and a finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• applying torque, in a closing direction, to the torque ring using the torque-providing device;
• engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger of the torque ring and the finger aperture of torque collar to translate the torque to the plug;
• rotating the plug, in the closing direction, until the torque overcomes a resisting force of the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• and
• disengaging the axially-protruding resilient finger of the torque ring and the finger aperture of torque collar when the torque overcomes the resisting force, thereby pennitting the torque ring to rotate relative to the torque collar, and limiting the torque that can be applied to the plug.

A method of limiting torque applied by a torque-producing device, the method comprising:

• providing an assembly comprising a plug having a gasket, a flange, and a torque-limiting apparatus, the torque-limiting apparatus having:
• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon the plug, the torque ring having a torque ring aperture capable of engaging the torque-providing device and an axially-protruding resilient finger providing a resisting force;
• and
• a torque collar securable to the plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device and a finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• inserting the plug into the flange and applying torque, in a closing direction, to the torque ring using the torque-providing device;
• engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger of the torque ring and the finger aperture of torque collar to translate the torque to the plug;
• rotating the plug within the flange, in the closing direction, until:
• the gasket is compressed between the plug and the flange;
• and
• the torque overcomes a resisting force of the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• and
• disengaging the axially-protruding resilient finger of the torque ring and the finger aperture of torque collar when the torque overcomes the resisting force thereby permitting the torque ring to rotate relative to the torque collar and thus limiting the torque that can be applied to the plug.

A method of sealing a container, the method comprising:

• providing an assembly comprising a plug having a gasket, a flange within the container, and a torque-limiting apparatus, the torque-limiting apparatus having:
• a torque ring rotatably seatable upon the plug, the torque ring having a torque ring aperture capable of engaging the torque-providing device and an axially-protruding resilient finger providing a resisting force;
• and
• a torque collar securable to the plug and holding the torque ring rotatably captive, the torque collar having a torque collar aperture capable of receiving the torque-providing device and a finger aperture capable of receiving and engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• inserting the plug into the flange and applying torque, in a closing direction, to the torque ring using the torque-providing device;
• engaging the axially-protruding resilient finger of the torque ring and the finger aperture of torque collar to translate the torque to the plug;
• rotating the plug within the flange, in the closing direction, until:
• the gasket is compressed between the plug and the flange;
• and
• the torque overcomes a resisting force of the axially-protruding resilient finger;
• disengaging the axially-protruding resilient finger of the torque ring and the finger aperture of torque collar by permitting the torque collar to bias the resilient finger into the torque ring;
• and
• discontinuing translation of the torque provided by the torque-providing device from the torque ring to the torque collar such that the compressed gasket forms a seal upon the container without damaging the gasket.