Objective of the invention
[0001] As the heading indicates, the present invention is a seal of the type that includes
a flat plate from which a tailpiece extends, said tailpiece being provided with a
peripheral dentate in an intermediate area. This plate is linked sideways to a tubular
passage, the inside of which has defined retainers which prevent the dentated piece
passed through it from slipping back. The seal has as distinctive features the tubular
tailpiece which defines both an annular reinforcement in the connecting area with
the flat plate, and a thickening at the front end of the dentated piece, which enable
it to be inserted into the tubular passage one way only.
Background to the invention
[0002] Mention should be made of Utility Model 9200430 by the same applicant as the forerunner
to the invention. It refers to a seal of the aforementioned type and its distinctive
features are a mouthpiece at one end of the tubular passage to facilitate the insertion
of the defined dentate in the intermediate part of the flexible tailpiece, and at
the opposite end dentate retainers made up of flexible fins which lean slightly towards
the centre part of the tubular passage.
[0003] The dentate located in the intermediate area of the flexible tailpiece includes a
series of frusto-conical teeth, the diameter of which increases towards the back.
[0004] In the commercialisation of this seal and its subsequent employment by the final
user, two different problems have come to light. The first of these is that once the
flexible tailpiece has been subjected to successive bending and twisting, either during
its handling or when it is placed over any product, significant fatigue in the material
is caused in the area of connection with the flat plate, to such a degree that the
tailpiece finally breaks, rendering the seal unfit.
[0005] The other problem detected is the chance of the final user inserting the dentate
into the tubular passage in a manner contrary to that intended by the manufacturer.
This is possible due to the tapering of the teeth that cause the opening of the retention
fins. The incorrect, which is to say backward, introduction of the tailpiece may cause
the dentate to slip out easily from the tubular passage, since it will not be blocked
by the retaining fins, thus making the seal ineffective.
Description of the invention
[0006] With a basic configuration very similar to the objective of Utility Model 9200430,
the improved seal, which is the objective of this invention, includes extremely simple
building details which solve the aforementioned problems.
[0007] In accordance with the invention, the flexible tailpiece has a spherical reinforcement
in the connecting area with the flat plate. This is designed to absorb whatever strain
may be caused by bending and/or twisting the tailpiece, thus preventing breakage in
this area.
[0008] To provide greater resistance in this area, both the flat plate and the flexible
tailpiece will have an increasing section in the area next to the spherical reinforcement,
thus distributing the possible strain over a longer area.
[0009] Also in accordance with the invention, the inclusion has been planned of a thickening
at the front end of the dentated part which has constant cross section equal to the
larger section of the teeth. Because this thickening is not conically-shaped, only
through the mouthpiece end may be inserted into the tubular passage. This eliminates
whatever possibility that previously existed of the user erroneously inserting in
the incorrect end since, should he try to do so, the thickening will collide frontally
against the retention fins which, in turn, will prevent it from entering.
Description of the drawings
[0010] To complement this description, and to bring about a better understanding of the
features of the invention, a set of diagrams has been included. These are to be considered
as illustrative and without any kind of limitations.
Figure 1 shows an elevational view of the improved seal, objective of this invention,
with an enlarged detail of the spherical reinforcement and a detail of the thickening
defined at the front end of the dentate.
Figure 2 is a section-drawing of the tubular passage labelled A-A in the preceding
figure.
Figure 3 shows a plan view of the same seal shown in figure 1.
Preferred embodiment of the invention
[0011] As can be seen in the figures to which we have made reference, the improved seal
which is the subject matter of this invention has a flat plate (1) to which the tailpiece
(2) and tubular passage (3) are linked.
[0012] In the connecting area of the plate (1) and the tailpiece (2), the seal has a spherical
reinforcement (4). Both the flexible tailpiece (2) and the flat plate (1) have enlarged
sections (2a) and (1a), respectively, in the connecting area with the spherical reinforcement
(4).
[0013] The tubular passage (3) has a mouthpiece (3a) at one of its ends which extends towards
the back area of the former in a cylindrical configuration (3b), finishing in retainers
made up of flexible fins (3c).
[0014] The flexible tailpiece (2) includes an intermediate dentated piece in which the frusto-conical
teeth (5) are larger at the back.
[0015] The front end of the dentated piece includes a thickening (6) which has constant
cross section and equal to the larger base of the teeth (5). This thickening (6) can
only be inserted into the tubular passage (3) with the mouthpiece end (3a) first.
This is because its section, like that of the back end of the teeth, is slightly larger
than the passage defined by the flexible fins (3), thus preventing it from being inserted
in the rear end of the tubular passage first.
[0016] In the example shown, the tailpiece (2) is extended from the thickening (6) in a
final segment (2b) that is equipped with small peripheral nerves (2c) which prevent
slippage when it is pulled to let pass the thickening (6) and all or some of the teeth
(5) through the tubular passage (3) in order to obtain the closing and adjustment
of the seal on any product whatsoever.
[0017] Further description is deemed unnecessary for any expert in the field to understand
the scope of the invention and the advantages to be had from it.
[0018] The terms in which this paper has been written are to be interpreted in a wide as
opposed to a limited sense at all times.
[0019] The materials, shape, size and arrangement of the components may be varied provided
there is no alteration of the essential characteristics of the invention which are
claimed in the following.
1. An improved seal of the type that includes a flat plate (1) from which a tailpiece
(2) extends, which is provided with a peripheral dentate in an intermediate area.
This plate (1) is linked sideways to a tubular passage (3) the ends of which are defined
by a frusto-conical mouthpiece (3a) and retainers (3c) which prevent the slippage
of the dentated section once it is inserted by means of the aforementioned mouthpiece.
It is characterised because the dentated tailpiece (2) has a spherical reinforcement
(4) in the connecting area with the plate (1), and a thickening (6) at the front end
of the dentated piece (5) which only enables its introduction in the tubular passage
(3) through of the end corresponding to mouthpiece (3a).
2. A seal which, according to the proceeding Claim, is characterised in that both the
flexible tailpiece (2) and the flat plate (1) have an increasing section in the connecting
area with the spherical reinforcement (4).
3. A seal, according to Claim 1, characterised in that the thickening (6) defined at
the front end of the dentated piece has a constant cross section and equal to the
larger portion of said dentated piece and slightly larger than the orifice defined
by the retainers (3c) inside the tubular passage (3).