EP4677253A2

EP4677253A2 - Expansion band assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4677253A2
Application number: EP24771447.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel J. GUNCKEL; Jimmy D. Gamble; Peter Jenkins SKINNER; Daniel Krug Skinner
Original assignee: Press Seal Corp
Current assignee: Press Seal Corp
Priority date: 2023-03-10
Filing date: 2024-03-08
Publication date: 2026-01-14
Also published as: WO2024191772A3; WO2024191772A2

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an expansion band assembly for compressively sealing an annular gasket within a wall opening in a structure. The expansion band assembly may comprise an expansion band having a substantially circular band and a pair of first wedges disposed at opposing ends of the substantially circular band, a wedge mechanism, and, optionally, an arcuate oversleeve.

Description

EXPANSION BAND ASSEMBLY

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] 1. Technical Field.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an expansion band assembly for sealingly compressing a gasket or seal against an annular wall of a rigid structure. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to sealing structures and arrangements for sealingly connecting an opening in a manhole wall to a pipe entering or exiting the manhole wall through the opening.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art.

[0004] In underground pipe systems, it is often necessary to connect a pipe in a sealed manner within an opening in the wall of a rigid structure, such as a manhole wall. Typically, a flexible elastomeric seal or gasket is placed within the opening in the wall, followed by fitting an expansion ring against the interior surface of the gasket. Thereafter, a suitable expansion mechanism is used to radially expand the expansion ring and lock same in an expanded condition in which the gasket is sealingly compressed between the expansion ring and the opening in the wall of the structure. A pipe is inserted through the gasket, and one or more external clamps are installed around a portion of the gasket that extends from the wall to sealingly compress the extending portion of the gasket between the clamps and the outer surface of the pipe. In this manner, a sealed connection is made between the pipe and the structure.

[0005] Expansion band mechanisms having a sealing band and wedge-type actuators are generally known. These expansion band mechanisms generally include first and second sets of interacting wedges that engage with one another to expand and contract the sealing band. [0006] Improvements on the foregoing are desired. SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure provides an expansion band assembly for compressively sealing an annular gasket within a wall opening in a structure. The expansion band assembly may comprise an expansion band having a substantially circular band and a pair of first wedges disposed at opposing ends of the band, a wedge mechanism, and, optionally, an arcuate oversleeve.

[0008] In one form thereof, the present disclosure provides an expansion band comprising a substantially circular band formed of a polymeric material and having a central longitudinal axis. The expansion band may further comprise a pair of first wedges disposed at opposing ends of the band. The wedge mechanism may comprise first and second opposing second wedges connected by a drive screw for relative movement toward and away from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0009] In another form thereof, the present disclosure provides an expansion band comprising a substantially circular band formed of a cast metal and having a central longitudinal axis. The expansion band may further comprise a pair of first wedges disposed at opposing ends of the band. The wedge mechanism may comprise first and second opposing second wedges connected by a drive screw for relative movement toward and away from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The arcuate oversleeve may be formed of a polymeric material and disposed adjacent to the pair of first wedges and the first and second opposing second wedges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. l is a perspective, partial sectional view of a concrete structure having an opening therethrough for connection to a pipe, wherein sealingly fitted within the opening is an annular gasket and an expansion band assembly according to the present disclosure; [0012] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partial section view of a portion of the concrete structure, annular gasket, and expansion band assembly of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the annular gasket and expansion band assembly of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an expansion band according to the present disclosure, the expansion band having a substantially circular band and a pair of first wedges;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an expansion band according to the present disclosure, the expansion band having a substantially circular band and a pair of first wedges;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a partial, exploded perspective view of the expansion band assembly of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a partial, exploded plan view of the expansion band assembly of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the expansion band assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the expansion band assembly includes the expansion band of FIG. 5;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the expansion band assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the expansion band assembly includes the expansion band of FIG. 5;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an opposing second wedge according to the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a bottom, plan view of the wedge of FIG. 10;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wedge mechanism according to the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the wedge mechanism of FIG.

12;

[0024] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of another embodiment of an opposing second wedge according to the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 14 B is a perspective view of another embodiment of an opposing second wedge according to the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an arcuate oversleeve according to the present disclosure; [0027] FIG. 15B is a perspective view of an arcuate oversleeve according to the present disclosure including an alternative embodiment of a holding pin;

[0028] FIG. 15C is a perspective view of an arcuate oversleeve according to the present disclosure including an alternative embodiment of a holding pin;

[0029] FIG. 15D is a perspective view of an arcuate oversleeve according to the present disclosure including an alternative embodiment of a holding pin;

[0030] FIG. 15E is a perspective view of an arcuate oversleeve according to the present disclosure including an alternative embodiment of a holding pin;

[0031] FIG. 15F is a perspective view of an expansion band assembly according to the present disclosure having undergone a heat staking process;

[0032] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the arcuate oversleeve of FIG. 15;

[0033] FIG. 17 is a bottom, plan view of the expansion band assembly of FIG. 1, the expansion band assembly depicted in a contracted state;

[0034] FIG. 18 is a bottom, plan view of the expansion band assembly of FIG. 1, the expansion band assembly depicted in an expanded state;

[0035] FIG. 19 is a partial, perspective view of the expansion band assembly of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the arcuate oversleeve of FIG. 15 A;

[0037] FIG. 21 is a partial, perspective view of the expansion band assembly of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 22 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the expansion band assembly of

FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 23 is a partial, perspective view of the expansion band assembly of FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 24 is a partial, perspective view of the arcuate oversleeve of FIG. 15 A.

[0041] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a structure 100, such as a manhole riser or monolithic base, for connecting to, for example, an underground pipe system is shown. Structure 100 may be formed of concrete, fiberglass, or any other suitable rigid material. Structure 100 includes wall 102 having an interior surface 104 defining the interior of structure 100, and exterior surface 106 defining the exterior surface of structure 100. Additionally, wall 102 includes opening 108 formed therein. An annular seal or gasket 110 includes a first portion 112 disposed within opening 108 of wall 102, and a second portion 114 extending outwardly from first portion 112. Gasket 110 may be made from a flexible, polymeric material and provides a sealing connection between opening 108 in wall 102 of structure 100 and a pipe (not shown).

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, first portion 112 of gasket 110 is sealingly engaged with opening 108 of wall 102 by expansion band assembly 30, which generally includes expansion band 32 having a substantially circular band 34 and a pair of first wedges 36a, 36b, a wedge mechanism 38, which includes a drive screw 40 and first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b, and an arcuate oversleeve 44. Expansion band assembly 30 is received within a channel 116 created by sidewalls 118 of gasket 110 and is radially expandable to compress gasket 110 into sealing engagement with opening 108 in wall 102 to provide a fluid tight seal therebetween.

[0044] As described further below, the expansion band 32 may be formed as either a monolithic structure including the substantially circular band 34, 34a and the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b, or, alternatively, the expansion band 32 may be formed as a multi-part assembly in which the band 34, 34a is separate from the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b, and the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b are respectively connected to the ends of the substantially circular band 34, 34a.

[0045] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b and the substantially circular band 34, 34a may be monolithically formed as a single part. The monolithic structure provides a resilient and cost-effective solution for providing a fluid tight seal. [0046] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b may comprise grooves 48 adapted to receive ends of the substantially circular band 34, 34a such that the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b and the substantially circular band 34, 34a form a multipart assembly. The ends of the substantially circular band 34, 34a may be movably received within grooves 48 of the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b. The multi -part assembly may be advantageous in that it allows an installer to replace the individual components should one become damaged during installation of the expansion band assembly 30.

[0047] The material used to form expansion band 32 is sufficiently flexible to allow expansion band assembly 30 to be reconfigured between expanded and contracted states. At the same time, the material of expansion band 32 possesses sufficient strength and rigidity to impart a significant radial outward force upon gasket 110, compressing gasket 110 into sealing engagement with opening 108 in wall 102 to provide a fluid tight seal therebetween. Specifically, expansion band 32 may be formed of a polymeric material or corrosion resistant metal, such as stainless steel, that inhibits corrosion in potentially damp environments during service of expansion band assembly 30.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, substantially circular band 34, 34a forms a generally cylindrical outer shape and a corresponding circular profile. As used herein, “cylindrical” refers to a shape or structure generally conforming to the shape of a cylinder, it being understood that precise conformance thereto is not necessary for a structure to be considered “cylindrical.”

[0049] Substantially circular band 34a, depicted in FIG. 5, differs from substantially circular band 34, depicted in FIG. 4, in that band 34a is formed with a plurality of projections 46 that extend radially outwardly relative to longitudinal axis A (FIGS. 2 and 3). Projections 46 may also extend in a direction generally parallel to circumferential center line B of substantially circular band 34a. While substantially circular band 34a is shown as having two projections 46, it is contemplated that substantially circular band 34a may have only one projection or more than two projections. When the expansion band assembly 30 is expanded, the projections 46 protrude into the gasket 110, enhancing the fluid tight seal between the gasket 110 and opening 108 of wall 102.

[0050] Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, partial exploded views of expansion band assembly 30 are shown. As best shown in FIG. 6, the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b may be formed with a plurality of tongues 50. As the tongues 50 approach the first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b, tongues 50 may converge from base 52 to head 54 of first wedges 36a, 36b, respectively. Thus, tongues 50 may converge toward a circumferential center line B (FIGS. 4 and 5) of substantially circular band 34, 34a. Accordingly, tongues 50 are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the circumferential center line B of substantially circular band 34, 34a.

[0051] First and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b may be formed with a plurality of grooves 56 for movably receiving the plurality of tongues 50 of the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b. Grooves 56 may converge from base 58 to head 60 of the first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b, respectively. As grooves 56 approach the circumferential center line B (FIGS. 4 and 5) of substantially circular band 34, 34a, grooves 56 may converge toward a longitudinal axis C of drive screw 40. Accordingly, grooves 56, like tongues 50, are non-perpendicular to circumferential center line B of substantially circular band 34, 34a.

[0052] In operation, as the expansion band assembly 30 transitions from a contracted state to an expanded state or vice versa, tongues 50 of first wedges 36a, 36b slide within grooves 56 of first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b.

[0053] Though the foregoing discussion suggests that first wedges 36a, 36b are formed with tongues 50 and first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b are formed with grooves 56, it will be appreciated that first wedges 36a, 36b could just as easily be formed with grooves configured to receive tongues of first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b without altering the overall operation of the expansion band assembly 30 or the sealing effect of same.

[0054] First and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b may be formed of a polymeric material or corrosion resistant metal, such as stainless steel, that inhibits corrosion in potentially damp environments during service of expansion band assembly 30.

[0055] First and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b may be formed with a plurality of internal cavities. For example, FIG. 14B depicts an exemplary opposing second wedge 43b formed with a plurality of cavities, such as exemplary cavities 45a, 45b, and 45c. Walls 47a, 47b, and 47c at least partially bound exemplary cavities 45a, 45b, and 45c, respectively. Each of walls 47a, 47b, and 47c has a corresponding thickness T_a, Tb, T_c denoted by opposing arrows. The plurality of cavities may have a substantially uniform wall thickness at several locations throughout the opposing second wedge 43b. For example, a thickness of at least two, three, or more of the wall locations may vary by less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, or less than 10%. Consistent with the foregoing, T_a, Tb, and T_c may vary by less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, or less than 10%. A consistent, uniform wall thickness may allow for a uniform distribution of stresses throughout the wedge 43b during use of the expansion band assembly 30 to maintain shape integrity of the wedges during use of the device, as well as to ensure the integrity of the threaded bore which received the drive screw.

[0056] Now referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 10-14, first opposing second wedge 42a includes an internally threaded aperture 62 extending therethrough in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A (FIGS. 2 and 3). Internally threaded aperture 62 receives the external threads of drive screw 40.

[0057] Second opposing second wedge 42b may include an internally threaded aperture 64 (FIG. 14 A) coaxial with internally threaded aperture 62. Thus, both internally threaded apertures 62 and 64 receive the external threads of drive screw 40.

[0058] Alternatively, second opposing second wedge 42b may include an aperture 64a (FIGS. 10-13) coaxial with the internally threaded aperture 62 of the first opposing second wedge 42a. Aperture 64a, rather than being internally threaded, is instead configured to receive a nut 66, such as a hex nut. Thus, rather than engaging with an internally threaded aperture of second opposing second wedge 42b, the external threads of drive screw 40 engage with the threads of nut 66. This may be beneficial as it allows the installer to replace nut 66 if the nut 66 is stripped or otherwise damaged during installation, rather than having to replace the entire second opposing second wedge 42b if the internally threaded aperture 64 is stripped or otherwise damaged during installation.

[0059] Expansion band assembly 30 may include a plug 68. Plug 68 may be formed of a polymeric material or corrosion resistant metal, such as stainless steel, that inhibits corrosion in potentially damp environments during service of expansion band assembly 30.

[0060] Regardless of the material, plug 68 is formed with an aperture 70 therethrough. Aperture 70 may be coaxial with internally threaded aperture 62 of first opposing second wedge 42a, nut 66, and drive screw 40. Plug 68 is received within aperture 64a of the second opposing second wedge 42b and restrains nut 66. Thus, plug 68 assists the installer with installation of the expansion band assembly 30 by restricting movement of the nut 66.

[0061] Whether the second opposing second wedge 42b includes aperture 64 or aperture 64a, the expansion band assembly 30 may include washer 72. Washer 72 may be positioned adjacent to, and overlapping with, aperture 62 of the first opposing second wedge 42a. That is, washer 72 is coaxial with aperture 62 and drive screw 40. Washer 72 distributes the load of drive screw 40 over a greater surface of first opposing second wedge 42a and helps maintain the expansion band assembly 30 in an expanded state.

[0062] Turning now to FIGS. 15-18, an arcuate oversleeve 44 may be received over substantially circular band 34, 34a in the vicinity of wedge mechanism 38 and the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b. Arcuate oversleeve 44 may be formed entirely of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene. The polypropylene may have a flexural modulus per standard ATSM D790 as low as about 125,000 psi, about 150,000 psi, about 175,000 psi, as high as about 225,000 psi, 250,000 psi, or 275,000 psi, or within any range including any of these end points, such as 125,000 to 275,000 psi, 150,000 psi to 250,000 psi, or 175,000 psi to 225,000 psi. An arcuate oversleeve 44 formed of polypropylene having the described properties may flex and deform into voids created by any of projections 46 of substantially circular band 34a, wedges 36a, 36b, or wedges 42a, 42b, 43b which may improve the overall sealing effect of the expansion band assembly 30. Additionally, among other advantages, an arcuate oversleeve 44 formed of polypropylene having the described properties may be sufficiently resilient to sealingly deform as needed during installation of the device without cracking. Alternatively, arcuate oversleeve 44 may be formed entirely of a corrosion resistant metal, such as stainless steel. Alternatively still, arcuate oversleeve 44 may be formed by a combination of a polymeric material and a corrosion resistant metal, such as stainless steel. [0063] Arcuate oversleeve 44 provides continuity of the cylindrical outer surface of the substantially circular band 34, 34a. As best seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, arcuate oversleeve 44 has a sufficient arcuate length to completely span and cover any gaps between first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b and the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b. Thus, arcuate oversleeve 44 helps uniformly distribute radial force of the expansion band assembly 30 to gasket 110 when the expansion band assembly 30 is in an expanded state and helps prevent potential leak paths between gasket 110 and opening 108. [0064] As illustrated in FIG. 15 A, arcuate oversleeve 44 includes base portion 74. Base portion 74 may be received upon an outer surface 75 (FIGS. 17 and 18) of the substantially circular band 34, 34a, resulting in continuity of the cylindrical outer surface of expansion band 32. Maintaining continuity of the cylindrical outer surface results in a more uniform distribution of radial force when the expansion band assembly 30 is in an expanded state and, thus, a greater sealing effect of gasket 110.

[0065] Arcuate oversleeve 44 may include a pair of flanges 76a, 76b positioned adjacent to, and overlapping with, the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b and the first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b. Arcuate oversleeve 44 may be integrally formed with flanges 76a, 76b.

[0066] Flanges 76a, 76b help ensure that there are not gaps between the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b and first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b. FIGS. 17 and 18, which depict the expansion band assembly 30 in contracted and expanded states, respectively, demonstrate flanges 76a, 76b covering potential gaps between the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b and the first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b. Flanges 76a, 76b help distribute the radial force of expansion band assembly 30 to gasket 110, improving the sealing effect of expansion band assembly 30 and gasket 110 and reducing the risk of leak paths between gasket 110 and opening 108.

[0067] Turning to FIG. 16, arcuate oversleeve may be formed with a plurality of projections 78. Projections 78 extend radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis A (FIGS. 2 and 3). Projections 78 may also extend in a direction generally parallel to circumferential center line B (FIGS. 4 and 5) of substantially circular band 34, 34a. While arcuate oversleeve is shown as having two projections 78, it is contemplated that arcuate oversleeve 44 may have only one projection or more than two projections.

[0068] When expansion band assembly 30 transitions from a contracted state to an expanded state, projections 78 protrude into gasket 110, helping effect a fluid tight seal between gasket 110 and opening 108.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 18, projections 78 of arcuate oversleeve 44 may receive projections 46 of substantially circular band 34a, resulting in continuous, radially outwardly extending projections 46, 78 around the circumference of expansion band assembly 30. In the expanded state, the continuous protrusion of projections 46, 78 into gasket 110 around the circumference of expansion band assembly 30 improves the sealing effect of gasket 1 10 in opening 108.

[0070] Now referencing FIGS. 15A-F, 20, 21, and 23, arcuate oversleeve 44 may include a plurality of holding pins for temporarily locating oversleeve 44 with respect to substantially circular band 34, 34a during installation. The holding pins, such as pins 80a, may extend radially inwardly relative to base 74. Pins 80a help restrain arcuate oversleeve 44, substantially circular band 34, 34a, and wedge mechanism 38 together during installation of expansion band assembly 30. Specifically, pins 80a help prevent lateral movement of substantially circular band 34, 34a relative to arcuate oversleeve 44 prior to expansion of the expansion band assembly 30. As described further below, pins 80a may be integrally formed with arcuate oversleeve 44 or formed as separate parts.

[0071] Pins 80a may be integrally formed with base 74 and extend radially inwardly relative thereto. Pins 80a are received in corresponding apertures 82 in substantially circular band 34, 34a. As the expansion band assembly 30 expands, pins 80a shear. Once sheared, pins 80a may be trapped between arcuate oversleeve 44 and substantially circular expansion band 34, 34a or exposed through holes 82 such that the installer can remove the sheared pins 80a. In either situation, the pins 80a are not capable of becoming trapped between arcuate oversleeve 44 and gasket 110, which is undesirable as it may reduce the sealing effect of the expansion band assembly 30 and gasket 110.

[0072] Alternative pins 80b, 80c, 80d, and 80e are depicted in FIGS. 15B-F. In each of FIGS. 15B-F, arcuate oversleeve 44 is depicted without, for example, flanges 76a, 76b and alignment projections 84, which will be described further herein. However, in addition to any of the alternative pins 80b, 80c, 80d, and 80e, arcuate oversleeve 44 may include all or any combination of flanges 76a, 76b, alignment projections 84, hooks 88, which will be described further herein, or additional features described herein.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 15B, arcuate oversleeve 44 may include pins 80b. Pins 80b may include a pair of flexible fingers extending from a base proximate arcuate oversleeve 44 toward longitudinal axis A of expansion band assembly 30. Pins 80b may include a head wherein the fingers converge to form a tapered end. The tapered end may assist the installer in inserting pins 80b through holes 82 in substantially circular band 34, 34a. The head of pin 80b may also include a shoulder that engages the substantially circular band 34, 34a when the arcuate oversleeve 44 and substantially circular band 34, 34a are assembled. The shoulder may have a greater diameter than the tapered end or the base. When expansion band assembly 30 expands, pins 80b, like pins 80a, shear.

[0074] FIG. 15C depicts an alternative pin 80c, which is identical to pin 80b except as described herein. Proximate arcuate oversleeve 44, pin 80c may include an annular undercut or outwardly facing annular recess, forming a reduced diameter region of the pin 80c, facilitating frangibility of pin 80c at that location. The annular undercut may provide a frangible location at which pin 80c breaks or shears when exposed to a desired force when expansion band assembly 30 expands during installation.

[0075] Now turning to FIG. 15D, arcuate oversleeve 44 may include heat-stakable pins, such as pins 80d. Pins 80d may have a substantially cylindrical body extending from arcuate oversleeve 44 toward longitudinal axis A of expansion band assembly 30. Pins 80d may also include a rounded head. Like the tapered end of pin 80b, the rounded head of pin 80d may assist the installer in inserting pins 80d through holes 82 in substantially circular band 34, 34a.

[0076] FIG. 15E depicts another alternative pin 80e, which is identical to pin 80d except as described herein. Proximate arcuate oversleeve 44, pin 80e may include an annular undercut or outwardly facing recess, forming a reduced diameter region of the pin 80e, facilitating frangibility of pin 80e at that location. The annular undercut may provide a frangible location at which pin 80e breaks or shears when exposed to a desired force when expansion band assembly 30 expands during installation.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 15F, pins 80e of arcuate oversleeve 44 have undergone heatstaking. During the heat-staking process, heat is applied locally to pin 80e. Heat is sufficient to cause an end of pin 80e to become deformable but not sufficient to dimensionally affect the shape of other polymeric components. The heat-staking process may also allow arcuate oversleeve 44 to closely conform to substantially circular band 34, 34a, improving the rigidity of expansion band assembly 30.

[0078] Alternatively, base 74 may include a plurality of holes extending therethrough (not shown) for receiving a plurality of pins 80a. The installer may insert pins 80a through the plurality of holes through base 74 and through holes 82 in the substantially circular band 34, 34a. An added benefit of having pins 80a formed separately from arcuate oversleeve 44 is that expansion band assembly 30 may be more easily refitted in gasket 110 should there be an installation issue after pins 80a shear. That is, the installer can remove the expansion band assembly 30 from gasket 110, reinsert new pins 80a through the holes in base 74 and holes 82 in the substantially circular band 34, 34a, and then reposition the expansion band 30 into gasket 110.

[0079] Regardless of whether pins 80a are monolithically formed with arcuate oversleeve 44 or formed as separate pieces, pins 80a and, thus, apertures 82 are positioned along a circumferential center line B (FIGS. 4 and 5) of the substantially circular band 34, 34a.

[0080] Instead of pins 80a, shearable rivets (not pictured) could be used to restrain arcuate oversleeve 44, substantially circular band 34, 34a, and wedge mechanism 38 together during the installation of expansion band assembly 30. However, pins 80a, particularly pins 80a formed of a polymeric material, are advantageous to shearable rivets. Indeed, when pins 80a and arcuate oversleeve 44 are formed of a polymeric material, the risk of galvanic corrosion due to dissimilar metals is avoided. Galvanic corrosion is a significant concern in the damp environments contemplated herein as galvanic corrosion will compromise the sealing effect of the expansion band assembly 30.

[0081] Turning now to FIGS. 15, 20, 22, and 24, arcuate oversleeve 44 may include a plurality of alignment projections 84 integrally formed with base 74 and extending radially inwardly relative to longitudinal axis A (FIGS. 2 and 3). Alignment projections 84 may be positioned along a circumferential center line B (FIGS. 4 and 5) of substantially circular band 34, 34a and may be received within grooves 86 (FIG. 22) in the pair of first wedges 36a, 36b. [0082] Alignment projections 84 and grooves 86 help ensure that arcuate oversleeve 44 remains centered beneath the wedge mechanism 38 during installation of expansion band assembly 30. Fluid tight sealing between gasket 110 and opening 108 is better effected when arcuate oversleeve 44 is properly positioned beneath wedge mechanism 38 and first wedges 36a, 36b.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 15, 16, 23, and 24, arcuate oversleeve 44 may include a plurality of hooks 88. Hooks 88 restrain substantially circular band 34, 34a to arcuate oversleeve 44. Specifically, hooks 88 prevent the substantially circular band 34, 34a from moving radially inwardly relative to longitudinal axis A (FIGS. 2 and 3) and away from the wedge mechanism 38 and arcuate oversleeve 44 during installation of the expansion band assembly 30.

[0084] Hooks 88 may be integrally formed with arcuate oversleeve 44 and extend radially inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis A. As illustrated in FIG. 15 A, hooks 88 may be arranged in opposing pairs on arcuate oversleeve 44. Additionally, each opposing pair of hooks 88 may be positioned at a respective end of arcuate oversleeve 44. With this configuration of hooks 88, substantially circular band 34, 34a is more evenly secured to arcuate oversleeve 44.

[0085] Turning to FIGS. 15, 19, and 24, arcuate oversleeve 44 may include a plurality of raised features 90. Raised features 90 may extend radially inwardly from arcuate oversleeve 44 relative to longitudinal axis A (FIGS. 2 and 3). Raised features 90 may be positioned at opposing ends of arcuate oversleeve 44.

[0086] Raised features 90 may be integrally formed with arcuate oversleeve 44 and are configured to fit between projections 46 of substantially circular band 34a and help position arcuate oversleeve 44 relative to substantially circular band 34a. By maintaining proper positioning of arcuate oversleeve 44, the sealing effect of expansion band assembly 30 and gasket 110 in opening 108 is improved.

[0087] Having described the structure of expansion band assembly 30, operation of the expansion band assembly 30 is now described with particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 6-9. [0088] As stated, expansion band assembly 30 is received within a channel 116 created by sidewalls 118 of gasket 110. Once the installer is satisfied with the position and configuration of gasket 110 and expansion band assembly 30 with respect to opening 108, drive screw 40 is rotated in a first direction to reconfigure the expansion band assembly 30 into the expanded configuration.

[0089] Specifically, rotation of drive screw 40 in the first direction draws first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b together in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A and displaces first wedges 36a, 36b apart from one another in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. This displacement of first wedges 36a, 36b expands the diameter of substantially circular band 34, 34a, expanding expansion band assembly 30. When sufficient radial outward force is applied by expansion band assembly 30 upon gasket 110, a fluid tight seal is effected between expansion band assembly 30 and gasket 110, and between gasket 110 and opening 108. As noted above, to maintain a consistent radial outward force in the vicinity of first wedges 36a, 36b and wedge mechanism 38 when drive screw 40 is rotated in the first direction, arcuate oversleeve 44 is provided prior to installation of expansion band assembly 30 to provide a consistent cylindrical outer surface of expansion band assembly 30. [0090] To contract the expansion band assembly 30, the installer need only rotate drive screw 40 in a second, opposite direction. Rotation of drive screw 40 in the second direction will drive first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b apart from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A. As first and second opposing second wedges 42a, 42b are driven apart, first wedges 36a, 36b displace toward one another in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A under the restoring force of substantially circular band 34, 34a. This displacement of first wedges 36a, 36b reduces the diameter of substantially circular band 34, 34a, contracting expansion band assembly, and releasing gasket 110 from opening 108.

[0091] While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary designs, the present disclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An expansion band assembly for compressively sealing an annular gasket within a wall opening in a structure, the expansion band assembly comprising: an expansion band, comprising: a substantially circular band formed of a polymeric material and having a central longitudinal axis, and a pair of first wedges disposed at opposing ends of the band; and a wedge mechanism, comprising: first and second opposing second wedges connected by a drive screw for relative movement toward and away from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

2. The expansion band assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first wedges comprises one of a plurality of tongues and a plurality of grooves, and wherein each of the second wedges comprises the other of the plurality of tongues and the plurality of grooves with the plurality of tongues respectively movably received within the plurality of grooves and the tongues separable from the grooves in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

3. The expansion band assembly of claim 2, wherein the respective pluralities of tongues and grooves of the pair of first wedges and the first and second opposing second wedges converge toward one another.

4. The expansion band assembly of claim 1, further comprising an arcuate oversleeve disposed adjacent to, and overlapping with, the pair of first wedges and the first and second opposing second wedges, the arcuate oversleeve comprising a base having an inside surface adapted to be received upon an outer surface of the substantially circular band.

5. The expansion band assembly of claim 4, wherein the arcuate oversleeve is formed of polypropylene and has a flexural modulus from 125,000 psi to 275,000 psi.

6. The expansion band assembly of claim 4, wherein the arcuate oversleeve comprises one or more project! on(s) extending radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis, the projection(s) configured to protrude into the elastomeric gasket when the expansion band assembly is expanded.

7. The expansion band assembly of claim 4, wherein the arcuate oversleeve is integrally formed with a plurality of pins extending radially inwardly from the base, the plurality of pins arranged to fit through a corresponding plurality of apertures in the substantially circular band to restrain the expansion band, wedge mechanism, and arcuate oversleeve.

8. The expansion band assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of pins comprises tapered head and a shoulder that engages the substantially circular band.

9. The expansion band assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of pins comprises an undercut proximate the base of the arcuate oversleeve.

10. The expansion band assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of pins comprises a substantially cylindrical body and a rounded head.

11. The expansion band assembly of claim 4, wherein the arcuate oversleeve comprises a plurality of apertures through the base and configured to receive a plurality of pins, the plurality of apertures of the arcuate oversleeve aligning with a plurality of apertures of the substantially circular band, the plurality of pins extending through the plurality of apertures of the arcuate oversleeve and the plurality of apertures of the substantially circular band to restrain the expansion band, wedge mechanism, and arcuate oversleeve.

12. The expansion band assembly of claim 1, wherein the substantially circular band comprises one or more projection(s) extending radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis, the projection(s) configured to protrude into the elastomeric gasket when the expansion band assembly is expanded.

13. The expansion band assembly of claim 12, further comprising an arcuate oversleeve disposed adjacent to the pair of first wedges and the first and second opposing second wedges, the arcuate oversleeve comprising one or more corresponding projection(s) extending radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the one or more project! on(s) of the substantially circular band are adapted to be received within the one or more corresponding projection(s) of the arcuate oversleeve.