Expandable compression ring

摘要

An integrally molded compression ring for exerting an outwardly, radially directed force on an inner surface of a gasket to compress the gasket into sealing engagement with a wall of an opening. The compression ring is made from a one-piece body or strip of resiliently flexible material that has a substantially continuous and uninterrupted exterior circumferential surface. Lugs formed on an interior portion of the strip cooperate with a force expansion unit to move the ring into an expanded position. A recess may also be provided in one end of the strip for cooperating with the force expansion unit. Projections integrally molded on an interior portion of the strip and on an exterior portion adjacent an end of the strip engage one another to lock the ring in an expanded position. Guiding structure may be formed on the strip that prevent lateral movement of the ends of the strip relative to one another when the strip is formed into a ring. The end of the strip and a portion adjacent thereto that overlap the other end of the strip when it is formed into a ring taper to a feather edge. The ring may be formed so as to be expandable into multiple locked positions. An alternative embodiment of the compression ring has integrally molded first and second portions. Distal ends of the second portion may also taper to a feather edge. This ring may also be formed so as to be expandable into multiple locked positions.