US 12,085,109 B2
Single point actuation low-profile lock ring for a mechanical seal
Joseph Usenia, Manchester, NH (US); Alan Van Epps, Groveland, MA (US); and Robert James Powers, Salem, MA (US)
Assigned to A.W. CHESTERTON COMPANY, Groveland, MA (US)
Filed by A.W. CHESTERTON COMPANY, Groveland, MA (US)
Filed on Jun. 7, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/340,545.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/035,512, filed on Jun. 5, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0381541 A1, Dec. 9, 2021
Int. Cl. F16J 15/34 (2006.01); F16B 39/08 (2006.01); F16B 39/12 (2006.01); F16B 2/06 (2006.01)
CPC F16B 39/08 (2013.01) [F16B 39/12 (2013.01); F16B 2/065 (2013.01)] 8 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A mechanical seal, comprising
a gland element,
a sleeve component having an elongated sleeve portion, the sleeve component being disposed within the gland, and
a lock ring assembly including
a lock ring having a main body having a generally annular shape and having a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, and a circumferential surface, wherein the top surface has formed therein a plurality of openings that are sized and configured for receiving a centering element and wherein the circumferential surface has a plurality of side openings formed therein that are sized and configured for receiving a set screw, wherein the main body includes a first inwardly extending cut-out section formed directly in the annular main body having a first curved profile region forming part of a first inwardly extending flange portion, and a second inwardly extending cut-out section formed directly in the annular main body and having a second curved profile forming part of a second flange portion, wherein the first and second flange portions have a bolt opening formed therein,
a plurality of notches formed in the main body of the lock ring and circumferentially spaced apart about the main body to form flex regions,
a bolt element that is sized and configured for seating in the bolt openings, and
a nut element having a cylindrical shape that is complementary in shape to the curved profile region of the first flange portion.