Reinforced resilient wiper element

Abstract

A reinforced resilient wiper element, for use in connection with internal pipe wipers, having peripheral wiping edges, a central bore and a rigid area surrounding such central bore. The rigid area surrounding the central bore prevents compression of the resilient wiper element in the vicinity of the central bore, thereby reducing or eliminating structural failure of the wiper element.

1 . A resilient wiper element for use within a string of wet pipe, wherein said resilient wiper element comprises a flexible sheet having finite thickness, a bore extending through said flexible sheet and a rigid area in proximity to said bore.  
   
   
       2 . The resilient wiper element of  claim 1 , wherein said rigid area extends completely around said bore.  
   
   
       3 . The resilient wiper element of  claim 1 , wherein said wiper element is substantially circular in shape.  
   
   
       4 . The resilient wiper element of  claim 3 , wherein said wiping element is notched to enable folding or bending of said wiper element within said pipe.  
   
   
       5 . The resilient wiper element of  claim 4 , wherein said wiper element is constructed of at least one elastomer.  
   
   
       6 . The resilient wiper element of  claim 5 , wherein a washer is integrally molded into said wiping element around said bore.