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 wiping debris from the internal surface of a string of wet pipe without sealing against said pipe comprising: 
 a) a flexible sheet having finite thickness and a bore extending through said flexible sheet, wherein said flexible sheet is notched to enable folding or bending of said wiper element within said pipe; and    b) a rigid member substantially encircling said bore, wherein said rigid member is substantially encased within said flexible sheet.    
   
   
       2 . The resilient wiper element of  claim 1 , wherein said wiper element is constructed of at least one elastomer.  
   
   
       3 . The resilient wiper element of  claim 1 , wherein said wiper element is substantially circular.  
   
   
       4 . The resilient wiper element of  claim 1 , wherein said rigid member is a washer.  
   
   
       5 . A resilient wiper element for wiping debris from the internal surface of a string of wet pipe without sealing against said pipe comprising: 
 a) an elastomer sheet having finite thickness and a bore extending through said elastomer sheet, wherein said elastomer sheet is notched to enable folding or bending of said wiper element within said pipe; and    b) a rigid member substantially encircling said bore, wherein said rigid member is molded within said elastomer sheet.    
   
   
       6 . The resilient wiper element of  claim 5 , wherein said wiper element is substantially circular.  
   
   
       7 . The resilient wiper element of  claim 5 , wherein said rigid member is a washer.