US Patent 9057231 Energizing ring divot back-out lock

An energizing ring can be used to energize a seal. In embodiments, the energizing ring has a recess, or divot, adjacent to a portion of the seal so that if the seal is deformed during a balloon-type failure, a portion of the deformed seal can occupy the recess. The seal, thus, engages surfaces of the recess to prevent axial movement of the energizing ring relative to the seal.