A gate valve sleeve including a reinforced elastomeric valve sleeve member with an integrally molded reinforcing member disposed therein. In one embodiment, the reinforcing member comprises a pair of parallel spaced ring elements connected by a plurality of spacers. In another embodiment, the reinforcing member comprises first and second ring member abutted to form a T-shape. In a further embodiment, the reinforcing member comprises a ring and a plurality of axially oriented spacer members. In yet a further embodiment, the reinforcing member comprises a pair of ring elements connected by a plurality of pins. The pins are fixed to one of the ring elements and are slidably engageable with the other ring element. In an alternate embodiment, an auxiliary ring member is located within an interior opening of the reinforcing member.
