connection with fig4 it should be noted that after mandrel 184 has been locked by mandrel lock 201 to retain the sealing means 185 in sealing conformity with the well casing 172 mandrel 184 may be separated at a point disposed above the mandrel lock 201 after the mandrel 184 has been pulled upwardly to compress sealing means 185 as seen in fig3 a mandrel release point 206 is disposed on mandrel 184 and is initially located beneath mandrel lock 201 upon mandrel 184 being raised to the position shown in fig4 mandrel release point 206 is disposed above mandrel lock 201 after sealing means 185 has been anchored within well casing 172 mandrel 184 may be separated at the mandrel release point 206 and the auxiliary equipment for bridge plug 183 to be hereinafter described in greater detail with respect to fig1 may be raised and removed through production tubing 175 to the earth 39 s surface 171 production of hydrocarbons may once again be initiated as previously described in connection with fig2 turning now to fig5 7 a preferred embodiment of sealing element 190 in accordance with the present invention is shown elastomeric sealing element 190 generally comprises a generally tubular shaped elastomeric member 207 having first and second ends 208 209 and a wall portion 210 therebetween as shown in fig5 elastomeric member 207 has a normal unstressed configuration wherein the diameter of elastomeric member 207 varies along the longitudinal axis of the elastomeric member 207 the diameter intermediate the ends 208 209 of the elastomeric member 207 is larger than the diameter at the ends 208 209 when.