CA2132436A1 - Means for protecting conducting equipment - Google Patents
Means for protecting conducting equipmentInfo
- Publication number
- CA2132436A1 CA2132436A1 CA 2132436 CA2132436A CA2132436A1 CA 2132436 A1 CA2132436 A1 CA 2132436A1 CA 2132436 CA2132436 CA 2132436 CA 2132436 A CA2132436 A CA 2132436A CA 2132436 A1 CA2132436 A1 CA 2132436A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- locking member
- male
- body portion
- female
- female locking
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/04—Protective tubing or conduits, e.g. cable ladders or cable troughs
- H02G3/0462—Tubings, i.e. having a closed section
- H02G3/0481—Tubings, i.e. having a closed section with a circular cross-section
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
- Protection Of Pipes Against Damage, Friction, And Corrosion (AREA)
- Details Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
- External Artificial Organs (AREA)
Abstract
A protective sleeve assembly (10) for use in protecting conducting equipment such as cables, wiring and tubing is disclosed as comprising a longitudinal body portion (12) which includes an inner surface (16) and an outer surface (14), a male locking member (18) extending from one longitudinal edge of the longitudinal body portion and a female locking member (32) extending from a second longitudinal edge of the longitudinal body portion. The protective sleeve is selectively closeable by connecting the male and female locking members (18) and (32) respectively. An elastomeric sealing material (52) can be provided between the male and female locking members to assist in providing a fluid resistant seal.
Description
WO 93/18~8~ 2 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 6 PCI /US92102221 ~YEAN~ FOR PROTECIIN('J CONOUCTlN(7 EQU11'1\~EI~
~ACK~JROUNl~ 0~ T~IE lNVE~T10~1 1. Fielcl of the Invention The invention relates to a protective sleeve for enclosing lengths of electrical and E & M conducting devices, such as cables, wiring, and tubing, and more particularly, to a one piece plastic sleeve having male and female locking members located along ~Irst and 5 second longitudinal edges which allow the plastic sleeve to be closed by inserting the male member within the female member.
~ACK~JROUNl~ 0~ T~IE lNVE~T10~1 1. Fielcl of the Invention The invention relates to a protective sleeve for enclosing lengths of electrical and E & M conducting devices, such as cables, wiring, and tubing, and more particularly, to a one piece plastic sleeve having male and female locking members located along ~Irst and 5 second longitudinal edges which allow the plastic sleeve to be closed by inserting the male member within the female member.
2. Description of Related Art Many protective tubular enclosures having longitudinal points of attachment are known. Generally, the tubular enclosures are sheets of material wrapped around 1() elongated ohjects such as wiring, cables, or other forms of tubing which are closcd along Ihe longi~udinal edges lo provide a sealed environmen~ for the object or objec~s contained therein. For example, Uni~ed States Patent Nos. I,~95,133 to Quarnstrom; 2,067,665 to Holt; 3,625,259 to Kennedy; 495I3,787 to Hegler; and 4,944,976 to Plumer all disclose various designs of tubular enclosures, however, each of the above-mentioned patents fall 15 short of the advanta~es offered by the present invention.
The tubular enclosures presently availabie do not include separate sealing meansfor preventing the introduc~ion of undesirable elements such as soil or watcr into the ~ro~cctive sl~evc over an extended period of timc. Furth~r, the sealing means of thc present inven~ion can be attached to the protective sleeve after the objec~ or objects t~
2() be con~ained have been inserted into the pro~ective sleevc.
The invention provides a protective sleeve having increased tubular strength forspooling the~sleeve onto a reel to fàcilita~e transpor~ation of the sleevc. The sleeve is extruded ~in Ihe form of a ~closed conduit and has an outwardly projecting female locking ; member. The slecve is slit longiiudinally to allow ~or the insertion of object ~r objects 2~ and oncc lhe objcc~ or objcc~s h~ve been inserted~ ~he edge of the sleevc dis~al to the female lockinL! member is inserled into the gap provided by the female locking member The distal edge and the Çemale locking member~ are then sealed together.
Accordingly, it is the prima~y object of the present invention to pro~!ide 2 protective sleeve which incorporates sealing means which preclude the introduction of 30 undesired elements suc'n as soil and wa~er.
~.. . .
WO 93/18982 21 3 2 4 3 6 P~/liS92/02221 Il is anolher object of the present invention to provide a proteclivc sleeve which allows for the introduclion of sealing means after the object or objects to be contained have been inserted into the protective sleeve and just prior to closing the struc~ure.
lt is another object of the present invention to provide a protective sleeve which 5 is selectively s~penabie and closeable.
It is anothcr object to provide a protective sleeve which can be slit open prior to insertin~ the object or objecls to be contained and resealed ~nce the object or objects have been inserted.
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WO 93/18~8~ 2 1 3 2 4 ~ 6 PCr/US92/02221 ~j i ?: i ~ " .
~UMMARY Ol; THE INVENTlON
To achieve the foregoing objec~s, ~he present invention provides a pro~ective sleeve assembly which generally comprises a single piece of plas~ic having a longiludinal body which includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a male locking member along a 5 first longitudinal edge and a mating female locking member located along a second longitudinal edge. The protective sleeve is made of a relatively deformable plastic which allows for deformation of the sleeve without damaging the contents of the sleeve. The male lockin,~ membcr typically includcs a first enlarged diameter portion and a second reduced ~iameter portion. Loca~ed at a first end upon the second diameter, portion is an 10 outwardly projecting lon~itudinal nange which includes a blocking wall disposed relatively perpendicular to ~he outer surface of the second diameter portion and a mating wall adJoinirïg the blocking wall which is disposed substantially parallel to the outer surface of the second diameter portion. The female locking member typically has a substantially U-shaped cross-section comprising a first leg which continuously extends from the body ~$ portion and a second f~lexible le~ projecllng upwardly from the body portion. Disposed wilhin the U-shapcd cross-section is a sealing means such as an elastomeric material which has the capability oE~ conforming to the shape of the gap provided within the U-shaped cross-section once the malc and fema]e blocking members are connected. Thc leading portion of the second leg of the female lockin~ ~ember can be provided with a chamfer 20 which allows a tool lo pry lhe second le~, open allowing the male mcmbcr lo be ., disconnecled therefrom.
The protcclive ~slee~c can ~be ex~rudcd in~ ~ tubular form ha~ing a femalc locking member proJectin~ thorcirom. When Ihe pro~eclive slee~e is extruded in this form~ thc sleeve is slil open longi~udinally and lhe obJect or objects to be protected arc indenled 25 lhrough ~he sli~. Therèafter the;ed~e~of ~he sleeve most distal ~o the f~mal locking member is inserted inlo Ihe gap provided between the ouler surface of the protecti~c sleeve and inner wall of the female locking member. With the distal edge o~herwise referrcd io herein as the male locking membcr, positioned within the femalc locking m~mbcr, the male and remale locking members are sealed togethcr to protect the objec~
(t or ohjcc~s from the clcmen~s.
~;~ ` Addilional objecls and advanla~cs of ~he present invention will become apparent from a reading o~ the detailed description of tbe preferred embodiments which make re~erence to the fo~lowing se~ of drawin~s in which:
-WO 93/18982 PCr~US92/02221 2132~31~
IEF OESCRII'TIOl~ 0F T~E DRAWING~S
Fi6urc 1 is ~l cross-scclional end view of the present inven~ion shown in a locked position.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional end view of the present invention shown in a 5 disengaged position with the sealing material inserted within the female locking member.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional end view of the present invention shown in a locked position wi~h sealing material~ contained between the male and female locking members.
Figure 4 is a cross-sec~ional end view of the present invention wherein the rnale and female locking members h~ve been plastic welded ~ogether.
Fi~ure S is a cross ~sec~lonal end view of the present invention wherein the protective sleeve is extruded as a tube.
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) 93/189~2 2 1 3 2 ~ 3 6 PCr/US92/02221 131~1EI; OESCRlPTlON (3F TIIE rREFEXRED EMI OT)IMENT~
Referring ~o Figure 1, a cross-sec~ional end view of the sleeve assembly 10 of the present invention is generally comprised of a longitudinal body portion 12 and male and female locking members 18 and 32, respectively, extending from ~he body portion 12 at S first and second longitudinal edges. The sleeve assembly 10 is typically formed of extruded plastic and can extend essentially to any length necessary. The embodiment of Figure 1 has an overall round cross-sectiont although it will be understood that other overall shapes are possiblc. Initially, the protective sleeve assembly 10 is formed and the male and female lockin~ members 18 and 32 are connected for shipping purposes. The male I0 locking member 18 which extends from the body portion 12 a~ a first longitudinal edge has a wid~h which is thinner than that of the body portiorl 12. While the outer surface 20 of the male locking member 1g is a continuation of the outer surface 14 of ~he body portion 12, thc inner surface 22 is formed with a step 24 which givcs the male locking mcmbcr 18 a r~duGea thickness. ~Extending outwardly from the outer su~face 20 of the malc locking membcr ~8 is a longitudinally nange 26 which, upon connection, locks into the female iocking member 32. The flange 26 is provided with a blocking wall 28 at its trailing end and a downwardly tapering lead-in portion 30. The downwardly tapering lead-In portion 30 assists in the insertion of the male locking member 18 into the ~emale locking member 32.
The female locking member 32 which e~tends longiludinally from a second longi~udinal eclge of the body portion 12 has a U-shape in cross-section. The ~emale loclcin member 32 has a first leg ~4 whlch is a continuation of the body por~ion 12 aild second l,-shaped Icg~40 which projects upwardly from ~he body portion 1~. The inner surface of the first leg 38 is essentially a smooth continuation of ~he inner surface 16 of ~he body portion 12. The first leg 38 typically is bout half as thick as the body portion I 2 to accommodate for the thickness of the substantially overlapping male locking member 18. The second subs~antially L-shaped ieg 40 flexes to receive male locking member 18.
Point 42 is where lhe leg ~8 projects up from ~he body portion I. The first end of thc lè~ 38 is providcd wi~h an inwardly projecting longitudinally flange 44. This flange M is providc(3 wi~h a first surface 46, as shown more clearly in Figure 2, which abuts the - ~ blocking wall 28 of the male locking member I8 upon connection of the male and ~emale locking members. Add;tionally, the ~Irst end t)f the inwardly projecting flan~e 44 is chamfered at point 48 to allow ~or the insertion of a tool which is used to pry the second Ic 40 open ~o facilitate joining the male and ~female locking m~mbers to~ether. As can WO 93/189B2 PCJ/US92t022~1 2132~36 be see in Figure l a gap 50 is provided between ~he male loclcing membc~r 18 and the l'cmale locking member 4(~ whcn the male locking membcr is engaged within ahe female locking member.
Referring to Figure 2~ a cross-sectional end view of the present invention is shown S in a disengaged position with a sealing material 52 being inserted between the first and second legs 34 and 40 respectively. After the sleeve assembly 10 has been shipped the male locking member 18 is withdrawn from the female locking member 32 by prying the second leg 40 open with a tool (not shown). A sealant dispenser 54 which typically has a ~apered tip is inserted under ~he chamfered portion 48 of the second leg 40. Once the .
10 second leg has a~een ~lexed open abou~ point 42~ a sealing material is inserte~. It is preferable that the sealing material be inserted just prior to locking the sleeve assembly l0 to contain the conductin~ equipment 56. Often because the sealing material is made from a deformable elastomeric'material such as a non-hardening rubber~ thc sealing material will~"cold~flow'l~ or shift which will result in an imperfect seal if the sealing 15 materi~l is inserled too soon.~ ~ ~
With the sealing;malerial in place and the conducting equipment positioned within h~s!ecvc assembly 10 ~he male locking member~ 18 is again~irlserted into the female locklng member 32 as sho~m in Figure 3. As~a result of storing and shipping the pro~ective sleeve~in~the closed~ positionj ~the sleeve assembly tends to be easily closable 20 at`ter the sealing~ mate~rial has been positioned within the ~emale locking member. The tapered lead-in~por~ion 30 of the~Danse 26 forces the second leg 40 to Dex opcn until thc lange 26 passes by the~inwardly projecting tlange 44 and snap locks in behind blockinn wall~;46 ~The sealing~ma~erial 52~is capable of conforming to Ihe dimensions of gap 50 when~ the male~locklng~ membcr 18 is~'cngaged wi~hin the female locking membcr thereby 25 ~ lling gap~50.~
~ s ~shown ~ln~Flgure 4 la is ~contemplated that~ addltional sealing can be accomplished by plaslic welding ~he male and female locking members 18 and ?s2 togethcr.
Once lhe male and female locking members have been snap locked additional plastic is provided at the ~point~ 58 ~which is contiguous with the leading end~ of ~secon~ leg. ~e addi~ional plastic ;is mclled upon the male membcr which permanently seals the male locl;ing member~18 within lhe~female locking member 32.
The sleeve sssembly can be extended~in the disconnected position similar to the view in Figure 2 or it can be extruded in a tubular manner as shown in Figure 5.Extrusion. in a tubular form is often desirable as this elirninates the poss;bility of 93/18982 21324 3 6 PCr/~S92/02221 contamina~ion prior to inserting the object or objec~s to be protec~cd and makes i~ easier to ship the protec~ e sleevc. Again Ihe pro~ective slleve has a female locking mcmber 32 projecting outwardly from the outer surface 14. A severable web 60 is proviùcd at the leading end 50 of the male mernber 18. To insert the object or objects, a slit is cut into S the protective sleeve at the web 60 thereby separating the sleeve to provide the male and female locking members 1~ and 32, respectively. The obiect or objects are inserted through the slit and the male member is inserted into the female member 32 to close the sleeve.
As dcmonstrated in Figure 1, the male member 18 primarily becomes locked 1f) within lhc lemale member ?s2 as a result of the flan~e 44 abutting against the blocking wall 28. The seal can be further reinforced with glue or by arc welding the male and female locking members ~ogether and by providing a sealin~ material (now shown) in gap 50.
While~ the above description constitutes the preferred embodimen~s of the presen~
15 invention, it will be appreciated that ~he invention is susceptible to modification, variation and chang,e withoul departing from the proper scope and entire meaning of the accompanying claims. For example, it is contemplated that an adhesive can be applied bctween ~he male and female lochng members ~o provi!de a permanen~ sesl.
:
The tubular enclosures presently availabie do not include separate sealing meansfor preventing the introduc~ion of undesirable elements such as soil or watcr into the ~ro~cctive sl~evc over an extended period of timc. Furth~r, the sealing means of thc present inven~ion can be attached to the protective sleeve after the objec~ or objects t~
2() be con~ained have been inserted into the pro~ective sleevc.
The invention provides a protective sleeve having increased tubular strength forspooling the~sleeve onto a reel to fàcilita~e transpor~ation of the sleevc. The sleeve is extruded ~in Ihe form of a ~closed conduit and has an outwardly projecting female locking ; member. The slecve is slit longiiudinally to allow ~or the insertion of object ~r objects 2~ and oncc lhe objcc~ or objcc~s h~ve been inserted~ ~he edge of the sleevc dis~al to the female lockinL! member is inserled into the gap provided by the female locking member The distal edge and the Çemale locking member~ are then sealed together.
Accordingly, it is the prima~y object of the present invention to pro~!ide 2 protective sleeve which incorporates sealing means which preclude the introduction of 30 undesired elements suc'n as soil and wa~er.
~.. . .
WO 93/18982 21 3 2 4 3 6 P~/liS92/02221 Il is anolher object of the present invention to provide a proteclivc sleeve which allows for the introduclion of sealing means after the object or objects to be contained have been inserted into the protective sleeve and just prior to closing the struc~ure.
lt is another object of the present invention to provide a protective sleeve which 5 is selectively s~penabie and closeable.
It is anothcr object to provide a protective sleeve which can be slit open prior to insertin~ the object or objecls to be contained and resealed ~nce the object or objects have been inserted.
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,-, : :
- ~ , : :
`: : :
:~::: : ~ : :
::
WO 93/18~8~ 2 1 3 2 4 ~ 6 PCr/US92/02221 ~j i ?: i ~ " .
~UMMARY Ol; THE INVENTlON
To achieve the foregoing objec~s, ~he present invention provides a pro~ective sleeve assembly which generally comprises a single piece of plas~ic having a longiludinal body which includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a male locking member along a 5 first longitudinal edge and a mating female locking member located along a second longitudinal edge. The protective sleeve is made of a relatively deformable plastic which allows for deformation of the sleeve without damaging the contents of the sleeve. The male lockin,~ membcr typically includcs a first enlarged diameter portion and a second reduced ~iameter portion. Loca~ed at a first end upon the second diameter, portion is an 10 outwardly projecting lon~itudinal nange which includes a blocking wall disposed relatively perpendicular to ~he outer surface of the second diameter portion and a mating wall adJoinirïg the blocking wall which is disposed substantially parallel to the outer surface of the second diameter portion. The female locking member typically has a substantially U-shaped cross-section comprising a first leg which continuously extends from the body ~$ portion and a second f~lexible le~ projecllng upwardly from the body portion. Disposed wilhin the U-shapcd cross-section is a sealing means such as an elastomeric material which has the capability oE~ conforming to the shape of the gap provided within the U-shaped cross-section once the malc and fema]e blocking members are connected. Thc leading portion of the second leg of the female lockin~ ~ember can be provided with a chamfer 20 which allows a tool lo pry lhe second le~, open allowing the male mcmbcr lo be ., disconnecled therefrom.
The protcclive ~slee~c can ~be ex~rudcd in~ ~ tubular form ha~ing a femalc locking member proJectin~ thorcirom. When Ihe pro~eclive slee~e is extruded in this form~ thc sleeve is slil open longi~udinally and lhe obJect or objects to be protected arc indenled 25 lhrough ~he sli~. Therèafter the;ed~e~of ~he sleeve most distal ~o the f~mal locking member is inserted inlo Ihe gap provided between the ouler surface of the protecti~c sleeve and inner wall of the female locking member. With the distal edge o~herwise referrcd io herein as the male locking membcr, positioned within the femalc locking m~mbcr, the male and remale locking members are sealed togethcr to protect the objec~
(t or ohjcc~s from the clcmen~s.
~;~ ` Addilional objecls and advanla~cs of ~he present invention will become apparent from a reading o~ the detailed description of tbe preferred embodiments which make re~erence to the fo~lowing se~ of drawin~s in which:
-WO 93/18982 PCr~US92/02221 2132~31~
IEF OESCRII'TIOl~ 0F T~E DRAWING~S
Fi6urc 1 is ~l cross-scclional end view of the present inven~ion shown in a locked position.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional end view of the present invention shown in a 5 disengaged position with the sealing material inserted within the female locking member.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional end view of the present invention shown in a locked position wi~h sealing material~ contained between the male and female locking members.
Figure 4 is a cross-sec~ional end view of the present invention wherein the rnale and female locking members h~ve been plastic welded ~ogether.
Fi~ure S is a cross ~sec~lonal end view of the present invention wherein the protective sleeve is extruded as a tube.
: , ~: ~ : ~ :: , :
:
~ : : : :: .
) 93/189~2 2 1 3 2 ~ 3 6 PCr/US92/02221 131~1EI; OESCRlPTlON (3F TIIE rREFEXRED EMI OT)IMENT~
Referring ~o Figure 1, a cross-sec~ional end view of the sleeve assembly 10 of the present invention is generally comprised of a longitudinal body portion 12 and male and female locking members 18 and 32, respectively, extending from ~he body portion 12 at S first and second longitudinal edges. The sleeve assembly 10 is typically formed of extruded plastic and can extend essentially to any length necessary. The embodiment of Figure 1 has an overall round cross-sectiont although it will be understood that other overall shapes are possiblc. Initially, the protective sleeve assembly 10 is formed and the male and female lockin~ members 18 and 32 are connected for shipping purposes. The male I0 locking member 18 which extends from the body portion 12 a~ a first longitudinal edge has a wid~h which is thinner than that of the body portiorl 12. While the outer surface 20 of the male locking member 1g is a continuation of the outer surface 14 of ~he body portion 12, thc inner surface 22 is formed with a step 24 which givcs the male locking mcmbcr 18 a r~duGea thickness. ~Extending outwardly from the outer su~face 20 of the malc locking membcr ~8 is a longitudinally nange 26 which, upon connection, locks into the female iocking member 32. The flange 26 is provided with a blocking wall 28 at its trailing end and a downwardly tapering lead-in portion 30. The downwardly tapering lead-In portion 30 assists in the insertion of the male locking member 18 into the ~emale locking member 32.
The female locking member 32 which e~tends longiludinally from a second longi~udinal eclge of the body portion 12 has a U-shape in cross-section. The ~emale loclcin member 32 has a first leg ~4 whlch is a continuation of the body por~ion 12 aild second l,-shaped Icg~40 which projects upwardly from ~he body portion 1~. The inner surface of the first leg 38 is essentially a smooth continuation of ~he inner surface 16 of ~he body portion 12. The first leg 38 typically is bout half as thick as the body portion I 2 to accommodate for the thickness of the substantially overlapping male locking member 18. The second subs~antially L-shaped ieg 40 flexes to receive male locking member 18.
Point 42 is where lhe leg ~8 projects up from ~he body portion I. The first end of thc lè~ 38 is providcd wi~h an inwardly projecting longitudinally flange 44. This flange M is providc(3 wi~h a first surface 46, as shown more clearly in Figure 2, which abuts the - ~ blocking wall 28 of the male locking member I8 upon connection of the male and ~emale locking members. Add;tionally, the ~Irst end t)f the inwardly projecting flan~e 44 is chamfered at point 48 to allow ~or the insertion of a tool which is used to pry the second Ic 40 open ~o facilitate joining the male and ~female locking m~mbers to~ether. As can WO 93/189B2 PCJ/US92t022~1 2132~36 be see in Figure l a gap 50 is provided between ~he male loclcing membc~r 18 and the l'cmale locking member 4(~ whcn the male locking membcr is engaged within ahe female locking member.
Referring to Figure 2~ a cross-sectional end view of the present invention is shown S in a disengaged position with a sealing material 52 being inserted between the first and second legs 34 and 40 respectively. After the sleeve assembly 10 has been shipped the male locking member 18 is withdrawn from the female locking member 32 by prying the second leg 40 open with a tool (not shown). A sealant dispenser 54 which typically has a ~apered tip is inserted under ~he chamfered portion 48 of the second leg 40. Once the .
10 second leg has a~een ~lexed open abou~ point 42~ a sealing material is inserte~. It is preferable that the sealing material be inserted just prior to locking the sleeve assembly l0 to contain the conductin~ equipment 56. Often because the sealing material is made from a deformable elastomeric'material such as a non-hardening rubber~ thc sealing material will~"cold~flow'l~ or shift which will result in an imperfect seal if the sealing 15 materi~l is inserled too soon.~ ~ ~
With the sealing;malerial in place and the conducting equipment positioned within h~s!ecvc assembly 10 ~he male locking member~ 18 is again~irlserted into the female locklng member 32 as sho~m in Figure 3. As~a result of storing and shipping the pro~ective sleeve~in~the closed~ positionj ~the sleeve assembly tends to be easily closable 20 at`ter the sealing~ mate~rial has been positioned within the ~emale locking member. The tapered lead-in~por~ion 30 of the~Danse 26 forces the second leg 40 to Dex opcn until thc lange 26 passes by the~inwardly projecting tlange 44 and snap locks in behind blockinn wall~;46 ~The sealing~ma~erial 52~is capable of conforming to Ihe dimensions of gap 50 when~ the male~locklng~ membcr 18 is~'cngaged wi~hin the female locking membcr thereby 25 ~ lling gap~50.~
~ s ~shown ~ln~Flgure 4 la is ~contemplated that~ addltional sealing can be accomplished by plaslic welding ~he male and female locking members 18 and ?s2 togethcr.
Once lhe male and female locking members have been snap locked additional plastic is provided at the ~point~ 58 ~which is contiguous with the leading end~ of ~secon~ leg. ~e addi~ional plastic ;is mclled upon the male membcr which permanently seals the male locl;ing member~18 within lhe~female locking member 32.
The sleeve sssembly can be extended~in the disconnected position similar to the view in Figure 2 or it can be extruded in a tubular manner as shown in Figure 5.Extrusion. in a tubular form is often desirable as this elirninates the poss;bility of 93/18982 21324 3 6 PCr/~S92/02221 contamina~ion prior to inserting the object or objec~s to be protec~cd and makes i~ easier to ship the protec~ e sleevc. Again Ihe pro~ective slleve has a female locking mcmber 32 projecting outwardly from the outer surface 14. A severable web 60 is proviùcd at the leading end 50 of the male mernber 18. To insert the object or objects, a slit is cut into S the protective sleeve at the web 60 thereby separating the sleeve to provide the male and female locking members 1~ and 32, respectively. The obiect or objects are inserted through the slit and the male member is inserted into the female member 32 to close the sleeve.
As dcmonstrated in Figure 1, the male member 18 primarily becomes locked 1f) within lhc lemale member ?s2 as a result of the flan~e 44 abutting against the blocking wall 28. The seal can be further reinforced with glue or by arc welding the male and female locking members ~ogether and by providing a sealin~ material (now shown) in gap 50.
While~ the above description constitutes the preferred embodimen~s of the presen~
15 invention, it will be appreciated that ~he invention is susceptible to modification, variation and chang,e withoul departing from the proper scope and entire meaning of the accompanying claims. For example, it is contemplated that an adhesive can be applied bctween ~he male and female lochng members ~o provi!de a permanen~ sesl.
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Claims (8)
1. An apparatus for protecting conducting equipment such as cables, wiring and tubing, comprising:
a selectively closeable sleeve formed from a single piece of plastic having a longitudinal body portion which includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a male locking member and a mating female locking member;
said male locking member extending from said body portion at a first longitudinal edge wherein said male locking member has a reduced width along said inner surface providing a step, said male locking member having an outwardly projecting longitudinal flange located a first end thereof which includes a blocking wall disposed relatively perpendicular to said second diameter portion, and a mating wall adjoining said blocking wall disposed substantially parallel to said outer surface of said body portion at a first end and tapering downward at a second end;
said female locking member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section comprising a first leg extending from said body portion wherein the inner surface of said first leg is contiguous with the inner surface of said body portion and a second L-shaped flexible leg projecting upwardly from said body portion, said second leg having an inwardly projecting flange located at a first end which is provided with a first surfaced design to contiguously abut said blocking wall during engagement by said male locking member; and gap means provided within said U-shaped cross-section of said female locking member when said male locking member is engaged within said female locking member;
whereby said male and female locking members are connected to provide a closed sleeve.
a selectively closeable sleeve formed from a single piece of plastic having a longitudinal body portion which includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a male locking member and a mating female locking member;
said male locking member extending from said body portion at a first longitudinal edge wherein said male locking member has a reduced width along said inner surface providing a step, said male locking member having an outwardly projecting longitudinal flange located a first end thereof which includes a blocking wall disposed relatively perpendicular to said second diameter portion, and a mating wall adjoining said blocking wall disposed substantially parallel to said outer surface of said body portion at a first end and tapering downward at a second end;
said female locking member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section comprising a first leg extending from said body portion wherein the inner surface of said first leg is contiguous with the inner surface of said body portion and a second L-shaped flexible leg projecting upwardly from said body portion, said second leg having an inwardly projecting flange located at a first end which is provided with a first surfaced design to contiguously abut said blocking wall during engagement by said male locking member; and gap means provided within said U-shaped cross-section of said female locking member when said male locking member is engaged within said female locking member;
whereby said male and female locking members are connected to provide a closed sleeve.
2. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said male and female locking members are plastic welded together.
3. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said gap means is provided with sealing means.
4. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said sealing means comprises an elastomeric material which is deformable to substantially fill said gap means when said male locking member is connected within said female locking member.
5. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said male and female members are joined as continuous material and separated at a later time.
6. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first end of said second leg is chamfered.
7. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said male and female locking members are plastic welded together.
8. An apparatus for protecting conducting equipment such as cables, wiring and tubing, which comprises:
a selectively closeable sleeve formed form a single piece of plastic having a longitudinal body portion, a male locking member, a mating female locking member and an intermediate severable web portion selectively connecting the male and female locking members;
said male locking member extending from said body portion at a first longitudinal edge wherein said male locking member has a reduced width along said inner surface providing a step, said male locking member having an outwardly projecting longitudinal flange located a first end thereof which includes a blocking wall disposed relatively perpendicular to said second diameter portion, and a mating wall adjoining said blocking wall disposed substantially parallel to said outer surface of said body portion at a first end and tapering downward at a second end;
said female locking member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section comprising a first leg extending from said body portion wherein the inner surface of said first leg is contiguous with the inner surface of said body portion and a second L-shaped flexible leg projecting upwardly from said body portion, said second leg havingan inwardly projecting flange located at a first end which is provided with a first surfaced design to contiguously abut said blocking wall during engagement by said male locking member; and gap means provided within said U-shaped cross-section of said female locking member when said male locking member is engaged within said female locking member;
whereby said web portion may be severed to permit insertion of the conducting equipment and thereafter said male and female locking members may be connected to provided a closed sleeve around said equipment.
a selectively closeable sleeve formed form a single piece of plastic having a longitudinal body portion, a male locking member, a mating female locking member and an intermediate severable web portion selectively connecting the male and female locking members;
said male locking member extending from said body portion at a first longitudinal edge wherein said male locking member has a reduced width along said inner surface providing a step, said male locking member having an outwardly projecting longitudinal flange located a first end thereof which includes a blocking wall disposed relatively perpendicular to said second diameter portion, and a mating wall adjoining said blocking wall disposed substantially parallel to said outer surface of said body portion at a first end and tapering downward at a second end;
said female locking member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section comprising a first leg extending from said body portion wherein the inner surface of said first leg is contiguous with the inner surface of said body portion and a second L-shaped flexible leg projecting upwardly from said body portion, said second leg havingan inwardly projecting flange located at a first end which is provided with a first surfaced design to contiguously abut said blocking wall during engagement by said male locking member; and gap means provided within said U-shaped cross-section of said female locking member when said male locking member is engaged within said female locking member;
whereby said web portion may be severed to permit insertion of the conducting equipment and thereafter said male and female locking members may be connected to provided a closed sleeve around said equipment.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1992/002221 WO1993018982A1 (en) | 1992-03-19 | 1992-03-19 | Means for protecting conducting equipment |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2132436A1 true CA2132436A1 (en) | 1993-09-30 |
Family
ID=22230902
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2132436 Abandoned CA2132436A1 (en) | 1992-03-19 | 1992-03-19 | Means for protecting conducting equipment |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0630341A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH07504874A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU666321B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9207105A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2132436A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993018982A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5505230A (en) * | 1992-03-19 | 1996-04-09 | Proprietary Technology, Inc. | Means for protecting conducting equipment |
| GB0109588D0 (en) * | 2001-04-19 | 2001-06-06 | Nicc Ltd | Pipe wrap |
| CN105114706A (en) * | 2015-07-27 | 2015-12-02 | 康泰塑胶科技集团有限公司 | Protective sleeve of pressure pipe |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1895133A (en) * | 1930-05-02 | 1933-01-24 | Bundy Tubing Co | Tubing |
| DE1662172U (en) * | 1950-06-05 | 1953-08-27 | Heinz Kerpen | ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR WITH METAL PROTECTIVE SHELL |
| US3517702A (en) * | 1966-07-08 | 1970-06-30 | Amp Inc | Flexible material to form a tubular member |
| DE2304852B2 (en) * | 1973-02-01 | 1977-12-15 | Thyssen Plastik Anger KG, 8000 München | PIPE CONNECTION |
| DE3065282D1 (en) * | 1979-07-27 | 1983-11-17 | Egerton A C Ltd | Jacket for wrapping around a pipe, cable or the like |
| DE3246594A1 (en) * | 1982-12-16 | 1984-06-20 | Hegler, Wilhelm, 8730 Bad Kissingen | SHELL PIPE |
| ATE45210T1 (en) * | 1983-05-25 | 1989-08-15 | Shaw Ind Ltd | HEAT SHRINK CUFF. |
| US4713272A (en) * | 1985-05-23 | 1987-12-15 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Longitudinally divided sleeve of shrinkable material |
| DE3643370C3 (en) * | 1986-12-18 | 1996-08-14 | Siemens Ag | Longitudinally divided sleeve pipe for cable sleeves |
| JPH0443674Y2 (en) * | 1987-02-09 | 1992-10-15 | ||
| US4944976A (en) * | 1989-02-17 | 1990-07-31 | The Zippertubing Co. | Semi-rigid plastic jacket with interlocking longitudinal seam |
-
1992
- 1992-03-19 CA CA 2132436 patent/CA2132436A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-03-19 WO PCT/US1992/002221 patent/WO1993018982A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1992-03-19 JP JP5516488A patent/JPH07504874A/en active Pending
- 1992-03-19 BR BR9207105A patent/BR9207105A/en active Search and Examination
- 1992-03-19 AU AU23143/92A patent/AU666321B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-03-19 EP EP92915164A patent/EP0630341A1/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BR9207105A (en) | 1995-12-05 |
| EP0630341A1 (en) | 1994-12-28 |
| AU666321B2 (en) | 1996-02-08 |
| JPH07504874A (en) | 1995-06-01 |
| WO1993018982A1 (en) | 1993-09-30 |
| AU2314392A (en) | 1993-10-21 |
| EP0630341A4 (en) | 1995-01-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |