Abstract:
A method of forming a branch-off seal between a heat-shrinkable sleeve and at least two substrates, which comprises the steps of: (a) positioning the substrates within the heat-shrinkable sleeve; (b) forming at least two heat-shrinkable terminal conduits by positioning a clip having at least three elongate legs over the outer surface of the heat-shrinkable sleeve at an open end thereof, wherein at least two of said legs are positioned externally of the sleeve, the substrates are within the terminal conduits and at least one of said legs is positioned internally of the sleeve, and (c) while the clip remains on the outer surface of the heat-shrinkable sleeve, applying heat so as to effect shrinkage of the sleeve and to form the desired seal; in which the leg positioned internally has a coating of heat-softenable sealing material that extends beyond its distal end, the extension being such that at least a portion of extending material does not flow significantly during step (c).
Abstract:
A method of enclosing a substrate within a heat-shrinkable sleeve, which comprises the steps of:a) attaching to the substrate a slideway;b) attaching to the slideway a clip having at least two legs;c) positioning a heat-shrinkable sleeve around the substrate;d) sliding the clip by means of the slideway and with respect to the substrate such that at least one portion of the sleeve becomes positioned between the legs of the clip, ande) causing heat-shrinkage of the sleeve.
Abstract:
An assembly capable of sealing an elongate substrate that is curved or angled along its length, which has a heat-shrinkable wraparound sleeve (1) having closure rails (3) adjacent opposing longitudinal edges thereof which can be held together by positioning a closure member thereover to maintain the sleeve in the wrapped-around configuration during heat-shrinkage and the closure member, which comprises an elongate channel (7) of sheet material substantially C-shaped in transverse cross-section having transverse first and second slits (9, 10) therein that extend substantially entirely across its width, respective first and second slits extending through each longitudinal edge, and giving the channel flexibility in two mutually perpendicular planes.
Abstract:
A branch-off seal between a heat-recoverable sleeve, such as a tubular or wrap-around sleeve made from cross-linked polymeric material, and two or more substrates such as electrical cables is effected by using one or more clips the outer legs of which are positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve so as to form an appropriate number of conduits and applying heat to cause the sleeve to shrink aobut the substrates positioned within the conduits. The preferred clips are formed as a trident, the central leg of which extends into the heat-recoverable sleeve and is provided with a layer of a hot-melt adhesive or another sealant so as to enhance the seal formed at the branch-off.
Abstract:
A heat-recoverable sleeve for enclosing splices or joints in pressurized cables or supply lines is given increased resistance to peeling away from the cable or line by insertion of auxiliary means, preferably a U- or V-shaped flexible strip, which may be heat-recoverable, between the sleeve and the cable or supply line. The ends of the strip are preferably closed and are preferably overlapped and bonded to each other when the strip is placed around the cable or supply line. A release foil may be positioned inside the U- or V-shape of the strip to resist bonding together of the opposed arms thereof, and the foil may carry adhesive to bond it to one of the arms and may protrude beyond the ends of the arms so that the foil adhesive can help to locate the strip on the cable or supply line.
Abstract:
Fastener for a heat-recoverable wraparound sleeve, rigid enough at ambient temperatures to be slid over abutting rails of the sleeve but flexible enough at the recovery temperature of the sleeve to accommodate sharp transitions. The fastening has an elongate member rigid at ambient temperature and flexible at the recovery temperature, and a plurality of clamps extending transversely from the sleeve and which at least retain their clamping effect at the recovery temperature. The clamps can be covered by a protective material.
Abstract:
A heat-recoverable article, especially a heat-shrinkable polymeric sleeve, is provided with an inner lining of a continuous metal foil to provide protection against inward water vapor transmission. The lining is preferably aluminium foil having a thickness of from 10 to 25 microns and is thus sufficiently thin that, on recovery, it leads to an even surface configuration without itself tearing or otherwise being damaged. The article is also preferably provided with central reinforcing means comprising one or more longitudinally compressible coils and is especially useful in the protection and insulation of splices in communication cables.
Abstract:
A method of environmentally protecting an elongate substrate with a cover and a sealing means comprising a sealing material having an elongation of at least 100% and a compression set at 70.degree. C. of less than 30%, which comprises positioning the sealing means around a portion of the substrate and surrounding the substrate with the cover such that the sealing material provides a seal between the cover and the substrate.
Abstract:
A cable sleeve outlet for splice cases comprising a substantially cylindrical member having at least one re-entrant portion and in its longitudinal wall shaped to provide a longitudinal channel, which channel has a longitudinal opening to the exterior of the outlet permitting the re-entrant portion to be wrapped around a cable or similar object aligned with the channel in use, and comprising a fastening means or support means insertable into the open end of the cylindrical member to bridge and thus hold closed the or each said longitudinal opening, the bridging part of the fastening means in use lying across the end cross-sections of the opposing longitudinal wall portions, and the fastening means being so formed that in use it bears on an inner surface of, and thus provides a substantially rigid internal support for, at least part of the longitudinal outside wall of the cylindrical member in addition to the part thereof involved in the said bridging closure.The fastener is preferably in the form of two half-shells with slots which engage the re-entrant portions to hold the openings closed. Sealant material such as hot-melt adhesive is preferably provided on the cable-contacting surfaces of the re-entrant portions and on the fastening means. The cylindrical member may be closed at one end to effect a seal, especially for retaining pressure when used in pressurized splice cases.
Abstract:
A telecommunications splice case comprises a flexible sheet that can be wrapped around the splice and optionally further surrounded by a rigid casing. The sheet has a heat-activatable sealing material at its edge and an electrical heater for activation.