Patent US4648924A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4648924A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Branch-off method
Assignee: Raychem Corp
•
Filing: 1983-02-28
•
Granted: 1987-03-10
•
Expires: 2003-02-28
Abstract
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 about 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.
Inventors
- 👤 Jean-Marie E. Nolf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:53
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B11/00; F16B11/006; B; B29; B29C; B29C61/00; B29C61/06; B29C61/0608; B29C61/0641; B29C61/0666; F16B2/00; F16B2/20; F16B2/22; F16L; F16L47/00; F16L47/20; F16L47/26; H; H01; H01R; H01R4/00; H01R4/70; H01R4/72; H02; H02G; H02G15/00; H02G15/08; H02G15/18; H02G15/1806; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S174/00; Y10S174/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 81
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
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 two 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 and the substrates are within the terminal conduits; 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.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
111 words
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 two 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 and the substrates are within the terminal conduits; 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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat-shrinkable sleeve is an integral tubular sleeve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat-shrinkable sleeve is a wrap-around sleeve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conduits are formed by the clip pinching together two layers of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 in which the clip is positioned before the substrates are positioned within the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 in which the substrates are positioned before the clip is positioned over the outer surface of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the clip has at least three legs and a leg of the clip comprises a heat-activatable adhesive or sealant, and the step of applying heat comprises activating the adhesive or sealant.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the heat-shrinkable sleeve is provided with an inner coating of a heat-activatable adhesive or sealant, and the step of applying heat comprises activating the adhesive or sealant.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the clip includes means to provide resistance against milk-off.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip has at least three legs and is provided with means for indicating that a desired temperature has been reached during step (c).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the clip is provided with a thermochromic indicator.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the clip is provided with a temperature indication device comprising a thermofusible material which, when it melts, enables an indicator element to move and signify the attainment of the desired temperature.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip has at least three legs and is provided with means for indicating that a desired pressure level has been attained within the joint formed between the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the substrates.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip has at least three legs and is provided with means for ensuring electrical continuity between the substrates.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip has at least three legs and is provided with means for providing strain relief to the joint formed between the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the substrates.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said means comprises members which grip at least one of the substrates externally of the joint.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said means comprises members which locate at least one of the substrates externally of the joint.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly formed in steps (a) and (b) is heated locally in the vicinity of the clip in order to facilitate proper positioning of the clip during recovery in step (c).
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two clips are used to form a multi-outlet branch-off.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip has at least three legs and is provided with means so that the width of the gap between the legs can be adjusted according to the thickness of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the clip is self-adjusting.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the gap between the legs of the clip is variable and regulated by a resilient member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the resilient member is initially embedded in a thermofusible material so as to render it inoperative prior to heating in step (c).
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip is made from a thermally conductive material.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the clip is made from beryllium copper.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the clip is made from aluminium.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the clip is made from steel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip is made from a memory alloy and is heat-recoverable to enhance its grip on the sleeve.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the memory alloy is a preconditioned alloy.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the memory alloy is a beta-brass.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip is a U-clip.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the inner edges of the legs of the clip are serrated or are sinusoidally shaped.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the inner edges of the legs of the clip are sinusoidally shaped.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of forming 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 two elongate legs over the heat-shrinkable sleeve at an open end thereof, wherein at least one of the legs is positioned inside of the sleeve and the substrates are within the conduits; and (c) while the clip remains on the heat-shrinkable sleeve, applying heat so as to effect shrinkage of the sleeve and to form the desired seal.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of forming 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 two elongate legs over the heat-shrinkable sleeve at an open end thereof, wherein at least one of the legs is positioned inside of the sleeve and the substrates are within the conduits; and (c) while the clip remains on the heat-shrinkable sleeve, applying heat so as to effect shrinkage of the sleeve and to form the desired seal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein such a leg positioned inside the sleeve is provided with a heat-activatable adhesive or sealant thereon, and the step of applying heat comprises activating the adhesive or sealant.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the heat-shrinkable sleeve is an integral tubular sleeve.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the heat-shrinkable sleeve is a wrap-around sleeve.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the clip has at least three legs and is provided with means for indicating that a desired temperature has been reached during step (c).
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the clip is provided with a thermochromic indicator.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the clip is provided with a temperature indication device comprising a thermofusible material which, when it melts, enables an indicator element to move and signify the attainment of the desired temperature.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the clip has at least three legs and is provided with means for indicating that a desired pressure level has been attained within the joint formed between the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the substrates.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 34 wherein the clip has at least three legs and is provided with means for ensuring electrical continuity between the substrates.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as claimed in claim 34 wherein the clip has at least three legs and is provided with means for providing strain relief to the joint formed between the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the substrates.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein said means comprises members which grip at least one of the substrates externally of the joint.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein said means comprises members which locate at least one of the substrates externally of the joint.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein part of the clip forms one of the substrates.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the assembly formed in steps (a) and (b) is heated locally in the vicinity of the clip in order to facilitate proper positioning of the clip during recovery in step (c).
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein one clip is used to form at least three conduits.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein at least two clips are used to form a multi-outlet branch-off.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as claimed in claim 34 wherein the clip has at least three legs and is provided with means so that the width of the gap between the legs can be adjusted according to the thickness of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as claimed in claim 50, wherein the clip is self-adjusting.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 51, wherein the gap between the legs of the clip is variable and regulated by a resilient member.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as claimed in claim 52, wherein the resilient member is initially embedded in a thermofusible material so as to render it inoperative prior to heating in step (c).
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the clip is made from a thermally conductive material.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as claimed in claim 54, wherein the clip is made from aluminum.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as claimed in claim 54, wherein the clip is made from steel.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as claimed in claim 54, wherein the clip is made from beryllium copper.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the clip is made from a memory alloy and is heat-recoverable to enhance its grip on the sleeve.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as claimed in claim 58, wherein the memory alloy is a preconditioned alloy.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as claimed in claim 59, wherein the memory alloy is a beta-brass.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the clip is a U-clip.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as claimed in claim 61, wherein the inner edges of the legs of the clip are sinusoidally shaped.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as claimed in claim 61, wherein the inner edges of the legs of the clip are serrated or are sinusoidally shaped.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 63 wherein the clip has at least three legs and a leg of the clip comprises a heat-activatable adhesive or sealant, and the step of applying heat comprises activating the adhesive or sealant.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 34 in which the clip is positioned before the substrates are positioned within the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 34 in which the substrates are positioned before the clip is positioned over the outer surface of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the heat-shrinkable sleeve is provided with an inner coating of a heat-activatable adhesive or sealant.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the clip includes means to provide resistance against milk-off.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
121 words
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 two elongate legs over the heat-shrinkable sleeve at an open end thereof, wherein the conduits are formed by the clip pinching a layer of the heat-shrinkable sleeve to conduit forming means and at least one of the legs is positioned inside of the sleeve and the substrates are within the conduits; and (c) while the clip remains on the heat-shrinkable sleeve, applying heat so as to effect shrinkage of the sleeve and to form the desired seal.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
121 words
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 two elongate legs over the heat-shrinkable sleeve at an open end thereof, wherein the conduits are formed by the clip pinching a layer of the heat-shrinkable sleeve to conduit forming means and at least one of the legs is positioned inside of the sleeve and the substrates are within the conduits; and (c) while the clip remains on the heat-shrinkable sleeve, applying heat so as to effect shrinkage of the sleeve and to form the desired seal.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 69, wherein said conduit forming means is a distribution box.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 69, wherein said conduit forming means is another heat-recoverable component.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as claimed in claim 71, wherein the heat-recoverable component is a heat-shrinkable cap.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
115 words
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 legs at an open end of the sleeve with at least two legs over the outer surface of the sleeve and one leg within the sleeve, the leg within the sleeve comprising sealant, the substrates being within the terminal conduits; 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 branch-off seal.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
115 words
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 legs at an open end of the sleeve with at least two legs over the outer surface of the sleeve and one leg within the sleeve, the leg within the sleeve comprising sealant, the substrates being within the terminal conduits; 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 branch-off seal.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 73 in which the sealant is heat-activatable and the step of applying heat comprises activating the sealant.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 74 wherein the sealant flows during recovery to the gap between the substrates to ensure the substrates do not come into contact.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 74 in which the sealant is a hot melt adhesive.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 76 in which the sealant is heat-curable.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-03-09 | 1990-09-08 | 1991-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-03-09 | 1994-09-08 | 1995-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-03-09 | 1998-09-08 | 1999-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |