EP0116393A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Dimensionally recoverable article
Assignee: Raychem Corp
•
Filing: 1984-01-05
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2004-01-05
Abstract
Abstract A recoverable article comprising a composite structure is produced from a recoverable fabric and a polymeric matrix material. The structure is used for environmental protection of cables, pipes and other substrates.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth Brian Pithouse
- 👤 Thomas Andrew Kridl
- 👤 James Thomas Triplett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 07:35
CPC Classifications
B; B32; B32B; B32B25/00; B32B25/04; B32B25/08; B32B27/00; B32B27/12; B29; B29C; B29C61/00; B29C61/06; B29C61/0608; B29C61/0633; B29C61/0658; B29C61/10; B29C65/00; B29C66/00; B29C66/01; B29C66/05; B29C66/10; B29C66/11; B29C66/112; B29C66/1122; B29C66/50; B29C66/51; B29C66/53; B29C66/532; B29C66/5326; B29C66/70; B29C66/71; B29C66/712; B29C66/72; B29C66/721; B29C66/7214; B29C66/72141; B29C66/73; B29C66/737; B29C66/7371; B29C66/73715; B29C66/7375; B29C66/73755; B29C66/739; B29C66/7394; B29D; B29D23/00; B29D23/001; B29D23/003; B29D23/008; B32B38/00; B32B38/0008; B32B5/00; B32B5/02; B32B5/024; B32B5/06; F; F16; F16L; F16L47/00; F16L47/20; F16L47/22; F16L58/00; F16L58/02; F16L58/04; F16L58/10; F16L59/00; F16L59/02; F16L59/028; H; H02; H02G; H02G15/00; H02G15/08; H02G15/18; H02G15/1806; H02G15/1813; B29C61/0666; B29C2061/0683; B29C2793/00; B29C2793/0081; B29C57/00; B29C65/56; B29C65/62; B29C66/13; B29C66/131; B29C66/1312; B29C66/52; B29C66/522; B29C66/5221; B29C66/526; B29C66/5261; B29C66/7212; B29C66/729; B29C66/7392; B29C66/73921; B29C66/73941; B29K; B29K2313/00; B29K2995/00; B29K2995/0037; B29K2995/0049; B32B37/00; B32B37/12; B32B37/1207; B32B2037/1215; B32B2262/00; B32B2262/02; B32B2262/0253; B32B2262/10; B32B2262/101; B32B2305/00; B32B2305/72; B32B2307/00; B32B2307/30; B32B2307/308; B32B2307/70; B32B2307/732; B32B2307/734
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 73
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A dimensionally heat-recoverable article comprising a composite structure of a heat-recoverable fabric and a polymer matrix material, wherein: (a) the heat-recoverable fabric comprises fibres that will recover when heated, the fibres having a recovery stress (Y) of at least 5x10 -2 MPa at a temperature above their recovery temperature; and (b) the polymer matrix material has an elongation/ temperature profile such that there exists a temperature (T), which is at or above the recovery temperature of the fibres, at which temperature the polymer matrix material has an elongation to break of greater than 20% secant modulus (X) of at least 10 -2 M Pa (measured at a strain rate of 300% per minute), and at which temperature the inequality (1) is satisfied: Where R is the mean effective volume fraction of heat recoverable fibres in the composite structure along a given direction based on the total volume of the composite structure, or relevant portion thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
A dimensionally heat-recoverable article comprising a composite structure of a heat-recoverable fabric and a polymer matrix material, wherein: (a) the heat-recoverable fabric comprises fibres that will recover when heated, the fibres having a recovery stress (Y) of at least 5x10 -2 MPa at a temperature above their recovery temperature; and (b) the polymer matrix material has an elongation/ temperature profile such that there exists a temperature (T), which is at or above the recovery temperature of the fibres, at which temperature the polymer matrix material has an elongation to break of greater than 20% secant modulus (X) of at least 10 -2 M Pa (measured at a strain rate of 300% per minute), and at which temperature the inequality (1) is satisfied: Where R is the mean effective volume fraction of heat recoverable fibres in the composite structure along a given direction based on the total volume of the composite structure, or relevant portion thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
An article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat-recoverable fibres have a recovery stress of at least 10 -1 MPa at a temperature above their recovery temperature.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
An article as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the heat-recoverable fibres have a recovery stress of at least 5x10 -1 MPa at a temperature above their recovery temperture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
An article as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the heat-recoverable fibres have a recovery stress of at least 1 MPa at a temperature above their recovery temperature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heat-recoverable fibres are formed from a cross-linked polymeric material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the heat-recoverable fibres have been cross-linked to a gel content of at least 20%.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
An article as.claimed in Claim 6, wherein the fibres have a gel content of at least 40%.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the fabric includes dimensionally heat-stable fibres.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
An article as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the heat-recoverable fibres are lie in one direction and the heat-stable fibres are lie at an angle to the heat-recoverable fibres.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
An article as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the dimensionally heat-stable fibres comprise glass fibre.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the polymer matrix material has an elongation to break of greater than 50% at or above the recovery temperature of the fibres.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
An article as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the polymer matrix material has an elongation to break of greater than 100% at or above the recovery temperature of the fibres.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the matrix polymer material is cross-linked.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the polymer matrix material has a complex dynamic modulus in the range of from 10 3 to 10 8 cm 2 .
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the matrix material surrounds at least a major portion of the surface area of the fibres making up the fabric.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the fibres making up the fabric are entirely surrounded by the matrix polymer material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the ratio of the volume occupied by the heat-recoverable fibres to the total volume of the composite structure is at least 0.01:1.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the -said ratio is in the range of from 0. 01:1 to 0.8: 1.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, wherein: is less that 0.5 wherein X, Y and R are as defined in Claim 1.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
An article as claimed in Claim 19, wherein: is less than 0.05
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, which has on at least part of a surface thereof a layer of adhesive or sealant.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
An article as claimed in Claim 21, which has on at least part of a surface thereof a layer of a hot-melt adhesive.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article as claimed in Claim 21, which has on at least part of a surface thereof a layer of mastic.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, in which the structure comprises at least two heat-recoverable fabrics and a layer of polymer matrix material disposed therebetween.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, in which the structure has a tubular configuration.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
46 words
An article as claimed in Claim 1, in which the structure is of open configuration and has a pair of opposed edge portions, the article additionally comprising a wraparound closure arrangement to allow the edge portions to be retained in engagement during recovery of the article.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
An article as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the recoverable fibres lie substantially mutually parallel and said opposed edge portion extend substantially perpendicularly to the recoverable fibres.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
An article according to any preceding claim, wherein two or more portions of composite structure are joined together by means of a mechanical joining arrangement that penetrates the fabric.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
An article according to Claim 28, wherein the portions of the composite are joined together by one or more lines of stitches.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
An article according to Claim 28, wherein the portions of composite structure are joined together by one or more staples.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
An article according to any of claims 28-30, wherein the composite structure is of hollow configuration and is held in said hollow configuration at least in part by said mechanical joining arrangement.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
An article according to Claim 31, wherein said hollow configuration is a generally tubular configuration.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
An article according to Claim 31, wherein said hollow configuration comprises at least two hollow regions in communication with each other.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
An article according to Claim 33, wherein said hollow configuration comprises at two generally tubular regions.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
An article according to Claim 31, wherein said hollow configuration is a branch-off configuration in an end portion of a generally tubular region. -
Claim 37
Independent Claim
45 words
A method of environmentally protecting a cable splice or a portion of a cable, which comprises surrounding the splice or the portion with an article according to any preceding claim and recovering the composite structure into engagement with the spliced cables or with the portion.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
45 words
A method of environmentally protecting a portion of a pipe or a pipe joint which comprises surrounding the pipe or joint with an article according to any of claims 1-35 and recovering the composite structure into engagement with the portion or with the joined pipes.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
47 words
A method of securing a cable or a pipe to an elongate substrate which comprises surrounding the cable or pipe and the substrate with an article according to any of claims 1-35 and recovering the composite structure into engagement with the cable or pipe and the substrate.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
170 words
A method of producing a dimensionally heat-recoverable article, comprising a composite structure recoverable by virtue of a recoverable fibre component thereof, which method comprises: (a) providing a heat-recoverable fabric comprising fibres that will recover when heated, the fibres having a recovery stress (Y) of at least 5x10 MPa at a temperature above their recovery temperature; and (b) applying as a matrix to said fabric an amount of a polymeric material having an elongation/temperature profile such that there exists a temperature (T), which is at or above the recovery temperature of the fibres, at which temperature the polymeric material has an elongation to break of greater than 20% and a 20% secant modulus (X) of at least 10" MPa (measured at a strain rate of 300% per minute), such that at temperature (T) the inequality (1) is satisfied: where R is the mean effective volume fraction of heat recoverable fibres in the composite structure along a given direction bared on the total volume of the composite structure, or relevant portion thereof.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
170 words
A method of producing a dimensionally heat-recoverable article, comprising a composite structure recoverable by virtue of a recoverable fibre component thereof, which method comprises: (a) providing a heat-recoverable fabric comprising fibres that will recover when heated, the fibres having a recovery stress (Y) of at least 5x10 MPa at a temperature above their recovery temperature; and (b) applying as a matrix to said fabric an amount of a polymeric material having an elongation/temperature profile such that there exists a temperature (T), which is at or above the recovery temperature of the fibres, at which temperature the polymeric material has an elongation to break of greater than 20% and a 20% secant modulus (X) of at least 10" MPa (measured at a strain rate of 300% per minute), such that at temperature (T) the inequality (1) is satisfied: where R is the mean effective volume fraction of heat recoverable fibres in the composite structure along a given direction bared on the total volume of the composite structure, or relevant portion thereof.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 39, wherein the polymeric material is applied by hot lamination, by spray coating or by powder coating.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 39 or 40 which additionally comprises cross-linking the fibres of the fabric prior to applying said polymeric material.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 41, wherein the fibres are subjected irradiation.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 42, wherein said irradiation is carried out in the presence of oxygen.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
15 words
A method according to any of claims 39-42, which additionally comprises cross-linking the composite structure.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 44, wherein the composite structure is subjected to irradiation.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
42 words
A method of making a recoverable composite structure comprising a polymeric material and recoverable fibres by virtue of which the structure is recoverable, which method comprises: (A) applying to cross-linked recoverable fibres the polymeric material; and then (B) cross-linking the polymeric material.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
42 words
A method of making a recoverable composite structure comprising a polymeric material and recoverable fibres by virtue of which the structure is recoverable, which method comprises: (A) applying to cross-linked recoverable fibres the polymeric material; and then (B) cross-linking the polymeric material.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 46 wherein the fibres are cross-linked by irradiation before application of the polymeric material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 46 wherein the polymeric material is cross-linked by irradiation.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
35 words
A method according to claims 47 and 48, wherein the fibres are irradiated with a dose of at least 5 mrads and the polymeric material is irradiated with a dose of 10 mrads or less.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 49, wherein the fibres are irradiated with a dose of at least 10 mrads.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 47, wherein the fibres are irradiated in the presence of oxygen.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 48, wherein the irradiation of the polymeric material produces a bond between the recoverable fibres and the polymeric material.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
21 words
A method according to any of claims 46-52, wherein the polymeric material is applied by lamination, spray coating or powder coating.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method according to claim 53, wherein the polymeric material is applied by rolling at a temperature and pressure sufficient to cause at least partial penetration of the polymeric material between the recoverable fibres and/or formation of a chemical or physical bond between the recoverable fibres and the polymeric material.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
22 words
A method according to any of claims 45-54, wherein the polymeric material is applied to a recoverable fabric comprising said recoverable fibres.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 55, wherein the polymeric material is applied to each surface of the fabric.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
26 words
A method according to any of claims 46-56, which additionally comprises applying a coating of a heat-activatable adhesive or of a sealant to the composite structure.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 55, wherein recoverable fibres are cross-linked and then used to form said fabric.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recoverable composite structure, comprising a cross-linked polymeric material and cross-linked recoverable fibres by virtue of which the composite structure is recoverable.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recoverable composite structure, comprising a cross-linked polymeric material and cross-linked recoverable fibres by virtue of which the composite structure is recoverable.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
A composite structure according to claim 59, wherein the recoverable fibres are cross-linked to such an extent that their recovery stress is at least 1.0 MPa.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
39 words
A composite structure according to claim 60, wherein the polymeric material is cross-linked to such an extent that the polymeric material, per se, has a room temperature elongation of 400-700% measured at a strain rate of 300% per minute.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
A composite structure according to any of claims 59-61, wherein the recoverable fibres constitute at least part of a recoverable fabric.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recoverable composite structure according to any of claims 59-62, which additionally comprises a coating of a heat-activatable adhesive or a sealant.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of making a recoverable composite structure comprising a polymeric material and recoverable fibres by virtue of which the structure is recoverable, which method comprises: (A) applying the polymeric material to recoverable fibres; and ( B ) irradiating the resulting structure; the beam response of the recoverable fibres relative to that of the polymeric material being such that a post- irradiation recovery stress of the fibres per se, of at least 1 MPa can be reached before the recovery ratio of the composite structure is reduced to a value of 70% of that of the unirradiated composite structure.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of making a recoverable composite structure comprising a polymeric material and recoverable fibres by virtue of which the structure is recoverable, which method comprises: (A) applying the polymeric material to recoverable fibres; and ( B ) irradiating the resulting structure; the beam response of the recoverable fibres relative to that of the polymeric material being such that a post- irradiation recovery stress of the fibres per se, of at least 1 MPa can be reached before the recovery ratio of the composite structure is reduced to a value of 70% of that of the unirradiated composite structure.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 64, wherein the relative beam response is produced by the presence of prorads in the recoverable fibres and/or antirads in the polymeric material.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
87 words
A flexible recoverable composite structure comprising a recoverale fabric and a polymeric matrix material laminated thereto, in which: (a) the recoverable fabric comprises a cross-linked recoverable polyolefin having a recovery stress of 1.5 to 5 MPa ; and (b) the matrix is cross-linked such that the recovery ratio available in the composite is at least 65% of that available in the free fabric, and the polymeric matrix material, per se, after irradiation has room temperature elongation of 400-700% measured at a strain rate of 300% per minute.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
87 words
A flexible recoverable composite structure comprising a recoverale fabric and a polymeric matrix material laminated thereto, in which: (a) the recoverable fabric comprises a cross-linked recoverable polyolefin having a recovery stress of 1.5 to 5 MPa ; and (b) the matrix is cross-linked such that the recovery ratio available in the composite is at least 65% of that available in the free fabric, and the polymeric matrix material, per se, after irradiation has room temperature elongation of 400-700% measured at a strain rate of 300% per minute.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
28 words
A composite structure according to claim 66, wherein the fabric is a woven fabric comprising recoverable polyolefin in one direction and a heat-stable fibre in the other direction.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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