Abstract A resilient snap-on electric heating jacket for heating tubular objects includes a thin sheet of flexible plastic material constituting a radially internal curved surface adapted to engage the surface of the object. A pattern of spaced electrically conductive loops are formed on the radially external surface of the sheet to define an electric heating element. A thick resilient support member of polymeric material coextensive with and overlying the external surface of the plastic sheet and the foil loops is directly secured to the external surface portions of the foil loops and the plastic sheet by an autogenous bond to form a unitary structure generally C-shaped in cross section and capable of being snapped onto a tubular object the outer diameter of which corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of the profile of the unitary structure. The profile of the support member encloses an angle between 180° and 270° and preferably between 200° and 250°.
An electrical element including a curved surface portion, comprising (a) a thin sheet of flexible plastic material constituting the radially internal surface layer of said curved surface portion; (b) a pattern of electrically conductive spaced foil loops formed on the radially external surface of said thin plastic sheet, so as to define an electrical heating element; and (c) a thick resilient support member of polymeric material at least coextensive with and overlying the radially external surface of said thin plastic sheet and said foil loops; (d) said support member being directly secured to the external surface portions of said foil loops and said thin plastic sheet between said foil loops by an autogenous bond to form a resilient unitary structure generally C-shaped in cross section, capable of being snapped onto a tube the outer diameter of which approximately corresponds to the inner diameter of the profile of said unitary structure; and (e) said foil loops being protectively sandwiched between said thin plastic sheet and said support member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
An electrical element including a curved surface portion, comprising (a) a thin sheet of flexible plastic material constituting the radially internal surface layer of said curved surface portion; (b) a pattern of electrically conductive spaced foil loops formed on the radially external surface of said thin plastic sheet, so as to define an electrical heating element; and (c) a thick resilient support member of polymeric material at least coextensive with and overlying the radially external surface of said thin plastic sheet and said foil loops; (d) said support member being directly secured to the external surface portions of said foil loops and said thin plastic sheet between said foil loops by an autogenous bond to form a resilient unitary structure generally C-shaped in cross section, capable of being snapped onto a tube the outer diameter of which approximately corresponds to the inner diameter of the profile of said unitary structure; and (e) said foil loops being protectively sandwiched between said thin plastic sheet and said support member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An electrical element according to claim 1, wherein the profile of said support member encloses an angle between 180° and 270°.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
An electrical element according to claim 2, wherein the profile of said tubular support member encloses an angle between 200° and 250°.