Patent US2093424A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US4400579A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4400579A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Branch-off assembly
Assignee: Raychem Corp
•
Filing: 1980-06-21
•
Granted: 1983-08-23
•
Expires: 2000-06-21
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 as 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
2026-11-02 17:20
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02G; H02G15/00; H02G15/08; H02G15/18; H02G15/1806; B; B29; B29C; B29C61/00; B29C61/06; B29C61/0608; B29C61/0641; B29C61/0666; F; F16; F16L; F16L47/00; F16L47/20; F16L47/26; H01; H01R; H01R4/00; H01R4/70; H01R4/72; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S174/00; Y10S174/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 110
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having at least two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs when a two-legged said clip is used being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having at least two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs when a two-legged said clip is used being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
89 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs of the clip being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
89 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs of the clip being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
82 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip formed as a trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat-shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
82 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip formed as a trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat-shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sleeve is an integral tubular sleeve.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sleeve is a wraparound sleeve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, assembled to form the conduits by the clip pinching together two layers of the sleeve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 3, assembled to form the conduits by the clip pinching a layer of the sleeve to another substrate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, assembled to form the conduits by the clip pinching a layer of the sleeve to a distribution box.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, assembled to form the conduits by the clip pinching a layer of the sleeve to another heat-recoverable component.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is provided with means for indicating that a desired temperature has been reached during heat shrinking of the sleeve.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is provided with a thermochromic indicator for indicating that a desired temperature has been reached during heat shrinking of the sleeve.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is provided with means for indicating that a desired pressure level has been obtained within the joint formed between the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the first and second substrates.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is provided with means for ensuring electrical continuity between the first and second substrates.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is provided with means for providing strain relief to the joint formed between the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the substrates.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
41 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is provided with members which grip at least one substrate externally of the joint formed between the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the substrates to provide strain relief to the joint.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein part of the clip forms one of the substrates.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 3, wherein one clip is assembled with the sleeve to form three or more conduits.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein two or more clips are assembled with the sleeve to form a multi-outlet branch-off.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
An assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the clip is provided with means so that it may be adjusted according to the thickness of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is provided with self-adjusting means for adjusting it according to the thickness of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
39 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is provided with self-adjusting means regulated by a resilient member for adjusting the gap between the legs of the clip to the thickness of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
63 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is provided with self-adjusting means regulated by a resilient member for adjusting the gap between the legs of the clip to suit the thickness of the heat-shrinkable sleeve, the resilient member being initially embedded in a thermo-fusible material so as to render it inoperative prior to heat shrinking of the sleeve.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is made from a thermally conductive material.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is made from aluminium.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is made from steel.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is made from a memory alloy and is heat-recoverable to enhance its grip on the sleeve.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is made from a preconditioned memory alloy and is heat-recoverable to enhance its grip on the sleeve.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is made from a preconditioned β-brass memory alloy and is heat-recoverable to enhance its grip on the sleeve.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
An assembly according to claim 3, assembled with the two outer legs of the trident over the outer surface of the sleeve and the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
30 words
An assembly according to claim 29, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the edges of the central leg taper inwardly towards the closed base of the clip.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
An assembly according to claim 3 or 29, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the edges of the central leg lie in a mutually parallel arrangement.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
An assembly according to claim 3 or 29, wherein the sides of the central leg are concave over at least part of its length.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 3 or 29, wherein the thickness of the central leg decreases from the open end to the closed end of the clip.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is substantially rigid.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, assembled with the substrates in the conduits.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly according to claim 2 or 3, assembled with the substrates in the conduits and having the sleeve heat-shrunk around the substrates.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
86 words
A clip formed as a trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of a heat-shrinkable sleeve at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving, first and second elongate substrates, the sides of the central leg of the trident being provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive or a sealant.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
86 words
A clip formed as a trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of a heat-shrinkable sleeve at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving, first and second elongate substrates, the sides of the central leg of the trident being provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive or a sealant.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
28 words
A clip according to claim 37, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the outer edges of the central leg lie in a mutually parallel arrangement.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
A clip according to claim 37, wherein the sides of the central leg are roughened or contoured to facilitate bonding of the adhesive or sealant.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
A clip according to claim 37, wherein the sides of the central leg are concave over at least part of its length.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
25 words
A clip according to claim 37, wherein the thickness of the central leg decreases from the open end to the closed end of the clip.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
37 words
A clip according to claim 37, wherein the upper surface of the hot melt adhesive or sealant layer is provided over at least part of the length of the central leg with one or more longitudinal ribs.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
42 words
In an assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the clip is provided with members which locate at least one substrate externally of the joint formed between the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the substrates to provide strain relief to the joint.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
40 words
In an assembly according to claim 37 or 38, wherein the lower surface of the hot melt adhesive or sealant layer is provided over at least part of the length of the central leg with one or more longitudinal ribs.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
39 words
A clip according to claim 37 or 42, wherein the lower surface of the hot melt adhesive or sealant layer is provided over at least part of the length of the central leg with one or more longitudinal ribs.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
87 words
A kit of parts suitable for forming a branch-off between at least two substrates, which comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve and at least one clip having at least two elongate legs which can be positioned on the heat-shrinkable sleeve at an open end thereof, with each of said legs positioned externally of the sleeve, and the distance between adjacent elongate legs being such that the clip can be slid over the pinched together layers of the heat-recoverable sleeve to form at least two terminal conduits for the substrates.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
87 words
A kit of parts suitable for forming a branch-off between at least two substrates, which comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve and at least one clip having at least two elongate legs which can be positioned on the heat-shrinkable sleeve at an open end thereof, with each of said legs positioned externally of the sleeve, and the distance between adjacent elongate legs being such that the clip can be slid over the pinched together layers of the heat-recoverable sleeve to form at least two terminal conduits for the substrates.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
A kit of parts as claimed in claim 46, wherein the clip has three elongate legs arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the clip.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
84 words
A clip which comprises at least two outer elongate legs and at least one inner elongate leg, at least part of the surface of the inner leg being provided with a heat-activatable adhesive or sealant thereon, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and such an inner leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
84 words
A clip which comprises at least two outer elongate legs and at least one inner elongate leg, at least part of the surface of the inner leg being provided with a heat-activatable adhesive or sealant thereon, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and such an inner leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
A clip as claimed in claim 48, wherein the surface of the inner leg which is provided with the adhesive or sealant is roughened or contoured.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
A clip as claimed in claim 48, wherein the inner leg is positioned at the central longitudinal axis of the clip.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
A clip as claimed in claim 50 wherein the outer legs are positioned at the central longitudinal axis of the clip.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
35 words
A clip as claimed in claims 48, 50 or 51, which is formed as a trident, the sides of the central leg of which are provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive or a sealant.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
29 words
A clip as claimed in claim 52, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the outer edges of the central leg lie in a mutually parallel arrangement.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
13 words
A clip as claimed in claim 52, which is made from flat stock.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
A clip as claimed in any one of the claims 48 to 51, which comprises at least three outer legs.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
A clip as claimed in claim 48, which is made from a thermally conductive material.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
12 words
A clip as claimed in claim 56, which is made from aluminum.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
15 words
A clip as claimed in claim 56, which is made from steel or beryllium copper.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
21 words
A clip as claimed in claim 56, which is provided with means for indicating that a desired temperature has been reached.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
A clip as claimed in claim 59, which is provided with a thermochromic indicator.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
30 words
A clip as claimed in claim 48, comprising means for indicating that a desired pressure level has been attained within the joint formed between the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the substrates.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
16 words
A clip as claimed in claim 48, comprising means for ensuring electrical continuity between the substrates.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
29 words
A clip as claimed in claim 48, comprising means for providing strain relief to the joint formed between the heat-shrinkable sleeve and the substrates after recovery of the sleeve.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
20 words
A clip as claimed in claim 63, wherein said means comprises members which grip the substrates externally of the joint.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
17 words
A clip as claimed in claim 48 wherein part of the clip forms one of the substrates.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
24 words
A clip as claimed in claim 26, wherein the gap between the legs of the clip is variable and regulated by a resilient member.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
29 words
A clip as claimed in claim 66, wherein the resilient member is initially embedded in a thermofusible material so as to render it inoperative until the clip is heated.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
22 words
A clip as claimed in claim 63, or 64, wherein said means comprises members which locate the substrates externally of the joint.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
110 words
A clip formed as a trident comprising two outer elongate legs and a central elongate leg, wherein the sides of the central leg are roughened or contoured and are provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive or sealant, with the inner edges of the outer legs and the outer edges of the central leg tapering inwardly towards the closed base of the clip, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and the central leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
110 words
A clip formed as a trident comprising two outer elongate legs and a central elongate leg, wherein the sides of the central leg are roughened or contoured and are provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive or sealant, with the inner edges of the outer legs and the outer edges of the central leg tapering inwardly towards the closed base of the clip, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and the central leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
130 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having at least two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs when a two-legged said clip is used being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned, wherein the clip is provided with a temperature indication device comprising a thermo fusable material which, when it melts, enables an indicator element to move and signify the attainment of a desired temperature.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
130 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having at least two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs when a two-legged said clip is used being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned, wherein the clip is provided with a temperature indication device comprising a thermo fusable material which, when it melts, enables an indicator element to move and signify the attainment of a desired temperature.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
122 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs of the clip being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned, wherein the clip is provided with a temperature indication device comprising a thermo fusable material which, when it melts, enables an indicator element to move and signify the attainment of a desired temperature.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
122 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs of the clip being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned, wherein the clip is provided with a temperature indication device comprising a thermo fusable material which, when it melts, enables an indicator element to move and signify the attainment of a desired temperature.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
114 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip as a trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat-shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, wherein the clip is provided with a temperature indication device comprising a thermo fusable material which, when it melts, enables an indicator element to move and signify the attainment of a desired temperature.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
114 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip as a trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat-shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, wherein the clip is provided with a temperature indication device comprising a thermo fusable material which, when it melts, enables an indicator element to move and signify the attainment of a desired temperature.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
118 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having at least two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs when a two-legged said clip is used being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned, wherein the clip is provided with means so that it may be adjusted according to the thickness of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
118 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having at least two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs when a two-legged said clip is used being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned, wherein the clip is provided with means so that it may be adjusted according to the thickness of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
95 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs of the clip being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned, wherein the clip is a U-clip.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
95 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs of the clip being substantially equal to the double thickness of the sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned, wherein the clip is a U-clip.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 74 wherein the inner edges of the legs of the clip are serrated or are sinusoidally shaped.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
106 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip formed as a trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat-shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the edges of the central leg taper inwardly towards the closed base of the clip.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
106 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip formed as a trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat-shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the edges of the central leg taper inwardly towards the closed base of the clip.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
104 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip formed as trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the surface at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat-shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, wherein each side of the central leg of the trident clip is provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive or a sealant.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
104 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip formed as trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the surface at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve, so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat-shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, wherein each side of the central leg of the trident clip is provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive or a sealant.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
37 words
An assembly according to claim 77, wherein the upper surface of the hot melt adhesive or sealant layer is provided over at least part of the length of the central leg with one or more longitudinal ribs.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
31 words
An assembly according to claim 77 or 78, wherein each side of the central leg of the trident clip is roughened or contoured to facilitate bonding of the adhesive or sealant.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
111 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having at least two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs when a two-legged said clip is used being substantially equal to the double thickness of sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned, the assembly having the substrates in the conduits with the sleeve heat-shrunk around the substrates.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
111 words
An assembly comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve capable of being positioned around at least first and second elongate substrates, and a clip having at least two elongate legs capable of being positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve at the end thereof so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving the first and second substrates, the distance between the legs when a two-legged said clip is used being substantially equal to the double thickness of sleeve encompassed by the legs when so-positioned, the assembly having the substrates in the conduits with the sleeve heat-shrunk around the substrates.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
110 words
A clip formed as a trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of a heat-shrinkable sleeve at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving, first and second elongate substrates, the sides of the central leg of the trident being provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive or a sealant, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the edges of the central leg taper inwardly towards the closed base of the clip.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
110 words
A clip formed as a trident, the outer legs of which are capable of being positioned over the outer surface of a heat-shrinkable sleeve at the end thereof, with the central leg of the trident inside the sleeve so as to form, and maintain during subsequent heat shrinkage of the sleeve, at least two terminal conduits respectively capable of receiving, first and second elongate substrates, the sides of the central leg of the trident being provided with a layer of hot melt adhesive or a sealant, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the edges of the central leg taper inwardly towards the closed base of the clip.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
84 words
A kit of parts suitable for forming a branch-off between at least two substrates, which comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve and at least one U-clip having two elongate legs which can be positioned on the heat-shrinkable sleeve at an open end thereof, with each of said legs positioned externally of the sleeve, and the distance adjacent elongate legs being such that the clip can be slid over the pinched together layers of the heat-recoverable sleeve to form at least two terminal conduits for the substrates.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
84 words
A kit of parts suitable for forming a branch-off between at least two substrates, which comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve and at least one U-clip having two elongate legs which can be positioned on the heat-shrinkable sleeve at an open end thereof, with each of said legs positioned externally of the sleeve, and the distance adjacent elongate legs being such that the clip can be slid over the pinched together layers of the heat-recoverable sleeve to form at least two terminal conduits for the substrates.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
111 words
A clip which comprises two outer elongate legs and a central elongate leg, the clip being in the form of a trident, the sides of the central leg being provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive or sealant thereon, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the outer edges of the central leg taper inwardly towards the closed base of the clip, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and the central leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
111 words
A clip which comprises two outer elongate legs and a central elongate leg, the clip being in the form of a trident, the sides of the central leg being provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive or sealant thereon, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the outer edges of the central leg taper inwardly towards the closed base of the clip, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and the central leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
120 words
A clip which comprises two outer elongate legs and a central elongate leg positioned at the central longitudinal axis of the clip, the clip being in the form of a trident, the sides of the central leg being provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive or sealant thereon, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the outer edges of the central leg taper inwardly towards the closed base of the lip, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and the central leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
120 words
A clip which comprises two outer elongate legs and a central elongate leg positioned at the central longitudinal axis of the clip, the clip being in the form of a trident, the sides of the central leg being provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive or sealant thereon, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the outer edges of the central leg taper inwardly towards the closed base of the lip, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and the central leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
128 words
A clip which comprises two outer elongate legs and a central elongate leg, the clip being in the form of a trident with the central leg and the outer legs positioned at the central longitudinal axis of the clip, the sides of the central leg being provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive or sealant thereon, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the outer edges of the central leg taper inwardly towards the closed base of the clip, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and the central leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
128 words
A clip which comprises two outer elongate legs and a central elongate leg, the clip being in the form of a trident with the central leg and the outer legs positioned at the central longitudinal axis of the clip, the sides of the central leg being provided with a layer of hot-melt adhesive or sealant thereon, wherein the inner edges of the outer legs and the outer edges of the central leg taper inwardly towards the closed base of the clip, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and the central leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
122 words
A clip which comprises at least two outer elongate legs and at least one inner elongate leg, at least part of the surface of the inner leg being provided with a heat-activatable adhesive or sealant thereon, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and such an inner leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates, wherein the clip is provided with means for indicating that a desired temperature has been reached comprises a thermofusible material which, when it melts, enables an indicator element to move and signify the attainment of the desired temperature.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
122 words
A clip which comprises at least two outer elongate legs and at least one inner elongate leg, at least part of the surface of the inner leg being provided with a heat-activatable adhesive or sealant thereon, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and such an inner leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates, wherein the clip is provided with means for indicating that a desired temperature has been reached comprises a thermofusible material which, when it melts, enables an indicator element to move and signify the attainment of the desired temperature.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
104 words
A clip which comprises at least two outer elongate legs and at least one inner elongate leg, at least part of the surface of the inner leg being provided with a heat-activatable adhesive or sealant thereon, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and such an inner leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates, the clip comprising adjustment means so that the clip can be adjusted according to the thickness of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
104 words
A clip which comprises at least two outer elongate legs and at least one inner elongate leg, at least part of the surface of the inner leg being provided with a heat-activatable adhesive or sealant thereon, the legs being so arranged that the clip can be positioned on the open end of a heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the outer legs outside the sleeve and such an inner leg inside the sleeve, so as to form at least two terminal conduits capable of receiving elongate substrates, the clip comprising adjustment means so that the clip can be adjusted according to the thickness of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
10 words
A clip as claimed in claim 87, which is self-adjusting.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-08-22 | 1987-02-21 | 1987-08-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-08-22 | 1991-02-21 | 1991-08-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-08-22 | 1995-02-21 | 1995-08-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |