N.v. Raychem S.a.

Roger W Evans

Johannes M Cordia

Robert H Van Loo

The invention relates to heat-recoverable covers which comprise embedded electrical resistance heaters, and to methods of covering an elongate object using such covers. In a preferred embodiment (FIG. 5), the cover comprises a heat-recoverable polymeric sheet (22) or fabric, provided with upstanding rails (24,25) as a first closure means. A heating element (36) is embedded in the sheet and arranged to follow a serpentine path such that each return loop portion 38 projects beyond the edges of the cover. The sheet is coated on its inner surface with a layer of adhesive and/or sealant (28,30). In use, the cover is wrapped around a substrate (32) at least once, and first and second closure means (24,25and 26,27) are engaged to hold the cover in the wrapped configuration. The cover is then heated to cause the cover to recover, and the adhesive and/or sealant to form a seal.

Heat-recoverable article

The invention relates to a heat-recoverable covers which comprises embedded electrical resistance heaters, and to methods of covering an elongate object using such covers. In a preferred embodiment, the cover comprises a heat-recoverable polymeric sheet (22) or fabric, provided with upstanding rails (24,25) as a first closure means. A heating element (36) is embedded in the sheet, and arranged to follow a serpentine path such that each return loop portion 38 projects beyond the edges of the cover. The sheet is coated on its inner surface with a layer of adhesive and/or sealant (28,30). In use, the cover is wrapped around a substrate (32) at least once, and first and second closure means (24,25 and 26,27) are engaged to hold the cover in the wrapped configuration. The cover is then heated to cause the cover to recover, and the adhesive and/or sealant to form a seal.

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Chiseldon, United Kingdom

Roger W Evans