Sleeve for joining tubular conduits

Abstract

A sleeve for coupling together two fluid-handling conduits includes a compressible and resilient tubular core and a protective fabric cover which covers at least portions of the outer surface of the core and is substantially inexpansible in the radial and circumferential directions so as to resist radial and circumferential expansion of the core. The core is preferably a cellular elastomeric foam and the fabric cover advantageously is integrally molded into the core. The core is sized slightly smaller in diameter than the conduits to be joined so that it is expanded radially when installed onto a conduit. Expansion of the core is resisted by the fabric cover, and thus the core is radially compressed and provides a continuous restoring force urging the sleeve against the conduit. The sleeve preferably includes strike-through regions in which the foam material of the core penetrates through to the outer surface of the sleeve so as to form slip-resistant surfaces for engagement by plastic tie-wraps or other clamping devices. The inner surface of the core at both ends preferably includes a fabric layer which provides a slip-enhancing surface facilitating sliding the sleeve over the ends of the conduits or hoses to be joined. In a further preferred embodiment, a pressure-activated or thermally activated adhesive band covers the inner surface of the sleeve for sealing the sleeve to a conduit.