CA2151480A1 - Double reticulate tape - Google Patents
Double reticulate tapeInfo
- Publication number
- CA2151480A1 CA2151480A1 CA002151480A CA2151480A CA2151480A1 CA 2151480 A1 CA2151480 A1 CA 2151480A1 CA 002151480 A CA002151480 A CA 002151480A CA 2151480 A CA2151480 A CA 2151480A CA 2151480 A1 CA2151480 A1 CA 2151480A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- layer
- open cell
- layers
- tape
- sealing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
- B32B5/22—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
- B32B5/32—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed at least two layers being foamed and next to each other
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
- B32B5/18—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by features of a layer of foamed material
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
- C09J7/00—Adhesives in the form of films or foils
- C09J7/20—Adhesives in the form of films or foils characterised by their carriers
- C09J7/22—Plastics; Metallised plastics
- C09J7/26—Porous or cellular plastics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2266/00—Composition of foam
- B32B2266/06—Open cell foam
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Sealing Material Composition (AREA)
- Adhesive Tapes (AREA)
Abstract
A sealing delivery system including a layer of sealing material juxtaposed with at least one layer of open cell material, typically in the form of an elongate tape.
Application of a force along the longitudinal axis of the tape produces a longitudinal component of tension and a perpendicular component of compression such that the sealing material reenters back through the interstices of the open cell layer, resulting in a relatively non-tacky, easily handleable surface.
Application of a force along the longitudinal axis of the tape produces a longitudinal component of tension and a perpendicular component of compression such that the sealing material reenters back through the interstices of the open cell layer, resulting in a relatively non-tacky, easily handleable surface.
Description
wo 94/16884 PCT/u~4looSss -1- 2~4 8 Ei9Ld f ~
This invention relates to a system for delivering a se~ material, a tape, an article for providing protec~n ae~inct moisture and a method of protecting a wire bundle from moisture.
of~1~
lD
In autos, light trucks, airplanes, boats, and telephone systems, many wire bundles traverse from a co,..~ ..rnt, such as the p~ss~nEer ~"'l'~' k~ent of a vehicle, to ~l~lotect~l areas, such as under the hood.
A rubber ~lo.. et typically seals the outside of the wire bundle to the s sheet metal. Under the ~lo~ et, the wire bundle must be sealed in order to ~.evt:~t water from wicking along the wires into the r~Cse~er ~nr~rtment. Until now, no effective and e~on~ math~i to ~eal the wire bundle has been found.
The ~llto-7notive industry has ~tt~mpted a nt~mher cf solutions to this problem. The most comm~n 5~ttçmpt is mastic and tape. Mastic pads are pushed into the wire bundle and then .~nA~ed in an attempt to seal each wire. A tight vvrap is then applied. When done properly, this met~o~l can seal a wire bundle effectively, but it is messy and can flow at zj elevated t ~ ~es. Its prims3ry drawback is that it is ~ eLuely craft sensitive and permits no quality control for the seal. Additionally, the seal often deteriorates over time under flexing and vibration.
A se~on~l attempt at solving this problem for sm~ller wire bundles is a drip loop formed before the blllkhe~-l penetration. The drip loop takes up considerable space and can be formed only on small bundles.
Often, the location of the wire bundle will be moved to a protected area to ~ievellt water from spl~shing directly on the bundle. This 3; location is usually not optimal from a routing perspective.
WO 94116884 PCTtUS94100SSS
This invention relates to a system for delivering a se~ material, a tape, an article for providing protec~n ae~inct moisture and a method of protecting a wire bundle from moisture.
of~1~
lD
In autos, light trucks, airplanes, boats, and telephone systems, many wire bundles traverse from a co,..~ ..rnt, such as the p~ss~nEer ~"'l'~' k~ent of a vehicle, to ~l~lotect~l areas, such as under the hood.
A rubber ~lo.. et typically seals the outside of the wire bundle to the s sheet metal. Under the ~lo~ et, the wire bundle must be sealed in order to ~.evt:~t water from wicking along the wires into the r~Cse~er ~nr~rtment. Until now, no effective and e~on~ math~i to ~eal the wire bundle has been found.
The ~llto-7notive industry has ~tt~mpted a nt~mher cf solutions to this problem. The most comm~n 5~ttçmpt is mastic and tape. Mastic pads are pushed into the wire bundle and then .~nA~ed in an attempt to seal each wire. A tight vvrap is then applied. When done properly, this met~o~l can seal a wire bundle effectively, but it is messy and can flow at zj elevated t ~ ~es. Its prims3ry drawback is that it is ~ eLuely craft sensitive and permits no quality control for the seal. Additionally, the seal often deteriorates over time under flexing and vibration.
A se~on~l attempt at solving this problem for sm~ller wire bundles is a drip loop formed before the blllkhe~-l penetration. The drip loop takes up considerable space and can be formed only on small bundles.
Often, the location of the wire bundle will be moved to a protected area to ~ievellt water from spl~shing directly on the bundle. This 3; location is usually not optimal from a routing perspective.
WO 94116884 PCTtUS94100SSS
-2- 215I~80 Alternatively, a sealed connector csn be used instead of penetrating the bulkhead with the wire bundle. This method is particularly eYpensive.
sAn additional alternative includes a two-piece plastic box in the form of a hardshell ~,lo.~....et The bottom piece is used to fix in place an engineering pl-s-s~c comb. The individual wires are fed through the comb during h-s-ma,ss ~semhly. The top of the box is then snapped in place and the box, with h~mess, is transported to a water cooled nest." Hot melt D r lh9sive iS injected into the box. This method is cllmbersome and bulky, but provides a re~on~y e~liYe seal and is relatively inexpensive.
Articles snd/or compositions sre known that may be used as a æ,e~l~nt and void-filler to protect a substrate in a corrosive, moist and B adverse ~,~vi~O~ ant These articles andlor cQm~o~itions include simple tape ~ s as well as heat l~Ye~able materials. One e~mrle is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,086,242 by Cook, ~ ne~ to the ~csignee of the present invention, which is completely hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other articles andlor compositions that are advantageously employed under a~ v~;ate conditions are oils, greases and adhesives.
Gels have also been used as se~lin~ m~mbers in compression, such as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 07/762,~33 filed on January 14, :~; 1992 entitled "Sealing MPmher and Methods of ~.'; e~ling" by Collins et al wbich is a ~..l ;.-,,gl ;~n-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 07l584,320 filed on Sept~mber 18, 1990, assigned to the s-ssi~nee of the present inv~n~iQn, and which is completely hereby inco~ ated by reference for all ~ oses. A layer of en~rsulant or gel is sandwiched between two 3~ constraining layers of closed cell fo~m The entire memher is disposed within a hollow member for applying the compressive force. This co. ~ ess*e force must be applied subsequent to positioning the member for sealing.
3jOne additional such article for protection of a substrate is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,866,905 by Uken, assigned to the ~ssi~nee of the present invention, which is completely hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. This article includes a flexi~le matrix which is WO g4JlC884 PCrlUS94100S5S
impregnated with gel. ~Ypose~l surfaces are covered by a release paper which is removed before the article is applied. This provides an effective seal. How~ver, the tacky surface of the impreEn~ gel sticks to itself and the hands of the operator, res~lltin~ in messy application.
roft~ li5m JllYt~po~ition of a layer of se~linE material and a layer of open cell material provides an improved arrangement for se~ling wire bundles.
Application of tension to the layered article when wrapped around a h-lr~le of wires causes the ~n~pslll~nt to move through the layer of open cell m~teri~l~ providing a tacky surface. The terms se~linE material and Pnc~pfiulant refer to the layer of material fo~ a tacky surface and are used interchangeably hereinafter. A ~ssive force results from this s ~pplic~tion of tension combined with a compressive force caused 6y contact with the wire bundle. This arrangement provides an i~ oved seal for wire blm~lles; hu-.e~le~, ûne surface of the article rem~ins tacky to the touch. F~ ~ore, the article must be wrapped about a surface to enable the se~qlin~ material to move through the layer of open cell material.
The present inven~ion is directed to a se~linE ma~n~ which allows simple and econQmical applic~tiQn- The se~ m~n~ of the present invention provides a non-tacky surface to the touch? is rese~l~ble, rell~e~l~le, and can be easily h~nAlç-l All of the desired se~lin~ attributes of previous enc~rs~ nt~ seals are ach-ieved~ with improved results.
., A layer of se~lin~ material is disposed between two layers of open cell m~teri~l In its relaxed state, the se~linE ~sspmhly provides a non-tacky surface. Upon application of a force, preferably including a substantially perpendicular component of compression and a substantially longitudinal component of tension, the layer of sealing material moves through the layers of open cell material, resulting in a tacky, easily handleable surface having sufficient volume of sealing material to penetrate through the open cell layer and thereby provide the desired sealing effect.
WO 94116884 PCr~US94/00555 2I~I480 The open cell material can be any stretrhsble material. It is ~.efe.ably an open cell foam, but can a7so be any fabric or material having interstices in an open cell arrangement. For ~Y~-n~,le, any lattice structure which can be elongated, whereby an al,l,rop.;ate force would 5 allow the fie~line material to move through the illte- ~,ices to the outer edge to provide a tacky surface at application would be acceptable.
The se~lin~ material is also preferably formed of a stretchable, P1n~t~l~7e material. The open cell layers are ~-ere.ably stretrh~b1e to an ~ ent greater than the extent of stretching of the layer of sealing material. The t~i~kneSs of the se~1ing material is ~.efelably between about one and two times the thickness of each layer of open cell material.
More ~.ere.~bly, the se~1in~ material is about two times the thickness of each layer of open cell material.
,5 Upon release of the force, the se~ F material reenters the interstices of the open cell layers, returning to its original location therebelwe~l.. The article thus returns to its relatively non-tacky, easily handleable fo~ In this way, the device of the present invention can be resealed or reused.
The se~ling material is pr~efelably a silicone based gel, although various pol~u-etllane or thermoplastic based gel materials can also be used. The sea1in~ material may also be a layer of material impregnated :~ with gel.
In the ~lefe--ed embo~iment, the sealin~ me~nc is in the form of a tape, the int~n~led app1ir~tion of which is to provide protection against ~-oisl--.e wicking about a substrate. The t)~i~n~ss of the layer of se?1inE
3~ material is sufficient to fill gaps s~loul.ding the substrate. Ho~evel, the present invention may be used for any se~lin~ application.
The present invention is also directed to a method of protect;n~ a wire bundle from moisture c-, ~pl;sing:
3j (a) providing a section of tape, wherein the tape comprises at least one layer of ç~r~psulant disposed between at least two layers of open cell material;
WO 94/1C884 PClrUS94~00555 215I~80 ~b) selecting two individual wires of the wire bundle;
(c) ~inchin{~ the end of the tape between the wires;
(d) w-~ the tape around bothwires;
(e) applging a force to the tape such that the encapsulant s penetrates through the open cell layers, thereby providing a moisture seal around the wires;
(f) selecting an additional wire from the bundle;
(g) w.~ .;.~ a layer of tape around the ~sA~litionslly selected wire;
(h) ço..~ to apply a force to the tape;
(i) selecting ~,cltlitiQn-s-l wires from the bundle and repeating steps (f) through (h) until all wires from the b~ln~lle are wrapped.
As described above, the force applied is most preferably a substantially perpendicular component of compression and also s preferably inCln~es a suhst~nti-slly longitudinal comrQnçnt of tension.
How~:ver, the lo~git~ insl co-~ ~o,~ent of te~C;on is not eq~ ed in the e~tinvention. The se~ior oftape ..~ o~d the protected wire b~n~lle is s~lffi~ nt to ensure enough çnc~rsulant on the outside of the wire bundle to seal a~in~t mni~t~lre.
:D
In one form of the particularly preferred embodiment of the illV~ ;or, a wrap of vinyl tape may be ~lie~ to the protec~l wire bundle to msin~sin it sealed with ~nce~rs~ s-nt and to lJ-e~ t the novel s~sling tape from unwlal ~illg. Additionally or alternatively, a compressive force aj may be ~pplie~l over the sealed wire bundle to msints~in the wire bundle in its sealed c~n~lition~
The wires may be positioned in an optimal arrangement so as to ellt wicking thereon.
:D
Other features and advantages of the present invention vvill appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiment has been set forth in detail in conjunction with the -~ccv~ .A~.ying drawings.
WO 94/lC884 PCTlUSg4/00555 21 ~ 1 8 0 ~fnf~on;~f~
Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of a seAling delivery system constructed in accordance with the present 5 inv~n~ion Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of the invention of Fig. 1 upon application of force.
o Figs. 3A - 3C are srhemA~ic cross sectional views of the i~ elll ion in its preferred application.
s Referring now to the Figures, Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a se~li~
delivery system 2 including a center, seAline material layer or en< ApslllAnt 4 sandwiched bel~ eell retic~llAte layers of open cell material 6, 8. Upon Ap~ At;on of a force, I,lefe~sbly a compressive force, to se~lin~ delivery system 2, the se~linF material moves through reticulate layers 6, B in the direction of arrow 12. ~eA~ e material 4 moves throu~h retic~lste layers 6, 8 to the outer edges 14, 16 of the open cell mater thereby wetting the tape and providing a tacky surface for seAling, as ~n at ~f~leuce numeral 20 in Fig. 2.
2j In the l,lafelled emho~lim~nt seAline delivery system 2 is in the form of a double reticulate tape having a triple layer construction.
Reticulate layers 6, 8 and se~lin~ material 4 are, together, stretched in the direction of arrow 10. Each reticulate layer is stretchable, or elongAtshle, to an extent at least equal to but } lefe~ably greater than the 3D extent of stret~hinE of the seslin~ material layer 4. When compressed, reticulate layers 6, 8 allow seslin~ material 4 to penetrate the open structure of the reticulate layers and, thereby provides the wetting and tack properties of previous gel applications. The relative thicknesses of reticulate layers 6, 8 and se~slin~ material 4 is sufficient to fill gaps su~fo~ in~ the surface to be sealed. The open cell layers 6, 8 stretch elastically with se~ling material 4 to allow the tape to be smoothly applied to an uneven surface and thereby conform to the uneven surface.
W0 94/16884 PCrlU~4/OOS55 _7 2lsl~8o Force in the direction of arrow 10 applied to se~linE delivery system 2 includes a s~hst~ntially longit~l~in~l component of t~nSion along arrow 10 and a s~htsn~ y perpentlic~ r comronant of ~p-ession as shown by a,.o~.s 18. Upon apr~ on of the force to tape 2, se~ling material 4 5 penetrates through interstices of open cell layers 6, 8, forming tacky surface 20 for se~lin~ Upon release of the force, se~ling material 4 reenters back through the interstices of open cell layers 6, 8, again r~s~ ng in a relatively non-tacky, easily handleable snrf~ce, as shown in Fig. 1. Thus, layers 6, 8 are selected to have an adhesive af~mity for se~ling material 4 which is less than the cohesive strength of the sealing material.
Retic~ te layers 6, 8 are preferably in the form of an open cell foam, more particularly, a polyester urethane foam. However, it is s wii,Li~ the scope of the l,~es~,lt invention to utilize a fabric material or ce structure having interstices through which ~eiqling material 4 can move or "ooze." In either latter case, the ~flhesive ~~ ,y of the fabric ms~b~ri~l or lattice structure is less i~l,o, ~t.
a~ The ret;c~ te layers may also be a woven or n~woYe~ fabric, the fibers of the fabric being natural or synthetic and co~npose-l of organic or inorganic material. The fibers may be glass, metal or organic polymer fibers. The fibers of reticulate layers 6, 8 need not themselves be stretrh~hle, so long as the structure can be elon~ For eY~mple, a :z; metal mesh material would be suitable for use as a reticulate layer ac~w~i~ to the present ~ve~ on~
.~li~ m~tJ?ri~l 4 is l"efelably a gel, and more particularly an oil eYten-le-l triblock copolymer. The most preferred gel of tbe present 3 invention is constructed of a silicone based gel. In alternate embodiments, tbe se~ling material may be a polyurethane or thermoplastic gel. Two such ey~mrles are oil extended Kratont~
.ellc cthylene-butylene-styrene) triblock polymers and oil extended &pton~ (styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene) triblock copolymers.
Preferably, se~lin~ material 4 is selected to have an ultimate elQ~ion of at least 100%, especially at least 160% and more preferably at least 200%. The sealing material is also selected to bave a voland WO 94116884 PCT/US94/OOSSs 2l5l~8 hardness of between 7.5 and 40 g, especially between 10 and 20 g, and more particularly between 10 and 15 g.
As is a~l.aleht, the wetting characteristics of gels which may be used for the present invention differ. Thelefo~e, the choice of open cell foam must be optimized to ~:l~it the particular gel utilized to penetrate the interstices of the open cell structure. For e~smrle, a softer seslin~
material will be used with a rehC~ s-te material having a smaller average cell 6ize while a harder se-s-lin~ material may be used with a reticulate o material having a larger average cell size. Additionally, the sealing material may be a center layer of foam impreEn-st~ with a gel.
~ e~linE material 4 is bonded, preferaWy chemically bonded, betwccn reticlll-s-te layers 6, 8. A roll of se-s-linE material is joined with two ~s rolls of reticlll~t~l tape, thereby forming se~s-lin~ material layer 4 ~ osed be~ reticulste layers 6, 8. Tension of the se~s-lin~ material and open cell maten~l is sufficien~dy mstche~l such that tape 2 cures as the joined rolls are ~mhled Optimally, e~ch open cell layer 6, 8 has a ~ kn~8 of 0.030 inrhes, and a ~ osi~ of 100 pores per square inch with a~ a m~yimu_ hole ~i~met~r of 0.020 in~hes. The ~lefel,el thickness of se~linE material 4 difers 1epen~1in~ upon the application. For uniform PlP~nt6 to be sealed, the l.,efe~,ed tl i~ness of se~linF material layer 4 is 0.030 in~hes. Thus, the l,~afe~ed ratio of relative thirkness of layers is 1:1:1. For elemPnts to be seiqling having varying configurations, the se~ E matenal layer ~lefe~bly has a thirkness of a~l.lo~ately 0.060 in~hes In this case, the preferred ratio of thickness of layers is 1:2:1.
The relative thirknesses of reticulate layers 6, 8 and se~linE material 4 1et--...;..e the ne~sP~ry forces to adequately move through the interstices of reticulate layers 6, 8 and provide a se~lir~ effect.
Reticulate tape 2 may be employed in any sealing application. A
force applied to the tape, including a substantially perpendicular co~npQnPnt of cG~-ession 18, causes se~linE material or encapsulant 4 to move through the interstices of open cell layers 6, 8, to outer edges 14, 16 of the tape, thereby providing a tacky, se~lin~ surface 20. In the preferred embodiment, the force also includes a substantially longitudinal component of tension, e~æin~ movement of the sealing m:~ef i:~l through the open cell layers.
W09411C884 2151~8o PCTJUS94/005ss Upon removal of force 10, tape 2 returns to its original configuration shown in Fig 1. ~e~lin~ material 4 reenters back through the interstioes of open cell foam layers 6, 8, again resulting in a relatively non-tacky, easily handleable surface.
In the most preferred application, double reticulate tape 2 is used to protect a wire bundle from moisture. A piece of reticulate tape is provided. To seal a bllndle of 10 to 15 wires, a piece of tape a~ tely 6 inches is necess~ . Referring to Fig. 3, two individual wires, 24, 26 are pulled from the bundle (not shown). The end of the reticulate tape is pinched be~w~ll the wires, 8S shown at lefelc~ce numeral 22. The tape is then wrapped around both ~nres, as seen in Fig. 3A. Light ten~ion is A~plieA in the direction of arrow 10, ~llci~E Pnc~ps~ nt 4 to penetrate re~ te layers 6, 8, providing a tacl~y surface at 20 and providing a mo;ct~re seal a,ouIld wires 24, 26. Colllylessive force 18, as shown in Eig. 2, results from the application of force in the direction of arrow 10. A
third wire 28 is selected and pulled from the bundle and placed adjacent outer edge 16 opposite wires 24, 26. The force in the direction of arrow 10 is m~...tci.~e~ Additional wires, such as wire 30 shown in Fig. 3C, are selecte-l from the bundle and the above steps rep~te-l until all wires from the bundle are wrapped. As the wrapped and sealed bundle grows, multiple wires can be added simultaneously, so long as they are sey~ated by 180 degrees. Once all wires from the bundle are wrapped, an ~d~ Qn~l turn is made around the wrapped wire bundle to ensure sl7ffi^ient sealine material on the outside of the bundle to adequately seal, and thereby protect the bundle from moisture.
With large wire bundles, it may be necessary to position the wires in an optimal al,a~ent so as to l,levent wicking thereon.
If desired, a member, such as a grommet, for applying a co~lessive force over the sealed wire bundle maintains the wire bundle sealed with enc~rsulant. Additionally or alternatively, a wrap of vinyl tape is applied to the bundle to l,revel~t reticulate tape 2 from unwrapping.
Although the preferred embo~liment is directed to sealing material sandwiched between two layers of open cell material, it is within the wos4n6ss4 215l~8o PcTlusg4~s~
-1~
scope of the present invention to provide a se~ling material disposed ~1jr cent a single layer of open cell material. The se~linE delivery system of the present invention can be employed to address a variety of sealing app1ic~tionc. Vari~tionc and mo~lific~tion~ can be made to the preferred 5 Pmbo~limPnt without de~a~ g from the scope of the present invention, wbich is l;mit~ only ~y the following ~l~im~.
sAn additional alternative includes a two-piece plastic box in the form of a hardshell ~,lo.~....et The bottom piece is used to fix in place an engineering pl-s-s~c comb. The individual wires are fed through the comb during h-s-ma,ss ~semhly. The top of the box is then snapped in place and the box, with h~mess, is transported to a water cooled nest." Hot melt D r lh9sive iS injected into the box. This method is cllmbersome and bulky, but provides a re~on~y e~liYe seal and is relatively inexpensive.
Articles snd/or compositions sre known that may be used as a æ,e~l~nt and void-filler to protect a substrate in a corrosive, moist and B adverse ~,~vi~O~ ant These articles andlor cQm~o~itions include simple tape ~ s as well as heat l~Ye~able materials. One e~mrle is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,086,242 by Cook, ~ ne~ to the ~csignee of the present invention, which is completely hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other articles andlor compositions that are advantageously employed under a~ v~;ate conditions are oils, greases and adhesives.
Gels have also been used as se~lin~ m~mbers in compression, such as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 07/762,~33 filed on January 14, :~; 1992 entitled "Sealing MPmher and Methods of ~.'; e~ling" by Collins et al wbich is a ~..l ;.-,,gl ;~n-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 07l584,320 filed on Sept~mber 18, 1990, assigned to the s-ssi~nee of the present inv~n~iQn, and which is completely hereby inco~ ated by reference for all ~ oses. A layer of en~rsulant or gel is sandwiched between two 3~ constraining layers of closed cell fo~m The entire memher is disposed within a hollow member for applying the compressive force. This co. ~ ess*e force must be applied subsequent to positioning the member for sealing.
3jOne additional such article for protection of a substrate is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,866,905 by Uken, assigned to the ~ssi~nee of the present invention, which is completely hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. This article includes a flexi~le matrix which is WO g4JlC884 PCrlUS94100S5S
impregnated with gel. ~Ypose~l surfaces are covered by a release paper which is removed before the article is applied. This provides an effective seal. How~ver, the tacky surface of the impreEn~ gel sticks to itself and the hands of the operator, res~lltin~ in messy application.
roft~ li5m JllYt~po~ition of a layer of se~linE material and a layer of open cell material provides an improved arrangement for se~ling wire bundles.
Application of tension to the layered article when wrapped around a h-lr~le of wires causes the ~n~pslll~nt to move through the layer of open cell m~teri~l~ providing a tacky surface. The terms se~linE material and Pnc~pfiulant refer to the layer of material fo~ a tacky surface and are used interchangeably hereinafter. A ~ssive force results from this s ~pplic~tion of tension combined with a compressive force caused 6y contact with the wire bundle. This arrangement provides an i~ oved seal for wire blm~lles; hu-.e~le~, ûne surface of the article rem~ins tacky to the touch. F~ ~ore, the article must be wrapped about a surface to enable the se~qlin~ material to move through the layer of open cell material.
The present inven~ion is directed to a se~linE ma~n~ which allows simple and econQmical applic~tiQn- The se~ m~n~ of the present invention provides a non-tacky surface to the touch? is rese~l~ble, rell~e~l~le, and can be easily h~nAlç-l All of the desired se~lin~ attributes of previous enc~rs~ nt~ seals are ach-ieved~ with improved results.
., A layer of se~lin~ material is disposed between two layers of open cell m~teri~l In its relaxed state, the se~linE ~sspmhly provides a non-tacky surface. Upon application of a force, preferably including a substantially perpendicular component of compression and a substantially longitudinal component of tension, the layer of sealing material moves through the layers of open cell material, resulting in a tacky, easily handleable surface having sufficient volume of sealing material to penetrate through the open cell layer and thereby provide the desired sealing effect.
WO 94116884 PCr~US94/00555 2I~I480 The open cell material can be any stretrhsble material. It is ~.efe.ably an open cell foam, but can a7so be any fabric or material having interstices in an open cell arrangement. For ~Y~-n~,le, any lattice structure which can be elongated, whereby an al,l,rop.;ate force would 5 allow the fie~line material to move through the illte- ~,ices to the outer edge to provide a tacky surface at application would be acceptable.
The se~lin~ material is also preferably formed of a stretchable, P1n~t~l~7e material. The open cell layers are ~-ere.ably stretrh~b1e to an ~ ent greater than the extent of stretching of the layer of sealing material. The t~i~kneSs of the se~1ing material is ~.efelably between about one and two times the thickness of each layer of open cell material.
More ~.ere.~bly, the se~1in~ material is about two times the thickness of each layer of open cell material.
,5 Upon release of the force, the se~ F material reenters the interstices of the open cell layers, returning to its original location therebelwe~l.. The article thus returns to its relatively non-tacky, easily handleable fo~ In this way, the device of the present invention can be resealed or reused.
The se~ling material is pr~efelably a silicone based gel, although various pol~u-etllane or thermoplastic based gel materials can also be used. The sea1in~ material may also be a layer of material impregnated :~ with gel.
In the ~lefe--ed embo~iment, the sealin~ me~nc is in the form of a tape, the int~n~led app1ir~tion of which is to provide protection against ~-oisl--.e wicking about a substrate. The t)~i~n~ss of the layer of se?1inE
3~ material is sufficient to fill gaps s~loul.ding the substrate. Ho~evel, the present invention may be used for any se~lin~ application.
The present invention is also directed to a method of protect;n~ a wire bundle from moisture c-, ~pl;sing:
3j (a) providing a section of tape, wherein the tape comprises at least one layer of ç~r~psulant disposed between at least two layers of open cell material;
WO 94/1C884 PClrUS94~00555 215I~80 ~b) selecting two individual wires of the wire bundle;
(c) ~inchin{~ the end of the tape between the wires;
(d) w-~ the tape around bothwires;
(e) applging a force to the tape such that the encapsulant s penetrates through the open cell layers, thereby providing a moisture seal around the wires;
(f) selecting an additional wire from the bundle;
(g) w.~ .;.~ a layer of tape around the ~sA~litionslly selected wire;
(h) ço..~ to apply a force to the tape;
(i) selecting ~,cltlitiQn-s-l wires from the bundle and repeating steps (f) through (h) until all wires from the b~ln~lle are wrapped.
As described above, the force applied is most preferably a substantially perpendicular component of compression and also s preferably inCln~es a suhst~nti-slly longitudinal comrQnçnt of tension.
How~:ver, the lo~git~ insl co-~ ~o,~ent of te~C;on is not eq~ ed in the e~tinvention. The se~ior oftape ..~ o~d the protected wire b~n~lle is s~lffi~ nt to ensure enough çnc~rsulant on the outside of the wire bundle to seal a~in~t mni~t~lre.
:D
In one form of the particularly preferred embodiment of the illV~ ;or, a wrap of vinyl tape may be ~lie~ to the protec~l wire bundle to msin~sin it sealed with ~nce~rs~ s-nt and to lJ-e~ t the novel s~sling tape from unwlal ~illg. Additionally or alternatively, a compressive force aj may be ~pplie~l over the sealed wire bundle to msints~in the wire bundle in its sealed c~n~lition~
The wires may be positioned in an optimal arrangement so as to ellt wicking thereon.
:D
Other features and advantages of the present invention vvill appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiment has been set forth in detail in conjunction with the -~ccv~ .A~.ying drawings.
WO 94/lC884 PCTlUSg4/00555 21 ~ 1 8 0 ~fnf~on;~f~
Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of a seAling delivery system constructed in accordance with the present 5 inv~n~ion Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of the invention of Fig. 1 upon application of force.
o Figs. 3A - 3C are srhemA~ic cross sectional views of the i~ elll ion in its preferred application.
s Referring now to the Figures, Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a se~li~
delivery system 2 including a center, seAline material layer or en< ApslllAnt 4 sandwiched bel~ eell retic~llAte layers of open cell material 6, 8. Upon Ap~ At;on of a force, I,lefe~sbly a compressive force, to se~lin~ delivery system 2, the se~linF material moves through reticulate layers 6, B in the direction of arrow 12. ~eA~ e material 4 moves throu~h retic~lste layers 6, 8 to the outer edges 14, 16 of the open cell mater thereby wetting the tape and providing a tacky surface for seAling, as ~n at ~f~leuce numeral 20 in Fig. 2.
2j In the l,lafelled emho~lim~nt seAline delivery system 2 is in the form of a double reticulate tape having a triple layer construction.
Reticulate layers 6, 8 and se~lin~ material 4 are, together, stretched in the direction of arrow 10. Each reticulate layer is stretchable, or elongAtshle, to an extent at least equal to but } lefe~ably greater than the 3D extent of stret~hinE of the seslin~ material layer 4. When compressed, reticulate layers 6, 8 allow seslin~ material 4 to penetrate the open structure of the reticulate layers and, thereby provides the wetting and tack properties of previous gel applications. The relative thicknesses of reticulate layers 6, 8 and se~slin~ material 4 is sufficient to fill gaps su~fo~ in~ the surface to be sealed. The open cell layers 6, 8 stretch elastically with se~ling material 4 to allow the tape to be smoothly applied to an uneven surface and thereby conform to the uneven surface.
W0 94/16884 PCrlU~4/OOS55 _7 2lsl~8o Force in the direction of arrow 10 applied to se~linE delivery system 2 includes a s~hst~ntially longit~l~in~l component of t~nSion along arrow 10 and a s~htsn~ y perpentlic~ r comronant of ~p-ession as shown by a,.o~.s 18. Upon apr~ on of the force to tape 2, se~ling material 4 5 penetrates through interstices of open cell layers 6, 8, forming tacky surface 20 for se~lin~ Upon release of the force, se~ling material 4 reenters back through the interstices of open cell layers 6, 8, again r~s~ ng in a relatively non-tacky, easily handleable snrf~ce, as shown in Fig. 1. Thus, layers 6, 8 are selected to have an adhesive af~mity for se~ling material 4 which is less than the cohesive strength of the sealing material.
Retic~ te layers 6, 8 are preferably in the form of an open cell foam, more particularly, a polyester urethane foam. However, it is s wii,Li~ the scope of the l,~es~,lt invention to utilize a fabric material or ce structure having interstices through which ~eiqling material 4 can move or "ooze." In either latter case, the ~flhesive ~~ ,y of the fabric ms~b~ri~l or lattice structure is less i~l,o, ~t.
a~ The ret;c~ te layers may also be a woven or n~woYe~ fabric, the fibers of the fabric being natural or synthetic and co~npose-l of organic or inorganic material. The fibers may be glass, metal or organic polymer fibers. The fibers of reticulate layers 6, 8 need not themselves be stretrh~hle, so long as the structure can be elon~ For eY~mple, a :z; metal mesh material would be suitable for use as a reticulate layer ac~w~i~ to the present ~ve~ on~
.~li~ m~tJ?ri~l 4 is l"efelably a gel, and more particularly an oil eYten-le-l triblock copolymer. The most preferred gel of tbe present 3 invention is constructed of a silicone based gel. In alternate embodiments, tbe se~ling material may be a polyurethane or thermoplastic gel. Two such ey~mrles are oil extended Kratont~
.ellc cthylene-butylene-styrene) triblock polymers and oil extended &pton~ (styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene) triblock copolymers.
Preferably, se~lin~ material 4 is selected to have an ultimate elQ~ion of at least 100%, especially at least 160% and more preferably at least 200%. The sealing material is also selected to bave a voland WO 94116884 PCT/US94/OOSSs 2l5l~8 hardness of between 7.5 and 40 g, especially between 10 and 20 g, and more particularly between 10 and 15 g.
As is a~l.aleht, the wetting characteristics of gels which may be used for the present invention differ. Thelefo~e, the choice of open cell foam must be optimized to ~:l~it the particular gel utilized to penetrate the interstices of the open cell structure. For e~smrle, a softer seslin~
material will be used with a rehC~ s-te material having a smaller average cell 6ize while a harder se-s-lin~ material may be used with a reticulate o material having a larger average cell size. Additionally, the sealing material may be a center layer of foam impreEn-st~ with a gel.
~ e~linE material 4 is bonded, preferaWy chemically bonded, betwccn reticlll-s-te layers 6, 8. A roll of se-s-linE material is joined with two ~s rolls of reticlll~t~l tape, thereby forming se~s-lin~ material layer 4 ~ osed be~ reticulste layers 6, 8. Tension of the se~s-lin~ material and open cell maten~l is sufficien~dy mstche~l such that tape 2 cures as the joined rolls are ~mhled Optimally, e~ch open cell layer 6, 8 has a ~ kn~8 of 0.030 inrhes, and a ~ osi~ of 100 pores per square inch with a~ a m~yimu_ hole ~i~met~r of 0.020 in~hes. The ~lefel,el thickness of se~linE material 4 difers 1epen~1in~ upon the application. For uniform PlP~nt6 to be sealed, the l.,efe~,ed tl i~ness of se~linF material layer 4 is 0.030 in~hes. Thus, the l,~afe~ed ratio of relative thirkness of layers is 1:1:1. For elemPnts to be seiqling having varying configurations, the se~ E matenal layer ~lefe~bly has a thirkness of a~l.lo~ately 0.060 in~hes In this case, the preferred ratio of thickness of layers is 1:2:1.
The relative thirknesses of reticulate layers 6, 8 and se~linE material 4 1et--...;..e the ne~sP~ry forces to adequately move through the interstices of reticulate layers 6, 8 and provide a se~lir~ effect.
Reticulate tape 2 may be employed in any sealing application. A
force applied to the tape, including a substantially perpendicular co~npQnPnt of cG~-ession 18, causes se~linE material or encapsulant 4 to move through the interstices of open cell layers 6, 8, to outer edges 14, 16 of the tape, thereby providing a tacky, se~lin~ surface 20. In the preferred embodiment, the force also includes a substantially longitudinal component of tension, e~æin~ movement of the sealing m:~ef i:~l through the open cell layers.
W09411C884 2151~8o PCTJUS94/005ss Upon removal of force 10, tape 2 returns to its original configuration shown in Fig 1. ~e~lin~ material 4 reenters back through the interstioes of open cell foam layers 6, 8, again resulting in a relatively non-tacky, easily handleable surface.
In the most preferred application, double reticulate tape 2 is used to protect a wire bundle from moisture. A piece of reticulate tape is provided. To seal a bllndle of 10 to 15 wires, a piece of tape a~ tely 6 inches is necess~ . Referring to Fig. 3, two individual wires, 24, 26 are pulled from the bundle (not shown). The end of the reticulate tape is pinched be~w~ll the wires, 8S shown at lefelc~ce numeral 22. The tape is then wrapped around both ~nres, as seen in Fig. 3A. Light ten~ion is A~plieA in the direction of arrow 10, ~llci~E Pnc~ps~ nt 4 to penetrate re~ te layers 6, 8, providing a tacl~y surface at 20 and providing a mo;ct~re seal a,ouIld wires 24, 26. Colllylessive force 18, as shown in Eig. 2, results from the application of force in the direction of arrow 10. A
third wire 28 is selected and pulled from the bundle and placed adjacent outer edge 16 opposite wires 24, 26. The force in the direction of arrow 10 is m~...tci.~e~ Additional wires, such as wire 30 shown in Fig. 3C, are selecte-l from the bundle and the above steps rep~te-l until all wires from the bundle are wrapped. As the wrapped and sealed bundle grows, multiple wires can be added simultaneously, so long as they are sey~ated by 180 degrees. Once all wires from the bundle are wrapped, an ~d~ Qn~l turn is made around the wrapped wire bundle to ensure sl7ffi^ient sealine material on the outside of the bundle to adequately seal, and thereby protect the bundle from moisture.
With large wire bundles, it may be necessary to position the wires in an optimal al,a~ent so as to l,levent wicking thereon.
If desired, a member, such as a grommet, for applying a co~lessive force over the sealed wire bundle maintains the wire bundle sealed with enc~rsulant. Additionally or alternatively, a wrap of vinyl tape is applied to the bundle to l,revel~t reticulate tape 2 from unwrapping.
Although the preferred embo~liment is directed to sealing material sandwiched between two layers of open cell material, it is within the wos4n6ss4 215l~8o PcTlusg4~s~
-1~
scope of the present invention to provide a se~ling material disposed ~1jr cent a single layer of open cell material. The se~linE delivery system of the present invention can be employed to address a variety of sealing app1ic~tionc. Vari~tionc and mo~lific~tion~ can be made to the preferred 5 Pmbo~limPnt without de~a~ g from the scope of the present invention, wbich is l;mit~ only ~y the following ~l~im~.
Claims (10)
1. A sealing delivery system comprising a sealing material sandwiched between layers of open cell material wherein upon application of a force to the system, the sealing material moves through the layers of open cell material for sealing.
2. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein the sealing material and layers of open cell material are stretchable.
3. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein each layer of open cell material comprises a layer of foam.
4. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein each layer of open cell material comprises a layer of fabric.
5. The system as defined in claim 1 wherein the sealing material comprises one of a silicone, polyurethane or thermoplastic based gel material.
6. The system as defined in claim 1 for providing protection against moisture about a substrate comprising a tape wherein said sealing material comprises at least one layer of encapsulant, and wherein upon application of said force to the tape, the encapsulant layer moves through the layers of open cell material for sealing about the substrate.
7. The system as defined in claim 6 wherein the thickness of the layer of sealing material is sufficient to fill gaps surrounding the substrate.
8. The system as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein said sealing material comprises a gel having a tacky surface, which with said open cell material forms a multi-layer tape having a relatively non-tacky surface, and wherein upon application of said force to the tape, gel of the center layer penetrates through interstices of the open cell layers to form a tacky surface for sealing.
9. The article as defined in claim 8 wherein the open cell sheet layer is selected such that upon release of said force, the gel reenters back through the interstices of the open cell layer, resulting in a relatively non-tacky, easily handleable surface.
10. The article as defined in claim 8 wherein the open cell layers and the center layer are stretchable, the open cell layers being stretchable to an extent greater than the extent of stretching of the center layer.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US1009593A | 1993-01-28 | 1993-01-28 | |
| US08/010,095 | 1993-01-28 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2151480A1 true CA2151480A1 (en) | 1994-08-04 |
Family
ID=21743830
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002151480A Abandoned CA2151480A1 (en) | 1993-01-28 | 1994-01-20 | Double reticulate tape |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0695235A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH08505824A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2151480A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994016884A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU6834896A (en) * | 1995-09-07 | 1997-03-27 | Raychem Limited | Tape or sheet coated with gel adhesive |
| DE19706711B4 (en) * | 1996-02-23 | 2006-04-20 | Volkswagen Ag | Arrangement for sealing a passage opening penetrated by a line element |
| DE19915372C2 (en) * | 1999-04-06 | 2002-11-07 | Jordan Paul Eltech | Solid-sealing unit |
| MX2012001509A (en) | 2009-08-06 | 2012-03-16 | Kimberly Clark Co | Flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly. |
| US8727957B2 (en) | 2010-08-05 | 2014-05-20 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | System for securing flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly |
| US11419958B2 (en) | 2011-02-04 | 2022-08-23 | O&M Halyard, Inc. | Flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly with bolsters |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4634207A (en) * | 1982-10-12 | 1987-01-06 | Raychem Corporation | Apparatus and method for protection of a substrate |
| US4600261A (en) * | 1982-10-12 | 1986-07-15 | Raychem Corporation | Apparatus and method for protection of electrical contacts |
| US4865905A (en) * | 1983-06-23 | 1989-09-12 | Raychem Corporation | Article for protection of a substrate |
-
1994
- 1994-01-20 JP JP6517139A patent/JPH08505824A/en active Pending
- 1994-01-20 WO PCT/US1994/000555 patent/WO1994016884A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-01-20 CA CA002151480A patent/CA2151480A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-01-20 EP EP94906650A patent/EP0695235A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH08505824A (en) | 1996-06-25 |
| WO1994016884A1 (en) | 1994-08-04 |
| EP0695235A1 (en) | 1996-02-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |