GB2071010A - Marking heat shrink tubing - Google Patents

Abstract

An assemblage of lengths T of flattened heat shrink tubing is removably mounted on a backing sheet A'' for marking in an ordinary typewriter. Tapes C, stuck to the backing sheet, engage the top edges of the tube lengths, the subsequent tube lengths overlying adjacent tube attaching tapes. Sheet A'' is coated on the back with a friction layer to engage the typewriter platten. A front sheet of carbon paper for use in marking the tube lengths, may be included. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Assemblage for labeling heat shrink tubing The present invention relates to an assemblage for labeling heat shrink tubing. Marker assemblies for labeling are well known, and especially the marking of shrinktubing to be applied to electrical wiring whereby identification can be made in the form of characters imprinted thereon. A widely used machine for imprinting characters is the typewriter, heretofore used to print upon marker assemblies comprised of heat shrink tubing held flat over cores or fillers inserted therein to substantially occupy the interior thereof preparatory to the imprinting of characters thereon. However, the insertion of cores and fillers has its limitations and special requirements in the typewriter construction.Firstly, the shrinktubing is limited in length, and secondly the tyepwriter platen must be specially adapted to the reception of the marker assembly with provision to drive the same. Therefore, it is a general object of this invention to provide an assemblage for labeling heat shrink tubing in a typewriter without modification of the typewriter whereby typewritten indicia are applied to shrink tubing, to be used, for example, by technicians in permanently identifying electrical conductors.

According to the invention, an assemblage for labeling heat shrink tubing in a typewriter includes a flexible traction sheet of rectangular form, a cover coating comprised of a thin layer of friction material extending longitudinally of the back of the traction sheet, and at least one flexible and flattened heat shrink marker tube extending tansversely over the front of the traction sheet and releasably secured thereto.

This invention is primarily but not exclusively concerned with the imprinting of indicia onto markers, i.e. short lengths of heat shrink tubing, to be applied over the ends of electrical wiring that requires indentification. The heat shrink tubing may be thin walled (.010 inch) cross linked polymer tubing orthe like which is available in soft initially cured roll form of large cross sectional diameter, and which is to be subjected to subsequent heat curing that reduces its diameter for constriction onto the wires to be identified, as circumstances require. The opacity and/or color of the tubing can vary, a white opaque tubing being widely employed. A problem arises in the imprinting of indicia onto such tubing, the roundness or cylindrical convexity making it difficult to imprint complete legible characters thereon.Heretofore, flattened cores or fillers have been inserted therein, but this process is restrictive whereas I have discovered that a partial shrink of the tubing while held flattened and through the application of controlled heat will harden the tubing sufficiently so that it will remain flat and pliable and conducive to being laminated for insertion into a typewriter in the usually intended fashion. Continuous lengths of flattened shrink tubing can be produced, and cut to any length desired. In practice therefore, the shrink tubing may be cut to a length to occupy the full width of a layup of the present invention into which it is incorporated, said width being limited only by the length of the platen and/or typewriter carriage.

The imprinting of indicia onto plastics material is widely employed, and typewriters are available for this purpose, utilizing ribbon or tape (film) with pressure transferable material thereon which is applied by pressure onto said plastics surface. These transfer materials are well known and are referred to generally as ink or carbon, or simply "carbon", and such material is also available in sheets of film referred to as "carbon paper". Such a film or carbon tape as it is supplied for ordinary typewriters may be used, either separately in the typewriter or alternatively, an assemblage according to the present invention may include a sheet or film of carbon as its front sheet. With the present invention, a plurality of lengths of shrink tubing may run from margin to margin, held in place to the traction sheet.Therefore, the front face of the assemblage is typed upon in the usual manner for correct reading, the characters being transferred directly from the typewriter ribbon or tape aand onto the exposed shrink tubing or onto the front carbon sheet along guide lines marked on the sheet. In practice, the tubing attachment may be perforated so that the tubing can be torn off and sequentially removed in lengths as required.

An assemblage of the present invention provides a combination wherein a plurality of markers can be imprinted in an ordinary typewriter and subsequently removed and shrunk onto wires to be identified.

The margins of the shrink tubing can be joined to the traction sheet by releasable pressure adhesive of the type used for making removable tapes and the like, and all of which is sufficient to retain the integrity of the layup and to ensure proper alignment of the lengths of shrink tubing thereon, Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assemblage for labeling heat shrink tubing with flattened shrink tubing attached by tapes adhered to a traction sheet, Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the application of imprinted shrink tubing cut to a shorter length and constricted over a wire end to be identified, Figure 3 is an exploded sectional view showing the layup of the traction sheet and flattened shrink tubing, Figure 4 is a assembled fragmentary sectional view through a second form of the invention, Figure 5 is an assembled fragmentary sectional view through a third and preferred form of the invention, Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the attachment tape used in Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further assemblage for labeling heat shrink tubing with a front lamina peeled back so as to expose the flattened shrink tubing adhered to the backing lamina, and Figure 8 is an exploded sectional view showing the laminations of the assemblage of Figure 7 embracing the flattened shrinktubing.

It is intended that the assemblages which are about to be described shall be used in an ordinary typewriter having a platen to back the impression of the type and if necessary with an intervening carbon film or tape that leaves a visible impression. There are variations in the machine design of typewriters, and the roll type of platen is universally employed for the reception of and line by line transport of the sheet upon which the printing is to be applied. It has been common practice to manifold sheets of paper in a typewriter, but there is a practical limit to the thickness of such a manifold. Accordingly, the layups to be described are within that practical range of thickness and have frictional engagement that does not require any special drive or any modification of the typewriter platen.The flattened lengths of shrink tubing lie adjacent to each other and the plurality thereof is arranged for normal smooth operation through the typewriter. The marker layups are providedforthe preparation of shrink tubing, prior to its constriction onto wire ends by curing with the application of heat. It is a cross linked polymer tubing in its partially cured state that is employed herein, two examples of which are irradated and thermally stabilized modified polyvinylidene fluoride or polyolefin compound. The tubing is preformed from its initial circular cross section into a flattened condition by restricted application of controlled heat that advances the curing thereof for release of a portion of its memory and hardening the same into a constrained flattened configuration.To prepare the tubing, the initial thin walled plastics tubing is immersed in a heated liquid such as water and simultaneously compressed between turning rollers to flatten the same. This method is a continuous process followed by constrainment of the heat shrink tubing in a flattened condition while it cools after removal from the heated liquid, whereby the flattness thereof is retained. In practice, various sized tubing is employed, for example 1/4 inch tubing having a wall thickness of .010 inch and immersed in water at about 200 F. for a few seconds.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, there is generally, a rectangular traction sheet A and over which there is a transversely disposed length of flattened shrink tubing T. The sheet and tubing are cooperatively joined by releasable adhesive as will be described, and all of which esablishes the marker layup for normal insertion into a typewriter, for alignment of the marker tubes T to receive imprinted indicia with accuracy.

The layup is of a "letter size" as shown and for purpose of example, although it can be of any or greater size as desired and capable of reception by the platen of the typewriter to be employed. Accordingly, the traction sheet A is for example 8 1/2 x 11 inches with normal top a, bottom b and side margins C as shown. The top and bottom margins can be 1 112 and 1 inch respectively, and the side margins 314 inch respectively, in which case the transverse distance between the marginal portions is 7 inches.

The flattened 1/4 inch tubing is approximately 3/8 inch in width, so that twenty-four 7 inch lengths of marker tubes T can be accommodated within the margins described (Figure 1 illustrates twelve lengths of larger marker tube T).

In one form Figure 3, the traction sheet A is a flat sheet of .004 inch paper 10 with a layer of releasable pressure adhesive 11 applied coextensively to the top side thereof, an adhesive that will releasably hold to a plastics ploymer such as that comprising the shrink tubing T.

In anotherform Figure 4, the traction sheet A' is a flat sheet of .004 inch paper 10' with a bead of releasable pressure adhesive 11' applied thereto along the lines of joinder between the edges of adjacent tubes T, an adhesive having body analagous to putty and that will occupy the interstice and adhere to the front face of the paper 10' between adjacent tubes and releasably hold to a plastics polymer such as that comprising the shrink tubing T.

In still another and the preferred form Figure 5, the traction sheet A" is a flat sheet of .004 inch paper 10" combined with a tape C attached between the paper 10" and tubes T by means of a releasable pressure adhesive 11" applied coextensively to one side of the tape, and adhesive that will releasably hold to a plastics polymer such as that comprising the shrink tubing T.A feature shown in Figure 5 is the over-under lap of the tape C as it extends over the upper edge of one tube T to attach the same to the paper 10" beneath the lower margin of the next adjacent tube T. Accordingly, there is a "shingled" relationship which is significantly advantageous when drawing the tubes sequentially into positioned alignment for imprinting in the typewriter.It is the pulling of each tube into position by this attachment to its upper edge, coextensively therewith, and by its attachment to the traction sheet A" driven by the platen roller as next described.

The necessary frictional engagement of this layup with the roller platen of the typewriter is by means of a cover coating 15 applied longitudinally of the back thereof, for example a rubber base material applied in a dry thin layer (not tacky) and which forms a "non-skid" surface that will not slip with respect to the surface of the platen engageably advancing the layup to position the same. The coating 15 can be applied as one or more strips, or coextensively over the back side of the backing lamina A to maximize the coefficient of friction.

The assembly process requires the orientation and pressure application of a plurality of marker tubes T, arranged as hereinabove stated and in flattened condition as described. The marker tubes Tare cut to equal length with normal ends 12 and with the bottom sides 13 engaged with the traction sheet and/or adhered thereto by pressure adhesive (11, 11' or 11") and with the top sides 14 exposed as the front of the layu p, the number of tubes being placed side by side parallel and adjacent one to the other.

The precise placement of the marker tubes T extending transversely over the traction sheet A is coordinated with the typed indicia to be applied by the typewriter. Therefore, each line of marker tube adjacency indicates a line disposed transversely of the front of the layup across the top face of the layup between the side marginal portions thereof. A feature is that the flattened tubes are separable along said lines.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the marker layup is flexible and pliable in all directions the same as a manifold of papers, thereby to be manipulated into a typewriter in the usual manner. Accurate alignment of the marker T is made possible by the adjacency thereof and adjustment to the lines of their adjacency, whereby the indicia is centered on the top side 14 thereof. Each impression is immediately visible on the top side 14 of the marker tube, and removal of the marker tube T is facilitated by tearing off each as may be required to expose the marker tube or tubes for removal, by stripping them from the releasable adhesive or tape on the top face of the traction sheet A.The individual imprinted marker strips are then peeled out and cut into sections as required and opened by manipulation and slipped over wire ends and heat applied for constriction into final working position (see Figure 2). The marker iayup can be used up one or more marker tubes Tat a time, and packaged and stored flat with no danger of damage by distortion.

Referring now to Figures 7 & 8, there is generally, a rectangular backing lamina A and a carbon faced lamina B, and between which there is a length of flattened shrink tubing T. The Iaminae and tubing are cooperatively joined by releasable adhesive as will be described, and all of which establishes an assemblage for normal insertion into a typewriter, and marked with lines on the lamina B for alignment of the marker tubes T to receive imprinted indicia with accuracy.

The assemblage is of "letter size" as before and like reference letters correspond with parts already described. The pressure adhesive 11 applied coextensively to the top side of lamina A is a releasable adhesive that will hold to a plastics polymer and as well to an overlying paper lamina B.

The necessary frictional engagement of this assemblage with the roller platen of the typewriter is by means of a cover coating 11' corresponding to the coating 15 previously described. The coating 11' can be applied, however, as one or more strips, or coextensively over the back side of the backing lamina A as before.

The assembly process requires the orientation and pressure application of a plurality of marker tubes T, arranged as hereinabove stated and in flattened condition as described.

The carbon faced lamina or laminae B (if a two layer lamination is employed) is applied by pressure application over the plurality of marker tubes T arranged upon the backing lamina A and adhered to the marginal portions a, b and c. The carbon faced lamina is a flat sheet of .004 inch paper 15 coextensive with backing sheet 10 to overlie the same with the plurality of marker tubes T therebetween. It is the bottom side of the lamina B that carries the carbon 16 to coextensively overlie the plurality of marker tubes T, the pressure transferable material or carbon 16 being deposited on the bottom side of paper 15, or alternatively applied thereto as a film lamina. It is preferred that the carbon 16 stop short of the marginal portions, or with an overlap, so that the paper sheets 10 and 115 adhere directly together throughout their complementary marginal portions.

The precise placement of the marker tubes T extending transversely between the laminae A and B is coordinated with the typed indicia to be applied by the typewriter. Therefore, each line of marker tube adjacency is indicated by a corresponding line 17 disposed transversely of the front of the assemblage across the top face of lamina B between the side marginal portions thereof. A feature is that the lines 17 are perforated lines whereby strips 18 of lamina B are separable consecutively to expose individual marker tubes that have been imprinted. The perforated lines 17 extend the length of the marker tubes T and between the two side edges of the lamina B.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the assemblage of Figures 7 & 8 is flexible and pliable in all directions the same as a manifold of papers, thereby to be manipulated into a typewriter in the usual manner. Accurate alignment of the marker tubes T is made possible by the lines 17, whereby the indicia is centered on the top side 14 thereof by centering the type impressions at the center of the complementary overlying strips 18. Each impression is visible on the front of the manifold lamina B, while simultaneously transferring that impression onto the top side 14 of the marker tube. Removal of the marker tube T is facilitated by tearing off each or as many strips 18 as may be required to expose the marker tube or tubes for removal, by stripping them from the releasable adhesive on the top face of the backing lamina A. As indicated, adhesive is omitted from a part of the top margin at 19, so as to facilitate separation ofthe lamina. The individual imprinted marker strips are then peeled out and cut into sections as required and opened by manipulation and slipped over wire ends and heat applied for constriction into final working position (see Figure 2). The marker assemblage of Figures 7 & 8 can be used one or more strips 18-marker tubes Tat a time, and packaged and stored flat with no danger of damage by distortion, nominal care being made to avoid accidental impressions.

Claims (19)

1. An assemblage for labelling heatshrinktubing in a typewriter including a flexible traction sheet of rectangular form, and at least one flexible and flattened heat shrink marker tube extending transversely over the front surface of the traction sheet and releasably secured thereto.

2. An assemblage as claimed in claim 1, wherein said traction sheet has marginal portions, and wherein the front surface of said traction sheet is co-extensively coated between said marginal portions with releasable pressure adhesive securing the plurality of marker tubes.

3. An assemblage as claimed in claim 1, wherein beads of releasable pressure adhesive engageably underlie the edges of adjacent marker tubes and attach the marker tubes to the traction sheet.

4. An assemblage as claimed in claim 1, including tape carrying releasable pressure adhesive, there being such tape overlying and secured to each tube and underlying the next adjacent tube and adhered to the traction sheet.

5. An assemblage as claimed in claim 4, wherein said tape is permanently adhered to the traction sheet.

6. An assemblage as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein said tape overlies the top edges only of the tubes.

7. An assemblage as claimed in claim 1, wherein said traction sheet has at least one marginal portion, and wherein a flexible carbon faced front lamina co-extensively over lies the at least one marker tube with at least one marginal portion thereof overlying said at least one marginal portion of the traction sheet, and with the carbon facing the at least one marker tube, the said at least one marginal portion of the traction sheet and the front lamina being releasably secured one to another by pressure adhesive.

8. An assemblage as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one marginal portion of the traction sheet extends along a side.

9. An assemblage as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the front surface of the traction sheet including the at least one marginal portion is co-extensively coated with releasable adhesive for securement of the at least one marker tube.

10. An assemblage as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the carbon facing the at least one marker tube is a layer of material applied to the front lamina.

11. An assemblage as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the carbon facing the at least one marker tube is a film disposed between the front lamina and the at least one marker tube.

12. An assemblage as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the carbon facing the at least one marker tube is a film laminated to the front lamina and opposed to the at least one marker tube.

13. An assemblage as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the back surface of the traction sheet has a cover coating comprised of a thin layer of friction material extending longitudinally thereof.

14. An assemblage as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cover coating at the back surface of the traction sheet is substantially co-extensive thereof.

15. An assemblage as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the cover coating at the back surface of the traction sheet is a polymer film.

16. An assemblage as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each flattened marker tube is composed of partially cured crosslinked polymer tubing hardened to retain the flattened configuration.

17. An assemblage as claimed in claim 16, wherein the tubing is of polyvinylidene fluoride.

18. An assemblage as claimed in claim 16, wherein the tubing is of modified polyolefin.

19. An assemblageforlabelling heatshrinktub- ing substantially as any one of the embodiments hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.