WO2010106302A1 - Marking system for a flexible hose - Google Patents

Marking system for a flexible hose Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2010106302A1
WO2010106302A1 PCT/GB2009/051674 GB2009051674W WO2010106302A1 WO 2010106302 A1 WO2010106302 A1 WO 2010106302A1 GB 2009051674 W GB2009051674 W GB 2009051674W WO 2010106302 A1 WO2010106302 A1 WO 2010106302A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
outer cover
encapsulating component
flexible hose
marker
hose
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2009/051674
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jeremy Hudson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aflex Hose Ltd
Original Assignee
Aflex Hose Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aflex Hose Ltd filed Critical Aflex Hose Ltd
Priority to EP09771584A priority Critical patent/EP2409065A1/en
Priority to US13/256,903 priority patent/US8689836B2/en
Publication of WO2010106302A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010106302A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L11/00—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
    • F16L11/04—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics
    • F16L11/12—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with arrangements for particular purposes, e.g. specially profiled, with protecting layer, heated, electrically conducting
    • F16L11/124—Distinguishing marks for hoses
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
    • B29C66/1122—Single lap to lap joints, i.e. overlap joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
    • B29C66/24—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight
    • B29C66/242—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours
    • B29C66/2422—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours being circular, oval or elliptical
    • B29C66/24221—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours being circular, oval or elliptical being circular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
    • B29C66/532—Joining single elements to the wall of tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
    • B29C66/5326—Joining single elements to the wall of tubular articles, hollow articles or bars said single elements being substantially flat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/723—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/737—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/7375—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined uncured, partially cured or fully cured
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
    • G09F3/0295—Labels or tickets for tubes, pipes and the like
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B7/00—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
    • H01B7/36—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form with distinguishing or length marks
    • H01B7/365—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form with distinguishing or length marks being indicia imposed on the insulation or conductor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B7/00—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
    • H01B7/36—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form with distinguishing or length marks
    • H01B7/368—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form with distinguishing or length marks being a sleeve, ferrule, tag, clip, label or short length strip
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C35/00—Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C35/02—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/114—Single butt joints
    • B29C66/1142—Single butt to butt joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/812—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/8122—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2021/00—Use of unspecified rubbers as moulding material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2027/00—Use of polyvinylhalogenides or derivatives thereof as moulding material
    • B29K2027/12—Use of polyvinylhalogenides or derivatives thereof as moulding material containing fluorine
    • B29K2027/18—PTFE, i.e. polytetrafluorethene, e.g. ePTFE, i.e. expanded polytetrafluorethene
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2305/00—Use of metals, their alloys or their compounds, as reinforcement
    • B29K2305/08—Transition metals
    • B29K2305/12—Iron
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
    • B29K2995/0018—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds having particular optical properties, e.g. fluorescent or phosphorescent
    • B29K2995/0026—Transparent
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2009/00—Layered products
    • B29L2009/003—Layered products comprising a metal layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/744—Labels, badges, e.g. marker sleeves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L2201/00—Special arrangements for pipe couplings
    • F16L2201/60—Identification or marking
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
    • Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
    • Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
    • Y10T156/1062—Prior to assembly
    • Y10T156/1064—Partial cutting [e.g., grooving or incising]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
    • Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
    • Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
    • Y10T156/1082—Partial cutting bonded sandwich [e.g., grooving or incising]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for attaching a marker to a flexible hose, and in particular, although not exclusively, to a system for attaching the marker so as not to provide a physical interface at the region of the hose where the marker is attached that would otherwise provide an entry and entrapment site for bacteria, dirt and the like.
  • the label may include a colour code to indicate a particular item of information, hi other cases, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) electronic 'tag', which incorporates the required information, and can be both read and re-programmed by a hand held Reader is used to label the hose.
  • RFID Radio Frequency Identification
  • Metal or plastic tags removably secured to the outer surface of the hose are disadvantageous as they can readily degrade, represent an obstruction and more importantly present 'entrapment regions' into which external dirt, organic matter or bacteria may become entrapped. The hose would then become difficult to clean, unhygienic and unsuitable for further use.
  • US 2003/0224183 discloses a system for permanently attaching a label to a manufactured product.
  • a first silicone sheet material having a thermally activated cross linking catalyst is secured to the product.
  • the label is then placed on top of the silicone sheet and is then covered by a further piece of the same type of silicone sheet.
  • Heat is then applied to the assembly to cause the silicone sheets to cross link thereby encapsulating the label and adhering the assembly to the underlying product.
  • US 2007/0026208 discloses a means of attaching a label to a piece of process equipment.
  • a heat resistant printed label is applied to the outer surface of a silicone rubber covered hose.
  • a narrow ribbon of durable transparent silicone rubber being wide enough to overlap the edges of the label, is wrapped over the label.
  • a transparent tape is then applied on top of the silicone cover, protecting the label.
  • the whole assembly is then cured to chemically bond the tape, silicone cover and label to the product involving clamping the label assembly within a split mould which is then heated.
  • the seal between the encapsulating component and the product will be broken presenting a crack or groove into which dirt, organic matter and bacteria may become entrapped.
  • a further disadvantage with conventional labelling systems is that the silicone rubber component is not aligned flush with the surface of the product. As such, the encapsulating component may be readily dislodged during use of the product, for example, if the product abuts against other pieces of equipment. The edge may therefore be caught with the possibility that the seal would be broken, again, leading to regions for entrapment.
  • the inventors therefore have realised a need for a labelling system that addresses the above problems.
  • the inventors provide an encapsulated identification marker system by which a marker is secured to a flexible hose, such that there is a seamless joint or substantially no physical interface provided between the encapsulating component and the external rubber or plastic cover of the flexible hose.
  • Reference within this specification to the 'physical interface' includes a visually identifiable interface represented by opposed mating surfaces or points of contact between the external cover and the encapsulating component which would otherwise provide an entrapment site for dirt, organic matter and bacteria.
  • the invention also provides a means of attaching an encapsulated marker to a flexible hose such that the outer surface of the encapsulating component is aligned axially flush with the outer surface of the flexible hose such that the external profile of the flexible hose body is substantially uniform including the region where the marker is attached. That is, the cross sectional area and/or profile of the flexible hose at the region where the marker is not attached is substantially the same as the cross sectional shape and/or profile at the region where the marker is attached.
  • Reference within the specification to 'flexible hose' includes any hollow elongate flexible member, and in particular a hose where the flexible hose comprises a multilayered wall structure having an outer cover and at least one inner layer in particular a plurality of inner layers contained by the outer cover.
  • the outer cover may be rubber or plastic (thermoplastic).
  • Reference within the specification to 'marker' includes a means of identifying the hose and includes a text label, a piece of colour coded material or an electronic tag, such as an RFID tag.
  • a method of attaching a marker to a flexible hose comprising: providing a flexible hose having an outer cover positioned over an inner layer; separating and removing an annular segment of the outer cover from the flexible hose to form an annular groove in the outer cover; positioning a marker over the inner layer within the groove; applying a transparent encapsulating component over the marker; applying a containment means over the encapsulating component to cover an outer surface of the encapsulating component and a region of the outer cover of the flexible hose either side of the groove; heating the encapsulating component and the outer cover such that the mating surfaces of the encapsulating component and the outer cover chemically bond or fuse together to provide a -A- substantially seamless joint; and removing the containment means from the outer surface of the encapsulating component and the outer cover wherein an outer surface of the encapsulating component is aligned axially substantially flush with an external surface of the outer cover of the flexible hose after the step of
  • the method further comprises making two circumferential cuts in the outer cover to define the region of the groove, making one longitudinal cut between them, then peeling off that section of the cover to provide the annular groove.
  • the method further comprises radially compressing the encapsulating component within the groove.
  • the method further comprises increasing the pressure about the flexible hose, containment means and encapsulating component above atmospheric pressure during heating of the assembly. This may be achieved by pressurising the flexible hose in an autoclave or other suitable pressurisable container.
  • the method further comprises heat treating the encapsulating component so that the outer edges of the encapsulating component thermally expand and intimately compress against the opposed inner edge surfaces of the groove in the outer cover that, in part, defines the groove, such that the two compressed surfaces chemically bond or fuse together during the curing process.
  • the encapsulating component is chemically bonded or fused to the outer cover after heating of the encapsulating component wherein there is substantially no physical interface defined by the opposed mating surfaces of the encapsulating component and the outer cover.
  • the marker may comprise a text label, a coloured piece of material or a material that has coloured regions to provide a colour code; or an electronic chip or tag.
  • the method further comprises positioning a first encapsulating component over the inner layer within the groove; positioning the electronic tag over the first encapsulating component and applying a second transparent encapsulating component over the tag followed by the steps of applying the containment means and subsequent heating step.
  • the encapsulating component comprises a transparent silicone rubber.
  • the encapsulating component comprises a transparent EPDM rubber.
  • the cover and encapsulating component both comprise the same type of rubber, so as to enable welding via chemical bonding.
  • the containment means comprises a polyester film wrap.
  • the containment means may comprise a split mould, such as a steel mould that may be clamped over the external surface of the flexible hose and marker assembly to hold the marker assembly in position during heating.
  • the split mould is therefore capable of being heated and designed to effectively transfer heat to the underlying outer cover of the flexible hose and the encapsulating component.
  • a flexible hose comprising: a protective outer cover having an external surface and an internal facing surface; an inner layer positioned under the outer cover and against the internal facing surface; a marker positioned over a region of an external facing surface of the inner layer; a transparent encapsulating component positioned over the marker; wherein the encapsulating component is chemically bonded or fused to the outer cover at annular regions between the external surface and internal facing surface of the outer cover to provide a seamless joint; and wherein an outer surface of the encapsulating component is aligned axially substantially flush with an external surface of the outer cover of the flexible hose.
  • the outer cover may comprise a rubber and a wire braid layer positioned under the outer rubber cover.
  • the hose may further comprise an inner hose liner positioned under the wire braid.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hose comprising a marker assembly according to one aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the marker assembly to be assembled over a hose according to the specific implementation of figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 A is a cross sectional side elevation view of a hose having an annular segment of an outer cured rubber cover removed;
  • Figure 3B is a cross sectional side elevation view of the hose of figure 3 A including a marker, an uncured, transparent rubber encapsulating component and a polyester containment wrap prior to a step of heating the assembly;
  • Figure 3C illustrate the marker assembly of figure 3B bonded in place at the outer edges of the encapsulating component to the cover of the hose of figure 3B;
  • Figure 4 illustrates a further specific implementation of the subject invention in which an RFID tag is attached to the flexible hose.
  • a flexible hose 100 comprises an external cured silicone rubber cover 202 extending along the length of the hose.
  • Rubber cover 202 overlays an intermediate steel wire braid 203 that encloses an inner polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) tube hose liner 204.
  • PTFE polytetrafluorethylene
  • the marker assembly comprises a text label 101 having indicia 206 provided on an external facing surface 207.
  • a transparent rubber encapsulating component 201 comprises a thickness approximately corresponding to the thickness of the external rubber cover 202 of hose 100. Encapsulating component 201 is capable of being positioned over and about label 101, the width of label 101 being equal to or less than the width of component 201, and the width of component 201 being approximately equal to the width of the annular groove in the rubber cover. According to the specific implementation, component 201 comprises transparent silicone rubber.
  • a thin containment wrap 200 in the form of a polyester film, is wound on so as to cover a width being greater than cover 201 and label 101 and is designed for positioning over and about component 201 when assembled at hose 100.
  • Label 101 and encapsulating component 201 are configured to form a composite section 103 of the elongate hose 100.
  • the interfaces 102 between component 201 and outer cover 202 is devoid of any gaps or cracks as the opposed mating surfaces of component 201 and cover 202 are pressed together and chemically bonded during the heating and curing process. This provides a seamless flexible coupling joint to completely seal label 101 in position as an inner layer part of hose 100.
  • Figures 3 A to 3C illustrate the attachment process by which marker 101 is sealed in position at hose 100.
  • annular segment 301 corresponding approximately to the dimensions, profile and shape of component 201, is removed from outer cover 202 of hose 100 to form an annular groove in cover 202.
  • the cutting of the annular segment is achieved by a suitable cutting means (not shown).
  • Annular groove 301 is defined, in part, by i) the opposed end surfaces 300 of outer cover 202 exposed by the removal of the annular segment and ii) the exposed external facing surface of the underlying metal braid layer 203.
  • marker 101 is applied in position. Firstly, marker 101 is overlaid on top of the external facing surface of wire braid layer 203. The component 201 is then overlaid on top of marker 101 such that the outer edges of component 201 are positioned and abut against the exposed and opposed inner surfaces 300 of cover 202 that define annular groove 301.
  • a polyester film wrap 200 is then applied tightly over the component 201.
  • a portion 305 of wrap 200 extends onto the outer surface 303 of cover 202 at regions 304 immediately adjacent to defining edges 300 of groove 301. That is, wrap 200 is configured to overlap both component 201 and regions 304 of outer cover 202, providing a complete containment for the marker assembly
  • Heating component 201 at the required temperature provides vulcanisation (curing) of the rubber and thermal expansion pressure within the contained component, which acts in an axial direction.
  • the heating also provides the chemical bonding via cross-linking the opposed surfaces of component and cover, now pressed together, in the axial direction, by thermal expansion within the contained region.
  • the outer wrap 200 is removed from positioning over and about component 201 and outer cover 202.
  • the result is a chemically bonded marker assembly 201 having an outer surface 307 that is aligned axially flush with the external surface 303 of the outer cover 202.
  • Marker 101 is completely sealed by the bonding between edges 306 and exposed surfaces 300.
  • the present marker assembly via the attachment method does not present potential entrapment regions that may be created during use of the hose.
  • extended flexing and tensile testing trials have concluded that a sufficiently strong chemical bond is achieved between curable cover 201 and outer cover 202 such that bond failure at the interface between surfaces 306 and 300 does not occur in service.
  • a transparent flexible marker cover is provided that sits axially flush with the flexible hose and does not provide entrapment regions. Furthermore, the present assembly does not have any unbonded surfaces that are pressed together which might otherwise provide potential entrapment sites.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention in which an electronic tag (RFID tag 400) is attached to flexible hose 202.
  • RFID tag 400 an electronic tag
  • a first encapsulating component 401 is positioned over the wire braid layer 203 which encloses the inner liner 204.
  • RFE radio frequency
  • a second encapsulating component 201 is then applied over the first encapsulating component 401 such that the RPID tag 400 is sandwiched between the first and second encapsulating components 201, 401.
  • the RFID tag and flex arrangement of figure 4 is then processed according to the attachment steps illustrated in figures 3 A to 3C.
  • RFID tag 400 is completely sealed between the encapsulating components 201, 401 by the bonding between perspective edges 402, 306 and exposed surfaces 300 (referring to figures 3 A to 3C) of the outer cover 202.
  • the first encapsulating component 402, positioned under RFID tag 400 provides an electrically insulating barrier layer between wire braid 203 and the electronic tag 400.
  • a thickness of the first and second encapsulating component layers 202, 401 may be the same or may be different.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus and method for attaching an encapsulated marker to a flexible hose, such as a hose or cable. The method involves providing a flexible hose (100) having a rubber or plastic outer cover (202) positioned over an inner layer (203, 204). An annular segment of the outer cover is separated and removed to form an annular groove in the outer cover. A marker (101) is then positioned over the inner layer (203, 204) within the groove and a transparent encapsulating component (201) applied over the marker. A containment means (200) is then overlaid on the encapsulating component and overlaps onto a region of the outer cover either side of the groove. The cover assembly is then heated at elevated temperature. After cooling, the containment means (200) is removed. The encapsulated marker assembly is therefore provided which is chemically bonded or fused to the outer cover (202) of the flexible hose and is aligned flush with the external surface of the flexible hose.

Description

MARKING SYSTEM FOR A FLEXIBLE HOSE
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for attaching a marker to a flexible hose, and in particular, although not exclusively, to a system for attaching the marker so as not to provide a physical interface at the region of the hose where the marker is attached that would otherwise provide an entry and entrapment site for bacteria, dirt and the like.
Flexible hoses with smooth, easily cleaned external plastic or rubber covers are used extensively in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and biomedical industries for the transport of fluids between equipment or vessels. It is often required to attach labelling to such hoses. First to identify the function of the hose, possibly in transferring a particular type of fluid, and secondly to identify the hose itself such as date of manufacture and manufacturing source with a view to maintaining or replacing the hose following extended use. In some cases, the label may include a colour code to indicate a particular item of information, hi other cases, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) electronic 'tag', which incorporates the required information, and can be both read and re-programmed by a hand held Reader is used to label the hose.
Metal or plastic tags removably secured to the outer surface of the hose are disadvantageous as they can readily degrade, represent an obstruction and more importantly present 'entrapment regions' into which external dirt, organic matter or bacteria may become entrapped. The hose would then become difficult to clean, unhygienic and unsuitable for further use.
US 2003/0224183 discloses a system for permanently attaching a label to a manufactured product. A first silicone sheet material having a thermally activated cross linking catalyst, is secured to the product. The label is then placed on top of the silicone sheet and is then covered by a further piece of the same type of silicone sheet. Heat is then applied to the assembly to cause the silicone sheets to cross link thereby encapsulating the label and adhering the assembly to the underlying product. US 2007/0026208 discloses a means of attaching a label to a piece of process equipment. A heat resistant printed label is applied to the outer surface of a silicone rubber covered hose. A narrow ribbon of durable transparent silicone rubber, being wide enough to overlap the edges of the label, is wrapped over the label. A transparent tape is then applied on top of the silicone cover, protecting the label. The whole assembly is then cured to chemically bond the tape, silicone cover and label to the product involving clamping the label assembly within a split mould which is then heated.
The above prior art provides a method for encapsulating a label, which is effectively sealed at the outside surface of the product. However, there are a number of disadvantages with these labelling systems.
In particular, if the edges of the encapsulating silicone component are momentarily lifted from the surface of the product, for example as may happen during manual cleaning or during severe flexing of a hose, the seal between the encapsulating component and the product will be broken presenting a crack or groove into which dirt, organic matter and bacteria may become entrapped.
A further disadvantage with conventional labelling systems is that the silicone rubber component is not aligned flush with the surface of the product. As such, the encapsulating component may be readily dislodged during use of the product, for example, if the product abuts against other pieces of equipment. The edge may therefore be caught with the possibility that the seal would be broken, again, leading to regions for entrapment.
The inventors therefore have realised a need for a labelling system that addresses the above problems.
Accordingly, the inventors provide an encapsulated identification marker system by which a marker is secured to a flexible hose, such that there is a seamless joint or substantially no physical interface provided between the encapsulating component and the external rubber or plastic cover of the flexible hose. Reference within this specification to the 'physical interface' includes a visually identifiable interface represented by opposed mating surfaces or points of contact between the external cover and the encapsulating component which would otherwise provide an entrapment site for dirt, organic matter and bacteria.
The invention also provides a means of attaching an encapsulated marker to a flexible hose such that the outer surface of the encapsulating component is aligned axially flush with the outer surface of the flexible hose such that the external profile of the flexible hose body is substantially uniform including the region where the marker is attached. That is, the cross sectional area and/or profile of the flexible hose at the region where the marker is not attached is substantially the same as the cross sectional shape and/or profile at the region where the marker is attached.
Reference within the specification to 'flexible hose' includes any hollow elongate flexible member, and in particular a hose where the flexible hose comprises a multilayered wall structure having an outer cover and at least one inner layer in particular a plurality of inner layers contained by the outer cover. In particular, the outer cover may be rubber or plastic (thermoplastic).
Reference within the specification to 'marker' includes a means of identifying the hose and includes a text label, a piece of colour coded material or an electronic tag, such as an RFID tag.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of attaching a marker to a flexible hose, the method comprising: providing a flexible hose having an outer cover positioned over an inner layer; separating and removing an annular segment of the outer cover from the flexible hose to form an annular groove in the outer cover; positioning a marker over the inner layer within the groove; applying a transparent encapsulating component over the marker; applying a containment means over the encapsulating component to cover an outer surface of the encapsulating component and a region of the outer cover of the flexible hose either side of the groove; heating the encapsulating component and the outer cover such that the mating surfaces of the encapsulating component and the outer cover chemically bond or fuse together to provide a -A- substantially seamless joint; and removing the containment means from the outer surface of the encapsulating component and the outer cover wherein an outer surface of the encapsulating component is aligned axially substantially flush with an external surface of the outer cover of the flexible hose after the step of heating the encapsulating component.
Optionally, the method further comprises making two circumferential cuts in the outer cover to define the region of the groove, making one longitudinal cut between them, then peeling off that section of the cover to provide the annular groove.
Optionally, the method further comprises radially compressing the encapsulating component within the groove.
Optionally, the method further comprises increasing the pressure about the flexible hose, containment means and encapsulating component above atmospheric pressure during heating of the assembly. This may be achieved by pressurising the flexible hose in an autoclave or other suitable pressurisable container.
Preferably, the method further comprises heat treating the encapsulating component so that the outer edges of the encapsulating component thermally expand and intimately compress against the opposed inner edge surfaces of the groove in the outer cover that, in part, defines the groove, such that the two compressed surfaces chemically bond or fuse together during the curing process.
Preferably, the encapsulating component is chemically bonded or fused to the outer cover after heating of the encapsulating component wherein there is substantially no physical interface defined by the opposed mating surfaces of the encapsulating component and the outer cover.
Optionally, the marker may comprise a text label, a coloured piece of material or a material that has coloured regions to provide a colour code; or an electronic chip or tag. Where the present invention involves attaching an electronic tag to a flexible hose the method further comprises positioning a first encapsulating component over the inner layer within the groove; positioning the electronic tag over the first encapsulating component and applying a second transparent encapsulating component over the tag followed by the steps of applying the containment means and subsequent heating step.
Preferably, where the flexible hose comprises an outer cover of silicone rubber, the encapsulating component comprises a transparent silicone rubber. Preferably, for hoses with an outer cover of ethylenepropylenediene (EPDM) rubber, the encapsulating component comprises a transparent EPDM rubber.
Preferably, for any other type of rubber where it is possible to provide a transparent grade, the cover and encapsulating component both comprise the same type of rubber, so as to enable welding via chemical bonding.
Preferably, the containment means comprises a polyester film wrap. Alternatively, the containment means may comprise a split mould, such as a steel mould that may be clamped over the external surface of the flexible hose and marker assembly to hold the marker assembly in position during heating. The split mould is therefore capable of being heated and designed to effectively transfer heat to the underlying outer cover of the flexible hose and the encapsulating component.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible hose comprising: a protective outer cover having an external surface and an internal facing surface; an inner layer positioned under the outer cover and against the internal facing surface; a marker positioned over a region of an external facing surface of the inner layer; a transparent encapsulating component positioned over the marker; wherein the encapsulating component is chemically bonded or fused to the outer cover at annular regions between the external surface and internal facing surface of the outer cover to provide a seamless joint; and wherein an outer surface of the encapsulating component is aligned axially substantially flush with an external surface of the outer cover of the flexible hose. Additionally, the outer cover may comprise a rubber and a wire braid layer positioned under the outer rubber cover. Preferably, the hose may further comprise an inner hose liner positioned under the wire braid.
A specific implementation of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hose comprising a marker assembly according to one aspect of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the marker assembly to be assembled over a hose according to the specific implementation of figure 1 ;
Figure 3 A is a cross sectional side elevation view of a hose having an annular segment of an outer cured rubber cover removed;
Figure 3B is a cross sectional side elevation view of the hose of figure 3 A including a marker, an uncured, transparent rubber encapsulating component and a polyester containment wrap prior to a step of heating the assembly;
Figure 3C illustrate the marker assembly of figure 3B bonded in place at the outer edges of the encapsulating component to the cover of the hose of figure 3B;
Figure 4 illustrates a further specific implementation of the subject invention in which an RFID tag is attached to the flexible hose.
Referring to figures 1 and 2, a flexible hose 100 comprises an external cured silicone rubber cover 202 extending along the length of the hose. Rubber cover 202 overlays an intermediate steel wire braid 203 that encloses an inner polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) tube hose liner 204.
The marker assembly comprises a text label 101 having indicia 206 provided on an external facing surface 207. A transparent rubber encapsulating component 201 comprises a thickness approximately corresponding to the thickness of the external rubber cover 202 of hose 100. Encapsulating component 201 is capable of being positioned over and about label 101, the width of label 101 being equal to or less than the width of component 201, and the width of component 201 being approximately equal to the width of the annular groove in the rubber cover. According to the specific implementation, component 201 comprises transparent silicone rubber. A thin containment wrap 200, in the form of a polyester film, is wound on so as to cover a width being greater than cover 201 and label 101 and is designed for positioning over and about component 201 when assembled at hose 100.
Label 101 and encapsulating component 201, as an assembly and when heated, and cured in position, are configured to form a composite section 103 of the elongate hose 100. In particular, when cured in position and chemically bonded to the outer cover 202 of hose 100, the interfaces 102 between component 201 and outer cover 202 is devoid of any gaps or cracks as the opposed mating surfaces of component 201 and cover 202 are pressed together and chemically bonded during the heating and curing process. This provides a seamless flexible coupling joint to completely seal label 101 in position as an inner layer part of hose 100.
Figures 3 A to 3C illustrate the attachment process by which marker 101 is sealed in position at hose 100. In a first stage referring to figure 3 A, an annular segment 301, corresponding approximately to the dimensions, profile and shape of component 201, is removed from outer cover 202 of hose 100 to form an annular groove in cover 202. The cutting of the annular segment is achieved by a suitable cutting means (not shown). Annular groove 301 is defined, in part, by i) the opposed end surfaces 300 of outer cover 202 exposed by the removal of the annular segment and ii) the exposed external facing surface of the underlying metal braid layer 203.
According to a second attachment stage, referring to figure 3B, marker 101 is applied in position. Firstly, marker 101 is overlaid on top of the external facing surface of wire braid layer 203. The component 201 is then overlaid on top of marker 101 such that the outer edges of component 201 are positioned and abut against the exposed and opposed inner surfaces 300 of cover 202 that define annular groove 301.
The component 201 is then radially compressed to ensure that the exposed surfaces 300 are completely covered by the component 201. As a final step of the second attachment stage, referring to figure 3B, a polyester film wrap 200 is then applied tightly over the component 201. As the width of the wrap 200 is greater than the width of groove 301 and component 201, a portion 305 of wrap 200 extends onto the outer surface 303 of cover 202 at regions 304 immediately adjacent to defining edges 300 of groove 301. That is, wrap 200 is configured to overlap both component 201 and regions 304 of outer cover 202, providing a complete containment for the marker assembly
In a final attachment stage, referring to figure 3C, the entire hose assembly is heated and the component cured. Heating component 201 at the required temperature provides vulcanisation (curing) of the rubber and thermal expansion pressure within the contained component, which acts in an axial direction. The heating also provides the chemical bonding via cross-linking the opposed surfaces of component and cover, now pressed together, in the axial direction, by thermal expansion within the contained region.
Following the curing process, the outer wrap 200 is removed from positioning over and about component 201 and outer cover 202. The result is a chemically bonded marker assembly 201 having an outer surface 307 that is aligned axially flush with the external surface 303 of the outer cover 202. Marker 101 is completely sealed by the bonding between edges 306 and exposed surfaces 300. Accordingly, the present marker assembly via the attachment method does not present potential entrapment regions that may be created during use of the hose. In particular, extended flexing and tensile testing trials have concluded that a sufficiently strong chemical bond is achieved between curable cover 201 and outer cover 202 such that bond failure at the interface between surfaces 306 and 300 does not occur in service. Also, as the outer surface 307 of the marker assembly is aligned flush with the outer surface 303 of hose 100, a transparent flexible marker cover is provided that sits axially flush with the flexible hose and does not provide entrapment regions. Furthermore, the present assembly does not have any unbonded surfaces that are pressed together which might otherwise provide potential entrapment sites.
Figure 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention in which an electronic tag (RFID tag 400) is attached to flexible hose 202. According to this further embodiment, a first encapsulating component 401 is positioned over the wire braid layer 203 which encloses the inner liner 204. RFE) tag 400 is then positioned on top of encapsulating component 401. A second encapsulating component 201 is then applied over the first encapsulating component 401 such that the RPID tag 400 is sandwiched between the first and second encapsulating components 201, 401. The RFID tag and flex arrangement of figure 4 is then processed according to the attachment steps illustrated in figures 3 A to 3C. Accordingly, RFID tag 400 is completely sealed between the encapsulating components 201, 401 by the bonding between perspective edges 402, 306 and exposed surfaces 300 (referring to figures 3 A to 3C) of the outer cover 202. According to the embodiment of figure 4, the first encapsulating component 402, positioned under RFID tag 400 provides an electrically insulating barrier layer between wire braid 203 and the electronic tag 400. A thickness of the first and second encapsulating component layers 202, 401 may be the same or may be different.

Claims

Claims
1. A method of attaching a marker to a flexible hose, the method comprising: providing a flexible hose having an outer cover positioned over an inner layer; separating and removing an annular segment of the outer cover from the flexible hose to form an annular groove in the outer cover; positioning a marker over the inner layer within the groove; applying a transparent encapsulating component over the marker; applying a containment means over the encapsulating component to cover an outer surface of the encapsulating component and a region of the outer cover of the flexible hose either side of the groove; heating the encapsulating component and the outer cover such that the mating surfaces of the encapsulating component and the outer cover chemically bond or fuse together to provide a substantially seamless joint; and removing the containment means from the outer surface of the encapsulating component and the outer cover; wherein an outer surface of the encapsulating component is aligned axially substantially flush with an external surface of the outer cover of the flexible hose after the step of heating the encapsulating component.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising making two circumferential cuts in the outer cover to define the region of the groove.
3. The method as claimed in claims 1 or 2 further comprising radially compressing the encapsulating component within the groove.
4. The method as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising applying an external radial pressure to the containment means and the encapsulating component during the heating of the encapsulating component and the outer cover.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4 comprising increasing the pressure about the hose, containment means and encapsulating component above atmospheric pressure during the heating step.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5 comprising pressurising the flexible hose in an autoclave.
7. The method as claimed in claim 5 comprising pressurising the flexible hose in a pressurisable container.
8. The method as claimed in any preceding claim comprising heating a rubber encapsulating component so that the outer edges of the rubber encapsulating component bond chemically to the opposed inner edges of a rubber outer cover that, in part, define the groove.
9. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising heating a thermoplastic encapsulating component so that the outer edges of the encapsulating component and the opposed inner edges of a thermoplastic outer cover that, in part, defines the groove melt and fuse together.
10. The method as claimed in claims 8 or 9 wherein after heating of the encapsulating component there is no physical interface defined by the opposed mating surfaces of the encapsulating component and the outer cover.
11. The method as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising: positioning a first encapsulating component over the inner layer within the groove; positioning an electronic tag over the first encapsulating component; and applying a second transparent encapsulating component over the tag prior to the step of applying the containment means and heating the encapsulating component.
12. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the encapsulating component comprises a substantially transparent curable rubber which is capable of bonding to the rubber outer cover during the heating process.
13. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the outer cover comprises silicone rubber, and the encapsulating component comprises a substantially transparent silicone rubber.
14. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the outer cover comprises EPDM rubber and the encapsulating component comprises a substantially transparent EPDM rubber.
15. The method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the outer cover comprises a thermoplastic material and the encapsulating component comprises a substantially transparent thermoplastic material.
16. The method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the containment means comprises a polyester film wrap.
17. The method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the containment means comprises a split mould, which can be heated.
18. A flexible hose comprising: a protective outer cover having an external surface and an internal facing surface; an inner layer positioned under the outer cover and against the internal facing surface; a marker positioned over a region of an external facing surface of the inner layer; a transparent encapsulating component positioned over the marker; wherein the encapsulating component is chemically bonded or fused to the outer cover at annular regions between the external surface and internal facing surface of the outer cover to provide a substantially seamless joint; and wherein an outer surface of the encapsulating component is aligned axially substantially flush with an external surface of the outer cover of the flexible hose.
19. The flexible hose as claimed in claim 18 comprising a seamless interface between the encapsulating component and the outer cover such that there is no physical interface defined by opposed mating surfaces of the encapsulating component and the outer cover.
20. The hose as claimed in claim 18 wherein the marker comprises a text label.
21. The hose as claimed in claim 18 wherein the marker comprises a colour code.
22. The hose as claimed in claim 18 wherein the marker comprises an electronic ID tag.
23. The hose as claimed in claim 18 wherein the marker comprises an electronic RFID tag.
24. The flexible hose as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 23 wherein the encapsulating component comprises a transparent silicone rubber.
25. The flexible hose as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 23 wherein the encapsulating component comprises substantially transparent EPDM rubber.
PCT/GB2009/051674 2009-03-17 2009-12-09 Marking system for a flexible hose Ceased WO2010106302A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

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EP09771584A EP2409065A1 (en) 2009-03-17 2009-12-09 Marking system for a flexible hose
US13/256,903 US8689836B2 (en) 2009-03-17 2009-12-09 Marking system for a flexible hose

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GB0904530A GB2468664B (en) 2009-03-17 2009-03-17 Flexible conduit labelling
GB0904530.3 2009-03-17
GB0915456.8 2009-09-04
GBGB0915456.8A GB0915456D0 (en) 2009-03-17 2009-09-04 Marking system for a flexible hose

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GB0915456D0 (en) 2009-10-07
GB2468664B (en) 2011-02-23
GB2468664A (en) 2010-09-22
GB0904530D0 (en) 2009-04-29
US20120097284A1 (en) 2012-04-26
US8689836B2 (en) 2014-04-08

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