U.S. patent application number 11/422685 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-13 for shrinkable closure.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company. Invention is credited to William V. Dower, Garry L. Sjolander.
Application Number | 20070284146 11/422685 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38775424 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070284146 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dower; William V. ; et
al. |
December 13, 2007 |
SHRINKABLE CLOSURE
Abstract
A tubular housing is provided having an open face and a
circumferential perimeter portion adjacent the open face of the
housing. An elastomeric film can be mounted on the circumferential
perimeter portion of the tubular housing across the open face of
the tubular housing. The elastomeric film can be adapted to
interface one or more cables when the cables are positioned within
the housing to seal the cables from environmental conditions.
Inventors: |
Dower; William V.; (Austin,
TX) ; Sjolander; Garry L.; (Pflugerville,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
PO BOX 33427
ST. PAUL
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Assignee: |
3M Innovative Properties
Company
|
Family ID: |
38775424 |
Appl. No.: |
11/422685 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
174/74R |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 15/1833
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
174/74.R |
International
Class: |
H01R 9/05 20060101
H01R009/05 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a tubular housing having an open face
and a circumferential perimeter portion adjacent the open face, at
least a portion of the tubular housing comprising a cold shrinkable
material; and an elastomeric film mounted on the circumferential
perimeter portion of the tubular housing across the open face of
the tubular housing, wherein the elastomeric film is adapted to
interface one or more articles when the articles are positioned
within the housing.
2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising a
support core to hold the cold shrinkable material of the tubular
housing in a radially expanded state.
3. (canceled)
4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the circumferential
perimeter portion of the housing is collapsible.
5. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the elastomeric film comprises a polymeric thermoplastic
hydrophobic composition including at least a portion of oil.
6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the portion of oil
comprises about 50% to about 98% of the elastomeric film.
7. (canceled)
8. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the elastomeric film includes filler particles.
9. The apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the filler
particles comprise polymeric spheres or glass microspheres.
10. (canceled)
11. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the elastomeric film is an oil, and wherein at least a portion
of the elastomeric film is selected from the group consisting of: a
polyurethane, a polyester, a polystyrene, a polyepoxy, a
polyacrylate, and a polyolefin.
12. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the elastomeric film comprises a copolymer of which at least a
portion is selected from the group consisting of: a polyurethane, a
polyester, a polystyrene, an epoxy, an acrylate, and a
polyolefin.
13. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising: one or
more articles, a first portion of each of the articles
substantially surrounded by the elastomeric film, and a second
portion of each of the articles extending outside of the
elastomeric film and the tubular housing.
14. The apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein each of the
articles is configured along a direction substantially
perpendicular to the plane of the open face of the tubular
housing.
15. The apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein the one or more
articles comprises two or more cables; and further comprising a
joining component that joins the cables, wherein a portion of the
joining component interfaces a portion of at least one of the
elastomeric films.
16. An apparatus comprising: a tubular housing having an open face,
the tubular housing having a circumferential perimeter portion
adjacent the open face of the housing; an elastomeric film mounted
on the circumferential perimeter portion of the tubular housing
across the open face of the tubular housing, the elastomeric film
being mounted to an end portion of the tubular housing that is
perpendicular to the axis of the tubular housing; and one or more
articles, a first portion of each of the articles substantially
surrounded by the elastomeric film, and a second portion of each of
the articles extending outside of the elastomeric film and the
tubular housing.
17. A method of use comprising: providing an apparatus comprising:
a tubular housing having an open face and a circumferential
perimeter portion adjacent the open face, and an elastomeric film
mounted on the circumferential perimeter portion of the tubular
housing across the open face of the tubular housing; pressing an
article against a portion of the elastomeric film; deforming the
elastomeric film responsive to elastomeric film being pressed by
the article, thereby causing both the article and a portion of the
elastomeric film to locate inside a portion of the tubular
housing.
18. The apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein at least a
portion of the tubular housing comprises a cold shrinkable
material, and further comprising: holding the cold shrinkable
material of the tubular housing in a radially expanded state with a
support core that interfaces with the inner diameter of the cold
shrinkable material of the tubular housing; removing the support
core from the tubular housing; shrinking the diameter of the cold
shrinkable material of the tubular housing; and encasing the
elastomeric film and the tubular housing around the article.
19. The apparatus as defined in claim 17, further comprising
collapsing the circumferential perimeter portion of the housing
around the article when the article is located inside the
housing.
20. The apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein at least a
portion of the elastomeric film comprises a polymeric thennoplastic
hydrophobic composition including at least a portion of oil.
21. The apparatus as defined in claim 20, wherein the portion of
oil comprises about 50% to about 98% of the elastomeric fihn.
22. The apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein at least a
portion of the elastomeric film includes filler particles.
23. The apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein at least a
portion of the elastomeric film is an oil, and wherein at least a
portion of the elastomeric film is selected from the group
consisting of: a polyurethane, a polyester, a polystyrene, a
polyepoxy, a polyacrylate, and a polyolefin.
24. The apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein at least a
portion of the elastomeric film comprises a copolymer of which at
least a portion is selected from the group consisting of: a
polyurethane, a polyester, a polystyrene, an epoxy, an acrylate,
and a polyolefin.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Closure housings have been used in the telecommunications
industry and electrical utilities industry for the purpose of
protecting cables from outside environmental elements. Such closure
housings can be installed above-ground as aerial closures, buried
underground, placed in hand-holes, or mounted on poles. The outer
perimeter of the closure housing provides mechanical protection
from environmental elements such as rains, floods, winds, and snow,
and other water or dirt particles that may harm the splice or
connector.
SUMMARY
[0002] Embodiments of the invention, for example, advantageously
include a tubular housing having an open face and a circumferential
perimeter portion adjacent the open face of the housing. An
elastomeric film can be mounted on the circumferential perimeter
portion of the tubular housing across the open face of the tubular
housing. The elastomeric film can be adapted to interface one or
more cables when the cables are positioned within the housing to
seal the cables from environmental conditions.
[0003] Also, for example, embodiments of the invention can
advantageously include a tubular housing having an open face and a
circumferential perimeter portion adjacent the open face of the
housing. An elastomeric film can be mounted on the circumferential
perimeter portion of the tubular housing across the open face of
the tubular housing. One or more cables can be positioned within
the housing. A first portion of each of the cables can be
substantially surrounded by the elastomeric film to seal the cables
from environmental conditions. A second portion of each of the
cables can extend outside of the elastomeric film and the flexible
tubular housing.
[0004] In operation, the invention provides improved protection and
watertight sealing of one or more cables and/or joining components
from harmful environmental conditions in the communications
industry (such as telecommunications industry), utilities industry
(such as electrical utilities industry), or other industries
involving the distribution of cables and/or the transmission of
optical light or electricity, seeking improved solutions regarding
sealing solutions, re-enterability solutions, pressure condition
solutions, space condition solutions, and weight condition
solutions advantageously provided by the invention.
[0005] In one aspect of the invention, the inclusion of the
elastomeric film, in combination with the shrinkable tubular
housing, advantageously provides a solution for a closure housing
that offers improved sealing. Further, in another aspect, the
invention advantageously provides improved mechanical cable stress
and strain relief based on pressure changes during periods of
operation. The relatively soft surface of the elastomeric film
mounted to the housing can deform to accommodate pressure changes.
The compliance of the deformable layers mounted to the housing
allows for significant changes in the shape of the closure while
maintaining a watertight seal. The influence of pressure changes
due to immersion are advantageously minimized, as compared to
rendering the entire volume of the closure housing watertight.
[0006] Further, the hollow nature of the tubular housing
advantageously provides increased room or space for the
displacement of large cables inside the closure housing. Further,
the hollow nature of the tubular housing advantageously provides a
light weight solution for a closure housing, and the decrease in
weight importantly allows for easier installation and transport, as
well as a reduction in cost associated with the manufacture of such
a closure housing.
[0007] In the past, closure housings have demonstrated problems
that have not as yet been overcome in the art. Prior closure
housings, and the sealing mechanism thereof, have demonstrated
significant changes in shape with changing temperatures. Such
changes in shape have caused loss of the seal and failure of the
water and dirt particle barrier properties important to the sealing
function. Prior closure housings also have presented the problem of
not being easily re-enterable, which is significant in cases where
cable repair or splice repair is necessary. The excess materials
and heavier weight associated with prior closure housings
contributed to increased waste and more difficult transport.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a housing including a
shrinkable outer tube held in an extended position by a removable
inner core according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 1 further
including an elastomeric film secured to an end portion of the tube
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the housing of FIG. 2
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a closure housing including
one or more cables, as the cables enter the housing, according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the closure housing of FIG. 4
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a closure housing similar to
FIG. 4, as the cables enter the housing, according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a sealed closure housing
according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] As shown in the Figures, the invention includes a tubular
housing 12 having an open face and a circumferential perimeter
portion 15 adjacent the open face of the housing 12. The housing 12
can be made of a shrinkable material, for example, a cold
shrinkable material, a heat shrinkable material, or a crushable
material, as understood by those skilled in the art. Embodiments
can be configured such that at least a portion of the
circumferential periphery 15 of the housing 12 is collapsible.
[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in one of many possible exemplary
embodiments, the shrinkable material of the housing 12 can be a
cold-shrinkable material held in a radially expanded state by a
removable core 17 or ribbon 17, as understood by those skilled in
the art of cold-shrink materials and applications. The removable
core 17 is spirally wound to support the tubular housing 12, and
includes a conventional pullable strand 19 understood by those
skilled in the art that returns through the center portion of the
spirally wound removable core 17. When the pullable strand 19 is
pulled through the center portion of the removable core 17, as
understood by those skilled in the art, the removable core 17
unwinds and is removed from the tubular housing 12, thereby
shrinking the diameter of the tubular housing 12 as it is no longer
held in a radially expanded state or otherwise supported by the
removable core 17.
[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an elastomeric film 20 can be
mounted on the circumferential perimeter portion 15 of the tubular
housing 12 across the open face of the tubular housing 12. For
example, the elastomeric film 20 can be mounted to the housing 12
by aligning one or more elastomeric films 20 to the tubular housing
12 in a substantially planar configuration across a circumferential
perimeter 15 of the open face of each tubular housing 12, and
securing the elastomeric films 20 on the tubular housing 12.
[0018] The elastomeric film 20 typically includes at least a
polymer and an oil portion. Embodiments of the elastomeric film 20
can include, for example, a polymeric thermoplastic hydrophobic gel
sealant including at least a portion of oil.
[0019] The properties of the polymer which make it most suited for
this application are good compatibility with the oil, and
rubber-like morphology, meaning flexible chains with some
significant molecular flexibility between cross-linking sites.
Examples of polymers that are useful can include oil-filled
silicones, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyepoxys, polyacrylates,
polyolefins, polysiloxanes, polybutadienes (including
polyisoprenes), and hydrogenated polybutadienes and polyisoprenes,
as well as copolymers, including block copolymers and graft
copolymers. The blocks of the block copolymers may include the
above polymers and poly(monoalkenylarenes) including polystyrene.
Examples of these bock copolymers can include particularly SEBS
(Styrene, ethylene-butylene, Styrene), SEPS (Styrene,
ethylene-propylene, Styrene), similar Styrene-rubber-Styrene
polymers, di-block, tri-block, graft- and star-block copolymers,
and block copolymers with blocks which are non-homogeneous.
Closed-cell foamed materials, and those incorporating microbubbles
or other soft (or hard) fillers can also be included.
[0020] Embodiments of the invention can feature the elastomeric
film 20 as a thermoplastic or alternatively as being cured in
place. In the form of thermal cures, room temperature vulcanizable
cures (RTV cures), UV-initiated cures, e-beam cures, radiation
initiated cures, and cures from exposure to air and/or moisture.
The elastomeric film 20 typically has greater cohesion than
adhesion.
[0021] The portion of oil in the elastomeric film 20 can be, for
example, in the range of about 50% to about 98% of the elastomeric
film 20, or more particularly, in the range of about 85% to about
98% of the elastomeric film 20. Also, for example, embodiments of
the elastomeric film 20 can include filler particles, such as
polymeric spheres or glass microspheres. One example of such filler
particles is deformable bubbles, where the elastomeric film 20 is
formed by foaming and adding discrete bubbles. The added bubbles
can be polymeric or glass microbubbles. Addition of such filler
particles or bubbles allows the elastomeric film 20 to demonstrate
volume compliance which will further allow conformity of the
elastomeric film 20 in operation.
[0022] Embodiments of the oil can include, for example, an extender
such as synthetic oils, vegetable oils, silicones, esters,
hydrocarbon oils, including particularly naphthinic oils and
paraffinic oils and blends, and also possibly some small percentage
of aromatic oils. Some compositions within the elastomeric film 20
are intermediate between the polymer and the oil. For example, the
elastomeric film 20 can include a liquid rubber which may not
become part of the gel-forming polymer network. Examples of such a
liquid rubber can include polybutene of moderate molecular weight,
and low molecular weight EPR (Ethylene Propylene Rubber). Adding a
liquid rubber to the polymer and oil can tailor the characteristics
of the sealant by increasing the tack, for example. Takifiers,
antioxidants, colorants, UV stabilizers, and others can be
added.
[0023] Typically, the oil is advantageously hydrophobic to keep
water out. Also, typically, the oil advantageously reduces the
amount of chain entanglements and the number of crosslinks per
volume, thereby making the material softer in the gel form. Also,
typically, the oil advantageously reduces the viscosity of either
the precursor (before curing) or the melted thermoplastic. Also,
typically, the oil is relatively inexpensive thereby reducing the
cost of the total formulation.
[0024] The elastomeric film 20 can be mounted to the tubular
housing 12 in various ways. For example, a fastener can be inserted
through the elastomeric film 20 when the elastomeric film 20 is
mounted to the housing 12. For example, a fastener or adhesive can
be used to mount the elastomeric film 20 to the housing 12. Other
methods of bonding can be envisioned, including thermal and thermal
compression techniques.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the housing 12 can be used to seal
water or other environmental elements from cables 30 and/or joining
components 35 inside the tubular housing 12. Embodiments of the
cable 30 can include, for example, a copper or aluminum wire cable
30, a preterminated cable 30, a glass optical fiber cable 30, a
polymer optical fiber cable 30, a hybrid wire and fiber optic cable
30, or any other type of cable 30 that conducts light and/or
electricity.
[0026] Embodiments can include, for example, a cable 30 or series
of cables 30 joined to another cable 30 or series of cables 30
within the closure via a joining component 35, or, for example,
both can occur within a single closure. Each of the cables 30
passing inside the closure is configured along a direction
substantially perpendicular to the plane of the open face of the
tubular housing 12.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, for example, a number of cables 30
can be connected with a joining component 35, such as a butt splice
or a fold-back splice. When the joining component 35 is pressed
against the elastomeric film 20 and into the tubular housing 12,
the elastomeric film 20 deforms inside the tubular portion of the
housing around the joining component 35 and the cables 30 to
surround the joining component 35 and the cables 30.
[0028] When the removable core 17 is removed from supporting the
tubular housing 12 in a radially expanded state, as understood by
those skilled in the art of cold-shrinkable materials and
applications, the tubular housing 12 shrinks its diameter and
tightly encases the elastomeric film 20 around the joining
component 35 and/or cables 30 to form a watertight seal from
outside environmental conditions. A first portion of each of the
cables 30, for example, can be substantially surrounded by the
elastomeric film 20, and a second portion of each of the cables 30
can extend outside of the elastomeric film 20 and the tubular
housing 12.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 7, if more than one cable 30 is desired to
enter the tubular housing 12, and if the several cables 20 are too
close together, then there may be a small space which exists
between the cables 30 of which the elastomeric film 20 does not
fill the volume. In such a case a gel insert 50 or other
conformable insert 50 can be snugly fit between the cables 30,
thereby closing the volume of space between the cables 30 and
sealing the cables 30 from water, dirt, or other environmental
particles.
[0030] If a joining component 35 is used to join two or more cables
30, the housing 12 advantageously operates to seal not only each
cable 30 run inside the closure, but also to seal the joining
component 35 inside the closure from water or other environmental
elements. Embodiments of the joining component 35 can include, for
example, a splice such as a butt splice, or other joining component
35 having connectors therein (including discrete connectors,
modular connectors, tap connectors, preterminated connector, or
other connectors). Also, for example, in some applications the
joining component 35 can include a termination, where the cable 30
is joined with a terminal piece of electrical or fiber optic
equipment.
[0031] The joining component 35 is surrounded by the elastomeric
film 20 and thereby interfaces the inner diameter of the
elastomeric film 20. Embodiments of the elastomeric film 20
advantageously operate to prevent external particles and fluids
from accessing the portion of the one or more joining components 35
and/or cables 30 surrounded by and interfacing the elastomeric
films 20.
[0032] In operation, the invention advantageously provides improved
protection and watertight sealing of one or more cables 30 and/or
joining components 35 from harmful environmental conditions in the
communications industry (such as telecommunications industry),
utilities industry (such as electrical utilities industry), or
other industry involving the distribution of cables 30 and/or the
transmission of optical light or electricity, seeking improved
solutions regarding sealing solutions, re-enterability solutions,
pressure condition solutions, space condition solutions, and weight
condition solutions advantageously provided by the invention.
[0033] The inclusion of the elastomeric film 20, in combination
with the shrinkable tubular housing 12, advantageously provides a
solution for a closure housing 10 that offers exceptional sealing.
Further, the invention advantageously provides improved mechanical
cable 30 stress and strain relief based on inevitable pressure
changes during periods of operation. The relatively soft surface of
the elastomeric film 20 mounted to the housing 12 can deform to
accommodate pressure changes, without putting undue stress on the
outer perimeter of the housing 12. The compliance of the deformable
layers mounted to the housing 12 allows for significant changes in
the shape of the closure while maintaining a watertight seal. The
influence of pressure changes due to immersion are advantageously
minimized, as compared to rendering the entire volume of the
closure housing 10 watertight.
[0034] Although the aforementioned detailed description contains
many specific details for purposes of illustration, anyone of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations,
changes, substitutions, and alterations to the details are within
the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the invention
described in the detailed description is set forth without imposing
any limitations on the claimed invention. The proper scope of the
invention should be determined by the following claims and their
appropriate legal equivalents.
* * * * *