Pipes and tubular conduits – Longitudinally seamed
Reissue Patent
2000-03-16
2001-07-17
Brinson, Patrick (Department: 3752)
Pipes and tubular conduits
Longitudinally seamed
C138S110000, C138S149000, C138S148000, C138S121000
Reissue Patent
active
RE037279
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a fluid pipe covering. More particularly, the present invention relates to a heat, abrasion and sound insulating sleeve for a fluid pipe in an automotive vehicle.
2. Disclosure Information
Due to the downsizing of engine compartments, many underhood engine components are located in close proximity to one another. Typically, fluid pipes connect many of the engine components together. These fluid pipes carry a variety of automotive fluids, of various temperatures. In order to protect surrounding components or to prevent condensation from forming on the pipes, these pipes must be insulated. Of course, given the small space within the engine compartment, surrounding components may come into contact with the insulated pipe, causing a wearing of the insulating material circling the pipe.
Many insulating sleeve members have been proposed to solve the problem of abrasion against the insulated pipe. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,799 discloses a plastic abrasion-resistant protective sleeve member for covering a radiator hose. The '799 sleeve is unaffected by heat, thereby making it both abrasion and heat resistant. However, there is no provision in the '799 sleeve for deadening the sound produced by fluid passing through the radiator hose.
Another problem associated with conventional protective sleeves is that the sleeves are often secured to the fluid pipes by adhesive or tape. Often, the fluid pipe to be protected is simply coated with the adhesive and the sleeve applied. Unless an operator is very careful, the adhesive can contaminate the areas surrounding the pipe.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an insulating sleeve member which not only provides for heat and abrasion resistance, but which also deadens the sound produced by the fluid rushing through the fluid pipe and which is easily applied by an operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an abrasion, sound and heat resistant protective sleeve for covering fluid pipes in an automotive vehicle, comprising an elongated, generally cylindrical inner member having a pair of terminal edges extending the longitudinal length thereof, the pair of terminal edges defining a first gap of predetermined distance therebetween, and an elongated, generally cylindrical outer member circumferentially surrounding the inner member. The outer member has a pair of terminal edges extending along the longitudinal length thereof. The terminal edges of the inner member are offset from the terminal edges of the outer member by a predetermined distance. The pair of outer member terminal edges defines a second gap of predetermined distance therebetween such that the distance of the second gap is smaller than the distance defined by the first gap. The inner member is secured to the outer member such that when the sleeve is rolled into a generally cylindrical shape, an air space is formed between opposing surfaces of the inner and outer members.
A method of making such a sleeve is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a first generally planar piece of sound deadening material; cutting the sound deadening material into a generally rectangular member defining longitudinal and transverse axes and including an inner pipe contacting surface, an outer surface and a pair of terminal edges extending the longitudinal length thereof; providing a generally cylindrical heat and abrasion resistant material defining longitudinal and transverse axes and including an inner surface and an outer surface. The cylindrical member is cut along its longitudinal length to define a pair of terminal edges extending the longitudinal length thereof. The method also includes the steps of dispensing a bead of adhesive on the inner surface of the heat and abrasion resistant material a predetermined distance from each of the pair of terminal edges of the cylindrical member; placing the sound deadening material onto the heat and abrasion resistant material such that the outer surface of the sound deadening material contacts the bead of adhesive on the heat and abrasion resistant material; and curing the adhesive at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved protective sleeve for fluid pipes within an engine compartment of an automotive vehicle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a protective sleeve which provides sound, heat and abrasion resistance. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings, detailed description and claims which follow.
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Beckwith Henry A.
Fisher John H.
Brinson Patrick
Shelton Larry I.
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
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