Patent ID: 6235134
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: A63B,B25G,B29C,B29L,C09J,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for attaching a preformed elastomeric sleeve directly onto an elongate article, comprising:providing an elongate article having predetermined outside dimensions;providing a generally tubular elastomeric sleeve having a substantially open first end; the first end thereby providing access to a recess within the sleeve, the recess being formed to receive the article; the recess having inside dimensions at least as large as the outside dimensions of the article; wherein the elastomeric sleeve has absorbed therein a liquid swelling solvent comprising a fluorocarbon and a member selected from the group consisting of (i) a cyclic hydrocarbon, (ii) a trifluoride hydrocarbon, and (iii) a mixture of an isoparaffin and a polybutene;positioning the sleeve to have an orientation with respect to the article whereby the article resides in the recess; andmaintaining the orientation for a period of time which enables the solvent to evaporate from the sleeve, the evaporating causing the sleeve to contract, thereby causing the sleeve to come into intimate contact with the article and to become attached to the article by friction between the sleeve and the article.