UNIVERSAL REMOVABLE INSULATION

Abstract: A universal insulation (10). The insulation (10) is bifurcated into two portions (16, 18) for application to a fitting in a fluid flow or distribution system. Cut-outs (26) are provided in edges (20, 22) of the portions (16, 18) which, when apertures are formed therein, accommodate portions of a fluid fitting therein. Portions (16, 18) of the insulation (10) can have additonal cut-outs (28) formed wholly within one of the portions (16, 18). These cut-outs (28) can accommodate portions of a fitting extending generally transverse to a plane defined by other portions of the fitting. Novel means can be employed for maintaining the portions (16, 18) in a mated configuration.

Description: UNIVERSAL REMOVABLE INSULATION . Technical Field The invention of the present patent application i related broadly to the field of ' energy conservation. Mo * narrowly, the invention is directed to the field of insul tion as used in various hot and cold fluid flow systems. Th invention specifically deals with removable insulations whic can be applied to any number of fittings in the fluid flo system to insulate the particular fitting from gain or los of heat as the particular application may dictate. Background of the Invention Various types of systems utilize fluids which ar maintained at a temperature ' either above or below ambien temperature. Illustrative of systems wherein the temperatur is maintained above ambient temperatures are steam system used in factories and industrial institutions for * heating cooking, and other purposes. Similarly, such concerns also utilize systems wherei fluid must be maintained at a_ temperature below ambien temperature. Typical of this type of system are refrigera tion and air conditioning systems. Because of the energy requirements involved in reducin the temperature of the fluid to a desired level in refrigera tion systems and in raising the temperature of the fluid to desired level in heating systems, it is desirable that hea gain and heat loss, respectively, by the fluid be minimized This is particularly t ue in view of the ever escalatin costs of energy. Regardless of the temperature of the fluid carried these fluid flow systems typically include pipe conduits an various types of fittings interposed in the conduit lines. Fittings which might be interposed in the lines includ valves, orifices, L's, and T's. This listing is by no means, however, exhaustive. Various other types of fittings ar specifically applicable for use in only systems wherei O PI the fluid is maintained at a temperature either above o below ambient temperature. Steam traps are one type o fitting which might be used in only hot fluid systems Because thermal energy transfer might occur either alon the pipe lines or through the fittings, it is desirable tha both be insulated. Various types of insulation have bee designed to insulate the conduit lines. Illustrative of on method of insulation is one in which a fire retardant hea insulative material is wrapped around the pipe and a paste mixed specifically for the purpose of providing a hardenin shell, applied thereto. This method is known as "lagging" Conducting lagging operations is particularly messy an difficult to clean up. More importantly, however, it is ver unsuited for insulation of the various fittings. This i true for a number of reasons. First, while the pipe conduit are generally circularly cylindrical and extend uniformly i an axial direction, valve bodies and other * similar fitting have very .irregular surfaces. Consequently, it is difficul to apply a sheet material without bunching occuring. Second frequently, in the case of fittings, moving parts, such a valve stems, are present which might become clogged an inoperative if a paste were to be applied. Because of these influencing factors, keeping in min the need to insulate the total fluid flow system, the use o various custom designed insulations has been initiated. Suc custom designed structures, however, can, in some cases, b quite expensive. It is to these problems in the prior art that th invention of the present application is directed. It is a insulation apparatus which can be applied to virtually an fitting which can be interposed in a fluid flow line Because of its unique structure, it can accommodate th irregular surfaces of the various fittings. Summary of the Invention The invention of the present application is an insula f O P tion apparatus for minimizing thermal heat transfer from a to fluid conduit fittings through which hot and cold fluid * respectively, pass. The apparatus includes a shell which * split into two portions along a plane. Two engagable edg 5 are, thereby, defined. A plurality of defined cut-out * pane .are formed in the shell, a portion of each of the cut-ou being in each of the edges of the complimentary portions the shell. The cut-outs are positioned at various locatio about the engagable edges so that angularly spaced portio 10 of a fitting can pass through different of the cut-outs wh the two portions are brought together about the fittin Additionally, each portion of the shell can have least one additional cut-out panel formed completely, therei These cut-out panels can, when removed in an appropria 15 manner, provide access for portions of a fitting which exte normal to a plane defined by other portions of -the sa fitting passing through the cut-outs formed in the edges the shell portions. A fitting having 'portions extending i three dimensions from the fitting body can, therefore, 20 accommodated by the insulation apparatus. The cut-outs can have indicia marked thereon to indica the various sizes of pipes with which different fitting which might be accommodated might be used. Typically, suc pipes are circularly cylindrical and have a known diameter 25 The indicia can correspond to various standard sized diam eters used in industrial applications. The indicia marked o the cut-out panels would * , therefore, be circular, concentri rings. One preferred structure incorporates a panel which i stepped in a direction axially relative to the axis o * 30 elongation of the fitting portion. In order to accommodat the fitting portion, therefore, the panel need only be cut a the base of one of the steps, i.e., the step having a diam eter similar to that of the piping with which the fitting i used. The two shell portions can, thereafter, be closed ove 35 the fitting with the pipe being received in the aperture cu out of the cut-put panel. Depending upon the particular application, the shell ca be formed of different materials. ' In a cold fluid system the shell portions would typi.cally be made of either polystyrene plastic or a urethane material and would b relative thick. In a hot fluid system, the shell portion would typically be made of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styren resin or polyvinyl chloride. In a hot fluid system applica tion, the shell portions might be relatively thin and carr therein removable fibrous insulative material inserts. Suc inserts might be made of fiberglass or other appropriat insulative material. Such inserts could be made oversized s that threads thereof would extend through apertures cut int the cut-out panels and merge with insulative material surrounding the pipes to which the fitting is attached. complete insulative seal can, thereby, be achieved. The invention ^ of ^ this application is, thus, an improved universal insulation apparatus for use with fluid systems an fittings of various construction. More specific advantage will become apparent with reference to the detailed descrip tion of the invention, claims, and appended drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a view in perspective showing an insulation i accordance with the present invention as attached to a fitting in a fluid system; Fig. 2 is an enlarge view taken generally along the lin 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the insulation o Fig. 1 in an opened position; Fig. 4 is a view taken generally along the line 4-4 o Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating structure fo holding one shell portion to the other and for precluding th entry of liquids into the insulative structure. OJ _- Detailed Description of the Invention Referring now to the drawings wherein like refere i numerals denote like elements throughout the several vie t Fig. 1 illustrates a universal insulation 10 in accordan 5 with the invention of the present application.. As seen that figure, the insulation 10, which is removable so that can be reused under other circumstances, is shown as ' bei mounted to a tee fitting 12 which might typically be used a steam distribution system. It will be understood th 10 although a tee fitting 12 is illustrated as being insulat by the invention, various other types of fittings can encased thereby. Because of the structure of the insulati 10," it can be affixed to virtually any type of fitting whi might be positioned in either a hot or cold fluid distrib 15 tion and control system. In this respect, the system universal. - . The insulation of the present invention includes a she 14 which is bifurcated to define two portions 16, 1 Although not essential to the invention, the drawings, a 20 particularly Figs. 3 and 4, illustrate the shell 14 as bei bifurcated into two portions 16, 18 of equal size. The she 14 is bifurcated along a plane to define two edges 20, which are engagable when the portions 16, 18 of the shell are mated to insulate a fitting. 25 Throughout the various figures, the bifurcated portio 16, 18 are shown as being hinged as at 24 so that the insul tion 10 is integrally formed. It will be understood, ho ever, that it is equally within the scope of the invention provide two bifurcated portions 16, 18 which are separa 30 from one another. The drawings illustrate the insulation 10, when encasi a fitting, as being polyhedral. Specifically, the insulati 10 is illustrated as being quadralateral in cross-sectio Cut-out panels 26, 28 formed in the insulation 10 can 35 thereby, accommodate portions of fittings which, in mos fREA cases extend generally perpendicular to one another. Cut-out portions 26 are shown as being formed in t matable edges 20, 22, one cut-out panel 26 being formed each of the four sides along which the portions 16, 18 a mated. The panels 26 are formed so that a portion of each disposed in each of the two bifurcated portions 16, 18 of t shell 14. That is, each of the four cut-out panels intersects the mated edges 20, 22. As shown in the figure the four cut-out panels 26 which intersect the mated edg 20, 22 are disposed in planes perpendicular to the planes adjacent cut-out panels 26. Additionally, each shell portion 16, 18 can have a c out panel 28 v/holly formed therein, and disposed in a pla generally parallel to the plane defined by the mated edg 20. 22. The insulation 10 can, thereby, accommodate fitting having portions extending in a direction .general perpendicular to a plane defined by other portions of t fitting. To illustrate, if a fitting has an inlet condu coming into a main body portion thereof and a primary outl conduit exiting from the main body portion at ninety degre to the inlet portion, said conduits can be accommodated apertures formed in the insulation 10 by cutting out portio of the cut-out panels 26 formed in the matable edges 20, thereof. If, however, the conduit should have anoth portion, such as a secondary outlet conduit, extending fr the main body * portio.n generally perpendicular to a pla defined by the inlet ccmduit and the primary outlet condui an aperture can be formed in a cut-out panel 28 provid wholly within one of the bifurcated portions 16, 18 of t shell 14. In most embodiments of the invention, the cut-out pane 26, 28 would be circular since most piping used with the ty of fittings discussed herein are circularly cylindrical. T cut-out panels 26, 28 can be defined in any appropria manner. This can include merely marking circular indicia the shell 14 at appropriate locations to indicate wh apertures should be made. The shell 14 can be give reduced strength at the locations where the apertures are be cut in order to facilitate the provision of the apertur In a preferred embodiment,, the indicia representing various circumferences of pipes with which the fitting used can comprise stepped platforms 30 concentrically for in the shell 14.. ' The platforms 30 are stepped axially w respect to the intended direction of extension of the port of a fitting which is to be disposed within the particu cut out aperture. As in the case of mere markings on shell 14, these stepped panels 30 can be provided w reduced strength at the circular shoulders 32 defined ther so that the apertures can be more readily formed. When an insulation 10 in accordance with the pres invention is mounted to a fitting, it is desirable t condensation or other liquid which might be present in environment surrounding the fitting not be permitted to s into the insulation. Such contamination can be, at be -precluded, and, at worst, inhibited by providing a liq seal at the intersection of the mated edges. Each bifurca portion 16, 18 of the shell 14 can be provided with a fla 34, 36 which extends outwardly away from the fitting when insulation 10 encases the fitting. Each flange 34, 36 define a plane so that the planes, thereby defined, parallel, with faces of the flanges 34, 36 in engagement w the portions 16, 18 are " mated. One of the flanges 36 can provided, at its extremity remote from the portion 18 of shell 14 to which it is attached, with a liquid entry shi 38. The shield 38 can be made to extend generally normal the flange 36 along its length. If the flanges 34,- 36 essentially of the same size, the one not provided with shield 38 will fit closely within the shield 38 of t other flange 36. The shield 38 can, therefore, be provi with a plurality of nubs 40 extending inwardly from t shield 38. The nubs 40 can be resilient in nature so tha when the two portions 16, 18 of the shell 14 are brought in mating engagement, they will deform to allow the opposi flange 34 to engage the flange " 36 carrying the shield 3 After passage of this flange 34, therefore, they will sn out to retain the flanges 34, 36 in engagement. As seen in the figures, the shield 38 is provided on about three sides of the edge 22 of one of the portions 1 This is so since the embodiment illustrated in the figures one wherein the portions 16, 18 are hinged along a four side. In such an embodiment, of course, shielding would n be necessary along the fourth side since a seal natural exists there. In embodiments wherein the shell portions 1 18 are separable pieces, the shield 38 would, appropriatel be provided completely about the edge of one of the portion It will be understood that the method for * mating t shell portions 16, 18 need not be as described hereinbefor Rather, any appropriate mating means might be utilized hold the portions 16, 18 together. As previously indicated, the insulation 10 of th present application can be used with enumerable types o fittings. They include steam traps, strainers, valves, t connectors, elbows, orifices, etc. Once applied to th particular fitting, it is often difficult to determine fro visual inspection, the type of fitting thereby insulated Yet, it remains important to know what type of fitting i located at a particular-location in the system. This can accomplished by making records which can be maintained fo subsequent use in ascertaining the type of fitting insulate in a particular location. The shell 14 of the presen insulation can, however, be provided with indicia 42 repre sentative of the various types of fittings which might b insulated. The indicia 42 might use, for example, an "E" t indicate an elbow, a "V" to indicate a valve, "TE" to indi cate a tee fitting, "OR" to indicate an orifice, and "S" t indicate a strainer. These indicia 42 are, of course, all inclusive,, and other indicia can be devised to repres any type of fitting which might be encountered. Whe person applying the insulation 10 to the fitting has c pleted the installation, he ,need merely indicate in appropriate manner the type of fitting which has b insulated. He can do this by either x-ing out the app priate indicia 42 representing the fitting insulated or circling the appropriate indicia 42. Depending upon the particular application - that whether used in a hot or cold fluid system - the shell 14 be made of different materials. In cold system applicatio it has been found appropriate to manufacture the shell from either a polystyrene plastic or urethane material. Wh such materials are used, the rigidity of the material wou preclude the shell 14 from conforming to the shape of t fitting insulated. The shell 14 would, therefore, provi all the insulatiy≥ c.apacity for the structure. In hot fluid system applications, . the shell 14 wou appropriately be formed of either polyvinyl chloride acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin. When such materia are used to form the shell 14, most of the insulative cap city of the insulation structure would be provided by a pa of fiberglass or other fibrous material inserts 44, 46. O of the inserts 44, 46 would be seated in each of the she portions 16, 18. The inserts 44, 46 would be removable that if the fibrous material deteriorated over a period time, they could be replaced. Similarly, if a particul shell 14 was to be used in a scenario requiring a high insulative capacity, one insert could be exchanged f another having better characteristics for the particul scenario. The inserts 44, 46 would typically be somewhat amorpho in nature so that they would conform to the contours of t fitting and be in engagement with the fitting body. T OMPI inserts 44, 46 can be made somewhat oversized so that th would tend to _ protrude through the apertures formed in t cut-out portions 26, 28 of the shell 14 and merge wi insulative material surrounding pipes to which the fitting attached. Maximum insulative capacity can, thereby, achieved. Numerous characteristics and advantages of the inventi for which this application has been submitted have been s forth in the foregoing description. It will be understoo however, that this disclosure is, in many respects, onl illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particular in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts witho exceeding the scope of the invention. The invention's sco is, of course, defined in the language in which the append claims are expressed.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A removable, reusable insulation for insulati various hot and cold fluid conduit fittings, comprising shell bifurcated along a plane to define a pair of engaga 5 edges and having a plurality, of defined cut-outs form therein with a portion of each of said cut-outs formed each of said edges, said cut-outs being positioned relati to one another so that angularly spaced portions of a fitti can pass through different of said cut-outs. 10 2. An insulation in accordance with claim 1 where said insulation further includes cut-outs formed therein accomodate portions of a fitting insulated thereby whi extend normal to a plane defined by portions of the fitti passing through said cut-outs formed in said edges. 5 3. An insulation in accordance with claim 1 or claim wherein each of said cut-outs has marked thereon a ' plurali of circular, concentric indicia representing differe diameters- to which said cut-outs can be cut depending up the size of the angularly spaced portion of the fitting whi 0 s to be passed therethrough. 4. An insulation in accordance with claim 3 where said cut-outs extend generally radially with respect to ax of elongation of the respective portions of fittings accom dated thereby, and wherein said concentric indicia compri 5 platforms stepped axially relative to the portions of t respective fittings when the portions are disposed in sa cut-outs. 5. An insulation in accordance with claim 1 where said shell is formed from a polystyrene plastic for insul ° tion of cold fluid conduit fittings. 6. An insulation in accordance with claim 1 where said shell is formed from a urethane material for insulati fof cold fluid conduit fittings. 7. An insulation in accordance with claim 1 wherei said shell is formed from an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styren resin. 8. An insulation in accordance with claim 1 wherei said shell is formed from polyvinyl chloride. 9. An insulation in accordance with claim 7 or claim further comprising a pair of fiberglass insulation inserts each insert being seatable in one of said bifurcated shel portions to completely encase a fitting. 10. An insulation in accordance with claim 9 wherei said inserts are oversized to extend through apertures forme when at least portions of said cut-outs are removed, and t merge with insulative material surrounding pipes to which th fitting encased between the shell portions is attached 11. An insulation in accordance with claim -1 furthe comprising indicia, representative of various fittings whic can be encased between said shell portions, formed on sai shell, whereby, when a particular fitting is encased betwee said shell portions, said indicia can be marked appropriatel to indicate the type, of fitting thereby insulated. 12. Apparatus for insulating various fittings inter posed in a system for controlling flow of a . fluid heate above ambient conditions, comprising: (a) first and second shell portions, each havin an edge defining a plane and being matable with th other of said portions along said edges, said shel portions, when mated, having a plurality of cut-ou panels intersecting said mated edges formed there in, said panels being spaced about said mate edges; and (b) a pair of fibrous insulative material inserts one of said inserts being removably positionabl in each of said shell portions to conform to a outer surface of a fitting encased therein whe said shell portions enclose said fitting. 13. Apparatus in accordance with claim 12 wherei said edges comprise facing, parallel flanges engagable t mate said shell portions together, said apparatus furth comprising means for releasably holding said flanges engagement. 14. Apparatus in accordance with claim 13 furth comprising a liquid entry shield attached to one of sa flanges at the extremity thereof and extending normal there in a direction, when said shell portions are mated, towa the opposite of said flanges. 15. Apparatus in accordance with claim 14 v/here said holding means comprises a plurality of resilient nu carried by said shield and extending from said shield inwar ly toward said shell portions, wherein, as said portio approach one another during mating, said nubs snap over t flange carried by said shell portion opposite that to v/hi said shield is attached.

Inventors: BUSSE RICHARD O, BUSSE, RICHARD, O.
Applicants: BUSSE RICHARD O, BUSSE, RICHARD, O.
Application year: 1982
Main classification: F16L59
IPC codes: F16L59