Abstract:
The invention is directed to improvement in thermal covers used to protect piping, liquid transmission, backflow prevention systems, etc. The improved thermal cover includes an insulated pad, a heat barrier and wrapper to hold the insulated pad configured in a specific fashion so as to improve freezing resistance and/or reduction of damage due to excessive heat. Padlocks, ties, etc. secure a thermal cover by means of grommets to an underlying piping, liquid transmission, backflow prevention system, etc. component. Removal of a tie permits access to the underlying components. Padlocks provide security for the thermal cover simultaneously with the access afforded due to removal of a tie. One or more foil layers further enhance protection against radiant heat loss. The combination of the one or more components of foil backing attached to structurally strong foam contributes to the thermal cover&#39;s ability to maintain its shape and it&#39;s effectiveness over time.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Certain liquid transmission mechanisms and systems, piping systems and associated devices such as backflow prevention assemblies providing critically important operations may be subjected to environmental transient and/or high or low temperature extremes. These systems often operate outdoors, during the winter for example, when temperatures drop to or below freezing for brief periods of time. Alternatively these systems may operate at high temperature during summer months. Certain mechanisms such as backflow prevention assemblies used in conjunction with water supply systems may have low water flow. As a result, the devices are subjected to high temperature fluctuations that cause premature deterioration of the system components and other undesirable conditions. 
         [0002]    Since their operation is critical, it is sometimes worthwhile to provide protection from undesirable effects of the heat or cold in order to avoid the malfunction or damage to the devices and systems that might otherwise result. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The improved thermal cover invented by the applicant provides freeze resistance when installed on backflow prevention assemblies or other liquid transmission component, systems, etc. The combination of improved insulation material and a heat/cold barrier described herein provide superior passive freeze resistance. In addition, the heat barrier component of the invention provides protection from loss of radiant heat, reflecting the otherwise lost heat back into an insulated pad thereby acting like a “heat dam” to reduce the transfer of heat into the open air. 
         [0004]    One or more foil barriers further enhance protection against radiant heat loss. The combination of one or more foil backings attached to a structurally-strong foam layer contributes to the thermal cover&#39;s ability to maintain its shape and its&#39; effectiveness over time as well. In addition, stitching the heat barrier and/or insulated pad components together with the outer covering also helps to maintain the positioning of the underlying components within the thermal cover thereby increasing the thermal cover&#39;s resilience and effectiveness long term. At the centerline, the insulated pad and/or heat barrier is sewn with semi-circle (e.g. or other shape such as an arch, angular, circle, etc.) to the inner covering and outer covering. 
         [0005]    The insulated pad is attached to the inner and outer covering that are stitched together in two parallel lines positioned along the edge of the inner covering and the outer covering. 
         [0006]    Grommets or other securing mechanisms are attached to the thermal cover in strategic locations either at the edge of the thermal cover or on the side positioned near the protected backflow assembly device in such a position that the thermal cover creates a weather-tight attachment of the thermal cover to the backflow prevention assembly. The use of an attachment mechanism such as a plastic or nylon tie secured through the grommets permits easy access to the underlying device(s) by removing the tie and moving the thermal cover. Security may be maintained by utilizing a padlock to secure a second grommet, etc. 
         [0007]    The inner covering and outer covering (i.e. of the thermal cover&#39;s wrapper) are preferably constructed of tough material, similar to that used to make truck tarps. This material resists damage when accidentally brushed by lawn mowers and other landscaping equipment. Wrapper, insulation and heat barrier material that resists moisture, mold and mildew reduces the occurrence of wet break up that would otherwise result in the insulation material lying in mounds at the lowest part of the thermal cover. 
         [0008]    Embodiments of the invention include a liquid transmission system thermal cover comprising an insulated pad, a heat barrier and a wrapper that holds the insulated pad and heat barrier. The radiant heat barrier made of foam, bubble wrap, one or more layers of foil backing or other material operates as a radiant heat barrier. The heat barrier is made from material sufficiently-structurally sound as is needed to provide structural support for the foil backing. The heat barrier may also be bonded to the foil backing according to certain embodiments of the invention. The insulated pad is made of non-woven polyester fiber material. 
         [0009]    Other embodiments include attachment of a wrapper (e.g. inner covering, outer covering) to the insulated pad such as by stitching, stitching of the wrapper, pad, etc. at the centerline in form of a semicircle or arch in the thermal cover manufacturing process. The inner covering and outer covering of the thermal cover are stitched together in two parallel lines positioned along the edge of the inner covering and the outer covering. 
         [0010]    Other embodiments include at least one securing mechanism such as at least one grommet attached to the wrapper wherein the at least one securing mechanism is large enough within which to attach a locking device to securely attach the thermal cover to a device positioned underneath the thermal cover. Plastic, nylon ties, padlocks, etc. are used as the securing mechanism to attach the thermal cover to an underlying device (e.g. liquid transmission mechanisms and systems, piping systems and associated devices such as backflow prevention assemblies). The securing mechanism (e.g. grommet) may be positioned at the end of the thermal cover or the side of the thermal cover (i.e. in such position with respect to the edge of the underlying device so as to create a weather tight installation of the thermal cover to the underlying device). 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the invention include a heat barrier, a wrapper that holds the heat barrier in place and an attachment mechanism that attaches the wrapper to the heat barrier. 
         [0012]    According to one embodiment of the invention the wrapper comprises a moisture resistive material. 
         [0013]    According to another embodiment of the invention the thermal cover includes at least one extension to hold the thermal cover in position over a test/valve attachment. 
         [0014]    Yet another embodiment of the invention includes an attachment mechanism to temporarily hold the thermal cover in position during installation of a tie. 
         [0015]    Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a better understanding of the invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and to the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a drawing of a thermal cover installed over a backflow prevention assembly and pipe, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a drawing of a thermal cover with its&#39; plastic tie removed in order to provide access to the underlying device, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a drawing of a thermal cover with grommets placed on the sides of the thermal cover about ⅗ths of the distance from the free end, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a drawing of an alternative form of thermal cover for protecting a test/valve attachment, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cutaway drawing of a thermal cover showing the heat barrier and insulated pad underlying the wrapper, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a drawing of a large installation to convey one example of the variety of applications of a thermal cover possible, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Embodiments of the invention provide more effective thermal protective covering for backflow prevention assemblies, other pipe, plumbing systems and devices, test assemblies such as test cocks, irrigation, water and other systems, etc. such as for transmission of liquids. A central feature of the present invention is the employment of a heat barrier that limits heat loss that would otherwise radiate from the protected device/system into the open air. The heat barrier includes a layer of foam or other material such as bubble wrap. In addition, the layer of foam may be backed with foil on one or both sides. The foil may or may not be bonded to the foam. The foil-backed foam combination provides a barrier to radiant heat transfer exceeding the level of heat transfer protection that would otherwise be possible. The heat barrier also reflects heat back into an insulated pad component of the thermal cover as such, acting like a “heat dam” and ultimately reducing the transfer of heat into the air. The insulated pad provides spacing, filler and/or insulation. 
         [0024]    In an analogous fashion during the summer, the heat barrier protects devices within the thermal cover from the transfer of outside summer heat into the thermal cover and protected devices positioned within the thermal cover thus substantially reducing heat gain of the protected devices, backflow prevention assembly, etc. In particular, this form of protection reduces the impact of chemicals on rubber components that would otherwise be subjected the external induced heat. Thus the thermal cover improves upon the protection of underlying devices from both temporary sub-freezing temperatures and summer heat. 
         [0025]    A second component of the thermal cover is a layer of insulation or insulated pad. Certain embodiments of the invention rely on spun non-woven polyester fiber to contribute to superior insulation characteristics for the thermal cover. The foil backed foam and insulated pad (e.g. layer of insulation, filler, etc.) are sewn together inside of a wrapper (i.e. an inner covering and outer covering of the wrapper). 
         [0026]    The three components (i.e. heat barrier, insulated pad and/or wrapper) are sewn (or other attachment mechanism) together by two parallel stitches at the edge of the thermal cover. A semi-circle stitching is provide at the centerline fold of the thermal cover to more-effectively hold the underlying heat barrier and insulated pad in place within the wrapper. The individual components of the thermal cover are moisture, mold and/or mildew resistant and the wrapper has a barrier to liquid comprising a polymer coating or other moisture-resistant covering. The wrapper (i.e. inner covering and outer covering) is a “tarp”-like material according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         [0027]    Additional details of the inventive features are demonstrated in connection with the following illustrative drawings of exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a drawing of a thermal cover installed over a backflow prevention assembly  12  and pipe  10 , according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  shows the pipe  10 , the backflow prevention assembly  12  and a thermal cover  14 . The thermal cover  14  has a first securing mechanism  16  and a second securing mechanism  17  (e.g. a first grommet  16  and a second grommet  17  or other type of fastening device). As depicted in  FIG. 1 , each grommet  16 ,  17  can be attached by a locking device such as a tie  30 , padlock  32  and/or other mechanism such as to a duplicate grommet on the opposite side of wrapper  23  (i.e. thereby attaching the two sides of the wrapper  23 ) according to one embodiment of the invention. Alternatively a second securing mechanism (such as a freestanding securing mechanism to which the first grommet  16  and/or second grommet  17 , etc. can be secured or tied, etc.) is also possible, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The double stitching  18  positioned at the base of the thermal cover  14  serves as a flange upon which the first grommet  16  and/or second  17  can be securely attached according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         [0030]    The thermal cover  14  is folded at the top  20  and double stitched on the sides  22  thereby creating the shape of an envelope according to one embodiment of the invention. The thermal cover  14  has a wrapper  23  comprising an inside covering  24  and an outside covering  26  as will later more conveniently be displayed in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0031]    A first tie  30  such as a plastic or nylon tie attaches to the first grommet  16 . The tie  30  which typically cannot be removed without being cut or damaged, attaches the first grommets  16  to another securing mechanism such as a grommet attached to the other side of the thermal cover  14  thereby discouraging casual removal of the thermal cover  14 . However, the first tie  30  can also be cut as needed and replaced at low cost if it becomes necessary to access the inside components of the thermal cover  14 . Within the second grommet  17  is secured a padlock  32  that provides a more-permanent attachment of the thermal cover  14  as well as reducing the likelihood of theft. The first grommet  16  and second grommet  17  that are at least ⅜″ in inside diameter ensure easy installation of a padlock. 
         [0032]    The first grommet  16  and second grommet  17 , etc. may additionally be positioned at the end of the thermal cover  14  (or at other locations such as the side(s) of the thermal cover, multiple locations, etc. in such position with respect to the edge of an underlying backflow prevention assembly  12  or other device that the thermal cover  14  creates a weather tight installation of the thermal cover to the underlying backflow prevention assembly  12 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a drawing of a thermal cover having its&#39; plastic tie  30  removed in order to provide access to the underlying device  12  (e.g. backflow prevention assembly), according to one embodiment of the invention. It includes a pipe  10 , backflow prevention assembly  12 , thermal cover  14 , first grommet  16 , second grommet  17  and padlock  32 .  FIG. 2  is a similar drawing to  FIG. 1  with the exception that the plastic tie  30  has been removed from first grommet  16  and the thermal cover  14  slid to the right side so as to provide access to the exposed devices  10 ,  12 . The bottom of the envelope has a strategically placed first grommet  16  and a second grommet  17 , etc. that permit access to underlying backflow prevention assembly  12 , pipe  10 , etc., when the corresponding locking device is loosened or removed from the thermal cover  14 . A technician can access the exposed devices  10 ,  12  by tilting the thermal cover  14  to the side. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a drawing of a thermal cover with grommets placed on the sides of the thermal cover  14  about  3 / 5 ths of the distance from the free end, according to one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 3  includes a first grommet  16 , second grommet  17 , third grommet  40  and fourth grommet  42 , a first padlock  17 , first tie  16 , third tie  44  and fourth tie  46 .  FIG. 3  also includes stitching in the form of a semi-circle of stitching  50  at the centerline of the thermal cover  14 . 
         [0035]    According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, instead of being stitched in the form of an envelope, the thermal cover  14  is installed as a flat pad folded over the backflow prevention assembly, pipe or other device  55 . The thermal cover  14  is equipped with a third grommet  40  and fourth grommet  42  strategically placed on the sides of the thermal cover  14  so as to permit an installer to draw the ends of the thermal cover  14  tightly around the pipe  55 , ensuring that the pipe  55  or other protected device is installed in such a fashion as to secure the thermal cover  14  in a wind resistant configuration protecting the backflow prevention assembly, pipe or other device  55  from weather. This configuration allows the thermal cover  14  to attach more tightly to the pipe  55  than would be possible solely by attachment of the first grommet  16  and the second grommet  17  located at the bottom of the thermal cover  14 . 
         [0036]    Stitching  50  in the form of a semi-circle, arch, etc. at the centerline of the thermal cover  14  attaches the inner covering  24  of the wrapper  23  to the heat barrier  73  and insulated pad  72  (shown in more detail later in  FIG. 5 ) underneath. The semi-circle stitching  50  serves two purposes: 1) it is an efficient method of manufacturing the thermal cover  14  and 2) stitching through the wrapper  23  to the underlying heat barrier  73  and/or insulated pad  72  prevents the underlying insulated pad from moving, shifting, bunching, repositioning, etc. inside the thermal cover  14 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a drawing of an alternative form of thermal cover  64  for protecting a test/valve attachment, according to one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 4  includes a valve handle  60 , a test/valve attachment  62 , extension  63  (such as a strap, etc.), attachment mechanism  65  (e.g. such as a temporary sleeve) and tie  66 . As depicted, the thermal cover  64  provides thermal protection for the test/valve attachment  62 . The test/valve attachment thermal cover  64  is an alternative configuration that includes a heat barrier  73  (e.g. comprised of a first foil backing  75 , a layer of foam  76  and a second foil backing  77 ) and insulated pad  72  similar to that of the thermal cover  14  described earlier and which will be shown in more detail in  FIG. 5 . As expected, of the thermal cover  64  for the test/valve attachment is configured in a shape to effectively fit the test/valve attachment  62 . Two extensions  63  wrap around the test/valve attachment to either side of the valve handle  60 . The extension or extensions  63  is/are temporarily attached to the thermal cover  64  by an attachment mechanism  65  such as a pocket, snap, a product label that doubles as a temporary sleeve, etc. to hold the extension(s)  63  in position during installation until the thermal cover  64  can be secured by the tie  66 . The test/valve attachment thermal cover  64  is then secured by one or more ties  66 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a cutaway drawing of a thermal cover showing the heat barrier and insulated pad underlying the wrapper, according to one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 5  includes an insulated pad  72  and heat barrier  73 . The heat barrier  73  includes at least one foil backing (e.g. a first foil backing  75 , second foil backing  77 , etc.) according to one embodiment of the invention. The insulated pad  72  is made of spun non-woven polyester fiber that provides superior insulation characteristics within the thermal cover  14 . 
         [0039]    The radiant heat barrier  73  includes a layer of foam  76 . Foam has superior structural characteristics compared to more typically-used insulation batting, providing a much longer working life for the thermal cover  14 . Additionally, the strength of the foam layer  76  provides support for the one or more foil backing  75 ,  77  layers. The foil backing layers  75 ,  77  are bonded to the foam layer  76  according to certain embodiments of the invention. Bubble wrap may alternatively be employed in place of the foam layer  76 . The one or more layers of foil backing operate as a radiant heat barrier  73  effectively reducing the transfer of heat into the open air. 
         [0040]    The improved thermal cover  14  invented by the applicant provides freeze resistance when installed on backflow prevention assemblies or other liquid transmission component, systems, etc. The combination of improved insulation material and a heat/cold barrier provide superior passive freeze resistance. In addition, the heat barrier  73  component of the invention provides protection from loss of radiant heat, reflecting the heat back into the insulation fill and acting like a “heat dam” thereby reducing the transfer of heat into the open air. The individual components (i.e. inner covering  24  of the wrapper  23 , insulated pad  72 , first foil backing  75 , foam layer  76 , second foil backing  77 , outer covering  25  of the wrapper  23 ) of the thermal cover  14  are moisture, mold and mildew resistant and the outer covering  25  of the wrapper  23  has a barrier-to-liquid  26  comprising a polymer coating or other moisture-resistant covering. 
         [0041]    The inner covering  24  and outer covering  25  of the wrapper  23  is preferably constructed of tough material, similar to that used to make truck tarps according to one embodiment of the invention. The tarp material resists damage when accidentally brushed by lawn mowers and other landscaping equipment. The wrapper  23 , insulated pad  72  and heat barrier  73  material also resists mold and mildew thereby reducing microbial growth that would otherwise contribute to wet material break up and insulation material lying in mounds at the lowest part of the thermal cover  14  water saturated and also hosting mold and mildew colonies, etc. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a drawing of a large installation provided to convey an additional example of the variety of the applications of a thermal cover possible, according to various embodiments of the invention. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  shows one of many alternative embodiments of the invention in which a thermal cover  14  is installed over a large pipe installation. According to this alternative embodiment of the invention, the first grommet  16  is secured by an additional padlock  31  in place of the tie  30  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Many different combinations of the features of the invention as described herein may be employed according to different embodiments of the invention. 
         [0044]    Thus as described in detail above, embodiments of the invention provide methods and mechanisms for an improved thermal cover  14  for protecting various liquid transmission mechanisms and systems, piping systems and associated devices such as backflow prevention assemblies 
         [0045]    While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. For example thermal covers  14  may take a variety of forms to fit the underlying apparatus. It should be understood that thermal covers  14  employing a heat barrier  73 , insulated pad  72 , barrier/wrapper attachment mechanism and/or wrapper  23  (i.e. inner covering  24  and outer covering  25 ) providing alternative shapes, sizes and configurations are considered a part of the inventive concepts as described. The thermal covers  14  described herein may comprise various multiples of securing mechanisms  16 ,  17  to accommodate various installations according to alternative embodiments of the invention. 
         [0046]    Also, arrangements of embodiments of the invention integrated within other devices, appliances, systems, etc. having the components and characteristics described in this application are also embodiments of the invention herein-described.