Patent Description:
This invention concerns insulation for assemblies of pipe elements.

It is advantageous to cover piping networks to insulate the network against heat loss and help save energy, as well as to provide a vapor barrier when the piping carries chilled water. A vapor barrier will prevent condensate from forming on the chilled water pipes and mitigate or even prevent corrosion of the pipe elements.

While it is fairly straightforward to provide insulation for straight pipe runs (as pipe is controlled to a standard), creating insulation for complex pipe assemblies such as mechanical couplings, valves, elbow fittings, and Tee fittings, is a more complex undertaking. Such pipe arrangements tend not to be standardized and may comprise assemblies of many different sizes, configurations, and types. Failure of insulation, especially of its vapor barrier function, at assemblies where pipe elements are joined to one another or to fittings or components is a recognized industry challenge. If the vapor barrier is compromised in one place, that breach may compromise the entire piping system. There is clearly a need for an improved insulating cover which can provide an effective vapor barrier at assemblies where pipe elements are joined.

The invention concerns a according to claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are subject matter of the dependent claims.

By way of example, at least a first portion of the first perimeter face comprises a groove extending therealong. At least a first portion of the second perimeter face comprises a tongue extending therefrom. The tongue of the first portion of the second perimeter face is received within the groove of the first portion of the first perimeter face when the first and second cover portions are joined to one another. In an example embodiment the groove of the first portion of the first perimeter face is in fluid communication with the first and the third canals when the first and second cover portions are joined to one another. Further by way of example, at least a second portion of the first perimeter face comprises a tongue extending therefrom. At least a second portion of the second perimeter face comprises a groove extending therealong. The tongue of the second portion of the first perimeter face is received within the groove of the second portion of the second perimeter face when the first and second cover portions are joined to one another. The groove of the second portion of the second perimeter face is in fluid communication with the second and the fourth canals when the first and second cover portions are joined to one another in an example embodiment. Further by way of example, the groove in the first portion of the first perimeter face is in fluid communication with the groove in the second portion of the second perimeter face when the first and second cover portions are joined to one another. Additionally by way of example, the tongue of the first portion of the first perimeter face comprises a surface oriented angularly with respect to the second perimeter face and thereby defining a furrow between the first and second cover portions. In an example embodiment, the tongue of the second portion of the second perimeter face comprises a surface oriented angularly with respect to the first perimeter face which thereby defines a furrow between the first and second cover portions.

In another example embodiment the first perimeter face comprises first and second alignment cutouts. The second perimeter face comprises first and second alignment blocks. The first and second alignment cutouts have a complementary shape to the first and second alignment blocks so that the first and second alignment blocks interlock with the first and second alignment cutouts when the first and second cover portions are joined to one another. In a further example the first perimeter face comprises third and fourth alignment blocks. The second perimeter face comprises third and fourth alignment cutouts. The third and fourth alignment cutouts have a complementary shape to the third and fourth alignment blocks so that the third and fourth alignment blocks interlock with the third and fourth alignment cutouts when the first and second cover portions are joined to one another. In a specific example embodiment the alignment blocks are and the alignment cutouts are step-shaped.

An example embodiment further comprises a seal positioned within the canals and within the furrow. The seal completely surrounds the first and second recesses in this example. An example may further comprise an opening in the first and second cover portions. The opening is located along the first and second perimeter faces. A fifth canal on the first cover portion extends along the opening and a sixth canal extends along the second cover portion. The canals are in fluid communication with the furrow and receive the seal. In an example embodiment the seal is selected from the group consisting essentially of a continuous gasket, an extruded caulk, a rope caulk, and combinations thereof. Further by way of example the first and second cover portions comprise a foam layer. In a specific example embodiment the foam layer has an insulation value of at least R=<NUM> per inch of thickness. In a further example the foam layer comprises polyisocyanurate. An example cover may further comprise a coating of polyvinyldiene chloride on the foam layer. Further by way of example, the cover comprises an exterior coating surrounding the foam layer. By way of example, the exterior coating is selected from the group consisting essentially of polyurea, polyvinylchloride, polyvinyldiene chloride and combinations thereof. In a further example, the foam layer and the exterior coating achieve a rating of less than <NUM>/<NUM> per ASTM E84 test criterial for flame propagation and smoke.

The invention further encompasses a cover positionable surrounding an assembly joining first and second pipe elements to one another. By way of example the cover comprises a first cover portion defining a first recess for receiving the assembly. The first cover portion defines first and second channels for receiving the first pipe element. The first and second channels are in communication with the first recess. A second cover portion defines a second recess for receiving the assembly. The second cover portion defines third and fourth channels for receiving the second pipe element. The third and fourth channels are in communication with the second recess. The first and second cover portions are joined to one another to surround the assembly and the pipe elements at a seam. The seam comprises a furrow facing outwardly away from the first and second recesses.

In an example embodiment the furrow has an asymmetrical cross sectional shape. Further by way of example, a seal is positioned within the furrow. An example embodiment further comprises a first canal positioned within the first channel and in fluid communication with the furrow. A second canal is positioned within the second channel and in fluid communication with the furrow. A third canal is positioned within the third channel and in fluid communication with the furrow. A fourth canal is positioned within the fourth channel and in fluid communication with the furrow. In a specific example embodiment, each of the canals has an asymmetrical cross section. Further by way of example, each of the canals faces outwardly away from the first and second recesses.

An example embodiment further comprises a seal positioned within the canals and within the furrow. The seal completely surrounds the first and second recesses in this example. By way of further example, the seal is selected from the group consisting essentially of a continuous gasket, an extruded caulk, a rope caulk, and combinations thereof. In an example embodiment the first and second cover portions comprise a foam layer. Further by way of example the foam layer has an insulation value of at least R=<NUM> per inch of thickness. In an example embodiment the foam layer comprises polyisocyanurate. A coating of polyvinyldiene chloride is on the foam layer in an example embodiment. An example cover embodiment may further comprise an exterior coating surrounding the foam layer. By way of example, the exterior coating is selected from the group consisting essentially of polyurea, polyvinylchloride, polyvinyldiene chloride and combinations thereof. By way of further example, the foam layer and the exterior coating achieve a rating of less than <NUM>/<NUM> per ASTM E84 test criterial for flame propagation and smoke.

An example cover embodiment further compriss an opening in at least one of the cover portions. The opening is located along the seam and interrupts the furrow. A canal extends along the opening. The canal is in fluid communication with the furrow and receives the seal.

In an example embodiment the first cover portion defines a first opening portion located along the seam. The second cover portion defines a second opening portion located along the seam. The first and second opening portions are aligned to form an opening in the cover. A first canal surrounds the first opening portion and is in fluid communication with the furrow. A second canal surrounding the second opening portion and is in fluid communication with the furrow. In this example the seal is received in the first and second canals. Further by way of example, at least a portion of the seam is defined by a tongue extending from the first cover portion. The tongue is received within a groove positioned in the second cover portion. In an example embodiment the furrow is defined by a first surface on one of the first and second cover portions oriented angularly with respect to a second surface on the other of the first and second cover portions. The first and second surfaces are in facing relationship. In an example embodiment, the first surface is positioned on the first cover portion adjacent to the tongue. Further by way of example, the first and third channels surround a first bore. The second and fourth channels surround a second bore. The first and second bores are aligned with one another in this example.

The invention also encompasses a cover in combination with the assembly including the first and second pipe elements. In an example embodiment the assembly comprises a coupling joining the pipe elements in end to end relation. In an example embodiment of a combination with the assembly and the first and second pipe elements, the assembly comprises a valve. A first pipe coupling attaches the first pipe elements to the valve. A second pipe coupling attaches the second pipe element to the valve.

In another example embodiment the first and third channels surround a first bore. The second and fourth channels surround a second bore. The first and second bores are not aligned with one another in this example.

In an example combination of the cover, the assembly including the first and second pipe elements, the assembly comprises an elbow fitting. A first coupling joins the first pipe element to the elbow fitting. A second coupling joins the second pipe element to the elbow fitting.

An example cover according to the invention is used for further joining the first and second pipe elements to a third pipe element. In an example embodiment he first cover portion defines a fifth channel for receiving the third pipe element. The fifth channel is in communication with the first recess. The second cover portion defines a sixth channel for receiving the third pipe element. The sixth channel is in communication with the second recess. The fifth and sixth channels surround a third bore in this example. The third bore is not aligned with the first and the second bores.

Another example combination comprises a Tee fitting. A first coupling joins the first pipe element to the Tee fitting. A second coupling joins the second pipe element to the Tee fitting. A third coupling joins the third pipe element to the Tee fitting in this example embodiment.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an example cover <NUM> for insulating an assembly <NUM> joining pipe elements <NUM>. By way of example, assembly <NUM> comprises a grooved elbow fitting <NUM> and two mechanical couplings <NUM>. The cover could also be employed to insulate assemblies of other types, including single mechanical couplings for a straight connections, Tee fittings and valves as well as flanges, threaded or welded fittings and the like. In this example embodiment, cover <NUM> comprises a foam layer <NUM>, made of a material such as polyisocyanurate having a high insulation ("R") value of R=<NUM> per inch of thickness or greater. The foam layer <NUM> may have an exterior coating <NUM> which provides a vapor barrier of low permeability, mechanical durability, and weather resistance. Exterior coating <NUM> is advantageously polyurea, and it is desired that the foam layer <NUM> and coating <NUM> achieve a rating of less than <NUM>/<NUM> per ASTM E84 test criteria for flame propagation and smoke developed, respectively. The exterior coating <NUM> may also be provided by a shell of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). To provide further resistance to permeability, a supplementary coating of polyvinyldiene chloride may also be applied either to the external coating <NUM>, or to the foam layer <NUM> prior to the application of external coating <NUM>. In addition to insulating the assembly <NUM> and pipe elements <NUM> to prevent energy loss, the cover <NUM> is also expected to provide a vapor barrier to prevent condensate from forming, for example, when the pipe elements carry chilled water in a humid environment.

An example cover <NUM> according to the invention comprises first and second cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first cover portion <NUM> defines a first recess <NUM> for receiving the assembly <NUM>. First recess <NUM> is advantageously designed to be of sufficient volume such that it can accommodate known variations of the assembly, such as, in this example, the rotation of couplings <NUM> about the axes of the pipes to which they are connected (<FIG>). First cover portion <NUM> also has a first sidewall <NUM> which defines a first channel <NUM>, and a second sidewall <NUM> which defines a second channel <NUM>. Both the first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM> are in communication with the first recess <NUM> and receive the pipe elements <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second cover portion <NUM> defines a second recess <NUM> for receiving the assembly <NUM> as well as a third sidewall <NUM> defining a third channel <NUM> and a fourth sidewall <NUM> defining a fourth channel <NUM> for receiving the pipe elements <NUM>. The third and fourth channels <NUM> and <NUM> are in communication with the second recess <NUM>, and, the second recess and third and fourth channels, being respective mirror images of the first recess and first and second channels, allow the first and second cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> to cooperate to surround and insulate the assembly <NUM> and portions of the pipe elements <NUM> included in the assembly as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first perimeter face <NUM> is positioned on the first cover portion <NUM>. First perimeter face <NUM> surrounds the first recess <NUM> and the first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, second cover portion <NUM> has a second perimeter face <NUM> which is a mirror image of the first perimeter face <NUM>. The second perimeter face <NUM> surrounds the second recess <NUM> and the third and fourth channels <NUM> and <NUM>. The first and second perimeter faces <NUM> and <NUM> are the interface surfaces at which the first and second cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> are joined to surround the assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a first canal <NUM> is positioned in the first sidewall <NUM>, the first canal being oriented transversely to the first channel <NUM>. A second canal <NUM> is positioned in the second sidewall <NUM> and oriented transversely to the second channel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a third canal <NUM> is positioned in the third sidewall <NUM> of the second cover portion <NUM> and a fourth canal <NUM> is positioned in the fourth sidewall <NUM> of the second cover portion <NUM>. Analogously to the first and second canals <NUM> and <NUM>, the third and fourth canals <NUM> and <NUM> are oriented transversely to the third and fourth channels (<NUM> and <NUM>, respectively) of the second cover portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of a portion of the cover <NUM> taken at line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> in a direction perpendicular to the first and second perimeter faces <NUM> and <NUM> thereby showing the first canal <NUM> in the first channel <NUM> of the first cover portion <NUM> and the third canal <NUM> in the third channel <NUM> of the second cover portion <NUM>. The first and third canals <NUM> and <NUM> circumferentially surround the pipe element <NUM> and provide a region for a seal to reside and completely seal the interface between the first and third channels <NUM> and <NUM> and the pipe element <NUM>. The configuration of the second and fourth canals <NUM> and <NUM> is similar for sealing the interface between pipe element <NUM> and the second and fourth channels <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second cover portions (not shown). Using the canals to seal the pipe elements <NUM> is expected to provide significant advantage over prior art insulation systems, as moisture ingress often occurs at the interface between the insulation layers and the pipe elements.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, it is advantageous to use a tongue and groove arrangement to join the first and second cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In this example embodiment the cover portions are advantageously designed to eliminate the need for differentiated "male" and "female" counterparts. The first and second perimeter faces <NUM> and <NUM> of the cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> (respectively) are inverted mirror images of each other. To that end, at least a first portion <NUM> of the first perimeter face <NUM> of the first cover portion <NUM> comprises a groove <NUM> extending therealong. This groove <NUM> receives a tongue <NUM> extending along a first portion <NUM> of the second perimeter face <NUM> of the second cover portion <NUM>. Furthermore, the groove <NUM> in the first portion <NUM> of the first perimeter face <NUM> of the first cover portion <NUM> is in fluid communication with the first canal <NUM> of the first channel <NUM> as well as the third canal <NUM> of the third channel <NUM> of the second cover portion <NUM>, thereby providing a region continuous with the groove <NUM> where a seal can reside which seals between the pipe element <NUM> and the channels <NUM> and <NUM>. Consistent with the asexual design of the cover <NUM>, at least a second portion <NUM> of the first perimeter face <NUM> of the first cover portion <NUM> comprises a tongue <NUM> extending therefrom. Tongue <NUM> is received within a mating groove <NUM> in a second portion <NUM> of the second perimeter face <NUM> of the second cover portion <NUM>. Groove <NUM> is furthermore in fluid communication with the second canal <NUM> of the second channel <NUM> and the fourth canal <NUM> of the fourth channel <NUM>, thus providing a region continuous with the groove <NUM> where a seal can reside which seals between the pipe element <NUM> and the second and fourth channels <NUM> and <NUM>. Upon assembly of cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>, the groove <NUM> within the first portion <NUM> of the first perimeter face <NUM> of the first cover portion <NUM> is in fluid communication with the groove <NUM> in the second portion <NUM> of the second perimeter face <NUM> of the second cover portion <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> and <NUM> within the various portions of the first and second cover portions combine to form a continuous three dimensional perimeter <NUM> in fluid communication, which is shown outlined in broken line in <FIG> and is seen to continuously traverse the tongue and groove interface between the first and second cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> as well as the canals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> (canals <NUM> and <NUM> visible) surrounding the pipe elements. Thus the combination grooves and canals permit the entire cover <NUM> to be completely sealed by a seal, which is preferentially contiguous, extending between the cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> as well as between the cover portions and the pipe elements <NUM>, isolating the recesses <NUM> and <NUM> and the assembly <NUM> therein from the environment outside of the insulation cover.

<FIG> shows an example of a seal <NUM> which is received within the grooves and canals forming the three dimensional perimeter <NUM>. Seal <NUM> may comprise an extruded sealant, such as a caulk, applied directly to the grooves and canals prior to assembling the cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> to one another about the assembly <NUM>. In another embodiment, the seal <NUM> could be formed from a rope caulk laid in the grooves and canals of the cover portions. In a further embodiment, the seal <NUM> could be a continuous or partially continuous gasket which is applied, wholly or in piece parts to the grooves and canals of one or the other or both cover portions prior to assembly. During assembly of the various seal embodiments with the cover portions the tongue and groove joints between the cover portions are designed to force the seal toward the outer surface of the cover <NUM> as described below.

<FIG> show a cross section of an example tongue <NUM> and groove <NUM> in detail (tongue and groove <NUM> and <NUM> may be similar). In this example, tongue <NUM> is asymmetric and comprises a relief surface <NUM>, oriented angularly with respect to the second perimeter face <NUM> of the second cover portion <NUM>. Tongue <NUM> further comprises an action surface <NUM> also oriented angularly with respect to the second perimeter face <NUM> of the second cover portion <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> engages the groove <NUM> in the first portion <NUM> of the first perimeter face <NUM> of the first cover portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). In this example, groove <NUM> is also asymmetric and comprises a back wall <NUM> configured to mate with the action surface <NUM> of tongue <NUM>. Groove <NUM> further comprises a trough <NUM> positioned adjacent to the back wall <NUM> and extending into the first perimeter face <NUM>. The engagement between groove <NUM> and tongue <NUM> is at a seam <NUM> which comprises a furrow <NUM> between the first and second cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Due to the asymmetries of the groove <NUM> and tongue <NUM> furrow <NUM> has an asymmetrical cross sectional shape and faces outwardly away from the channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> shown) as well as the recesses <NUM> and <NUM>. By opening outwardly the furrow <NUM> provides a visual cue to the user that suggests that it is intended to accept a seal. As shown in <FIG>, the furrow <NUM> is present where the tongue and groove join and can be used after assembly to provide visual confirmation that the seam <NUM> between the cover portions has been adequately sealed because the seal <NUM> (see <FIG>) will appear within the furrow <NUM> when forced out of the groove <NUM> when engaged by the tongue <NUM>. Through the geometrical arrangement of the asymmetrical tongue <NUM> and groove <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, in particular the engagement of action surface <NUM> with back wall <NUM> in the presence of adjacent trough <NUM> and relief surface <NUM>, the seal is preferentially forced outward into furrow <NUM>, instead of inwardly between the perimeter faces <NUM> and <NUM> of the cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>. This geometric arrangement is produced by ensuring that furrow <NUM> represents the "path of least resistance" to the flow of the seal as tongue <NUM> is brought into engagement with groove <NUM> during assembly. In this embodiment, the seal placed in groove <NUM> would face less resistance by flowing outwardly into furrow <NUM>, than to flow inwardly over back wall <NUM> and between perimeter faces <NUM> and <NUM>. As the curing of commonly-available sealing materials requires exposure to atmospheric moisture or oxygen, this preferential outward flow of seal <NUM> promotes a faster and more complete curing by preferentially moving that material outwardly into the furrow <NUM>. The volume defined by furrow <NUM> may also be advantageously set to accommodate a bead of sealant of customary size (a bead of <NUM>/<NUM>" to approximately <NUM>/<NUM>" in diameter being customary) to limit the likelihood that the seal <NUM> will extend beyond the volume defined by the furrow <NUM> (which would be considered undesirable) while still providing for visual confirmation of an adequate seal between the cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The flow of the seal <NUM> may be the same as described above for the engagement of tongue <NUM> with groove <NUM>, and the fact that the grooves <NUM> and <NUM> are in fluid communication will yield a continuous seal visible in a continuous furrow <NUM> extending along the entire seam <NUM> between the cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

In addition to the tongue and groove, a rabbet joint may also be used at the seam <NUM> between the first and second cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, to ensure proper alignment of the cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> when being joined, alignment blocks <NUM> are positioned adjacent to the second channel <NUM> and cutouts <NUM> are positioned adjacent to the first channel <NUM> in the first cover portion <NUM>. Consistent with the asexual nature of the cover, as shown in <FIG>, alignment blocks <NUM> are also positioned adjacent to the third channel <NUM> and cutouts <NUM> are positioned adjacent to the fourth channel <NUM> of the second cover portion <NUM>. When the cover portions are joined the alignment blocks <NUM> engage the cutouts <NUM> in each cover portion to ensure a proper fit. Use of a rabbet joint, with step-shaped alignment blocks and cutouts as shown, allows for an interference fit which provides a mechanical interlock of the cover portions upon initial assembly, thereby minimizing the need for additional work-holding during final assembly.

As shown in <FIG>, the canals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> shown) may also be advantageously designed to allow the seal <NUM> to be forced outwardly toward the surface of the cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> and thereby provide visible evidence of a complete seal of the cover <NUM> around the assembly <NUM>. First and third canals <NUM> and <NUM> are shown by way of example as having asymmetric cross sectional shapes as well as being oriented to face outwardly away from the recesses <NUM> and <NUM>. This arrangement will force the seal <NUM> to move outwardly toward the outer surface of the cover when the cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> are assembled about the assembly <NUM>. The second and fourth canals <NUM> and <NUM>, although not shown, may be similarly shaped and arranged.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show the example cover embodiment <NUM> wherein the first and third channels <NUM> and <NUM> surround a first bore <NUM> and the second and fourth channels <NUM> and <NUM> surround a second bore <NUM>. Bores <NUM> and <NUM> are not axially aligned with one another which allows the cover <NUM> to cover the assembly <NUM> comprising the elbow fitting <NUM>, mechanical couplings <NUM> and pipe elements <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another example cover embodiment <NUM> comprising first and second cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> have many of the same features as described above for cover portions <NUM> and <NUM>, with like reference characters being used to identify like elements. The first and second bores <NUM> and <NUM> of cover <NUM> are axially aligned which permits cover <NUM> to be used with an assembly <NUM> comprising a mechanical coupling <NUM> joining pipe elements <NUM> in end to end relation.

<FIG> show another example cover embodiment <NUM> used to cover an assembly joining a third pipe element <NUM> to first and second pipe elements <NUM> and <NUM>. The first cover portion <NUM> defines a fifth channel <NUM> in fluid communication with the first recess <NUM> and the second cover portion <NUM> defines a sixth channel <NUM> in fluid communication with the second recess <NUM>. When cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> are assembled (<FIG>) they define a third bore <NUM> which is not aligned with the first and second bores <NUM> and <NUM>. Cover <NUM> may be used with an assembly <NUM> (<FIG>) comprising a Tee fitting <NUM> and first, second and third couplings <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> joining first, second and third pipe elements <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> show an example cover embodiment <NUM> for covering an assembly <NUM> (<FIG>) comprising a valve <NUM> coupled to first and second pipe elements <NUM> and <NUM> using mechanical couplings <NUM> and <NUM>. Cover <NUM> comprises openings <NUM> in the first and second cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> to accommodate the valve stem <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> for cover portion <NUM>, the opening <NUM> is located along the seam <NUM> between the cover portions and interrupting the furrow <NUM> (see also <FIG>). First and second canals <NUM> extend along and surround the openings <NUM> in each cover portion (cover portion <NUM> shown). The canals <NUM> are in fluid communication with the furrow <NUM> and each receives a portion of the continuous seal (see <FIG>) which effects a seal between the cover portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the valve stem <NUM>. Thus even when the cover according to the invention is penetrated by an opening a continuous seal is maintained isolating the assembly from the ambient.

Claim 1:
A cover (<NUM>) positionable surrounding an assembly joining pipe elements (<NUM>), said cover (<NUM>) comprising:
a first cover portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining a first recess (<NUM>) for receiving said assembly, said first cover portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a first sidewall (<NUM>) defining a first channel (<NUM>) and a second sidewall (<NUM>) defining a second channel (<NUM>), said first and second channels (<NUM>, <NUM>) being in communication with said first recess (<NUM>), said first and second channels (<NUM>, <NUM>) for receiving said pipe elements (<NUM>);
a second cover portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining a second recess (<NUM>) for receiving said assembly, said second cover portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a third sidewall (<NUM>) defining a third channel (<NUM>) and a fourth sidewall (<NUM>) defining a fourth channel (<NUM>), said third and fourth channels (<NUM>, <NUM>) being in communication with said second recess (<NUM>), said third and fourth channels (<NUM>, <NUM>) for receiving said pipe elements (<NUM>);
said first and second cover portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being joined to one another to surround said assembly and said pipe elements (<NUM>) at a seam (<NUM>),
characterized in thatsaid seam (<NUM>) comprising a furrow (<NUM>) facing outwardly away from said first and second recesses (<NUM>, <NUM>).