Method and device for the protection of a pipe portion

Abstract

The present invention provides a method, device and tools for the protection of cadmium welds, holidays or the like on underground pipe portions, wherein the device includes a patch having a fibrous material and a hydrophobic agent that is adapted to form a substantial seal about the pipe portion or otherwise coat the pipe portion with an anti-corrosion agent upon application.

1 - 28 . (canceled)  
   
   
       29 . A patch for protecting pipe portions, the patch comprising: 
 a fibrous open cell material having a first side and a second side; and    a hydrophobic agent applied to the first or second side, wherein upon application of the patch to a pipe portion the pipe portion is substantially sealed from the surrounding environment.    
   
   
       30 . The patch of  claim 29 , wherein the fibrous open cell material comprises a woven material.  
   
   
       31 . The patch of  claim 30 , wherein the woven material comprises a cloth, fleece, fabric, lace or netting.  
   
   
       32 . The patch of  claim 29 , wherein the fibrous open cell material comprises a non-woven material.  
   
   
       33 . The patch of  claim 32 , wherein the non-woven material comprises a felt, sponge, foam or fibrous wadding.  
   
   
       34 . The patch to  claim 32 , wherein the fibrous material comprises felt.  
   
   
       35 . The patch of  claim 29 , wherein the hydrophobic agent includes a petroleum product.  
   
   
       36 . The patch of  claim 35 , wherein the hydrophobic agent includes a wax.  
   
   
       37 . The patch of  claim 29 , wherein upon application of the hydrophobic agent to the fibrous open cell material at least a portion of the open cells become saturated with the hydrophobic agent.  
   
   
       38 . The patch of  claim 29 , further comprising a flexible backing attached to the first or second side of the fibrous open cell material opposite the hydrophobic agent.  
   
   
       39 . The patch of claims  38 , wherein the flexible backing comprises a polymeric material.  
   
   
       40 . The patch of  claim 38 , wherein the flexible backing includes an attachment member for engagement with a corresponding attachment member.  
   
   
       41 . The patch of  claim 40 , wherein the attachment member of the flexible backing comprises a friction fit configuration, hook and latch configuration or an adhesive.  
   
   
       42 . A patch for protecting pipe portions, the patch comprising: 
 a fibrous open cell material having a first side and a second side;    a flexible backing attached to the first or second side of the fibrous open cell material, the flexible backing including an attachment feature for engagement with a corresponding attachment feature; and    a hydrophobic agent applied to the first or second side opposite the flexible backing, the hydrophobic agent including at least one petroleum product and wax, wherein upon application of the hydrophobic agent to the fibrous open cell material at least a portion of the open cells become saturated with the hydrophobic agent.    
   
   
       43 . The patch of  claim 42 , wherein the fibrous open cell material comprises a woven material.  
   
   
       44 . The patch of  claim 43 , wherein the woven material comprises a cloth, fleece, fabric, lace or netting.  
   
   
       45 . The patch of  claim 42 , wherein the fibrous open cell material comprises a non-woven material.  
   
   
       46 . The patch of  claim 45 , wherein the non-woven material comprises a felt, sponge, foam or fibrous wadding.  
   
   
       47 . The patch of  claim 42 , wherein the attachment member of the flexible backing comprises a friction fit configuration, hook and latch configuration or an adhesive.  
   
   
       48 . The patch of claims  42 , wherein the flexible backing comprises a polymeric material.