Thermal Cover

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's ability to maintain its shape and it's effectiveness over time.

1 . A liquid transmission system thermal cover comprising:
 a heat barrier;   a wrapper that holds the heat barrier in place; and   an attachment mechanism that attaches the wrapper to the heat barrier.   
   
   
       2 . The thermal cover of  claim 1  wherein the heat barrier is a radiant heat barrier. 
   
   
       3 . The thermal cover of  claim 1  wherein the heat barrier comprises a foam layer. 
   
   
       4 . The thermal cover of  claim 3  wherein the foam layer is bubble wrap. 
   
   
       5 . The thermal cover of  claim 1  wherein the heat barrier further comprises at least one foil backing. 
   
   
       6 . The thermal cover of  claim 5  wherein the foam layer has strength capable of providing structural support for the at least one foil backing. 
   
   
       7 . The thermal cover of  claim 5  wherein the at least one foil backing is bonded to a foam layer of the heat barrier. 
   
   
       8 . The thermal cover of  claim 1  further comprising an insulated pad. 
   
   
       9 . The thermal cover of  claim 8  wherein the insulated pad is comprised of spun non-woven polyester fiber. 
   
   
       10 . The thermal cover of  claim 8  wherein the wrapper is sewn to the insulated pad. 
   
   
       11 . The thermal cover of  claim 10  wherein stitching that attaches the wrapper to the insulated pad is sewn in the shape of a semi-circle positioned at the edge of a centerfold of the thermal cover. 
   
   
       12 . The thermal cover of  claim 1  wherein the wrapper comprises a moisture resistive material. 
   
   
       13 . The thermal cover of  claim 1  wherein the wrapper comprises an abrasion-resistant material. 
   
   
       14 . The thermal cover of  claim 1  wherein the wrapper is coated with a barrier to liquid. 
   
   
       15 . The thermal cover of  claim 14  wherein the barrier to liquid is a polymer coating. 
   
   
       16 . The thermal cover of  claim 1  further comprising at least one extension to hold the thermal cover in position over a test/valve attachment. 
   
   
       17 . The thermal cover of  claim 16  further comprising an attachment mechanism to temporarily hold the thermal cover in position during installation of a tie. 
   
   
       18 . The thermal cover of  claim 1  wherein the wrapper comprises an inner covering and an outer covering stitched together in two parallel lines positioned along the edge of the inner covering and the outer covering. 
   
   
       19 . The thermal cover of  claim 1  further comprising at least one securing mechanism attached to the wrapper wherein the at least one securing mechanism is large enough within which to attach a locking device, the locking device thereby securing the thermal cover to a device positioned underneath the thermal cover. 
   
   
       20 . The thermal cover of  claim 19  wherein the at least one securing mechanism is a grommet. 
   
   
       21 . The thermal cover of  claim 19  wherein the at least one securing mechanism is positioned at an open end of the thermal cover. 
   
   
       22 . The thermal cover of  claim 19  wherein the at least one securing mechanism is positioned on the edge of the thermal cover in such position with respect to the edge of the device positioned underneath the thermal cover so as to tightly secure the underneath device within the thermal cover. 
   
   
       23 . The thermal cover of  claim 19  wherein the at least one securing mechanism is positioned on the edge of the thermal cover in such position with respect to the edge of the device positioned underneath the thermal cover so as to create a weather tight attachment of the thermal cover to the device positioned underneath the thermal cover. 
   
   
       24 . A backflow prevention system thermal cover comprising:
 an insulated pad, the insulated pad being comprised of spun non-woven polyester fiber;   a foam heat barrier having a foam layer and at least one foil backing; and   a mold and mildew-resistive wrapper that holds the insulated pad and heat barrier
 wherein the mold and mildew-resistive wrapper is stitched to the insulated pad in the shape of a semi-circle positioned at the edge of a centerfold of the backflow prevention system thermal cover. 
   
   
   
       25 . An apparatus for thermally protecting a liquid transmission system comprising:
 an insulated pad;   a heat barrier; and   a wrapper that holds the insulated pad and heat barrier;   means for attaching the wrapper to the heat barrier and the insulated pad;   means for structurally supporting a foil backing of the heat barrier;   means for protecting the apparatus from mold, mildew and abrasion.