Method of applying an insulating connector

Abstract

A laminated tubular connector for splicing or terminating electric conductors, comprising an outer layer of a heat shrinkable dielectric material, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, and an inner layer of a relatively soft, self-adhesive, low temperature flowable thermoplastic material, preferably a polyvinyl acetate composition. When heat is applied to the connector, the outer layer shrinks and the inner layer functions as a sealant and a cushioning agent. The adhesiveness of the inner layer may be used to hold the connector in place during subsequent operations by pinching the connector so that the depressed portions of the tube adhere to each other prior to heating the connector to shrink the outer layer.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for insulating an electrical joint having at least one conductive wire, comprising the steps of inserting the joint into a laminated tubular connector having a relatively rigid, heat-shrinkable dielectric outer layer .Iadd.comprising a plurality of spirally wound strips .Iaddend.and .Iadd.having .Iaddend.an .[.adhesive.]. inner layer .Iadd.comprising an adhesive which is pressure sensitive at ambient temperatures.Iaddend., pinching a portion of said connector .Iadd.together without heating the connector .Iaddend.to seal portions of said inner layer to itself whereby a desired relative positioning of said joint and said connector may be maintained during assembly operations, and subsequently heating said connector to shrink said outer layer and to cause said inner layer to flow about said joint. 
     
     
       2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the pinching step comprises pinching an end of said connector prior to the step of inserting the joint into the connector. 
     
     
       3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the pinching step comprises pinching an end of said connector after the step of inserting the joint into the connector. 
     
     
       4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the pinching step comprises pinching an intermediate portion along the length of the connector. 
     
     
       5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said adhesive inner layer comprises a synthetic polymeric pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     
     
       6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the pinching step also bonds portions of said inner layer to said electrical joint.