MXPA96001954A - Protection of joint or gasket for submarine cable and insulation using tuberia termocontrai - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for protecting and isolating a junction box, the junction box is coupled to the proximal ends of at least two of a plurality of cable segments that form a cable, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) providing an article of manufacture that includes at least two hollow segments, each of at least two elements is formed from a heat-shrinkable material, the heat-shrinkable material has an expanded state and a non-expanded state, wherein one of the two elements are at least in the unexpanded state, a second of the two elements at least is in the expanded state and at least the two elements are coupled to constitute a single integrally formed unit having a continuous through passage, b) placing the f element not expanded against a poricon of the junction box in order to locate the portions of the junction box and cable segments within the passage in a predetermined position, such that the f unexpanded element and the location portion have an insubstantial relative movement as the article is heated according to the heating step, c), and c) heating the article such that the second element contracts to substantially reach the unexpanded state to thereby cause the second elements to be disposed with respect to predetermined portions of the junction box and cable segments in a form of substantially proximal adjustment.

Description

PROTECTION OF SPLICE OR GASKET FOR UNDERWATER CABLE AND INSULATION USING THERMODONTOBLE UBERIA Cross Reference to Related Request The patent application of the E. U.A. Do not . of Series 08/451248 was presented concurrently with this. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to communication cables. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for providing protection and insulation for an underwater cable splice or joint, using heat shrink tubing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Optical fibers are widely used today, as the component for transporting information from communication cables due to their large bandwidth and small size capabilities. However, they are mechanically fragile, exhibit undesirable fractures under some tensile loads and degrade the transmission of light under some radial compressive loads, due to a phenomenon known as loss of micro-buckling. The optical fibers can be subjected to stress loading during the laying and recovery operations of fiber optic cables. Radial compressive loads are typically exerted on optical fibers as a result of hydrostatic water pressure in subsea applications. Radial compression loads can also result from crushing and impact by dragging, anchoring and other vessel-related activities. Optical fibers are also susceptible to chemical reaction accelerated by tension between the glass material used in the optical fiber and water, known as stress corrosion. Stress corrosion is a phenomenon where small microcracks in the glass can increase in size, which can adversely affect the mechanical and optical performance of the fiber optic cable. Optical losses in the fibers due to diffusion of hydrogen inside the fiber optic cable (where, for example, hydrogen can be produced by corrosion of metal portions of the cable) represent another potential limitation in the performance of fiber optic cable. Optical fiber cables often comprise one or more optical fibers, as well as non-optical elements such as reinforcing members that support tensile and compressive loads, imposed on the cable while in operation. Some fiber optic cables can also use electrically conductive elements to carry power to repeaters for energy transport or for low current signaling, for example. Optical fiber cables typically are joined from a series of smaller segments to form long extensions that can be employed, for example in trans-oceanic applications or other long-distance ones. The splice or joint between the cable segments is often done using what is conventionally known as a "junction box". The junction box, which is typically formed from high strength materials including steel, houses the splices that provide a continuous optical path between the individual optical fibers in the cable segments. In addition, the reinforcing elements within the cable segments are typically joined using the junction box to give the desired mechanical continuity to the fiber optic cable. To protect the brittle optical fibers in the junction box against environmental hazards (particularly the noxious leakage of water into the junction box) and provide sufficient electrical insulation to any current carrying elements that can be joined in the junction box, some typical undersea fiber optic cables using a substantial polymer cover (often high density polyethylene) that is molded directly around the junction box in an "over molding" process. While over-molding in general provides satisfactory results in some applications, can be cost effective in other applications, because the required molding equipment is expensive and the molding process is relatively slow, thus restricting the production speeds of the joint or joint. Furthermore, in order to ensure adequate integrity of the polymer over molding coverage, in general, x-ray inspection is performed to detect gaps and incomplete mold filling among other defects, which represents additional equipment costs and contributes to the time of production of the joint or board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide substantial protection and insulation to underwater cable joints or joints. A further object of the invention is to provide said protection and insulation in an effective manner, without using expensive x-ray and molding equipment. These and other objects are satisfied according to the invention by a novel method for protecting and isolating a junction box employing a protective cover having at least two hollow elements that are formed from a heat-shrinkable material. The heat shrinkable material has an expanded state and a state without expander. Upon application of heat, the heat shrinkable material in the expanded state shrinks or shrinks in such a way that it substantially returns to the unexpanded state. At least one of the elements forming the protective article is in the unexpanded state, while other elements are in the expanded state. The hollow elements are coupled to form a single integrally formed unit, having a continuous through passage. The unexpanded element is placed against a local portion of the junction box, to locate portions of the junction box and cable segments within the passage at a predetermined position, such that the first unexpanded element and the location portion they undergo relative insubstantial movement as the protective cover heats up. The heating of the protective cover causes the expanded elements to shrink in such a way that they are disposed approximately in predetermined portions of the junction box and cable segments in a form of substantial tight fit. Advantageously, the method described above facilitates the installation of the protective cover due to the insubstantial relative movement between the unexpanded element and the location portion of the junction box allow adequate alignment of the protective cover and junction box to maintain even the elements Expansions of the cover shrink and move relative to the junction box and cable segments during the heating stage. In an illustrative example of the invention, the protective cover is formed from heat shrinkable polyolefin tubes which are arranged as a first substantially cylindrical expanded portion, a second substantially expanded cylindrical portion having a relatively smaller diameter than the first portion, and a non-expanded conical transition portion, which couples the first and second portions. The unexpanded conical transition portion functions to precisely locate the protective article against a termination plug portion similarly to the junction box. An adhesive is applied to portions of the interior surfaces from the protective cover. After cleaning and heating the cable segments and junction box to improve adhesive addition, the protective cover is placed and heated to cause the cylindrical portions to shrink, so that they are arranged around predetermined portions of the junction box and cable segments in a substantially closed fit form. The diameters of the cylindrical portions of the article in the unexpanded state are chosen in such a way that nominal circumferential tension is created in these portions during heating, in order to thereby minimize entrapment of air and gaps in the adhesive. Two protective covers overlap to maximize dielectric strength to the decks and to implement the path length for water ingress in the joint. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Figure 1 is a side view of an illustrative junction box and cable segments that are useful in illustrating the principles of the invention. Figure 2 shows the illustrative junction box and cable segments illustrated in Figure 2 and further provides a cross-sectional view of the protective covers according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows an illustrative example of a protective cover in an original molded configuration according to the invention. Figure 4 shows an illustrative example of a protective cover in an expanded configuration according to the invention. Figures 5 and 6 show side views on the protective covers to illustrate aspects of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following section will describe the invention with respect to specific embodiments such as overall size, geometry, dimensions and materials employed, to protect and isolate a junction box that connects communications cable segments falling within the scope of the invention. invention. However, the invention is not limited to the specific dimensions and materials employed in the following description, nor is it limited to cable applications only. As will be apparent from the discussion that follows, the invention described below is useful in any application where cost effective protection and isolation is desired for a device or article. Figure 1 is a side view of a junction box 10 and cable segments 15 and 19 that are useful in illustrating the principles of the invention. Now with reference to Figure 2, a side view of the illustrative junction box 10 and cable segments 15 and 19 illustrated in Figure 1 is illustrated, and further provides a cross-sectional view of the protective covers 20 and 25 that incorporate the principles of the invention. It is noted that the junction box and cable segments illustrated in the figures and described below are merely illustrative. It is contemplated that the principles of the invention can be readily applied to many cable and splice box designs, including cables employed in both terrestrial and subsea applications. The junction box 10 is coupled to cable segments 15 and 19. The cable segments 15 and 19 are typically joined by junction boxes, such as junction box 10, to form larger cables or systems that can be deployed, for example as part of a larger communications system such as a long distance submarine communication system. The following information concerning the architecture of cable segments 15 and 19 is provided for illustrative purposes only. It is emphasized that the invention is applicable to many cable designs, however the particular details of the cable design do not. they are required to facilitate the practice of the invention. The cable segments 15 and 19 typically include optical fibers which may for example be arranged in a cable core. Arranged around the cable core, in an annular form, are metal reinforcing members. An annular outer insulating jacket is then placed with respect to the reinforcing members to complete the cable segment. The cable segments 15 and 19 may also include current carrying elements such as copper liners that may be disposed between the reinforcing members and the outer insulating jacket. In this illustrative example, the outer insulating jacket is formed from polyethylene, for example high density polyethylene. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the reinforcing members are typically used to carry tensile and compressive loads applied to the cable segments 15 and 19. The junction box 10 includes in this illustrative example, a substantially cylindrical metallic housing 27 which it is coupled to the termination plugs 30 and 35. The termination plugs 30 and 35 are used to mechanically couple cable segments 15 and 19, respectively, to the junction box 10. The termination plugs 30 and 35 in this illustrative example, they are metallic elements that are mechanically fastened using conventional fastening means to the metallic reinforcement members of cable segments 15 and 19. It is noted that the full diameter of the cable segment, including the outer insulating jacket, may enter the termination plug, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, or some of the annular insulation jacket may be detached along with some portion of the proximal ends of the cable segments for this way expose the underlying reinforcement members or lining. Termination plugs 30 and 35 are engaged by intermediate coupling means (not shown), for example using a threaded connection, such that the mechanical loads can be transferred from the cable segment 15 to the cable segment 19 and vice versa, so such that mechanical continuity is provided to the larger communication cable formed by the joining of the cable segments. End plugs 30 and 35 in this illustrative example are shaped like a log (ie they have a substantially conical configuration in which the portion of the cone on a plane that is parallel to the base of the cone is removed) as illustrated in the Figures 1 and 2. However, it is emphasized that the selection of its particular shape for termination plugs 30 and 35 is merely illustrative, since the invention is intended to encompass other forms of termination plugs. The large end of the cone confines the end of the cylindrical housing 27 and the smaller end of the cone includes an opening to allow passage of the cable segments to the interior space of the junction box 10. In some designs of junction box, the plugs The termination means may be attached to the housing, using for example conventional fastening means, such that the housing is also a load-bearing member of the cable seal. The housing 27 is used to create an interior space in the junction box 10 containing the aforementioned intermediate coupling means. The junction box 10 also contains a receptacle for containing the individual splices (not shown) that are typically used to provide a continuous optical path between the individual optical fibers that are contained in the cable segments 15 and 19. In some junction boxes , these intermediate coupling means and receptacle can be formed integrally. It is noted that the interior space of the junction box 10 and its contents are not particularly pertinent to the invention by hand, therefore, greater details regarding this space and contents are not provided here. Arranged around the junction box 10 and the cable segments 15 and 19, in an annular form, are protective covers 20 and 25 as illustrated in Figure 2. Protective covers 20 and 25 are employed, in accordance with the principles of the invention, to provide the cable joint connection both with mechanical protection against environmental risks or hazards (such as water access inside the junction box 10) and electrical insulation to any element carrying current that can be joined inside the junction box 10 As noted above, this functionality to date is typically provided utilizing elaborate and expensive polyethylene molds. A single layer of protective cover is used around the outer areas of the proximal ends of the cable segments 15 and 19 and around the outer surfaces of termination plugs, tapered 30 and 35. Two layers are provided with respect to the housing 27 use overlapping protective covers. Advantageously, the use of overlapping protective covers maximizes the dielectric strength of the insulation provided by the covers and also maximizes the path length that the water must travel to reach the junction box 10. Protective covers 20 and 25 form from molded heat shrink tubing. While in this illustrative example, tubes are used they have substantially circular cross sectionsIt is emphasized that other cross sections, for example rectangular cross sections, are intended to fall within the scope of the invention. Heat shrinkable materials are known and include, for example, polyolefin polymeric materials. In some applications of the invention, it may be advantageous that protective covers 20 and 25 are configured identically to reduce the number of different parts required to provide splice or joint protection and insulation.

As illustrated in Figures 2-4, each protective cover includes a first substantially cylindrical portion 21; a second substantially cylindrical portion 23 having a diameter relatively smaller than the first portion; and a conical transition portion 22 that couples the first and second portions. The preferred material for protective covers 20 and 25 is a semi-rigid polyolefin material that is commercially available from Raychem Corporation. While other known heat shrinkable polymers are also contemplated as being useful in some applications of the invention, these materials are somewhat less preferred. In this illustrative example, a polyamide adhesive is applied to the inner surface (ie on the concave side) of the cylindrical portions of the protective covers 20 and 25. A preferred adhesive is supplied under the designation "S-1017" by Raychem Corporation. In some applications, it may also be convenient to apply this adhesive to the inner surface of the conical transition portions of the protective covers 20 and 25. This adhesive is illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 and represented by the reference number 75. Note that while the use of the adhesive is generally preferred, it may be convenient to omit the adhesive in some applications of the invention, particularly those in which the environmental conditions are less severe, such as in shallow water conditions, or for example when cables are anticipated in service for a relatively short period of time. In Figure 2, the adhesive 75 is incorporated as a continuous layer. In Figure 4, an alternative adhesive mode is illustrated where it is applied on a spiral strip. It will be noted that during the application of heat in the heat shrinkage process (described below) this strip of adhesive can be dispersed in such a way that a continuous adhesive layer is formed. It is noted that any pattern of adhesive application is intended to fall within the scope of the invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the techniques of heat shrinkable tubing, the protective covers 20 and 25 are first molded to a predetermined molded configuration (ie without expander) and then expanded to a predetermined expanded configuration, wherein various dimensions of the protective covers (particularly, the diameters of the first and second cylindrical portions 21 and 23 as defined above) are increased to facilitate their installation on the junction box and fiber optic cable segments. As used herein, the term "molded configuration" refers to the configuration of the molded protective covers. The term "expanded configuration" refers to the configuration of the protective covers after the aforementioned expansion step. Figure 3 shows the protective covers 20 and 25 in the molded configuration, Figure 4 shows protective covers 20 and 25 in the expanded configuration. Once placed on the junction box 10, the application of heat to the protective covers 20 and 25 will cause them to shrink so that they substantially return to their original molded configuration. In this illustrative example, the dimensions of the first and second cylindrical portions of the protective covers in the molded configuration are chosen to be of a slightly subdimensional size, as compared to the respective external diameters of the housing 27 and cable segments 15 and 19 This slight undersizing creates a nominal circumferential tension in the cylindrical sections of the protective covers, which is advantageously sufficient to minimize entrapment of air and gaps in the adhesive 75, as the protective covers 20 and 25 shrink or shrink in size before the heat application. It is noted that said advantage can not be obtained using conventional non-shrinkable materials such as molded plastics which are typically used to protect and insulate cable seal boxes. Again with reference to Figures 3 and 4, these figures show that the cylindrical portions 21 and 23 of the protective covers 20 and 25, in the molded configuration, expand in diameter, using for example a conventional mandrel or other expansion tool, in order to arrive at the expanded configuration. However, the conical transition portion 22 of protective covers 20 and 25, in this illustrative example, maintains a substantially constant length and wall angle in both the molded and expanded configurations. The length of the conical transition portion of the protective covers 20 and 25 is denoted by the dimension "1" and the wall angle is denoted by the angle "a" in the figures. This result is achieved because according to the principles of the invention, only cylindrical portions 21 and 23 of the protective covers 20 and 25 are expanded, while the conical transition portion 22 is intentionally left without expansion. This scheme allows the length 1 and the angle of the wall a to be maintained substantially constant as the protective covers shrink back to their original molded configuration upon application of heat. Figures 3 and 4 further illustrate that the total length of the expanded protective covers 20 and 25 is shorter with respect to the molded configuration. In this manner, those skilled in the art will recognize that, during the application of heat, protective covers 20 and 25 will expand in length (in the axial direction), as the cylindrical portions 21 and 23 shrink in diameter.

The maintenance of a substantially constant length 1 and the wall angle a through the shrinking process, advantageously allows the conical transition portion of the protective covers 20 and 25 to be located precisely in relation to the junction box 10. Specifically, the wall angle o; it is chosen to correspond substantially to the respective angle of the termination plugs 30 and 35. Because the length 1 and angle of wall a is maintained substantially constant during the thermo-contraction process, there is only insubstantial relative movement between the portion Conical transition 22 of the protective covers 20 and 25 and the termination plugs 30 and 35, respectively, even as the cylindrical portions 21 and 23 expand outwardly in the axial direction as their diameters shrink. This precise location of the transition portion 22 further allows the cylindrical portions of the protective covers 20 and 25 to be located precisely in relation to the junction box 10, which advantageously facilitates the installation of the protective covers. This precise location feature further ensures that the protective covers 20 and 25 are properly aligned and overlap during installation to maximize their protection and insulation functions in accordance with their intended design. While it is recognized that some change to the length 1 and / or wall angle a will likely occur during expansion, it is intended that this change be insubstantial so that the location feature discussed above can be achieved. Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 5, the length 1 may be slightly decreased to the length 1 'to allow the increase in diameter of the second cylindrical portion 23 of the protective covers 20 and 25, during the aforementioned expansion step. In Figure 5, the molded configuration is represented by a solid line and the expanded configuration is represented by a dotted line. Alternately, as illustrated in Figure 6, the wall angle or; may increase slightly to a '. It is also recognized that it may be desirable in some applications of the invention to vary both the length 1 and 3 in insubstantial quantities to allow the diameter increase of the aforementioned second cylindrical portion of the protective covers 20 and 25. A description of the preferred method of installing protective covers 20 and 25 is now presented. The method begins by sliding the protective covers 20 and 25 over the cable segments 15 and 19, respectively. The cable segments 15 and 19 are then coupled to the termination plugs 30 and 35, the optical fibers are spliced, etc., so that the junction box is completed and ready to accept isolation and protection . The cable segments 15 and 19 are then prepared by eroding or roughing the surface of the proximal ends of the segments. This eroding of surface can be achieved for example by reciprocating a sanding section with respect to the proximal ends of the cable segments such that a set of small circumferential (but not axial) grooves is created in the outer insulation jacket. The use of 150 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper gives satisfactory results in the surface eroding stage. Next, the entire surface of the proximal ends of the cable segments 15 and 19, as well as the junction box 10 is completely cleaned with a cleaning agent to remove undesirable foreign substances. Isopropyl alcohol is an example of a convenient cleaning agent. If the annular insulating jacket does not enter the termination plugs 30 and 35, as discussed above, the tape comprising the above-mentioned adhesive S-1017 is preferably wrapped around the exposed reinforcing members or the copper lining until the outer diameter of the cable segments is reached. The proximal end of the cable segment 19 is then treated to flame, for example using a propane torch. This flame treatment has advantageously been shown to improve the adhesion of the adhesive layer 75. The housing 27 is also heated to promote adhesion, for example using a torch, or using heating means with resistance such as a heating blanket, tape heating or band heater. The protective cover 20 is then placed over the junction box 10 and the cable segment 19 using the aforementioned location feature. Heat used is applied for example a torch, first from the conical transition portion 22 and then the cylindrical portions 21 and 23 of the protective cover 20, such that the cylindrical portions are shrunk starting at the ends of the conical transition portion. and then progressively outward in both axial directions. This heating process helps to minimize entrapment of air and voids in the adhesive layer 75. After thermal shrinkage, the protective cover 20 is eroded with sandpaper to create a series of circumferential grooves, and completely cleans with a cleaning agent such as isopropyl alcohol. The proximal end of cable segment 15 is treated with flame in a similar manner as described above. The junction box 10 and the previously installed protective cover 20 is also heated. The protective cover 25 is then placed and located on the junction box 1Q and the cable segment 15 in a similar manner with the protective cover 20. The heat is applied to the protective cover 25, in a similar manner as described above, such that the cylindrical portions shrink starting at the ends of the conical transition portion and then progressively outward in both axial directions. It will be understood that the particular techniques described above are only illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and that various modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, which is limited only by those skilled in the art. claims that follow. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (27)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method to protect and isolate a junction box, the junction box is coupled to the proximal ends of at least two of a plurality of cable segments that can be formed, the method being characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) providing an article of manufacture which includes at least two hollow segments, each of at least two elements being formed from a heat shrinkable material, the heat shrinkable material having an expanded state and an unexpanded state, wherein at least one of the two elements is in the unexpanded state, a second of the two elements at least is in the expanded state and at least the two elements are coupled to form a single integrally formed unit having a continuous through passage, - b) placing the first unexpanded element against a portion of the junction box in order to locate the portions of the junction box and cable segments within the passage in a predetermined position This is so that the first unexpanded element and the location portion have an insubstantial relative movement as the article is heated according to the heating step c), - and c) heating the article so that the second element is heated. It contracts to substantially reach the unexpanded state so as to cause the second elements to be disposed with respect to predetermined portions of the junction box and cable segments in a substantially close fit form.
2. 2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that some of the selected elements are tubular.
3. 3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that one of the selected elements has a rectangular cross section.
4. 4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that one of the selected elements is formed from a polymer
5. 5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that the polymer is polyolefin.
6. 6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that the polyolefin polymer is semi-rigid.
7. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that the selected surfaces of the article are coated with an adhesive.
8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that the adhesive is a polyamide adhesive.
9. 9. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that it further includes step d) comprising: placing a first unexpanded element of a second article of manufacture that is provided according to step a) against a box location portion of splicing in order to locate portions of the junction box and cable segments within the passage at a predetermined position, such that the first unexpanded member and the location portion have relative unsubstantial movement as the article heats up subsequently.
10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that it further includes a step e) comprising: heating the second article in such a way that the second element contracts or shrinks to substantially reach the unexpanded state to thereby cause that the second elements are disposed in respect of predetermined portions of the first article and the junction box and cable segments in a form of substantially close fit.
11. 11. A method to protect and isolate a junction box, the junction box is coupled to the proximal ends of at least two of the plurality of cable segments that form a cable, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a ) provide an article of manufacture that has three hollow elements, each of the elements is formed from a heat shrinkable material, e? heat shrinkable material has an expanded state and an unexpanded state, wherein one of the three elements is in the unexpanded state, a second of the three elements is in the expanded state, a third of the three elements is in the expanded state and the three elements are coupled to form a single integrally formed unit having a continuous through passage, the third element is located between the first element and the second element; b) placing the first unexpanded element against a location portion of the junction box, to locate portions of the junction box and cable segments within the passage in a predetermined position such that the first unexpanded portion and the portion of location have relative insubstantial movement as the article is heated according to the heating step c), - and c) heating the article such that the second and third elements contract or shrink to substantially reach the unexpanded state for this way to cause the second and third element to be disposed, with respect to predetermined portions of the junction box and cable segments in a form of substantially close fit.
12. 12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that some of the selected elements are tubular.
13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that one of the selected elements has a rectangular cross section.
14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that one of the selected elements is formed from a polymer.
15. 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the polymer is polyolefin.
16. 16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the polyolefin polymer is semi-rigid.
17. 17. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that selected surfaces of the article are coated with adhesive.
18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the selected surfaces are polyamide adhesive.
19. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further includes a step d) comprising: placing a first non-expanded element of a second article of manufacture that is provided according to step a) against a portion of location of the junction box for locating portions of the junction box and cable segments within the passage in a predetermined position such that the first unexpanded member of the second article and the location portion have insubstantial relative movement as the article is subsequently heated .
20. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that it further includes a step e) comprising: heating the second article, such that the second element of the second article shrinks to substantially reach the unexpanded state to thereby causing the second element of the second article to be arranged with respect to predetermined portions of the first article and the junction box and cable segments in a form of substantially close fit.
21. 21. A method to protect and isolate a junction box, the junction box is coupled at the proximal ends of at least two of a plurality of cable segments forming a communication cable, the method is characterized by the steps of: eroding a portion of the surface of each of the segments nearby, - cleaning the eroded portions and exposed surfaces of the junction box to remove unwanted substances from the eroded portions and the exposed surfaces, - applying heat to the proximal ends of the junction box to promote adhesion of a first adhesive, - applying a first element heat shrinkable to cover a portion of the exposed surfaces and the eroded portion of at least one of the plurality of cable segments, the first heat-shrinkable element has the first adhesive applied to surfaces of the first element contacting the exposed surfaces and the eroded portions, - applying heat to the first element to shrink the first element with respect to the exposed surfaces and the eroded portion in a substantially closed fit form; applying a second heat-shrinkable element to substantially cover the first shrunk element and the eroded portion of at least one second of the plurality of wire segments; and applying heat to the second heat shrinkable polymer element in order to shrink the second heat shrinkable polymer element from the first heat shrinkable polymer element shrunk in a substantially closed fit form.
22. 22. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that some of the selected elements are tubular.
23. 23. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that one of the selected elements has a rectangular cross-section.
24. 24. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that some of the selected elements are formed from a polyolefin.
25. 25. The method as described in claim 24, characterized in that the polyolefin polymer is semi-rigid.
26. 26. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that selected surfaces of the elements are coated with an adhesive.
27. 27. The method as described in claim 26, characterized in that the adhesive is a polyamide adhesive.