Abstract: Helically reinforced, flexible tubing or hose is formed from continuously extruded thermoplastic material helically circumferentially wound at a wrapping station around an array of bearing-supported rods that are concurrently but individually turned and are canted relative to an imaginary center axis. The tubing or hose being formed has a continuous reinforcing rib helically wound therearound and continuously integrally connected thereto. The positions of the rods are progressively altered during formation of at least a contiguous portion of the length of tubing or hose, causing the resulting tubing or hose portion to exhibit a progressive continuous change in diametrical size. The resulting tubing or hose may be transversely severed at intervals along its length, and may be flattened to form cuffs near where severed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 11, 2012
Date of Patent:
November 29, 2016
Assignee:
Schauenburg Technology SE
Inventors:
Carl J Garrett, Donald K Hadley, Martin E Forrester