Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tube assembly includes surrounding an outer surface of a cured rubber hose with a thermoplastic layer, the cured rubber hose extending along a length between a first end and a second end and having a first shape along its length, the thermoplastic layer surrounding the cured rubber hose along at least a portion of the length. The cured rubber hose surrounded with the thermoplastic layer is molded into a second shape different than the first shape. The cured rubber hose is retained in the second shape by the thermoplastic layer. A tube assembly includes a cured rubber hose and thermoplastic layer surrounding the rubber hose along at least a portion of the length of the cured rubber hose. The cured rubber hose has been cured in a first shape along its length and the thermoplastic layer retains the cured rubber hose in a second shape.

Abstract: A lightweight manhole cover assembly includes a cover and a base, with the cover including an inner surface having a plurality of ribs extending therefrom. The base includes an inner surface having a plurality of receptacles extending therefrom. The receptacles of the base have a layout that corresponds to the ribs of the cover, such that the ribs are adapted to be inserted into the receptacles.