Patents by Inventor Vance M. Kramer, Jr.

Vance M. Kramer, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9506589
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning a length of flexible tubing in alignment with the exhaust pipe of an automotive vehicle located in an enclosed space. The apparatus includes a length of flexible tubing having an adapter or boot at its inner end. The boot is adapted to be positioned in operative alignment with the exhaust pipe to receive the exhaust gases therefrom and to direct them through the length of flexible tubing. A suction cup is secured to the rear bumper of the vehicle in the vicinity of the end of the exhaust pipe and a length of cord is connected between the boot and the suction cup. The cord is tightened and retained in a tensioned condition by means of a gripping device or keeper. This causes the boot to be retained in an operatively aligned position relative to the exhaust pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Crushproof Tubing Company
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, Jr., Jacob D. Altstaetter
  • Patent number: 9180637
    Abstract: A method for making helically corrugated rubber tubing with a helical reinforcing element embedded therein and with a relatively smooth interior surface. The tubing is formed with separate inner and outer tubular wall portions with fabric material in between. The inner and outer wall portions may be formed of different elastomeric compositions. Also the method provides for annular cuffs at the opposite ends of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: CRUSHPROOF TUBING COMPANY
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, Jr., Jonathan O. Rodebaugh
  • Patent number: 9149973
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that is used for making flexible tubing with annular corrugations from a sleeve of uncured rubber. The sleeve is positioned on a mandrel and radially expanded by fluid pressure into an external forming member that includes a plurality of annular discs loosely connected to a support and positioned in approximate axial alignment. A disc aligning tube is located around an axial length portion of the external forming member. While the sleeve is radially expanded, the aligning tube is slid in an axial direction to engage the discs and to urge any misaligned discs into accurate axial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: CRUSHPROOF TUBING COMPANY
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, Jr., Jonathan O. Rodebaugh
  • Publication number: 20150013903
    Abstract: The disclosure includes the combination of a flexible rubber tube with annular corrugations and a coupling device for connecting the tube to a fitting. The device includes a latch secured to an end of the tube and a catch associated with the fitting. When the latch is engaged with the catch, the device forces the specially shaped flat annular side wall of the forward most corrugation into surface-to-surface contact with an annular end face of the fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, Jr., Jonathan O. Rodebaugh
  • Patent number: 8925591
    Abstract: A length of flexible helically corrugated rubber tubing is provided with certain characteristics that enable it to be axially compressed to less than half of its normal relaxed length using minimal force while still providing a high resistance to crushing. The tubing has a wall with a uniform thickness, the wall defining external and internal threads with a specially defined pitch and thread height related to the wall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Crushproof Tubing Co.
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, Jr., Jonathan O. Rodebaugh
  • Publication number: 20140360616
    Abstract: A method for making helically corrugated rubber tubing with a helical reinforcing element secured therein. A helical spring like element with axially spaced convolutions is slid onto a mandrel and a sleeve formed of uncured rubber is slid over the spring like element. The mandrel is then rotated about its axis and a flexible cord is wrapped around the sleeve to press portions of the sleeve into the spaces between adjacent convolutions of the spring like element and form helical corrugations. The resulting assembly is then placed in an oven to cure the rubber sleeve after which the cord is removed. The finished product is then removed from the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Vance M. Kramer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8870232
    Abstract: The disclosure includes the combination of a flexible rubber tube with annular corrugations and a coupling device for connecting the tube to a fitting. The device includes a latch secured to an end of the tube and a catch associated with the fitting. When the latch is engaged with the catch, the device forces the specially shaped flat annular side wall of the forward most corrugation into surface-to-surface contact with an annular end face of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Crushproof Tubing Company
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, Jr., Jonathan O. Rodebaugh
  • Publication number: 20130320599
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that is used for making flexible tubing with annular corrugations from a sleeve of uncured rubber. The sleeve is positioned on a mandrel and radially expanded by fluid pressure into an external forming member that includes a plurality of annular discs loosely connected to a support and positioned in approximate axial alignment. A disc aligning tube is located around an axial length portion of the external forming member. While the sleeve is radially expanded, the aligning tube is slid in an axial direction to engage the discs and to urge any misaligned discs into accurate axial alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: CRUSHPROOF TUBING COMPANY
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, JR., Jonathan O. Rodebaugh
  • Publication number: 20130320671
    Abstract: The disclosure includes the combination of a flexible rubber tube with annular corrugations and a coupling device for connecting the tube to a fitting. The device includes a latch secured to an end of the tube and a catch associated with the fitting. When the latch is engaged with the catch, the device forces the specially shaped flat annular side wall of the forward most corrugation into surface-to-surface contact with an annular end face of the fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: CRUSHPROOF TUBING COMPANY
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, JR., Jonathan O. Rodebaugh
  • Publication number: 20130320669
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning a length of flexible tubing in alignment with the exhaust pipe of an automotive vehicle located in an enclosed space. The apparatus includes a length of flexible tubing having an adapter or boot at its inner end. The boot is adapted to be positioned in operative alignment with the exhaust pipe to receive the exhaust gases therefrom and to direct them through the length of flexible tubing. A suction cup is secured to the rear bumper of the vehicle in the vicinity of the end of the exhaust pipe and a length of cord is connected between the boot and the suction cup. The cord is tightened and retained in a tensioned condition by means of a gripping device or keeper. This causes the boot to be retained in an operatively aligned position relative to the exhaust pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, JR., Jacob D. Altstaetter
  • Publication number: 20130037159
    Abstract: A method for making helically corrugated rubber tubing with a helical reinforcing element embedded therein and with a relatively smooth interior surface. The tubing is formed with separate inner and outer tubular wall portions with fabric material in between. The inner and outer wall portions may be formed of different elastomeric compositions. Also the method provides for annular cuffs at the opposite ends of the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: CRUSHPROOF TUBING COMPANY
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, JR., Jonathan O. Rodebaugh
  • Publication number: 20110277865
    Abstract: A length of flexible helically corrugated rubber tubing is provided with certain characteristics that enable it to be axially compressed to less than half of its normal relaxed length using minimal force while still providing a high resistance to crushing. The tubing has a wall with a uniform thickness, the wall defining external and internal threads with a specially defined pitch and thread height related to the wall thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: CRUSHPROOF TUBING COMPANY
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, JR., Jonathan O. Rodebaugh
  • Patent number: 7431054
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wire-reinforced flexible rubber hose that is particularly suitable for use in breathing air applications. The method includes positioning a section of wire-reinforced tubing on a forming mandrel and then positioning a sleeve of uncured rubber to cover the section of wire-reinforced tubing. Cording is then wrapped around the sleeve of uncured rubber such that each adjacent wrapping of cording is disposed between and separated by the wire helix of the wire-reinforced tubing. The sleeve of uncured rubber is cured while the cording is wrapped thereon to form a cured hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Crushproof Tubing Company
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, Jr., J. Todd Grayson
  • Patent number: 6102078
    Abstract: A process for making a length of rubber tubing with axially spaced circumferentially corrugated flexible segments from a sleeve of uncured rubber and the product resulting therefrom. An end length of a sleeve of uncured rubber is placed over an end portion of a forming mandrel and an external form is placed around the sleeve end length. Rudimentary corrugations are then formed in the end length after which the sleeve is moved axially along the forming mandrel so that a new length portion of the sleeve is placed in a forming position. Then using the external form, rudimentary corrugations are formed in the second length portion of the sleeve. These steps are repeated until the desired number of axial length portions in the sleeve are provided with rudimentary corrugations. The resulting product is then cured to form a length of rubber tubing with a plurality of axially spaced circumferentially corrugated flexible segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Vance M. Kramer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5791980
    Abstract: An apparatus for exhausting engine combustion products or the like from an enclosed work space. The apparatus includes an extensible tube assembly adapted to be suspended in the enclosed work space with its upper end connected to an overhead conduit structure. The lower end of the assembly has a tailpipe adaptor for connection to an engine exhaust pipe. The assembly has two or three telescoping tubular sections formed of flexible, helical corrugated tubing, and these are movable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the lower end may be moved to a variety of positions for connection to an engine exhaust pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Vance M. Kramer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5560396
    Abstract: A rigid end socket for flexible tubing is made by folding an axial length portion of a flexible resilient elastomeric tubing around a rigid metal collar having a substantial axial length. The collar is thus embedded in the end of the tubing to provide a rigid end socket that is capable of receiving an end plug or a coupling device. The end plug or coupling device may be tightly seated in the socket by inserting it therein and by using axial pressure to radially expand the body portion within the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Vance M. Kramer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5435962
    Abstract: A process for making a length of rubber tubing with axially spaced circumferentially corrugated flexible segments from a sleeve of uncured rubber and the product resulting therefrom. An end length of a sleeve of uncured rubber is placed over an end portion of a forming mandrel and an external form is placed around the sleeve end length. Rudimentary corrugations are then formed in the end length after which the sleeve is moved axially along the forming mandrel so that a new length portion of the sleeve is placed in a forming position. Then using the external form, rudimentary corrugations are formed in the second length portion of the sleeve. These steps are repeated until the desired number of axial length portions in the sleeve are provided with rudimentary corrugations. The resulting product is then cured to form a length of rubber tubing with a plurality of axially spaced circumferentially corrugated flexible segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Crushproof Tubing Company
    Inventor: Vance M. Kramer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4804019
    Abstract: A flexible corrugated tube containing an integral flared end adaptor is made by applying an uncured elastomer tube about a forming mandrel as well as a flared end mold. Corrugations having grooves and ribs generally exist along at least a portion of the forming mandrel usually in the form of a cured, corrugated elastomer sleeve. Optionally, a portion of the flared end mold also has corrugations thereon. A cord is wrapped about the uncured tube thereby pressing the cord into the grooves between the corrugated ribs. The elastomeric sleeve is then cured and the cord removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Inventor: Vance M. Kramer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4796520
    Abstract: A system for venting exhaust fumes from vehicle engines being operated in enclosed spaces, such as in residential garages. The system provides for conveying the gases from the vehicle exhaust pipe through an opening formed in the garage door or the like. The equipment includes a door port mounted in the garage door opening and which defines a passage with a cylindrical interior surface extending through the door. An exterior closure plate is pivotally mounted on the outside of the door port to swing between a closed vertical position covering the passage and an upward, horizontal, open position. The interior surface of the sleeve has an inwardly projecting radial rib that defines an arcuate portion of an internal helical thread. The exhaust fumes are conveyed from the exhaust pipe to the door passage by flexible tubing formed with helical corrugations that define an external helical thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: Vance M. Kramer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4630350
    Abstract: A method for making flexible, corrugated rubber tubing with internal reinforcement. An extruded sleeve of uncured rubber is slid axially onto an elongated internal forming member, after which an external forming means is placed around the assembled sleeve and used to form corrugations. The resulting product is heat-treated to set the corrugations and thus to form a flexible corrugated tube length. A helix formed of flexible, resilient wire rod is pulled through the corrugated tubing in an axial direction and simultaneously rotated in a direction to thread the helical rod into the internal helical groove in the corrugated product. At the same time, the helix is axially extended to reduce its helix diameter. When the helix has been completely extended through the corrugated tubing, it is released to that it expands radially into tight conformance with the internal helical groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, Sr., Vance M. Kramer, Jr.