Abstract: An elongated plastic chamber utilized for disposal of stormwater has a corrugated wall structure having successive peaks and valleys. The peaks and valleys are connected by upstream and downstream web panels. A series of apertures is disposed in the upstream web panels. The associated facing downstream web panel is smoothly integrated with the corresponding valley to form a curved surface which is concave with respect to the associated peak and serves to deflect outwardly from the chamber water emergent from the apertures. The effect of the interaction of the apertures with the curved surface is to minimize deposition of sediment within the chamber.

Abstract: A coolant line for air-conditioning systems that are operated with carbon dioxide as a coolant, particularly air-conditioning systems of motor vehicles, can be tightly connected at both ends to connecting parts. The line has an inside, metallic, corrugated hose that is coolant-tight, a radially pressure-resistant, flexible, metallic jacket that surrounds the hose with radial spacing and provides axial support, and a compression-proof, temperature-resistant intermediate plastic layer that fills the space between at least the radially-outside corrugation crests of the metal hose and the jacket so as to prevent play.

Abstract: A flexible hose having a sufficient strength while ensuring the air permeability is provided. In a hose formed by winding a soft resin tape helically such that leading tape end brim portions and trailing end brim portions extending in the hose longitudinal direction are overlapped to each other in the hose radial direction, gaps for ventilation for making the inside of the hose and the outside communicate with each other is formed by interposing a gap forming member having a concavo-convex shape between both end brim portions or forming a concavo-convex shape on one of surfaces of the end brim portions which face each other in an opposed manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible tube that includes a bellows having a plurality of convolutes formed in the wall of said tube and extending above the top surface of the tube, said convolutes being spaced from one another in the axial direction of the tube, wherein at least one of said convolutes comprises two opposing bending sections and two restrained elongation sections positioned between the bending sections, and wherein the height of the bending sections above the top surface of the tube is greater that the height of the restrained elongation sections above the top surface of the tube.

Abstract: An accordion spring that replaces traditional coil springs in suspension systems. The accordion springs are made of a fiberglass composite and can be designed to have a linear or progressive spring rate upon compression. To achieve a linear spring rate, the shape of the accordion spring is symmetrical with both the top and bottom surfaces of each of the plurality of central regions of the spring are flat, wherein contact between the upper and lower surfaces of adjacent central regions will not occur until the accordion spring has bottomed out. A series of complementary bent regions are introduced to the spoked regions of the accordion spring that varies the spring rate of the spring as the spring is compressed. The accordion spring can be manufactured using a three-dimensional weaving process and offer improvements in weight reduction, mass reduction, packaging space reduction compared to traditional steel coil springs.

Abstract: In a super-insulation support system disposed in an annular space between concentric inner and outer corrugated tubes, a number of axially spaced rings is provided, which are interconnected by axially extending rods mounted in circumferentially spaced relationship alternately to the inside and the outside of the axially spaced rings thereby forming a cylindrical frame structure, which is disposed adjacent the inner corrugated tube and super-insulation is disposed on the cylindrical frame structure and supported thereby at a distance from the corrugated inner tube.

Abstract: A sealing ring for sealing the connection of a spigot of a corrugated pipe with a pipe socket has inner beads and lip seals bearing against flanges. Said sealing ring further has an outwardly projecting sealing bead having a central annular bead and two annular collars projecting laterally outward. When said pipe socket is pushed onto said spigot, said sealing bead is rolled in in such a manner that said central annular bead and one annular collar bear against said inside wall of said socket in a sealing-tight fashion.

Abstract: A fuel hose having a fluororesin layer formed from a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and chlorotrifluoroethylene by powder coating or the like on the inner surface of a rubber tube is characterized by at least one of the following: (1) the copolymer contains a metal salt; (2) the rubber tube is of a mixture containing acrylic rubber; and (3) the rubber tube contains an organic ammonium salt or the like.

Abstract: A synthetic resin pipe with a joint, includes a first pipe end portion to be connected, having an open guide cylinder, a large-diameter cylindrical portion formed in a deep portion thereof continuous with the open guide cylinder and having a diameter larger than front and rear walls extending in an axial direction of the synthetic resin pipe, and an outwardly facing projection disposed in a portion of the large-diameter cylindrical portion. A separately produced engaging ring including an inclined guide surface, having a large inside diameter on a width-direction one end face side thereof and having a small inside diameter on a deep side thereof, the engaging ring further including a securing stepped portion formed on the deep side thereof, a plurality of cut-out portions, respectively formed by cutting out the inclined surface, and a projection projecting from a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the engaging ring.

Abstract: An uncoupling element is proposed for uncoupling vibrations in an exhaust gas conduit of an internal combustion engine, having a screw thread-shaped or annular waved, metal corrugated hose, which is inserted between a first conduit element arranged upstream and a second conduit element arranged downstream.

Abstract: A chamber is provided that is flexible and able to be contoured along the entire length of the chamber when deployed on rock and earth formations with variable gradings. The chamber has a multiplicity of stress relief notches (also known as flex ports) formed on both sides at the base of the chamber Substantially along the entire length of the chamber. Each stress relief notch is formed between a respective pair of protruding ribs along substantially the entire length of the chamber so the chamber can flex in an accordion-like or caterpillar-like manner. The chamber may be molded to include the strain relief notches.

Abstract: A corrugated or convoluted laminated tube has a wall formed by an outer resin layer formed from e.g. nylon and a thin inner layer of a THV terpolymer bonded to its inner surface. It is high in flexibility, etc., has a low fuel permeability and is not deformed by swelling with fuel.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a kit for installing an underground piping system. The kit includes a protective conduit having flexible piping contained therein and a plurality of sealing members. The installer positions the protective conduit and flexible piping as a single unit thereby facilitating installation.

Abstract: In a super-insulation support system disposed in an annular space between concentric inner and outer corrugated tubes, a number of axially spaced rings is provided, which are interconnected by axially extending rods mounted in circumferentially spaced relationship alternately to the inside and the outside of the axially spaced rings thereby forming a cylindrical frame structure, which is disposed adjacent the inner corrugated tube and super-insulation is disposed on the cylindrical frame structure and supported thereby at a distance from the corrugated inner tube.

Abstract: A metal layer uniform in thickness is formed by electroless plating on both of inner and outer surfaces of a corrugated tube to thereby produce a shield-plated corrugated tube which has a satisfactory flexibility as well as a superior electromagnetically shielding effect. Specifically, in the corrugated tube of resin, at least the size and shape of groove portions inside the tube for forming the convex-concave portions of the tube wall are set to satisfy the condition of 0.5<D/W<1.6 where D represents the depth of each groove portion in the radial direction of the tube and W represents the width of each groove portion in the axial direction of the tube. The metal layers are formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the corrugated tube by electroless plating.

Abstract: A sealing ring for sealing the connection of a spigot of a corrugated pipe with a pipe socket has inner beads and lip seals bearing against flanges. Said sealing ring further has an outwardly projecting sealing bead having a central annular bead and two annular collars projecting laterally outward. When said pipe socket is pushed onto said spigot, said sealing bead is rolled in such a manner that said central annular bead and one annular collar bear against said inside wall of said socket in a sealing-tight fashion.

Abstract: An impact absorbing member is provided that can absorb impact energy in an upper vehicle body portion. The member may be provided in n interval between a vehicle body structural member and an interior trim spaced from the structural member. The energy absorbing member is a hybrid pipe having a metal foil core member and sheets laminated on opposite surfaces of the core member, each sheet being formed from a material other than metal. The core member and the sheets on the opposite surfaces of the core member are shaped so that the hybrid pipe has protruded portions and recessed portions that are contiguous in a direction of an axis of the hybrid pipe. Various configurations are provided to adjust and control energy absorbing characteristics of the energy absorbing member.

Abstract: A pipe section formed of a polymeric material which has a substantially constant thickness throughout, the terminal edge of the female connection having a reinforcement structure which rigidifies the end of the female connection and prevents deformation, the pipe section preferably having a flared end, and the reinforcement structure preferably being a semicircular channel formed at the end of the pipe section by a mandrel after initial extrusion of the pipe section; along with a method and apparatus for forming the pipe section, a pipe assembly including such pipe section, and a method of forming the pipe assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement intended for a stop valve (1) comprises a tubular member (9). The stop valve (1) is located in the ground (2) and has a valve housing (11) and a valve bonnet (12) fixed thereto with the aid of a fixing means (14), said valve bonnet having a valve spindle (15) supporting a movable stop means (16), such as a slide. The tubular member (9) extends from the valve (1) up to ground level to enable operation of the valve spindle (15). A collar means (10′) is tightly connected with and supported by the valve housing (11). The collar means (10′) has a collar portion (32) which surrounds the valve bonnet (12) and the fixing means (14) and is tightly connected with the lower end of the tubular member (9), the diameter of the tubular member (9) essentially corresponding to the diameter of the collar portion (32). Moreover, the arrangement comprises a pipe access means (12′), which instead of the valve bonnet (12) from ground level is tightly mountable on said valve housing (11).

Abstract: A metal hose comprises a metal tube having an annularly corrugated wall, a fitting body, an extension that projects from the fitting body, and a sealing member. The fitting body defines a sealing seat for the sealing member. The extension projects from the body about the tube and defines a corrugation positioner distal the fitting body. The extension is deformed to shift the corrugation positioner toward engagement with the tube and resiliently compress the tube corrugations between the positioner and the sealing member. The resiliently compressed corrugations urge the sealing member against the seat for sealing the juncture of the fitting and the tube. In one embodiment a reinforcing shroud surrounds the tube and extends into the fitting. The fitting secures the shroud in place. The corrugation positioner compresses the tube corrugations through the shroud so the shroud is clamped and secured in place by the positioner at a location spaced axially from its end within the fitting.

Abstract: The shaped article consists of a) from 5 to 95% by weight of a molding composition A made from at least one thermoplastic polyamide, copolyamide or blends of these as component A1, fillers and/or reinforcing materials, if desired, as component A2, impact modifiers as component A3 and other additives and processing aids as component A4, and b) from 5 to 95% by weight of a molding composition B, made from at least one thermoplastic polyamide, copolyamide or blends of these as component B1, at least one crosslinked elastomeric polymer as component B2 and, if desired, other additives and processing aids as component B3, where, in the shaped article, segments of molding compositions A and B are connected to one another over a relatively large area. These shaped articles may be used in the motor vehicle sector, for example as air or coolant ducts.

Abstract: A conduit, in particular for sanitary and/or heating installations, comprising a pipe for conveying a fluid or for accommodating supply lines such as electric power supply lines or fluid-conducting pipes, is characterized in that the pipe is connected to a mounting material strip for fastening the pipe to a surface, and object or the like, the mounting material strip projecting laterally from the pipe and extending along the pipe.

Abstract: A profiled tube (50b) comprising a high carbon content alloy (greater than 0.3%), superalloy or other high creep strength material, has a fluted bore with internal fins (52b) and intervening valleys or troughs (56b). Such a tube is made by centrifugal casting and subsequent electrochemical machining by drawing of an electrode (104) along the tube while at the same time passing electrolyte along the tube and around the electrode and also applying an electrical current between the tube and electrode, so that material of the tube passes into solution in the electrolyte. The electrode (104) has the same profile as the end-profile required in the tube (80) but has an inclined working face (124). An electrode rod (92) drives the electrode from one end mounting means (82) to another (84), each of which support the tube (80) and supply/exhaust electrolytic solution. The electrolyte is preferably sodium nitrate, although an acid based system is feasible.

Abstract: A flexible conduit includes a corrugated tubular metal bellows having a minimum inner diameter; cylindrical end fittings secured to the bellows; a metal hose disposed coaxially within the bellows and having a maximum outer diameter which is less than the minimum inner diameter of the bellows; and a free annular cylindrical space situated between the bellows and the metal hose. The cylindrical space has an outer diameter equaling the minimum inner diameter of the bellows and an inner diameter equaling the maximum outer diameter of the metal hose. The conduit further has a hollow cylindrical knit wire element positioned in the cylindrical space. The knit wire element radially fully occupies the cylindrical space without projecting radially therefrom.

Abstract: An integrally molded, repositionable connector has a collapsible obround body that includes lockable annular members that allow the body portion to extend, compress, bend, and lock into selectable lengths and angular positions. Each lockable annular member includes a static side, a movable side, and a reinforcing bead. Each annular member also has a plurality of arcuate segments defining the obround body. The connector can be extended by manually pulling the movable sides away from the static sides until the movable sides lock into position. The connector can also be compressed by pushing the movable sides towards the static sides until the movable sides lock into position.

Abstract: A flexible line element, particularly for exhaust pipes of internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, is disclosed having a screw thread-like or annularly corrugated bellows provided with cylindrical connection ends and a metal netting directly surrounding the bellows. The metal netting is inherently stable and has at least one plastic deformation for acoustic or mechanical damping of the bellows. Consequently, the metal netting has both a protective and a damping function.

Abstract: There is provided a heat insulating hose which comprises a seamless cylindrical inner tube formed of a synthetic resin, and a cylindrical heat insulating layer formed of a foamed synthetic resin for covering an outer peripheral face of the inner tube, characterized in that the inner tube is provided at its one end with a cylindrical part for connection with a drain outlet of an air conditioning appliance and formed with a number of ring-shaped protrusion stripes which project toward its outer circumference over an entire length thereof in its axial direction except the cylindrical part spacing a distance W which is wider than an axial width w of each of the ring-shaped protrusion stripes, and that an area b of a desired range spaced by a determined length a from the cylindrical part is an area wherein a number of ring-shaped protrusion stripes are formed at a smaller distance s.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bellows tube formed of metal having a cylindrical collar portion and a plurality of corrugations adjacent thereto with outwardly curved portions and inwardly curved portions alternately formed along the longitudinal axis of the tube. The bellows tube includes a bulged end portion which extends from a first outwardly curved portion of the outwardly curved portions toward the collar portion. The bulged end portion is bulged outward of the tube, with its outer diameter gradually reduced from the first outwardly curved portion to the collar portion. A connecting end portion is formed for connecting the bulged end portion with the collar portion, and the connecting end portion is curved inward of the tube. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the connecting end portion is smaller than the radius of curvature of the first outwardly curved end portion.

Abstract: A tube and turbulator and method of making the same for a heat exchanger including a base, a top spaced from and opposing the base, a first side interposed between the base and the top along one side thereof, and a second side interposed between the base and the top along another side thereof. The base, top, first side and second side form a channel. The second side is triple hemmed such that ends of the base and the top are disposed within the channel. A flat turbulator may be disposed inside the tube and includes a base extending laterally and longitudinally in a strip. The flat turbulator also includes a plurality of corrugations spaced laterally along the base and extending longitudinally and generally perpendicular to the base in an alternating manner. The corrugations are rolled in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the strip.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar apparatus for use in a suspension of a motor vehicle includes a hollow tubular member (22) having first and second arms (24,26) disposed at opposite ends of a center section (28). The center section is adapted to be rotatably attached to a chassis and the first and second arms are adapted to attach to first and second wheel suspensions, respectively. A first radial protrusion (38) is circumferentially formed on an outer surface of the hollow tubular member and extends radially outward from the outer surface to a first predetermined height sufficient to retain the stabilizer bar under lateral loading. Additionally, a stress dispersing formation is (46) formed on an inner surface of the hollow tubular member opposite the first radial protrusion so as to disperse stress that would otherwise concentrate in the hollow tubular member adjacent to the first radial protrusion.

Abstract: An impact absorbing member is provided that can absorb impact energy in an upper vehicle body portion. The member may be provided in an interval between a vehicle body structural member and an interior trim spaced from the structural member. The energy absorbing member is a hybrid pipe having a metal foil core member and sheets laminated on opposite surfaces of the core member, each sheet being formed from a material other than metal. The core member and the sheets on the opposite surfaces of the core member are shaped so that the hybrid pipe has protruded portions and recessed portions that are contiguous in a direction of an axis of the hybrid pipe. Various configurations are provided to adjust and control energy absorbing characteristics of the energy absorbing member.

Abstract: A pipe section formed of a polymeric material which has a substantially constant thickness throughout, the terminal edge of the female connection having a reinforcement structure which rigidifies the end of the female connection and prevents deformation, the pipe section preferably having a flared end, and the reinforcement structure preferably being a semicircular channel formed at the end of the pipe section by a mandrel after initial extrusion of the pipe section; along with a method and apparatus for forming the pipe section, a pipe assembly including such pipe section, and a method of forming the pipe assembly.

Abstract: A fuel line for an internal combustion engine is provided by forming a metallic tube into regions with folds and other regions without folds. As a result, a flexible metallic conduit is formed which can be easily bent during assembly to an internal combustion engine. The fuel line does not require elastomeric seals or other non-metallic elements. As a result, the fuel line is highly flame resistant and abrasion resistant and can be manufactured less expensively than more complicated composite fuel lines known to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: A double-walled spiral pipe in accordance with the present invention is composed of an outer wall 10 having a cylindrical shape, which is prepared by winding spirally a coated steel plate 11 having corrugations 12; and an inner wall 20 having a cylindrical shape, which is contacted with the wave bottom of corrugations of said outer wall 10, and can contracted or elongated depending upon a change of the pitch of the corrugations of said outer wall 10. The inner wall 20 having a cylindrical configuration is installed to be contacted with the wave bottom of corrugations of the outer wall 10, and functions to drain a sewage, etc. The inner wall 20 has a semi-circular portion which is formed at the point of the wave bottom of the corrugations of the outer wall, and a plane surface is formed between the semi-circular portions.

Abstract: In a flexible line pipe comprising an inner corrugated metal tube (4), an outer corrugated metal tube (5) located at some distance from the inner tube (4) and a spacer as well as an insulation material between the inner and the outer metal tubes, whereby a pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure prevails in the ring-shaped gap (6) between the tubes, the spacer comprises two cords (7, 8) made of fiber-reinforced plastic applied to the inner tube (4) and wrapped in opposite directions. The insulation material (9) is a fleece material, and the pressure in the ring-shaped gap is between 10−3 and 10−1 mbar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrugated pipe which, in accordance with the invention includes an engagement structure formed perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the corrugated pipe, whereby the engagement structure includes a portion dimensioned in circumferential direction of the corrugated pipe which is further radially spaced from the inner diameter of the pipe.

Abstract: A flexible hose construction and method of making the same are provided, the flexible hose construction comprising an inner tube made of polymeric material, an outer sleeve of reinforcing material disposed in telescoping relation on the inner tube from one end thereof to the other end thereof, rib structure disposed between the sleeve of reinforcing material and the inner tube, the rib structure being disposed on the inner tube so as to define alternating coil structure of rib structure and coil structure of non-rib structure serially along the longitudinal axis of the inner tube in a like repeating pattern thereof, the coil structure of non-rib structure comprise coil structure of void space, and an outer tube of polymeric material disposed between the rib structure and the sleeve of reinforcing material so as to extend in a generally straight-line manner from coil structure of the rib structure to coil structure of the rib structure so as to tend to prevent the sleeve of reinforcing material from entering i

Abstract: A hose with interlocked profile, particularly for automotive exhaust systems. The hose is helically stripwound from at least one single-layer or multi-layer metal strip, pre-formed to the shape of an S, with the edges of adjacent strip windings being interlocked with each other by the legs of the pre-form which have the aspect of the S-shaped hooks, and by folded end rims. The hose has radial embossed recesses which bring adjacent interlocked folded edges partially in direct contact with each other.

Abstract: A corrugated non-reinforced polymeric flexible hose which has at least the outer crests formed with flat apices. The valleys of the corrugations may also have flat apices. The crests and valleys are connected by side walls extending at a shallow angle.

Abstract: A corrugated synthetic resin pipe comprises a pipe wall including sectionally rectangular wall portions and sectionally circular wall portions disposed alternately in a longitudinal direction of the pipe. Each of the sectionally circular wall portions has an annular projected portion disposed at a substantially center of the sectionally circular wall portion between adjacent sectionally rectangular wall portions in the longitudinal direction, to thereby prevent parallel layout or stack layout of pipes from being disturbed.

Abstract: A convoluted flexible protective sleeve comprises a wall made of heat-resistant plastics material and a layer of infra-red radiation-reflecting metal vacuum deposited on the outer surface of said wall. The layer is between 0.05 and 5 micrometers in thickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe arrangement with a corrugated pipe (10a, 10b) which has a slit (14) in axial direction, whereby, in accordance with the invention, at least one pipe section (22a, 22b) is provided with corrugations, which can be brought into engagement with the corrugated pipe over an axially extending portion, whereby the pipe section includes a longitudinal slit (24) and, thus, can be positioned onto or inserted into the corrugated pipe so that the slit (14) in the latter is covered. This provides a simple pipe arrangement which can be easily and economically produced and does not exert undue stress on the cables or conduits therein or branching off therefrom.

Abstract: A tube having a cylindrical main body and a thin wall defined by an inner surface and outer surface. The tube includes a first segment having a generally constant cylindrical cross-section and another segment having a variable cross-section containing convolutions to allow for flexing of the tube during installation. The convolutions extend less than the entire circumference of the tube or have tapered side walls which substantially reduce the size of the convolutions as the convolutions extend from one position along the circumference to a second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a hollow plastic product is provided. In accordance with one aspect, into a mold half having a tubular groove portion and a projecting groove portion which projects outwardly from the tubular groove section is supplied a parison into the tubular groove portion and a clump of molding material into the projecting groove portion, and when blow molding is carried out by introducing a pressurized gas into the parison, the clump becomes integrated with the parison thereby providing a plastic product of unitary structure. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a parison extrusion nozzle is provided with at least two passages each of which is connected, preferably through a valve, to a corresponding dispensing unit for dispensing a desired molding material. A control unit is provided as connected to each of the dispensing units to control the supply of molding material so that there is obtained a parison having regions of different molding materials.

Abstract: A flexible tube element for an exhaust pipe of a vehicle engine includes a first end and an opposite, second end; a circumferentially corrugated metal bellows extending between the first and second ends; a first stripwound metal hose arranged coaxially with the bellows between the first and second ends; a second stripwound metal hose arranged coaxially with the bellows and the first stripwound metal hose between the first and second ends; and first and second generally cylindrical connection fittings arranged at the first and second ends, respectively, and being coaxial with the bellows.

Abstract: A flexible hose 1 of the present invention is formed by blocking and interrupting a spiral groove 5 inside a hill 2 of a corrugated hose end portion 1a or 1b (inner surface helical concave portion) to form a closed section 4, or by blocking and interrupting a spiral groove 5 formed outside a valley 3 of a corrugated end portion 1a or 1b of a hose (outer surface helical concave portion) to form a blocked section 4. The flexible hose of the present invention can provide an improved air tightness when connected to a joint, requiring no troublesome steps or treatments.

Abstract: An air intake duct comprising a main body with bellows which is made by blow molding soft resin and ring-like reinforcements made of hard resin. As the soft resin, a material which is capable of keeping a form of a tube by itself is adopted. The reinforcements are previously mounted on the internal surface of a blow molding die and unite with the bellows in the main body in blow molding.

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.

Abstract: A bellows structure for use in high velocity, linear motion applications and which incorporates self-damping is disclosed. The bellows structure utilizes a plurality of thicker convolutions at each end of a regular bellows section to join the bellows section to its terminations. The thicker convolutions are distributed asymmetrically with the greater number of thicker convolutions being placed adjacent the stationary end of the bellows. The bellows structure increases the energy absorption capabilities of the stationary end of the bellows, and causes the intersecting, energy-absorbing waves traveling through the bellows section to intersect more frequently resulting in their internal cancellation.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a fluid pipe is disclosed. The sleeve includes an inner and outer member which provide heat, sound and abrasion resistance. The inner member includes a pair of terminal edges which are spaced apart a predetermined distance. This distance is greater than the distance between the terminal edges of the outer member. A method of making such a protective sleeve is also disclosed.