Abstract: A humidifier conduit has an enclosed helical passageway in the wall thereof to provide an insulating barrier against heat transfer from the inside of the conduit to the outside of the conduit. The conduit may include at least one heating means hectically disposed between the inner wall and outer wall of the conduit to assist in the retention of a desired gases temperature in the humidified air flow which is to flow through the conduit in use. The conduit preferably is constructed by helical winding of a unit profile and bonding of adjacent turns of the helically wound profile to form the conduit, the unit profile including complementary connecting means so that adjacent turns of the helically wound profile are securely connected to form the conduit. The unit profile may include an overlapping member to overlap adjacent turns of the profile and act in an armadillo-like fashion to ensure flexibility of the conduit, while retaining the insulative properties of the double wall and enclosed helical passageway.

Abstract: A tube with a tube wall composed of flexible material webs for covering pipe lines and for producing pipes and a unit for producing same. The tube wall is composed as a tube of two outer webs with longitudinal edges fused with one another and consisting of at least one tubular tension web made of glass fiber webs and mats lying in the interior of the outer covering. The longitudinal edges of the tension web are superimposed loosely to an overlapping, and the tension web is resin impregnated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hollow reinforcing element for casting into composites, which in use defines passageways that may communicate to the exterior of the composite and that can serve as conduit arrays in structures formed from the composite. Benefits include superior strength to weight ratios, reduced thermal stresses, suppression of crack propagation, and improved corrosion protection. The hollow reinforcing elements may also be used to provide antennae, drain systems, leveling devices, containment structures and pneumatic levitation of vehicles.

Abstract: A shield that is normally positioned or wrapped around a boiler tube when such tube is exposed to extreme operating conditions. This shield consists of an elongated strip of thin material that is formed as a helix. This strip also incorporates a means for spacing this strip from the tube so as to create a gap between the tube and the shield. Generally the shield is secured to the tube by spot or button welding only the longitudinal end regions of the strip to the tube. By thus wrapping and securing one or more such shields to the tube, the tube is protected while still permitting both it and the shield(s) to expand and contract as needed.

Abstract: A pipe and method of manufacture of the pipe are described. The pipe comprises a core of helically wound steel strip embedded in a plastics material matrix and lined with inner and outer linings of filament wound fiber reinforced plastics material.

Abstract: A cleaner hose includes a hose body, connection cylinders to be connected to a cleaner operating pipe and a cleaner body, respectively, which are connected to ends of the hose body, respectively, and a reinforcement wire material wound in the hose body spirally and continuously over the whole length of hose body. The reinforcement wire material is shaped like a steeply slanted spiral in a predetermined length portion near one of or both of the ends of the hose body so that adjacent spiral portions of the reinforcement wire material are close to each other while a hose wall of the hose body is loosened toward the inner circumferential surface. On the other hand, the reinforcement wire material is shaped like a gently slanted spiral in an intermediate portion except the one of or both of the ends of the hose body so that adjacent spiral portions of the reinforcement wire material are separated from each other in the direction of a pipe axis.

Abstract: The invention discloses a wire wrapped composite spiral hose, having a plurality of layers of fabric wrapped around a preformed convolute hose and held in place by a continuous wire spaced within the convolutions. A method and device for preparing the hose is disclosed using parallel elongate mandrels which are synchronized to rotate and apply the wire spaced in the convolutions.

Abstract: The enclosure assembly particularly, but not exclusively, conceived for spliced electric cables, comprises a sleeve of an elastomer material, a support whereover the sleeve is fitted in a state of elastic expansion, said sleeve being adapted to shrink about the elongate cylindrical objects upon removal of the support. The support comprises a tubular body formed of a strip of a strong flexible material wound into a helix having mutually bonded adjacent turns, the turns being separable by applying a pull force along a substantially longitudinal direction to an end portion of the strip unravelled from the adjacent turns and taken through the interior of the tubular body along a substantially axial direction and out through the opposite end of the tubular body.

Abstract: The invention provides spirally wound paperboard cores for winding of textiles and other materials and which have enhanced high speed winding capability. The spirally wound paperboard plies forming the body wall of the paperboard core have a predetermined spiral winding angle with respect to the axis of the cylindrical body wall of greater than 71 degrees. In winding cores having a relatively large ID of between about 4.8 in. (120 mm) and 6 in. (150 mm), the paperboard plies forming the spirally wound cores have a winding angle of greater than 74 degrees. In winding cores having a lower ID of less than 4.8 inches (120 mm), all of the paperboard plies have a width of 3.5 in. (89 mm) or less and a spiral winding angle of greater than 71 degrees.

Abstract: A hose for low pressure and vacuum applications is provided by a helically wound strip of resilient material. The leading and trailing posts of the helically wound strip interlock with one another and are provided with projections which define a space for confining a bead of bonding material. The profile of the hose configuration prevents the bonding material from encroaching areas of flexation in the hose. The helically wound hose has a close pitch and exhibits good hoop strength, flexibility and bonding characteristics.

Abstract: A cleaner hose with a built-in current conduction wire includes a reinforcing wire rod for holding strength and a conductive wire for current conduction, which are spirally wound in the inside of a hose body, and further includes a coated wire constituted by the reinforcing wire rod and the conductive wire built in the hose. The reinforcing wire rod and the conductive wire are separated at an interval and are integrally coated with a synthetic resin raw material at an interval. A coating portion of the reinforcing wire rod and a coating portion of the conductive wire are connected to each other through a thin connection portion which can be torn off, and only the coating portion of the reinforcing wire rod is connected through an adhesive to an inner surface of the hose body.

Abstract: A reinforced hose including at least one of a pressure-resistant reinforcement, a tensile-strength reinforcement and/or an inner carcass. At least one of the pressure-resistant reinforcement, the tensile-strength reinforcement and the inner carcass have at least one elongated element formed as one of a profile, a cable, an interlockable wire, and a strip with the at least one elongated element being composed of an aluminum-based alloy.

Abstract: Antiabrasion curved section made of reinforced curved plastic material and comprising in at least one of a lower portion and an upper portion in antiabrasion material. A plurality of antiabrasion sections are produced inside a profiled mold having a plurality of grooves in which is arranged the antiabrasion material of the lower faces. Reinforced filaments impregnated with a stabilizable resin are supplied to the mold and, finally, the antiabrasion material of the upper faces is applied. The mold is wound on a mandrel and the plastic material is stabilized before removing the mold sections which form a unitary assembly dividable particulary during the stranding of arm rings.

Abstract: A coil polymer composite tubular body is disclosed, such as for use in medical applications. The body comprises a spring coil having at least one central lumen extending axially therethrough, for receiving medical implements, fiber optics, suction or transmission of fluids such as for irrigation or drug delivery. An elastomeric layer on the spring coil provides a substantially water impermeable seal. In one particular embodiment, the composite tubular body is provided with a laterally deflectable distal tip.

Abstract: A high pressure (up to 8000 psi service) hose assembly has an inner core made of "Teflon" PTFE, covered by a "Kevlar" aramid reinforcing braid. The PTFE can, but the aramid cannot, withstand the attack of oils and other fluids which may be conveyed through the hose. Therefore, the aramid is covered by PTFE tape and the end of the hose is sealed inside an end fitting. In one embodiment, when the end fitting is swaged or otherwise manipulated to capture the hose, the PTFE inner core extrudes to complete the sealing of the hose end.

Abstract: A hose of elastomeric material has an insert of metal material for making the hose diffusion-proof. To impart plastic memory to the hose, i.e. make it plastically deformable, the insert according to the invention consists of at least two substantially completely overlapping metal foil layers of a ductile metal material which are fully glued and bonded to each other by means of a binder layer.

Abstract: A rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe comprises a strip member A that comprises a rigid polyvinyl chloride strip 1 with a U-shaped cross section consisting of an intermediate portion 1a of a predetermined width having a generally flat surface on at least one lateral side and two ribs 1b that extend from opposite sides of the intermediate portion 1a in a generally perpendicular direction with respect to the intermediate portion, with a layer of flexible synthetic resin 2 highly fusible to the rigid polyvinyl chloride resin being fused integrally to substantially the entire outer surface of the lateral side of both ribs 1b.

Abstract: Provided is a laminated tube having a logarithmic decrement of at least 0.08 and a flexural modulus of at least 1,000 kg/mm.sup.2 and comprising at least 2 layers which comprise a composite material comprising a reinforcing fiber and a matrix resin. The reinforcing fibers used include an organic fiber, e.g. wholly aromatic polyester fibers and polyvinyl alcohol fiber, for at least 1 layer of the composite material layer and an inorganic fiber, e.g. carbon fiber and glass fiber, for at least 1 layer of the composite material layer.

Abstract: A reinforced hose including at least one of a pressure-resistant reinforcement, a tensile-strength reinforcement and/or an inner carcass. At least one of the pressure-resistant reinforcement, the tensile-strength reinforcement and the inner carcass have at least one elongated element formed as one of a profile, a cable, an interlockable wire, and a strip with the at least one elongated element being composed of an aluminum-based alloy.

Abstract: An armoured flexible pipe having one or more of the following components, a pressure resistant armouring, a traction resistant armouring and/or an internal carcase, in which pipe at least one of said components comprises one or more elongated elements such as a shaped piece, a cable, a wire or a strip. The element is formed of a composite material with aluminium alloy matrix comprising reinforcement elements such as particles and/or whiskers.

Abstract: A tubular structure, such as a pipe or pressure vessel, is provided with a wall formed from plastic, composites and elastomeric materials. The composite materials are spirally wound and are separated by elastomeric strips. The wall has an inner wall element formed by a continuous flexible plastic cylinder with a spiral projection on its outer surface. An outer layer is formed from alternating spirally wound strips of composite and elastomer. The composite strip has a radially inward projection axially spaced from the projection on the plastic cylinder but overlapping in the radial direction. The cylinder and layer are separated by an intermediate layer formed from composites and elastomeric strips. A composite strip is located between each pair of adjacent projections and separated from the projections by an elastomeric strip. An outer wall element is formed from alternating spirally wound composite and elastomeric strips having pitch greater than the inner wall element.

Abstract: A hose (1) includes a main pressure cord layer (5) for holding a fluid, and an auxiliary pressure cord layer (7) formed so as to sheathe the main pressure cord layer (5) and to form a buffering space (9) for retaining the fluid leaking through the main pressure cord layer (5) between the main pressure cord layer (5) and the auxiliary pressure cord layer (7). The auxiliary cord layer (7) includes first and second cord plies in an asymmetrical structural relation capable of being twisted by the pressure of the fluid leaking through the main pressure cord layer (5). Thus, even if its main pressure cord layer and its rubber tube are damaged leakage of the fluid can be prevented.

Abstract: An elongate body insulated by means of an insulating covering, said covering being constituted by a tape (2) made of synthetic material taped around said body (1) and covered in a layer of varnish (11) made of synthetic material, the body being characterized in that the taping is such that there exists a groove (4) between the free edge (5) of any portion of a turn (3) that is not covered by the following turns and the uncovered surface (6) of the preceding turn, the width of said groove (4) lying substantially in the range 0% to 5% of the width of said tape (2) and being strictly greater than zero.

Abstract: A paper sleeve and system for application as an insulated riser in a sand mold used to cast metal articles is disclosed. The sleeve, preferably cylindrical, is formed from a plurality of sheets of paper wrapped around one another with, preferably, a space between the edges of each sheet to provide a plurality of spaces or openings extending through the sleeve. Each sheet is treated with a precise amount of fire retardant. The sleeve for a given time period acts as an insulator keeping metal therein liquid until the metal solidifies in the article forming cavity of the sand mold and thereafter decomposes or reduces itself to a harmless carbon ash. The sleeve can function to both feed liquid metal to the article forming cavity in a sand mold and also to supply additional liquid metal to the article cavity upon solidification of the metal therein to eliminate the need for separate risers as now required in conventional foundry practice.

Abstract: A bending device for use in an endoscope, a catheter or the like is of a simple construction having a coil, an operating wire and a pair of limitation members for limiting an axial compression of the coil. The pair of limitation members are arranged along the length of the coil, and are mounted respectively on diametrically-opposite portions of the coil. The coil is bendable in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the pair of limitation members are disposed. Instead of the coil, a bellows can be used.

Abstract: A catheter includes a spring having a plurality of convolutions disposed along a longitudinal axis, and a first modulus. A sheath overlying the spring engages the convolutions of the spring and imparts to the spring axial compressive stresses which increase the modulus of the spring. The catheter can be manufactured by inserting the spring into a tube of Hytrel.RTM. material, stretching the tube at a transition region which advances along the tube causing the tube to neck down onto the spring. The stretching develops internal stresses which are ultimately imparted to the spring thereby increasing the modulus of the catheter.

Abstract: In a tubular structure for forming a fishing rod, an amorphous metal long fiber tape is spirally or crosswise wound on a prepreg sheet tube with a predetermined pitch, not being overlapped in each turn, so that the prepreg sheet and the amorphous long fiber tape are joined together with high adherence, whereby its twisting strength, collapsing strength and bending strength are improved.

Abstract: A flexible catheter comprises at least one resilient, tubular layer in telescoping relation with a tubular sheath made of helically disposed crossing strands. At least one of the strands has a width that substantially exceeds its height, preferably having a width that is 4 to 8 times greater than its height. Some of the strands are circular in cross-section. The Catheter also includes at least one permanently emplaced reinforcing filament carried generally parallel to the axis of the catheter, to increase the longitudinal stiffness of at least a portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A flexible metal conduit and fabrication method where a thin metal ribbon is arranged in a helix about a central axis. The ribbon defines helically extending corrugated inwardly and outwardly facing conduit surfaces formed by alternating ridges and valleys extending parallel to the ribbon edges. Ribbon edge locking structure secures abutting ribbon convolutions together and comprises first and second confronting parallel ribbon edge flanges extending at least a substantial length of the ribbon. The flanges are lapped and tightly rolled together to form a two ply spirally curved wall defining a tube whose central core has a generally circular cross sectional shape. The tube is disposed adjacent a convolution surface and extends along a helical path parallel to the abutting convolutions.

Abstract: A reusable printing sleeve for supporting flexible printing plates, the sleeve having a limited circumferential resilience, whereby when subjected to air jets emitted from the apertures in the wall of a printing cylinder, the sleeve is dilated to facilitate the application of the sleeve to the cylinder or its removal therefrom. The sleeve is constituted by four or five interlaminated layers. The innermost one or two layers are comprised of wide strips of plastic film helically wound about a cylindrical shape. The outer three layers of the sleeve are constituted of three interlaminated layers each formed by helically wound of synthetic plastic tape. All three outer layers are wound at helix angles substantially different from the innermost layer or layers.

Abstract: A flexible hose construction and method of making the same are provided, the flexible hose construction comprising an inner corrugated hose made of polymeric material and having a plurality of outwardly facing convex projections with outwardly facing recesses therebetween and extending from one end thereof to the other end thereof, the inner hose having a plurality of inwardly facing convex projections with inwardly facing recesses therebetween and extending from the one end thereof to the other end thereof, an outer sleeve of reinforcing material disposed in telescoping relation on the inner hose, a first tube of polymeric material disposed between the sleeve of reinforcing material and the inner hose and having an inner peripheral surface engaging the outwardly facing convex projections in a generally straight-line manner from the one end thereof to the other end thereof so as to tend to prevent the sleeve of reinforcing material from entering into the outwardly facing recesses of the inner hose an amount t

Abstract: A spiral-wound tube formed of a hollow section 1 is provided wherein the hollow section is joined together by extruder welding or gluing. The hollow section is coextruded and comprises an outer layer (2) of pastic with a homogenous surface and good weldability. An intermediate layer 3 is provided of a modified polymer and an inner layer (4) is also provided. The interior space defined by the tubular layers (2, 3, 4) is preferably rectangular in cross-section.

Abstract: A pressure-resistant helical corrugated pipe comprises a helical corrugated pipe wall having a top portion, opposite side wall portions and a bottom portion; a continuous thin metal belt plate of a generally U-shaped transverse cross-section which is disposed in one of the top portion and the bottom portion and also in at least part of the opposite side wall portions extending from the one of the top portion and the bottom portion; another metal belt plate of a flat configuration being disposed in the other of the top portion and the bottom portion and disposed out of contact with the thin metal belt plate; and connective belt regions provided between the two metal belt plates in which the metal belt plates are absent, the connective belt regions being made of a synthetic resin or rubber to interconnect the two metal belt plates.

Abstract: A self-erecting, coiled metal tube comprises a helically wound ribbon of spring material having an inside surface and an outside surface, the ribbon having adjacent turns stressed to coil in tight overlapping and telescoping engagement, and a textured surface formed on the outside surface of the ribbon so that when the ribbon is extended, the textured surface of an underlapped turn of ribbon bears against the inner surface of an overlapped turn of ribbon to create friction between the adjacent turns of ribbon and control the length of extension of the ribbon tube and strengthen the tube.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible reinforced hose (50) having an inner core tube (2) for conveying fluids surrounded by two layers of tensioned fibrous reinforcement layer (4, 8) between which is disposed a spirally wound flexible polymeric tape (6) which is unbonded to either of the reinforcement layers and free to move relative thereto under flexing and pressure pulsing conditions and which is adapted to prevent moisture from pentrating core tube (2) from outside of hose (50). Other preferred embodiments include hose (60) in which a flexible polymeric tape (12) is applied longitudinally and hose (70) where the tape is a flexible polymeric metal composite tape (20) as well as hose (32) in which the reinforcement layers (32, 36) are oppositely helically wound.

Abstract: A hose having stable length under pressure comprises an internal leak tightness sheath, and armoring consisting of at least two pairs of layers of helically wound wires, the two layers of the same pair being made of identical wires laid at the same sheathing angle but in the opposite direction, and an external protective sheath. All the wires are laid at one of two sheathing angles, one less than 55.degree. the other greater than 55.degree.; the wires of at least one pair of layers exhibit one sheathing angle between 40.degree. and 53.degree., and the wires of at least one other pair of layers exhibit a second sheathing angle between 57.degree. and 70.degree..

Abstract: A flexible catheter comprises at least one resilient, tubular layer in telescoping relation with a tubular sheath made of helically disposed crossing strands. At least one of the strands has a width that substantially exceeds its height, preferably having a width that is 4 to 8 times greater than its height. At least one of the strands is circular in cross section.

Abstract: The encased product of the present invention comprises an elongated flexible casing cylindrically shaped substantially along its length and having opposite end closures. A product material fills the cavity formed by the flexible casing and maintains the casing in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical casing is formed from a elongated strip of flexible material having opposite side edges, the strip being formed into a finished tubular casing with the side edges of the strip within each casing frictionally overlapping and engaging the side edges thereof. The product is formed by continuously applying an elongated flexible ribbon to the outer cylindrical surface of a stuffing tube at a canted angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube and rotating the flexible ribbon at the point where it is applied to the stuffing tube so that it will wrap around the tube in a plurality of helical revolutions to form a cylindrical casing on the tube.

Abstract: A thermoplastic impregnated fiberglass pipe or tube and the process for making such pipe are disclosed. The pipe or tube is made of thermoplastic impregnated fibrous roving which consists of a plurality of glass filaments, at least a portion of the filaments' surfaces being in contact with the residue produced by evaporating water from an aqueous size composition consisting of an organosilane coupling agent, a polyethylene oxide binder material, and a polypropylene thermoplastic polymer resin, wherein the composition is applied to the glass fiber during the fiber forming process. The pipe forming process includes filament winding the rovings around a spindle and thereafter heating the wound rovings to fuse the thermoplastic polymer resin.

Abstract: A plastic pipe having spiral ridges on an outer surface and a continuous, cylindrical inner surface formed by a spiral wound plastic ribbon having at least one ridge-shaped hollow deformation extending longitudinally of the ribbon and spirally of the pipe. The outer radial surface of the hollow deformations are slit and sealed with a ribbon. Side portions extend from the opposite sides of the hollow deformations and are fused to each other to form the cylindrical inner surface.

Abstract: A method for protecting conduits in which a tube produced by helically winding a strip and interconnecting the edges of the strip to allow longitudinal slip is placed adjacent the area to be lined or overlapped. The tube is held at a selected diameter during placement and a winding force is applied by expander means driven along the tube to cause the interconnected edges to slip progressively change the diameter of the tube to engage the conduit. The progressive change may be caused by continuing the step of winding.

Abstract: A continuous strip non-shielding and pressure-resistant wrapping material for protecting buried metallic pipe is disclosed. The wrapping material comprises a continuous layer of cold-flowable rubberized bitumen bonded to a substantially non-elastic porous support backing with a release film positioned on the exposed face of the bitumen to protect the bitumen prior to application. When applied to a metallic pipe, the protective bitumen is secured to and held in place by the non-elastic support backing and thus cannot sag away from the pipe. The porous support backing provides potential electric current paths through each pore so that cathodic protection can be effectively utilized to protect against corrosion in even the smallest holiday in the bitumen layer.

Abstract: A flexible composite hose comprises an inner tube formed from a synthetic resin, an outer tube formed from a thermally shrinkable synthetic resin, having a relatively small wall thickness and carrying an adhesive on its inner peripheral surface, and a metal wire interposed spirally between the inner and outer tubes. The adhesive and the thermal shrinkage of the thermally shrinkable resin cause the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube to stick closely to the inner tube and the wire. The outer tube has a spirally corrugated outer peripheral surface defined by the wire.

Abstract: The method of reinforcing a structure formed by interengaging the edges of ribbed strip (1) formed of a plastics material to form a helically wound tube, the strip (1) comprising a plurality of the ribs (2) spaced apart and upstanding from a base (24), characterized by engaging on the strip (1) a non-planar reinforcing member (10), and locking the reinforcing member (10) to the strip to form an attached strength member to attain lateral stability of the ribs.

Abstract: The encased product of the present invention comprises an elongated flexible casing cylindrically shaped substantially along its length and having opposite end closures. A product material fills the cavity formed by the flexible casing and maintains the casing in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical casing is formed from an elongated strip of flexible material having opposite side edges, the strip being formed into a finished tubular casing with the side edges of the strip within each casing frictionally overlapping and engaging the side edges thereof. The product is formed by continuously applying an elongated flexible ribbon to the outer cylindrical surface of a stuffing tube at a canted angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube and rotating the flexible ribbon at the point where it is applied to the stuffing tube so that it will wrap around the tube in a plurality of helical revolutions to form a cylindrical casing on the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydraulically efficient metal pipe particularly adapted for use in storm drain and sanitary sewer applications which is adapted for use with a self-supporting interior inert protective lining. The pipe has a channeled wall defining a plurality of outwardly projecting structural ribs and a hydraulically smooth interior surface. The ribs are preferably of a helical configuration and the channels which are formed interiorly thereof are generally either square or rectangular in cross-section and are open along the interior surface of the pipe. The walls defining the ribs can be tapered inwardly to form triangular-shaped channels so as to define an anchor throughout the length of the pipe for securing thereto a smooth interior lining of corrosion-resistant protective material.

Abstract: A separating pot for glandless electrical or magnetic drive assemblies includes a pot jacket having a generally tubular body with two ends and a flange portion at one of the two ends, the pot jacket being composed of fiber reinforced plastic with the fiber being wound in alternating layers of circumferential windings and helical windings, and with the flange portion being composed of additional circumferential windings; a bottom member disposed within and closing off the other of the two ends of the pot jacket, the end of the pot jacket being an open end, the bottom member having a generally cup-shaped portion which includes a rim portion surrounding an interior bottom face, the rim portion facing the open end of the pot jacket and extending in an axial direction away from the interior bottom face, the bottom member being in a press fit with the pot jacket and being glued to the pot jacket, the rim portion having a generally conically-shaped interior surface which is enlarged in a direction away from the inte

Abstract: A rack for supporting a cathode-ray tube during sealing of the screen portion of the tube to the bulb cone portion of the tube is disclosed. The rack includes tubing mounted to the rack through which gas can be blown into the tube. An exit end section of the tubing is of flexible design and includes a helical spring and a plurality of resilient leaf spring tongues for aligning the tubing in the neck of the cathode-ray tube.

Abstract: Strips for use in forming flexible hoses from helically wound convolutions of the strip are disclosed, in which the strip has a substantially U-shaped body including a pair of radially projecting, spaced-apart walls connected by a transverse wall, and in which the body is produced from a polymeric material having a predetermined Young's modulus, and substantially the entire surface of the body is composed of that polymeric material, so that adjacent portions of the body can be directly bonded together to form a flexible hose upon the helical winding of the strip. Furthermore, supports are embedded in the pair of walls in order to reinforce the walls and permit the body to substantially retain its shape upon the application of external forces thereto. Methods for making flexible hoses from these strips are also disclosed.

Abstract: Strips for use in forming flexible hoses from helically wound convolutions of the strip are disclosed, in which the strip has a substantially U-shaped body including a pair of radially projecting, spaced-apart walls connected by a transverse wall, and in which the body is produced from a polymeric material having a predetermined Young's modulus, and substantially the entire surface of the body is composed of that polymeric material, so that adjacent portions of the body can be directly bonded together to form a flexible hose upon the helical winding of the strip. Furthermore, supports are embedded in the pair of walls in order to reinforce the walls and permit the body to substantially retain its shape upon the application of external forces thereto. Methods for making flexible hoses from these strips are also disclosed.