US 2006/0066003 A1 · Method of forming a hose

Abstract

A polymeric hose pre-form is inserted into a pre-shaped tube and formed into a desired shape. A vacuum endcap is positioned on one end of the tube, and a vacuum is applied at the vacuum endcap to draw the hose pre-form through the tube. After inserting of the hose pre-form into the tube, the hose contacts the inner surface of the tube. A loading endcap is positioned on the other end of the tube. The hose is then cured to maintain the hose in the shape defined by the tube. During curing, the pair of endcaps are flush against the ends of the hose, eliminating the need for a finishing operation. The cured hose is then removed from the tube. The ends of the hose can also be flared.

Claims31

Dependent claims

A method of forming a hose into a desired shape comprising the steps of:

pulling said hose into a forming tube having an inner surface defining a desired tube shape;
curing said hose into said desired shape;
and
removing said hose having said desired shape from said forming tube.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

10/501,591Filed 14 Jan 2003

Priority

15 Jan 2002

Published

30 Mar 2006

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

B29C 53/083
Of tubes or other profiled members: bending longitudinally, i.e. modifying the curvature of the tube axis
B29C 2791/006
Shaping under special conditions: using vacuum
B29K 2021/00
Use of unspecified rubbers as moulding material
B29K 2105/24
Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped: crosslinked or vulcanised

Method of forming a hose

Life of this patent

Method of forming a hose

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31