Flexible connectors and methods of manufacturing same
US7543368B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49927
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing having a distal end and an end piece having a proximal end. The proximal end of the end piece is engaged with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing and a length of polymeric tubing is utilized to initially retain the end piece and the length of corrugated tubing in engagement with one another. A length of mesh tubing may be extended along the length of corrugated tubing and around the exterior of the length of polymeric tubing. A sleeve is positioned in alignment with the length of polymeric tubing, with the proximal end of the end piece, and with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing. The sleeve is crimped to permanently retain the proximal end of the end piece in engagement with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.