KINK RESISTANT HOSE SYSTEM WITH LAYER OF SPACED GEOMETRICAL UNITS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING

摘要

A fluid conduit includes a flexible member having a tubular wall and a plurality of geometric segments located adjacent to the tubular wall. The geometric segments are disposed about a central axis of the conduit and spaced apart relative to each other to define a gap therebetween. The gap is sized to be closed by contact between adjacent geometric segments upon a predetermined flexure of the flexible member. A method of forming the conduit includes forming a flexible member with a tubular wall and forming a plurality of grooves about the central axis in the tubular wall. The geometric segments in one embodiment are formed from the intersections of a first plurality of helical grooves formed at a first angle relative to the central axis and a second plurality of helical grooves formed at a second angle mutually opposite from the first angle.

主权项

1. A fluid conduit, comprising:
a flexible member having a tubular wall configured to convey a fluid, the tubular wall defining a central axis extending through the flexible member; and a plurality of geometric segments disposed adjacent to the tubular wall, the geometric segments disposed circumferentially about and longitudinally along the central axis and spaced apart relative to each other to define a gap therebetween, the gap sized to be closed by contact between adjacent geometric segments upon a predetermined flexure of the flexible member.