| 摘要 |
A lightweight hose (80) is disclosed which is formed from a heat seamable ma terial and includes a helically-wound reinforcing member (88). The hose (80) can be formed in a short, definite length and a r elatively long, indefinite length by a mandrel and a con tinuous process, respectively. In one aspect of the invention, a lightweight conduit (80) comprises a tubular wall (82) formed of at least o ne ply of heat seamable material and at least one helical member (88) whereby the at l east one ply is bonded to itself and to the at least one reinforcing member (88) without additional adhesive. The invention also relates to light weight conduits in the form of connectors such as cuffs (140) and T- and Y-connectors (170 and 180), respectively, The invention further r elates to a method for forming a lightweight conduit, in cluding but not limited to, the embodiments of a hose described herein. The method c an be characterized by the steps of wrapping at least on e ply of heat seamable material (134) around a mandrel (120) so that at least one portion thereof overlaps another portion, wrapping an el ongated member (132) helically around the mandrel (120), heating the material (134) and the member (132) to a predetermined temperature and time wherein the at least one portion will adhere to the other portion and f orm a conduit (80). Thereafter, the conduit (80) can be removed from the mandrel (120).
|
