| 摘要 |
The invention described herein pertains generally to a cross-linked plumbing tube (18) which has at least one overmolded end (2) (e.g., nose cone or nut) attached thereto. In one aspect of this invention, the tube (18) is more rigid than the overmolded component (2) while in another aspect of the invention, the tube (18) is more flexible than the overmolded component (2). In either embodiment of this invention, the tube (18) provides an all-plastic waterway for a contained liquid or gas to flow through. The degree of flexibility is controlled independently controlling the density of the tube polymer and the overmolding polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the tube (18) and the overmolding polymer are both partially cross-linked to independent first degrees prior to the overmolding process. Subsequent to the overmolding process, the cross-linking is continued to a higher degree for both polymers. |
