Apparatus and method for producing kink resistant tubing

摘要

Apparatus for producing flexible kink resistant tubing having one or more non-reinforced section(s) and one or more spirally-reinforced section(s). The apparatus includes a rotatable member having an extrusion passgeway for extruding a second thermoplastic material in a filament within a first thermoplastic material to form a reinforcing filament in tubing formed by the first thermoplastic material. The rotatable member is rotated at a predetermined velocity to form the reinforcing filament in a spiral or helical pattern in the wall of the tubing. A diverter valve is provided for selectively providing the second thermoplastic material so that filament reinforced and non-reinforced longitudinal sections of tubing may be formed without interruption. A method of producing such kink resistant tubing is also disclosed.