Pipe joints or couplings – Nonmetal to metal – Internal member
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-20
2001-11-06
Nicholson, Eric K. (Department: 3627)
Pipe joints or couplings
Nonmetal to metal
Internal member
C285S322000, C285S252000, C285S903000, C285S226000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312021
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to flexible metal hose and in particular to flexible metal hose end connections.
2. Description of the Related Art
Flexible metal hoses are utilized in a wide variety of applications for conveying various liquids, gases and bulk materials. Flexibility is an important characteristic in many such applications in order to permit interconnecting portions of a transfer system through curved sections of a hose run. The flexible, curved hose sections are often used to interconnect straight pipe sections. Flexible metal piping is also well adapted for connecting piping sections which are misaligned, or which are subject to misalignment and repositioning in use. Still further, flexible metal piping is frequently utilized for applications which are subject to vibration and heat.
For example, flexible metal hoses are often used in exhaust systems for conveying hot exhaust gases. In such applications vibration can be a problem since internal combustion engines produce significant amounts of vibration in operation. Moreover, the exhaust gases are typically at a relatively high temperature within the exhaust system. Flexible metal hoses are thus normally well-suited for exhaust system applications since they tend to be relatively effective for absorbing vibration and since they can be configured with corrugations and the like for increased heat-dissipating surface areas. Moreover, flexible metal hoses can be provided in various lengths and can be bent into desired configurations for joining misaligned exhaust system components. Flexible metal piping is commonly used in certain types of vehicles, such as over-the-road trucks, for connecting their engines and exhaust stacks, particularly where the exhaust system hoses must accommodate curves, misalignment, heat and vibration.
Flexible metal hose can be formed in several ways. A common manufacturing process involves spiral-winding a flat metal strip and interlocking its leading and trailing edges to form a spiral-wound flexible hose section wherein the interlocked band edges permit a certain amount flexure. An alternative is to corrugate piping which has been roll formed from sheet stock to provide corrugated flexible metal hoses with single-thickness walls.
Flexible metal hosing can be connected to inlet and outlet devices with several different techniques, such as welding, clamping, etc. Clamps are often used for connecting flexible metal hose sections to other exhaust system components. Clamps can often be installed with minimal equipment. However, clamps can present difficulties in obtaining fluid-tight seals. For example, annular hose sections may be difficult to compress with normal band and ribbon-type clamps.
The present invention addresses some of the problems associated with securely fastening flexible metal hose to other exhaust system components. Heretofore there has not been available an end-slotted flexible metal hose with the advantages and features of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the practice of the present invention, a flexible metal hose assembly is provided which includes a hose section and a hose clamp. The hose section includes body and end sections. A bore extends coaxially through the hose section and is open at a hose section end. A plurality of slots are formed in the end section and extend through a sidewall of the hose section. The bore defines a normal diameter D.
0
. The hose clamp fits over the slots at the end section and has an expanded configuration whereby the hose end section has a diameter substantially constant with the hose section diameter. The hose clamp can be tightened to a constricted configuration for providing a reduced diameter at the end section. Slots with closed and open ends are provided in both interlocking band and corrugated types of flexible metal hose.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
The principle objects and advantages of the present invention include: providing a flexible metal hose assembly; providing such a hose assembly which includes body and end sections; providing such a hose assembly which includes a spiral-wound, interlocking construction; providing such a hose assembly which includes a corrugated construction; providing such a hose assembly which includes body and end sections; providing such a hose section which includes a plurality of slots in the end section thereof; providing such a hose assembly wherein the slots can have closed-end configurations; providing such a hose assembly wherein the slots can be open at an end of the hose assembly; providing such a hose assembly wherein the slotted, end section has an expanded diameter generally equal to a diameter of the hose section body section; providing such a hose assembly wherein the end section has a constricted diameter less than the diameter of the body section; providing such a hose assembly with a clamp for constricting the hose end section to its constricted configuration; and providing such a hose assembly which is economical to manufacture, efficient in operation, capable of a long operating life and particularly well adapted for the proposed usage thereof.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
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Nicholson Eric K.
Tru--Flex Metal Hose Corp.
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