GB2149049A

GB2149049A - A shape-retaining insert for a flexible hose

Info

Publication number: GB2149049A
Application number: GB08329215A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Major
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-11-02
Filing date: 1983-11-02
Publication date: 1985-06-05
Also published as: GB8329215D0

Abstract

Hose insert comprises a helically wound spring (14) and a metal rod (20) fixedly connected to the end (16) of the spring (14). The spring (14) inhibits or prevents kinking of the hose during and after bending, whilst the rod (20) maintains the hose in its bent condition. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A shape-retaining insert for a flexible hose The present invention relates to a shaperetaining insert for a flexible hose, more particuiarly a fluid conveying hose.

As is well known, hoses for applications such as the cooling systems of motor vehicles are often required to interconnect non-aligned passageways of components spaced from each other and although it is sometimes possible to utilise a straight hose which is bent to the required shape, the more usual practise, particularly where multiple bends are required, is to mould the hose to the required shape.

Thus, due to multiplicity of cooling layouts now in use on motor vehicles, the stocking of moulded hoses for the various models is a problem and the object of the present invention is to at least reduce the problem by merely requiring the stockist to hold hoses and inserts according to the present invention of various predetermined lengths for use on a wide range of vehicles.

The present invention consists in a shaperetaining insert for a flexible hose, said insert comprising a flexible member which, in use, supports and reinforces the wall of said hose and an elongate rigid but bendable member fixedly connected to said flexible member such that, in use, it retains the hose in any required shape after bending.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a side view of a shape-retaining insert for a flexible hose according to the present invention, Figure 2 is an end view of Fig. 1, and Figure 3 is a side view, partly in section of a flexible hose and insert assembly after bending.

In carrying the invention into effect according to one convenient mode, by way of example, a shape-retaining insert 10 for a flexible hose 12 comprises a flexible, helically wound, spring-like member 14, the coils of which are of circular cross-section and tightly coiled at the respective ends 16 and 18. A metal rod 20 is fixedly connected, as by welding, only to the tightly coiled end 16 extends within and throughout the length of the member 14. Although the rod 20 is rigid, it is bendable and once bent retains its shape.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the hose 12 is formed of an elastomeric material and is produced by a continuous extrusion process as is already known in the art. The resultant seamless flexible hose is then cut to any required length or lengths.

Assuming the hose 12 is to be fitted between the cylindrical bosses or connectors 22 and 24 of a car heater and engine block, respectively, a flexible insert 10 of a diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of the hose 1 2 is slid into the latter so that the helical coils 14 support and reinforce the surface of the hose. The end of the hose accommodating the end 16 of the insert to which the rod 20 is welded, is now pushed over the boss 24 so that the end coil of the insert 10 seats on the boss as clearly shown in Fig. 3. At the required height from the boss 24, the hpse 1 2 is bent through a right-angle and the other end of the hose is pushed over the boss 22 with the other end coil of the insert seated thereon.Conventional hose clips (not shown) are then tightened around the respective ends of the hose and associated boss. The rod 20 maintains the hose 12 in the required bent condition even if it is removed from the bosses 22 and 24 and the coil 14 inhibit or prevent kinking of the hose.

It will be appreciated that the hose and insert assembly is capable of multiple bending and may be bent to any required shape prior to fitting. In some instances where the hose is shorter than the insert, the latter is axially compressed in the hose and the free end of the rod 20 adjacent the end 18 cut to the required length/.

The insert 10 may be formed from any suitable material which is capable of supporting the inner surface of the hose, is flexible and axially compressible, and incorporates a rigid, but bendable, member which retains the shape of the hose after bending. For example, the coils 1 4 may be replaced by a flexible cylindrical member of lattice-like construction.

The inserts 10 are provided in various lengths and diameters to suit hoses for the particular application in hand.

1. A shape-retaining insert for a flexible hose, said insert comprising a flexible member which, in use, supports and reinforces the wall of said hose and an elongate rigid but bendable member fixedly connected to said flexible member such that, in use, it retains the hose in any required shape after bending.

2. A shape-retaining insert as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flexible member comprises a helically wound, metal spring-like member.

3. A shape-retaining insert as claimed in claim 2, wherein the respective ends of the spring-like member are tightly coiled.

4. A shape-retaining insert as claimed in claim 3, wherein the elongate member is a metal rod which is welded to one of the tightly coiled ends of the spring-like member.

5. A shape-retaining insert for a flexible hose substantially as described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.

6. A flexible hose having a shape-retaining insert as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION A shape-retaining insert for a flexible hose The present invention relates to a shaperetaining insert for a flexible hose, more particuiarly a fluid conveying hose. As is well known, hoses for applications such as the cooling systems of motor vehicles are often required to interconnect non-aligned passageways of components spaced from each other and although it is sometimes possible to utilise a straight hose which is bent to the required shape, the more usual practise, particularly where multiple bends are required, is to mould the hose to the required shape. Thus, due to multiplicity of cooling layouts now in use on motor vehicles, the stocking of moulded hoses for the various models is a problem and the object of the present invention is to at least reduce the problem by merely requiring the stockist to hold hoses and inserts according to the present invention of various predetermined lengths for use on a wide range of vehicles. The present invention consists in a shaperetaining insert for a flexible hose, said insert comprising a flexible member which, in use, supports and reinforces the wall of said hose and an elongate rigid but bendable member fixedly connected to said flexible member such that, in use, it retains the hose in any required shape after bending. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a side view of a shape-retaining insert for a flexible hose according to the present invention, Figure 2 is an end view of Fig. 1, and Figure 3 is a side view, partly in section of a flexible hose and insert assembly after bending. In carrying the invention into effect according to one convenient mode, by way of example, a shape-retaining insert 10 for a flexible hose 12 comprises a flexible, helically wound, spring-like member 14, the coils of which are of circular cross-section and tightly coiled at the respective ends 16 and 18. A metal rod 20 is fixedly connected, as by welding, only to the tightly coiled end 16 extends within and throughout the length of the member 14. Although the rod 20 is rigid, it is bendable and once bent retains its shape. Referring now to Fig. 3, the hose 12 is formed of an elastomeric material and is produced by a continuous extrusion process as is already known in the art. The resultant seamless flexible hose is then cut to any required length or lengths. Assuming the hose 12 is to be fitted between the cylindrical bosses or connectors 22 and 24 of a car heater and engine block, respectively, a flexible insert 10 of a diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of the hose 1 2 is slid into the latter so that the helical coils 14 support and reinforce the surface of the hose. The end of the hose accommodating the end 16 of the insert to which the rod 20 is welded, is now pushed over the boss 24 so that the end coil of the insert 10 seats on the boss as clearly shown in Fig. 3. At the required height from the boss 24, the hpse 1 2 is bent through a right-angle and the other end of the hose is pushed over the boss 22 with the other end coil of the insert seated thereon.Conventional hose clips (not shown) are then tightened around the respective ends of the hose and associated boss. The rod 20 maintains the hose 12 in the required bent condition even if it is removed from the bosses 22 and 24 and the coil 14 inhibit or prevent kinking of the hose. It will be appreciated that the hose and insert assembly is capable of multiple bending and may be bent to any required shape prior to fitting. In some instances where the hose is shorter than the insert, the latter is axially compressed in the hose and the free end of the rod 20 adjacent the end 18 cut to the required length/. The insert 10 may be formed from any suitable material which is capable of supporting the inner surface of the hose, is flexible and axially compressible, and incorporates a rigid, but bendable, member which retains the shape of the hose after bending. For example, the coils 1 4 may be replaced by a flexible cylindrical member of lattice-like construction. The inserts 10 are provided in various lengths and diameters to suit hoses for the particular application in hand. CLAIMS