Abstract This invention relates to the manufacture of elbowed pipes from rubber and like elastomeric materials. The invention is based on the known method which consists in placing a straight pipe prior to vulcanisation in contact with a coaxially arranged deformable shaping element, whereafter the assembly of pipe and element is deformed to a desired shape and is then vulcanised, after which the pipe is separated from the element. According to the invention, the deformable shaping element is made from at least one metal helix. This metal helix is preferably preformed to the shape of the elbowed pipe to be produced. The invention also includes a deformable shaping element for use in the method. Although the expression ''''pipes'''' is used, it will be clear that it includes hoses and any other similar tubular member, where the context so admits.
A device for supporting a pipe made from an elastomeric material, during shaping and vulcanisation thereof, said device comprising at least one metal helix made of spring steel, with attachment members projecting from each end thereof, and wherein said metal helix is covered by a braid consisting of at least two helices of metal wires, the metal wires of one wire helix passing alternately above and below the wires of the other wire helix in woven configuration, and the wires of each said wire helix making with the longitudinal axis of the device an angle which is equal to but of reverse direction to that formed by the wires of the other said wire helix with the said longitudinal axis.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
120 words
A device for supporting a pipe made from an elastomeric material, during shaping and vulcanisation thereof, said device comprising at least one metal helix made of spring steel, with attachment members projecting from each end thereof, and wherein said metal helix is covered by a braid consisting of at least two helices of metal wires, the metal wires of one wire helix passing alternately above and below the wires of the other wire helix in woven configuration, and the wires of each said wire helix making with the longitudinal axis of the device an angle which is equal to but of reverse direction to that formed by the wires of the other said wire helix with the said longitudinal axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the wires of each said wire helix make an angle of the order of 55* with the longitudinal axis of the device.