Patent ID: 6016847
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A crush resistant flexible tubular conduit capable of withstanding high external hydrostatic pressures comprising at least one tubular layer constituted by at least one profiled ban having a cross-section substantially in the shape of an elongated S, wound helically with a small pitch and with interlocking of successive turns, the profiled band having a cross-section formed from first (5) and second (6) main portions which are cylindrical, coaxial, radially spaced and joined by a central portion (7) inclined in relation to the longitudinal axis of the conduit, each of the first and second main cylindrical portions being joined by a first convex radial portion (8) to a first cylindrical secondary portion (10) and by a second convex radial portion (9) to a second secondary portion (11, 12, 13), and the first secondary portion being radially spaced from the first main cylindrical portion by a distance such that, in the helically wound state of the profiled band, it is substantially applied over its entire length against the second main portion of an immediately adjacent turn (6""), wherein the second secondary portion comprises a section (11) connecting a discrete end section (12) to the second convex radial portion (9) through a wave-shaped intermediate section (13) which is in contact with a first secondary portion (10') of another immediately adjacent turn and which has a concavity directed away from the second main portion (6), and wherein the second secondary portion (11, 12, 13) is arranged so that in the wound state of the band said connecting section (11) bears on the first main portion (5') of the other adjacent turn, characterized in that, in the wound state of the band the discrete end section (12) bears, in face-to-face contact at its end surfaces remote from the intermediate section on the first main portion (5') of said other adjacent turn.