Patent ID: 6467734
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: E03C,F16L

Abstract:
A bracket for holding flexible tubing in a bent configuration, the tubing having an outer diameter, comprising:an inner wall defining a first radius of curvature along an axis of predetermined length and having a first end and an opposing second end; an outer wall defining a second radius of curvature in the same plane as the first radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature by at least the outer diameter of the tubing to be located in the bracket during use of the bracket, at least a portion of the outer wall being located adjacent to at least the first end and the second end of the inner wall to engage sides of the tubing during use of the bracket and to cause the tubing to bend at an angle defined by one of the first and second radii during use of the bracket, the inner wall and the outer wall being connected but providing a slot along at least a substantial length of the inner wall, the slot being sufficiently large to allow the tubing to be inserted through the slot during use of the bracket, the angle of the subtended arc between the first and second ends along the second radius of curvature being different than the angle of the subtended arc between the first and second ends along the first radius of curvature; a lateral restraint connected to the bracket and extending at least partially across the slot to maintain the tubing in the bracket during use of the bracket.