Patent ID: 6167622
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: F01N,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a flexible connector apparatus, for connecting first and second components of a fluid conduit system, such as an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, comprising the steps of: forming a first tubular member, having a longitudinal axis and further having two ends, an inside diameter and an outside diameter; providing a flange member, having an aperture therethrough and having an inside diameter which is greater than the outside diameter of the first tubular member; the aperture further being defined by a continuous, non-interrupted rim, configuring at least one attachment element on the flange member to enable attachment of the flange member to one of the first and second components;inserting the first tubular member into the aperture of the flange member, to a position located near one of the two ends of the first tubular member; forming a plurality of at least two annular substantially uniform convolutions in the first tubular member, each of said at least two convolutions comprising a circumferentially and radially extending fold of the bellows material, said fold returning at least partially upon itself toward said longitudinal axis, each of such convolutions having an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the first tubular member, positioning the flange member prior to the formation of two of the at least two substantially uniform convolutions between, and subsequently substantially abutting, each of said two uniform convolutions.