Patent ID: 6379596
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,F16L

Abstract:
A method for forming a fitting at an end of a silicone tube having an internal layer of reinforcing braiding, comprising the steps of:providing a tube having an internal layer of reinforcing braiding sandwiched between inner and outer layers of silicone; removing the outer silicone layer of the tube for a predetermined length from the end of the tube to expose the internal layer of braiding along that length; providing first and second silicone rings; placing the first ring over the exposed layer of braiding; folding the exposed layer of braiding from the tube end to the first ring over the first ring; placing the second ring over the folded-over layer of braiding; providing a mold having a cavity shaped as a desired fitting; inserting the tube end with the first and second rings into the mold cavity; filling the mold cavity with liquid silicone; heating and curing the liquid silicone to form a fitting; and removing the fitting from the mold cavity.