Patent ID: 8230573

Claim:
A method for connecting a flexible hose member to a socket, comprising: providing a flexible hose member having at least one open end; providing a sleeve having a first portion defining a larger inner diameter and a tubular portion which fits into the open end of the hose member, the tubular portion comprising a reduced diameter portion having a reduced inner diameter less than the larger inner diameter of the first portion; placing the tubular portion of the sleeve within the open end of the hose; expanding the tubular portion of the sleeve and the end of the hose to enlarge the reduced inner diameter so that the tubular portion has a uniform inner diameter throughout the length of the tubular portion; providing an end portion of a rigid pipe member and expanding the end portion of the end of the pipe for forming a socket for receiving the hose end with the expanded tubular portion of the sleeve therein; and introducing the hose end with the sleeve into the socket.