Improvements in or relating to flexible pipe

Abstract

A flexible pipe that can be removably inserted to partially nest within a rigid pipe having an annular channel. The flexible pipe includes a cylindrical flexible plastic film to convey a flowable substance. An injection molded collar is disposed at an end of the cylindrical plastic film, overmolded to the flexible film, and overmolded to an elastomeric band that is held captive by the flexible plastic film and / or the injection molded collar. The collar has an annular rib that can nest within the annular channel. The collar and elastomeric band can be folded inward to insert the rib onto the rigid pipe and remove the rib from the rigid pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to improvements in or related to flexible conduits. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible piping is used in many applications, but is particularly exemplified in the food processing industry. It can be suitable when material from one piece of equipment needs to be transferred to the other due to movement or vibration relative to each other. Flexible piping accommodates the relative movement between the two pieces of equipment.

[0003] The materials used in pipelines for transportation can cause wear and tear. Furthermore, vibration can also lead to pipe wear. Therefore, pipelines may need to be replaced at regular intervals. Doing so can be time-consuming.

[0004] Furthermore, the interface between the equipment and the piping needs to be well-sealed to ensure that the transported material does not escape into the surrounding environment. This can be undesirable. The inhalation of surrounding substances into the piping also falls into this category. The interface between the equipment and the piping may not always be sufficient to prevent such leakage, especially when the material is transported in a pressurized flow path and / or when the material is, for example, a liquid.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a flexible conduit that overcomes or at least partially improves some of the disadvantages described above, or that provides the public with a useful alternative.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a system for conveying flowable materials that overcomes or at least partially improves some of the disadvantages described above, or that at least provides the public with a useful alternative.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing flexible pipes that overcomes or at least partially improves some of the disadvantages mentioned above, or at least provides the public with a useful alternative.

[0008] In this specification, references have been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, generally to provide context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, references to such sources should not be construed as an admission, under any circumstances, that such sources are prior art or part of common general knowledge in the art.

[0009] For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" should be interpreted as a general term referring to a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic polymeric products, and is generally composed of hydrocarbon-based polymers.

[0010] For the purposes of this specification, when method steps are described sequentially, unless there is no other logical way to explain the order, the order does not necessarily mean that the steps are ordered chronologically in that order. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In a first aspect, the invention is broadly described as relating to a flexible conduit capable of being removably inserted to partially nest within a smaller flexible or rigid tube, the tube having a main conduit adjacent to one end of the tube, the main conduit being provided with an annular channel, the annular channel preferably being part of an annular profile extension, and through which flowable substances can be transported into or out of the flexible conduit, the flexible conduit comprising: A flexible plastic membrane pipe body for restricting and allowing the capture of flowable material through a flexible pipe to or from a rigid pipe, comprising an injection-molded clamp of material at the end region of the pipe body, the injection-molded clamp being overmolded onto the flexible membrane of the pipe body for integral connection with the flexible plastic membrane, and overmolded onto an elastic band held and captured by the flexible plastic membrane and / or the injection-molded clamp, the clamp having at least one annular rib nested in an annular channel when inserted into the rigid pipe, the clamp and elastic band being elastic to fold inward for insertion into and removal of the rib from the rigid pipe, and having sufficient return bias toward or towards a more relaxed state, such that the rib between the rib and the channel engagement holds the pipe against axial separation from the rigid pipe.

[0012] In a second aspect, the invention can be described as a flexible conduit removably inserted into a rigid tube having an end provided with an annular profile protrusion, through which a flowable substance can be transported into or out of the flexible conduit, the flexible conduit comprising: A flexible plastic membrane pipe body for restricting and allowing the capture and transfer of flowable material through a flexible pipe to or from a rigid pipe, comprising an injection-molded clamp or elastomeric material at the end region of the pipe body, the injection-molded clamp or elastomeric material being overmolded onto the flexible plastic membrane of the pipe body for integral connection with the flexible plastic membrane, and overmolded onto an elastic band held and captured by the flexible plastic membrane and / or the injection-molded clamp, each of the clamp and the annular profile having at least one annular rib pointing towards each other, and at least one of the clamp and the annular profile extension having two ribs such that the ribs in the clamp and the annular profile extension are laterally engaged by the two ribs of the other clamp and the annular profile extension, the clamp and the elastic band being elastic to fold inward to insert and remove the clamp from the rigid pipe into and from the extension, and having sufficient return bias toward or towards a more relaxed state such that the pipe rib between the two rib engagements holds the pipe against axial separation from the rigid pipe.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention can be described as a component as part of a flowable material transport system, comprising: a. A rigid pipe having a main pipe, wherein the main pipe has an annular profile extension near one end of the pipe, and b. A flexible conduit removably insertable to partially nest within a rigid tube at the protruding portion and through which a flowable substance can be transported to and / or from the rigid tube, the flexible conduit comprising a conduit body of a flexible plastic film to restrict and allow the flowable substance to be captured and transported through and / or from the rigid tube, an injection-molded sleeve of elastomeric material at the end region of the conduit body, the injection-molded sleeve being overmolded onto the flexible plastic film of the conduit body for integral connection with the flexible plastic film, and overmolded onto an elastic band, the elastic band being held and captured by the flexible plastic film and / or the injection-molded sleeve. The sleeve has at least one annular rib that, when inserted into the rigid tube, nests in the annular channel of the protrusion of the annular profile. The sleeve and elastic band are elastic to fold inward to allow the sleeve to be inserted into and removed from the rigid tube into the protrusion, and have sufficient return bias toward or towards a more relaxed state, such that the rib engages with the channel to retain the tube and prevent axial separation from the rigid tube.

[0014] In another aspect, the invention can be described as a system that can be assembled to provide the transport of flowable materials and then disassembled, comprising: a. A first rigid pipe having a main pipe, wherein the main pipe has an annular profile extension near its end. b. A second rigid pipe having a main pipe, wherein the main pipe has an annular profile extension in the region adjacent to its end. c. A flexible conduit comprising a conduit body of a flexible plastic film to restrict and allow the capture and transfer of a flowable substance from a first rigid conduit to a second rigid conduit, the flexible conduit having a first end region and a second end region, wherein the flexible conduit is removably inserted at the first end region to partially nest within the first flexible conduit at its protrusion, and wherein the flexible conduit is removably inserted at the second end region to partially nest within the first flexible conduit at its protrusion. In each of the first and second end regions, an injection-molded sleeve of elastomeric material is provided to the pipe body. This injection-molded sleeve is overmolded onto a flexible plastic film of the pipe body for integral connection with the flexible plastic film and is overmolded onto an elastic band, which is held and captured by the flexible plastic film and / or the injection-molded sleeve. In each of the first and second end regions, the clamp has at least one annular rib that, when inserted into its respective rigid tube, is nested in the annular channel of the annular profile protrusion, the annular profile protrusions being positioned opposite each other to the annular rib. The clamp and elastic band are elastic to fold inward to insert the clamp into and remove it from the protrusion of its respective rigid tube, and have sufficient return bias toward or toward a more relaxed state such that the engagement of the rib with the channel keeps the tube from axially separating from the two rigid tubes.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention can be described as a tubular flexible connector for guiding particulate material from a rigid discharge pipe to a rigid receiving pipe, said flexible connector comprising: A flexible plastic film material conduit having at least one end region comprising an elastic band clamp of injection-molded material overmolded onto the plastic film material and defining an outer profile including at least one rib adapted to engage in each of a complementary internal channel in at least one of a discharge pipe and a receiving pipe after returning from a deformed form of the clamp. The clamp is elastic to deform inward along the imaginary pipe axis of its connector to insert or remove a connection at the channel and has sufficient return bias toward or towards a more relaxed state such that the rib engages with the channel to retain the connector to the discharge pipe or receiving pipe to which it is connected.

[0016] Preferably, the belt is cylindrical in shape.

[0017] Preferably, the strip is formed of a metal strip or a flat metal.

[0018] Preferably, the band is trapped within an elastomeric material.

[0019] Preferably, the strip is trapped between the elastomeric material and the flexible plastic film.

[0020] Preferably, the strip is not exposed to the outside of the flexible conduit.

[0021] Preferably, the flexible plastic film has a distal end that extends from the sleeve to the end of the pipe.

[0022] Preferably, the flexible plastic film has a distal end that extends to the end of the pipe inside the annular cavity of the sleeve.

[0023] Preferably, the sleeve has a distal end that extends to the end of the flexible plastic film.

[0024] Preferably, the distal end of the sleeve and the distal end of the flexible plastic film are adjacent to each other.

[0025] Preferably, the pipe body has the sleeve and / or a plastic film inside the sleeve at the end region, the film having a surface to abut the surface of the smaller flexible or rigid pipe.

[0026] Preferably, the pipe body has the sleeve and / or the plastic film inside the sleeve at the end region, and the pipe body has a surface that abuts the complementary surface of the smaller flexible or rigid pipe.

[0027] Preferably, the pipe body has the sleeve and / or a plastic film located inside the sleeve in the end region, and the pipe body has a flat surface adjacent to the flat surface of the smaller flexible or rigid pipe.

[0028] Preferably, the pipe body has a cylindrical interior with a sleeve and / or a plastic film inside the sleeve at the end region, the plastic film having a flat surface at a 90-degree angle to the surface of the cylindrical interior to abut the flat surface of a smaller flexible or rigid pipe.

[0029] Preferably, the pipe body has a cylindrical interior that transitions at a 90-degree angle at the end region to a flat surface of a plastic film and / or a sleeve that is 90 degrees to the surface of the cylindrical interior, adjacent to the flat surface of a smaller flexible or rigid pipe.

[0030] Preferably, the end region is formed by and within a mold.

[0031] Preferably, the elastomeric material of the sleeve is exposed to be in direct contact with the pipe.

[0032] Preferably, the sleeve includes two parallel annular ribs that are axially spaced apart from each other.

[0033] Preferably, the sleeve includes two parallel annular ribs spaced axially apart from each other, and the sleeve has an annular groove in the middle of the parallel annular ribs.

[0034] Preferably, the groove protruding radially outward has at least one annular block.

[0035] Preferably, the groove protruding radially outward has at least two parallel annular blocks.

[0036] Preferably, the radially outward protruding groove has at least two parallel and spaced-apart annular blocks.

[0037] Preferably, the radially outward protruding groove has four spaced-apart parallel annular blocks.

[0038] Preferably, the sleeve includes two parallel annular ribs spaced axially from each other, and at least one radially outwardly protruding annular block exists between the annular peaks of the two ribs.

[0039] Preferably, the small piece protrudes radially outward to press against the radially inward ridge of the protrusion.

[0040] Preferably, the sleeve includes two parallel annular ribs, which are axially spaced apart, and each annular rib is located in a corresponding channel of the protrusion.

[0041] Preferably, the clamp includes two parallel annular ribs axially spaced apart to be aligned at the corresponding channels of the protrusion and pressed into the corresponding channels of the protrusion.

[0042] Preferably, the sleeve includes, from its distal end, a first annular rib, an annular groove, and a second annular rib, each of the first and second ribs including a corresponding peak located on the side of the groove.

[0043] Preferably, the sleeve includes, from its distal end, a first annular rib, an annular groove, a second annular rib, and an annular transition section extending to the inner end of the sleeve away from the distal end.

[0044] Preferably, the transition section is a tapered region of the sleeve, the tapered region including a diameter smaller than that of the rib.

[0045] Preferably, the transition section is a tapered region of the sleeve, the tapered region having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the groove.

[0046] Preferably, the transition section guides the flow toward the main pipe body.

[0047] Preferably, the tube engagement surface of the sleeve has a continuous curved profile.

[0048] Preferably, the sleeve includes two parallel annular ribs, which are axially spaced apart by a central groove, which together have a continuous curved profile.

[0049] Preferably, the ferrule includes two parallel annular ribs axially spaced by a central groove having a continuous curved profile, except for at least one annular small block at the central groove.

[0050] Preferably, the pipe body is composed of a cylindrically formed sheet of flexible plastic film material that defines the internal cylindrical surface of the pipe body.

[0051] Preferably, the inner cylindrical surface has the same diameter as the main pipe.

[0052] Preferably, the imaginary axis of the inner cylindrical surface is collinear with the imaginary axis of the main pipe.

[0053] Preferably, the strip is a cylindrical strip coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface of the pipe body.

[0054] Preferably, the side of the strip is in contact with two areas of the overmolded sleeve, where the sleeve is overmolded onto the flexible plastic film.

[0055] Preferably, the sleeve is heat-welded to the plastic film by overmolding.

[0056] Preferably, the ferrule is heat-welded to the strip by overmolding.

[0057] Preferably, the strip is not exposed to the outside of the flexible conduit.

[0058] Preferably, the elastomeric material of the clamp is in immersion contact with the belt.

[0059] Preferably, the belt includes a plurality of holes through which the elastomeric material of the sleeve passes.

[0060] Preferably, the belt is cylindrical in shape.

[0061] Preferably, the strip is formed of a metal strip or a flat metal.

[0062] Preferably, the band is trapped within an elastomeric material.

[0063] Preferably, the strip is trapped between the elastomeric material and the flexible plastic film.

[0064] Preferably, the strip is not exposed to the outside of the flexible conduit.

[0065] Preferably, the flexible plastic film has a distal end that extends from the sleeve to the end of the pipe.

[0066] Preferably, the flexible plastic film has a distal end that extends to the end of the pipe inside the annular cavity of the sleeve.

[0067] Preferably, the sleeve has a distal end that extends to the end of the flexible plastic film.

[0068] Preferably, the distal ends of the sleeve and the flexible plastic film are adjacent to each other.

[0069] Preferably, the pipe body has the sleeve and / or a plastic film inside the sleeve at the end region, the film having a surface to abut the surface of the smaller flexible or rigid pipe.

[0070] Preferably, the pipe body has the sleeve and / or the plastic film inside the sleeve at the end region, and the pipe body has a surface that abuts the complementary surface of the smaller flexible or rigid pipe.

[0071] Preferably, the pipe body has the sleeve and / or a plastic film located inside the sleeve in the end region, and the pipe body has a flat surface adjacent to the flat surface of the smaller flexible or rigid pipe.

[0072] Preferably, the pipe body has a cylindrical interior with a sleeve and / or a plastic film inside the sleeve at the end region, the plastic film having a flat surface at a 90-degree angle to the surface of the cylindrical interior to abut the flat surface of a smaller flexible or rigid pipe.

[0073] Preferably, the pipe body has a cylindrical interior that transitions at a 90-degree angle at the end region to a flat surface of a plastic film and / or a sleeve that is 90 degrees to the surface of the cylindrical interior, adjacent to the flat surface of a smaller flexible or rigid pipe.

[0074] Preferably, the end region is formed by a mold and / or formed in a mold.

[0075] Preferably, the elastomeric material of the sleeve is exposed to be in direct contact with the pipe.

[0076] Preferably, the sleeve includes two parallel annular ribs that are axially spaced apart from each other.

[0077] Preferably, the sleeve includes two parallel annular ribs spaced axially apart from each other, and the sleeve has an annular groove in the middle of the parallel annular ribs.

[0078] Preferably, the groove protruding radially outward has at least one annular block.

[0079] Preferably, the groove protruding radially outward has at least two parallel annular blocks.

[0080] Preferably, the radially outward protruding groove has at least two parallel and spaced-apart annular blocks.

[0081] Preferably, the radially outward protruding groove has three spaced-apart parallel annular blocks.

[0082] Preferably, the sleeve includes two parallel annular ribs spaced axially from each other, and at least one radially outwardly protruding annular block exists between the annular peaks of the two ribs.

[0083] Preferably, the small piece protrudes radially outward to press against the radially inward ridge of the protrusion.

[0084] Preferably, the sleeve includes two parallel annular ribs, which are axially spaced apart, and each annular rib is located in a corresponding channel of the protrusion.

[0085] Preferably, the clamp includes two parallel annular ribs axially spaced apart to be aligned at the corresponding channels of the protrusion and pressed into the corresponding channels of the protrusion.

[0086] Preferably, the sleeve includes, from its distal end, a first annular rib, an annular groove, and a second annular rib, each of the first and second ribs including a corresponding peak located on the side of the groove.

[0087] Preferably, the sleeve includes, from its distal end, a first annular rib, an annular groove, a second annular rib, and an annular transition section extending to the inner end of the sleeve away from the distal end.

[0088] Preferably, the transition section is a tapered region of the sleeve, the tapered region including a diameter smaller than that of the rib.

[0089] Preferably, the transition section is a tapered region of the sleeve, the tapered region having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the groove.

[0090] Preferably, the transition section guides the flow toward the main pipe body.

[0091] Preferably, the tube engagement surface of the sleeve has a continuous curved profile.

[0092] Preferably, the sleeve includes two parallel annular ribs, which are axially spaced apart by a central groove, which together have a continuous curved profile.

[0093] Preferably, the ferrule includes two parallel annular ribs axially spaced by a central groove having a continuous curved profile, except for at least one annular small block at the central groove.

[0094] Preferably, the pipe body is composed of a cylindrically formed sheet of flexible plastic film material that defines the internal cylindrical surface of the pipe body.

[0095] Preferably, the inner cylindrical surface has the same diameter as the main pipe.

[0096] Preferably, the imaginary axis of the inner cylindrical surface is collinear with the imaginary axis of the main pipe.

[0097] Preferably, the strip is a cylindrical strip coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface of the pipe body.

[0098] Preferably, the side of the strip is in contact with two areas of the overmolded sleeve, where the sleeve is overmolded onto the flexible plastic film.

[0099] Preferably, the sleeve is heat-welded to the plastic film by overmolding.

[0100] Preferably, the ferrule is heat-welded to the strip by overmolding.

[0101] Preferably, the strip is not exposed to the outside of the flexible conduit.

[0102] Preferably, the elastomeric material of the clamp is in immersion contact with the belt.

[0103] Preferably, the belt includes a plurality of holes through which the elastomeric material of the sleeve passes.

[0104] Preferably, the main pipe has an inner cylindrical surface with the same diameter as the inner cylindrical surface of the end region.

[0105] Preferably, the inner surface of the non-protruding area of ​​the pipe is aligned with the inner surface of the pipe and is at least substantially flush with each other.

[0106] Preferably, the inner surface of the non-protruding region transitions to the adjacent surface of the pipe, the adjacent surface being the contour of the end surface adjacent to the pipe.

[0107] Preferably, the inner surface of the non-protruding region transitions to the adjacent surface of the pipe, the adjacent surface being abutting the contour of the end surface of the pipe in such a way that the inner surface of the non-protruding region is flush with the inner surface of the pipe.

[0108] Preferably, a second rigid pipe is also provided, which has a main pipe and an annular profile extension provided near the pipe end. The flexible conduit is removably insertable into a second end region opposite to the mentioned first end region, so as to partially nest within the second rigid tube at its protrusion and via the conduit, allowing flowable material to be transported from the mentioned first rigid tube to the second rigid tube. A second injection-molded sleeve of elastomeric material is provided at the second end region of the conduit body. The second injection-molded sleeve is overmolded onto a flexible plastic film of the conduit body for integral connection with the flexible plastic film and is overmolded onto a second elastic band, which is held and captured by the flexible plastic film and / or the second injection-molded sleeve. The second sleeve has at least one annular rib that, when inserted into the rigid tube, nests in the annular channel of the annular profile extension of the second rigid tube. The second sleeve and the elastic band are elastic to fold inward to allow the second sleeve to be inserted into and removed from the extension of the second rigid tube, and have sufficient return bias toward or towards a more relaxed state, such that the rib engages with the channel to retain the tube and prevent axial separation from the second rigid tube.

[0109] Preferably, the second pipe has a main pipe whose imaginary axis is collinear with the imaginary axis of the main pipe of the first pipe mentioned above.

[0110] Preferably, the sleeve or each sleeve has two parallel annular ribs, and the first tube has two parallel complementary channels, each complementary channel corresponding to one of the annular ribs of the sleeve, and the complementary channels are connected via channels of the first tube.

[0111] Preferably, the two ribs are part of the sleeve.

[0112] Preferably, the pipe is a connector.

[0113] Preferably, the protruding part of the tube has a roll-formed structure.

[0114] Preferably, the sleeve has two parallel annular ribs, and the tube has two parallel complementary channels, each complementary channel corresponding to one of the annular ribs of the sleeve, and the complementary channels are connected via the ribs of the tube.

[0115] Preferably, the tube, facing its distal end, comprises in sequence: The main pipe has an outwardly pointing annular channel protrusion at its end.

[0116] Preferably, the tube, facing its distal end, comprises in sequence: The main pipe has a first annular channel extension extending outward from the main pipe at its end, a ridge extending inward more inward than the first annular channel, and a second annular rib extension extending outward more inward than the ridge and the main pipe.

[0117] Preferably, the tube, facing its distal end, comprises in sequence: The main pipe has an end region with an outwardly pointing first annular channel protrusion from the main pipe, a ridge pointing inwardly beyond the first annular channel, a second annular rib protrusion pointing outwardly beyond the ridge and the main pipe, and an inwardly pointing annular lip closest to the end of the pipe to which the pipe is fitted.

[0118] Preferably, the lip has the free distal end of the tube.

[0119] Preferably, the lip has a reduced diameter as it advances from the second channel to the free distal end of the tube.

[0120] Preferably, each sleeve and annular profile extension includes at least one annular rib pointing towards each other, and at least one of the sleeves and annular profile extensions includes two ribs, such that the ribs of the sleeve and annular profile extension are laterally engaged with the two ribs of the other sleeve and annular profile extension.

[0121] Preferably, the sleeve is elastically deformable inside its tube axis to allow the flexible conduit to be inserted into or removed from the tube, and has sufficient return bias toward or towards a more relaxed state such that the ribs between the two rib joints hold the flexible conduit and the tube in place to prevent axial separation from each other.

[0122] Preferably, the sleeve has two parallel annular ribs, and the tube has two parallel complementary channels, each complementary channel corresponding to a corresponding one of the annular ribs of the sleeve, and the complementary channels are connected via ribs of the flexible tube.

[0123] On the other hand, the present invention can be described as a flexible connection as described herein, which can be releasably connected to and between two spaced-apart portion tubes, each portion tube including a main pipe adjacent to an end region of the pipe, the main pipe including at least one protruding annular channel, the ribs of the coupling sleeve being aligned and nested in the protruding annular channel to keep the pipe from axial separation from the rigid tube.

[0124] Preferably, the two ribs are part of the clamp.

[0125] Preferably, the flowable substance includes gas.

[0126] Preferably, the flowable substance includes gases and particulate matter.

[0127] Preferably, the flowable substance includes a gas that carries or contains particulate matter.

[0128] Preferably, the flowable fluid material includes liquids.

[0129] On the other hand, the present invention can be described as a method of manufacturing a flexible conduit as described herein, wherein a flowable material defining the sleeve is injected into a mold comprising the end regions of the elastic band and the flexible plastic film to fill the cavity with the flowable material, thereby overmolding the flowable material onto the elastic band and the flexible plastic film in situ.

[0130] On the other hand, the present invention can be described as a method of manufacturing a flexible pipe as described herein, wherein a flowable material defining the sleeve is injected into a mold comprising the end regions of the elastic band and the flexible plastic film to fill the cavity with the flowable material, thereby simultaneously overmolding the flowable material onto the elastic band and the flexible plastic film.

[0131] In another aspect, the present invention can be described as a flexible conduit as described herein, which has been produced using the method described herein.

[0132] In another aspect, the present invention can be described as an injection-molded sleeve formed in a mold, wherein the end regions and elastic bands are formed in situ.

[0133] On the other hand, the present invention can be described as a flexible conduit that can be removably inserted to be partially nested within a rigid tube having an annular channel.

[0134] Preferably, the flexible conduit comprises a cylindrical flexible plastic membrane for conveying flowable substances.

[0135] Preferably, an injection-molded sleeve is disposed at the end of a cylindrical plastic film that is overmolded onto a flexible film and overmolded onto an elastic band that is held and captured by the flexible plastic film and / or the injection-molded sleeve.

[0136] Preferably, the sleeve has an annular rib that can be nested in the annular channel.

[0137] Preferably, the clamp and elastic band can be folded inward to allow insertion into and removal of the ribs from the rigid tube.

[0138] Preferably, the elastic band is cylindrical and has a first edge and a second edge, and a cylindrical wall extending between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the cylindrical wall extends longitudinally to protrude from the annular profile extension, and the sleeve is aligned or will be aligned with the sleeve on the side of the sleeve furthest from the end region of the pipe body.

[0139] Preferably, by presenting it in the aforementioned protruding manner, the elastic band can be manually pressed down by a person.

[0140] Preferably, by presenting itself in the aforementioned protruding manner, the buckle strap can be manually pressed down directly so that the clamp deforms when the corresponding protrusion is aligned.

[0141] Preferably, by presenting itself in the protruding manner, the elastic band can be manually pressed down so that the sleeve is deformed when the corresponding protrusion is aligned, and the preload is not applied directly only to the flexible plastic film.

[0142] Preferably, wherein: a) when the clamp is aligned with the corresponding protrusion, the first edge of the elastic band is located inside the protrusion during use, and b) when the clamp is aligned with the corresponding protrusion, the second edge of the buckle strap is located outside the protrusion during use and maintains a longitudinal distance from the protrusion.

[0143] Preferably, by presenting itself in the aforementioned protruding manner, the elastic band can be directly and manually pressed down so that the sleeve is deformed when the corresponding protrusion is aligned, and the preload is not applied directly only to the flexible plastic film.

[0144] Preferably, the flexible plastic film is radially located below the elastic band and the contour ring at the sleeve, and the elastic band extends longitudinally from (a) the flexible plastic film is located below the elastic band and the elastic band is located below the contour ring to (b) the flexible plastic film is located below the elastic band but not below the contour ring.

[0145] Preferably, the flexible plastic film is radially located below the elastic band and the contour ring at the protrusion, and the elastic band extends longitudinally from (a) the flexible plastic film is located below the elastic band and the elastic band is located below the protrusion to (b) the flexible plastic film is located below the elastic band but not below the protrusion.

[0146] Preferably, the first edge of the elastic band is located inside the contour ring, while the second edge of the elastic band is located outside the contour ring, and in use, when the sleeve is aligned with the corresponding protrusion, the second edge of the elastic band is spaced apart from the protrusion by a longitudinal distance.

[0147] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is at least 5 mm.

[0148] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is at least 6 mm.

[0149] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is at least 8 mm.

[0150] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is at least 10 mm.

[0151] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is at least 15 mm.

[0152] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is at least 20 mm.

[0153] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is at least 25 mm.

[0154] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is at least 30 mm.

[0155] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is at least 35 mm.

[0156] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is at least 40 mm.

[0157] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is no greater than 40 mm.

[0158] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is no greater than 30 mm.

[0159] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is no greater than 20 mm, wherein the longitudinal distance is between 5 mm and 40 mm.

[0160] Preferably, the flexible plastic film is radially located below the elastic band and the contour ring at the protrusion, and wherein the elastic band extends longitudinally from (a) the flexible plastic film is located below the elastic band and the elastic band is located below the protrusion to (b) the flexible plastic film is located below the elastic band but not below the protrusion.

[0161] Preferably, the cylindrical wall extends longitudinally from its lower state adjacent to the profile ring to protrude from the profile ring on the side of the profile ring closest to the other of the inlet and outlet sleeves.

[0162] Preferably, the cylindrical wall extends longitudinally from its lower state relative to the adjacent profile ring to protrude beyond the complementary profile extension, and the sleeve is aligned or will be aligned with the profile ring on the side of the profile ring closest to the other of the inlet sleeve and outlet sleeve.

[0163] Preferably, the flexible conduit includes a radially outward contour ring covering an elastic band, the radially contour ring being deformable to releasably align radially inward with a complementary contour portion of the protrusion, and when so aligned, creating an interface with the tube that prevents the flowable material from escaping from the flexible conduit via the interface and securely holds the flexible conduit to the tube.

[0164] Preferably, the cylindrical wall extends longitudinally to protrude beyond the radially outward contour ring on the side of the sleeve furthest from the end region of the pipe body.

[0165] On the other hand, a flexible conduit is provided that can be removably inserted to partially nest within a smaller flexible or rigid tube, the tube having a main conduit adjacent to one end of the tube, the main conduit being provided with an annular profile extension and through which flowable substances can be transported into or out of the flexible conduit. The flexible conduit includes: a conduit body of a flexible plastic film for restricting and allowing the capture of flowable material through the flexible conduit into or from the conduit; a ferrule of elastomeric material at an end region of the conduit body; an elastic band held and captured by the flexible plastic film and / or the ferrule, the ferrule including at least one annular rib nested in an annular channel of an annular profile extension when inserted into the conduit; the ferrule and elastic band being elastic to fold inward for insertion and removal of the ferrule at the annular profile extension, and having a return bias toward or towards a more relaxed state, such that at the extension and between the rib and the channel engagement, the rigid conduit retains the conduit to prevent axial separation from the rigid conduit; wherein the elastic band is cylindrical and has a first edge and a second edge and a cylindrical wall extending between the first edge and the second edge, and wherein the cylindrical wall extends longitudinally to protrude beyond the annular profile extension; the ferrule being aligned or to be aligned with the ferrule on the side of the ferrule furthest from the end region of the conduit body.

[0166] Preferably, by presenting it in the aforementioned protruding manner, the elastic band can be manually pressed down so that the ferrule deforms when the ferrule is aligned with the corresponding protrusion.

[0167] Preferably, by presenting it in the aforementioned protruding manner, the elastic band can be manually pressed down so that when the sleeve is aligned with the corresponding protrusion, the sleeve is deformed, without applying preload directly to the cylindrical wall.

[0168] Preferably, a) when the clamp is aligned with the corresponding protrusion, the first edge of the elastic band is located inside the protrusion during use, and b) when the clamp is aligned with the corresponding protrusion, the second edge of the buckle strap is located outside the protrusion during use and maintains a longitudinal distance from the protrusion, wherein the longitudinal distance is 5 mm to 40 mm.

[0169] Preferably, the longitudinal distance is 10 mm to 20 mm.

[0170] Preferably, the flexible conduit includes a radially outward contour ring covering an elastic band, the radially contour ring being deformable to releasably align radially inward with a complementary contour portion of the protrusion, and when so aligned, creating an interface with the tube that prevents the flowable material from escaping from the flexible conduit via the interface and securely holds the flexible conduit to the tube.

[0171] Preferably, the cylindrical wall extends longitudinally to protrude beyond the radially outward contour ring on the side of the sleeve furthest from the end region of the pipe body.

[0172] On the other hand, a flexible conduit is provided that can be removably inserted to partially nest within a smaller flexible or rigid tube, the tube having a main conduit adjacent to one end of the tube, the main conduit being provided with an annular profile extension and through which flowable substances can be transported into or out of the flexible conduit. The flexible conduit includes: a conduit body of flexible plastic film for restricting and allowing the capture and transfer of a flowable substance through the flexible conduit into or from the tube; a ferroelastic material clamp at an end region of the conduit body; the clamp having a profile that, when inserted into the tube, nests within a complementary annular profile protrusion; the clamp including a deformable radially outward profile ring; the clamp and ring being elastic to fold inward for insertion and removal of the clamp from the tube at the annular profile protrusion, and having a return bias toward or towards a more relaxed state for releasable radially inward alignment with the complementary profile portion of the protrusion, and when such alignment is achieved, creating an interface with the tube that prevents the flowable substance from escaping from the flexible conduit via the interface and securely holds the flexible conduit to the tube.

[0173] Preferably, the flexible conduit includes an elastic band that is held and captured by the flexible plastic film and / or the clamp. Preferably, the elastic band is cylindrical and has a first edge and a second edge, and a cylindrical wall extending between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the cylindrical wall extends longitudinally to protrude from the annular profile extension, and the sleeve is aligned or will be aligned with the sleeve on the side of the sleeve furthest from the end region of the pipe body.

[0174] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0175] As used in this article, the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

[0176] As used in this article, the “(s)” following a noun indicates the plural and / or singular form of that noun.

[0177] As used in this specification [and claims], the term "comprising" means "consisting of at least a portion of...". When interpreting statements in this specification [and claims] that include this term, the feature beginning with that term in each statement must be present, and other features may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" will be interpreted in the same manner.

[0178] All disclosures of all applications, patents, and publications (if any) cited above and below are incorporated herein by reference.

[0179] The invention can also be broadly described as including parts, elements, and features individually or collectively mentioned or indicated in the specification of this application, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements, or features, and wherein specific integers are referred to herein, having known equivalents in the field to which the invention relates, which are considered to be incorporated herein as if set forth separately. Attached Figure Description

[0180] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a flexible pipe. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the flexible pipe during the process of connecting to or disconnecting from the rigid pipe. Figure 3 These are perspective and sectional views of flexible and rigid pipes. Figure 4 This is a partial view of the end region of a rigid tube. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a rigid tube. Figure 6 :yes Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of a rigid tube. Figure 7 This is a side view of a flexible pipe and a rigid pipe in a separated but aligned state. Figure 8 :yes Figure 7 A close-up cross-sectional view of a portion. Figure 9a: is a cross-sectional view of the interface between the flexible pipe and the rigid pipe. Figure 9b: is a variant of the cross-sectional view of the interface between the flexible pipe and the rigid pipe. Figure 10 This is a close-up cross-sectional view of the interface of the flexible pipe at the pipe end opposite to that in Figure 9. Figure 11 : This is a cross-sectional view of the end region of the flexible pipe in a cross-sectional view. Figure 12 : is a variant of the end region of the flexible pipe shown in the cross-sectional view. Figure 13A: Another variation of the end region of the flexible pipe in a cross-sectional view. Figure 13B: Another variation of the end region of the flexible pipe in a cross-sectional view. Figure 14 The interface between the flexible conduit and the rigid conduit at their end regions is shown in the cross-sectional view. Figure 15 A variation of the interface between the flexible pipe and the rigid pipe at its end region is shown, as illustrated in the cross-sectional view. Figure 16 It is a variant of the interface between flexible and rigid pipes. Figure 17 This is a close-up cross-sectional view of a section of a flexible pipe and a rigid pipe connected together. Figure 18 It is a variant of the interface. Figure 19 This illustrates yet another variation of the configuration in the end region of the flexible conduit, as shown in the cross-sectional view. Figure 20 This shows yet another variant. Figure 21 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a flexible conduit according to another embodiment; Figure 22 : is a cross-sectional view of a rigid tube according to another embodiment; Figure 23 :yes Figure 21 Flexible pipes and Figure 22 A partial cross-section of the interface of a rigid tube. Figure 24 : is with Figure 22 The rigid tube section is joined Figure 21 A perspective view of a flexible pipe. Figure 25 : is with Figure 22 rigid pipe joint Figure 21 A partial cross-sectional view of the flexible pipe. Figure 26 :yes Figure 24 and Figure 25 A close-up cross-sectional view of the interface between the flexible pipe and the rigid pipe. Figure 27 :yes Figure 21 A partial view of a variant of the flexible pipe in the embodiment. Figure 28 :yes Figure 27 A partial cross-sectional view of the flexible pipe. Figure 29 :yes Figure 22 A partial view of a variant of the rigid tube in the embodiment. Figure 30 :yes Figure 29 A partial cross-sectional view of a rigid tube. Detailed Implementation

[0181] Referring to the attached diagram, in Figure 1 An example of a flexible conduit 1 is shown. The flexible conduit facilitates the transfer of a flowable material from an inlet to another location. The inlet is preferably an inlet opening. Preferably, the other location is an outlet of the conduit. The outlet can be an outlet opening or more than one outlet opening. The conduit can define at least one flow channel for the flowable material; however, it is conceivable that the flexible conduit may include baffles manufactured to allow the establishment of at least partially separated flow paths within the flexible conduit. Such flow paths can be unidirectional or counterdirectional. The flexible conduit can also be used, for example, as part of a filtration system, where a filter is incorporated into the flexible conduit such that the flexible conduit does not have discrete individual outlets, but airflow passes through the filter and particulate matter is captured by the filter.

[0182] The flexible conduit 1 can mate with the rigid conduit 2. The flexible conduit 1 can be releasably connected to the rigid conduit 2. When connected, the flexible conduit and the rigid conduit are joined so that they provide a leak-proof interface. It can be sufficiently leak-proof to prevent particulate matter from passing through the interface, and preferably also to prevent liquid matter from passing through the interface.

[0183] Please refer to this flexible pipe first. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 7As shown, the flexible conduit 1 includes a conduit body 3, which is preferably a flexible film or sheet. This flexible film or sheet preferably comprises a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic, like polyurethane. It can be an ether-based polyurethane alloy. It can be an assembly of multiple flexible films or sheets. For example, it can have a polyurethane main layer and a loosely woven polyester inner layer. These layers are preferably laminated together.

[0184] The pipe body 3 is preferably made of a flexible plastic film sheet, which is formed into a tubular configuration and can be welded to itself at the seam weld 4.

[0185] This can be either lap welding or butt welding. In some forms, it can be envisioned that the pipe body can be extruded and therefore has no seams.

[0186] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the flexible plastic membrane 5 preferably extends from the end region 7 of the pipe body to the distal end 6. The flexible pipe 1 preferably has a first end region 7 and a second end region 8, such as in... Figure 7 What I saw in the video.

[0187] The plastic film 5 preferably extends from the first distal end 6 of the pipe body 3 to the second distal end 9 of the pipe body. In a preferred form, the flexible pipe may be in the form of a connector and is provided for conveying flowable material to or from the rigid pipe 2 to another location. In some forms, the other location may be a second rigid pipe connected to the opposite end of the flexible pipe. However, in alternative configurations, the flexible pipe may be provided for other purposes, such as for filtration as described above, or in which the pipe may be used as a funnel or hopper for discharging flowable material into a bag or other location without having a rigid pipe connected at both ends of the pipe, and only at one end.

[0188] The pipe body 3 is capable of restricting and allowing the flowable material to be captured and transported to or from the rigid pipe 2 via the flexible pipe. The rigid pipe 2 may be part of a processing device (e.g., in a food processing facility). The rigid pipe (and / or a component that may be attached to the other end of the flexible pipe) can withstand vibration. The flexibility of the flexible pipe may be required to form a connection between two such device components.

[0189] A clamp is provided at least at the first end region 7 of the flexible pipe. The clamp 10 is made of injection molding material, preferably rubber or an elastomer. This material can be, for example, silicone or polyurethane. If it is PU, it is preferably softer than the PU of the flexible plastic film. The injection-molded clamp is provided at the end region 7 of the pipe body 3. The clamp is injection-molded onto the pipe body in an overmolding manner. The clamp is formed using an injection molding tool that is to be formed and simultaneously bonded to the flexible plastic film of the pipe body by overmolding.

[0190] As can be seen, at the interface 11 between the sleeve and the plastic film, the sleeve is bonded to the plastic film by in-situ injection molding. The sleeve extends axially along part of the pipe body and extends outside the pipe body, and has features that will be described below.

[0191] By in-situ molding around the plastic film of the pipe body, the encapsulated injection-molded clamp ensures that the clamp and the plastic film become integrally bonded at interface 11. Injection molding involves pressurizing and injecting the clamp material, which is in a flowable state, into a mold. During injection molding, the clamp material is preferably at an elevated temperature. It is preferable to heat or raise its temperature. The plastic film, for example, made of a thermoplastic material such as polyurethane, ensures that when the hot and flowable precursor of the clamp material is injection molded, it has a higher temperature than when it has solidified, resulting in a weld interface forming at interface 11 between the clamp and the flexible plastic pipe. This helps to establish an integral bond, making the clamp and the pipe body a single unit. To enhance the bond between the clamp and the pipe body, the surface of the pipe body that contacts the clamp can be treated. This can be achieved by abrading or roughening such a surface. This can be accomplished by a sandblasting or abrasion step on the treated surface.

[0192] An elastic band 12 is also provided at the first end region 7 of the pipe body 3. The elastic band 12 is held and captured by a flexible plastic film and / or an injection-molded clamp 10. Figure 8 In the example shown, the elastic band is located between the flexible plastic film 5 and the hoop 10, while... Figure 11 As can be seen, the flexible elastic band 12 is completely enclosed within the sleeve 10.

[0193] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic band 12 is held between the plastic film 5 and the injection-molded sleeve 10. The elastic band 12 is also overmolded by the injection-molded sleeve 10. Thus, the injection-molded sleeve 10 is molded in situ together with the elastic band and the flexible plastic film 5. Preferably, the overmolding of the sleeve with the film and the elastic band is performed simultaneously. The mold used defines a cavity for the sleeve material, the cavity including the film and band preloaded in the cavity, such that when the sleeve material is injected, it fills the cavity and reaches the elastic band and film above the mold.

[0194] The elastic band can be made of a metallic material. For example, it can be made of stainless steel. The elastic band is preferably cylindrical, having walls extending substantially parallel to the tube axis. The elastic band can also be made of a strip of metallic material that is seam-welded to define its cylindrical shape.

[0195] By being molded with an injection-molded sleeve, the elastic band is retained and surrounded by other material in and around the end region 7 of the flexible conduit. In a preferred embodiment, no portion of the elastic band is exposed to the outside of the flexible conduit.

[0196] The wall length R of the elastic band 12 is preferably less than the length L of the clamp in the axial direction of the tube. In a preferred form, the elastic band has a wall length R shorter than the length L, such that at the end region of the clamp's length L, the clamp has a length (L1 and L2) at which it can contact the flexible plastic film to ensure that it bonds the two films. The wall length R of the elastic band 12 is preferably less than the length L. The wall length R of the band is preferably still greater than half the length L.

[0197] The elastic band 12 can elastically deform inward toward the tube axis X, for example, as Figure 2 As shown. This can be achieved by a person using their thumb, for example, to push at any part of the tube radius near the elastic band (e.g., adjacent to tube end 13). The elastic band, in its natural state, defines the essentially tubular form of the end region of the flexible tube. This is a more relaxed state, while in... Figure 2 In the folded state shown, the elastic band is less slack.

[0198] The elastic band 12 is biased toward its more relaxed state, but is capable of deforming inward toward the tube axis to allow for a change in the configuration of the end region 7 and to allow it to be inserted into the tube end 13, as will be described below.

[0199] Therefore, the elastic band 12 biases the clamp 10 to its natural relaxed state, which is the state in which the clamp is inserted into the end 13 of the rigid tube to establish a sealing interface with it.

[0200] The ability of the elastic band to fold inward together with the clamp facilitates the insertion and removal of the clamp from the rigid tube. For example... Figure 4-6 The rigid tube 2 shown includes, for example, a main pipe 14, which is capable of guiding material through in direction F or in the opposite direction F.

[0201] In the preferred embodiment, the elastic band extends to a position where it protrudes beyond the tube end 13, such as... Figure 3As shown. The protruding distance facilitates the removal of the connector from the pipe. This is because the person pushing the connector near the pipe will then align the thrust they are applying with the protruding part of the belt, making it easier to actuate the belt to fold it.

[0202] The rigid pipe 2 is preferably made of a metallic material. It has a pipe end 13 adjacent to the main pipe, which preferably has an annular profile extension 15. The annular profile extension is preferably integrally formed with the main pipe and can be formed, for example, by rolling the main pipe to define the annular profile extension. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the annular profile extension is at least partially larger than the diameter of the main pipe.

[0203] The annular protrusion preferably defines at least one channel. It also preferably defines at least one ridge. Figure 6 In the example shown, the annular profile extension 15 includes a first channel 16A. The first channel 16A is preferably formed to abut an end of the main pipe 14. The annular profile extension preferably also includes a second channel 16B. Between these two channels is a ridge 17. The ridge (which can be analogous to a rib of a clamp, considered a pipe rib) defines a portion of the annular profile extension having a smaller diameter than the first and second channels. The first and second channels may have the same profile or may have different profiles. On the side of the second channel 16B opposite to the ridge 17 is an inwardly pointing annular lip 18, which defines the distal free end of the pipe. As the lip advances from the second channel 16B to the free distal end of the pipe, the lip has a decreasing diameter. Figure 5 As shown, each contour region of the annular profile protrusion 15 is annularly configured. The inward-facing surface or multiple inward-facing surfaces of the annular profile protrusion are provided for engagement with the sleeve of the flexible pipe to create a sealing interface between them.

[0204] Returning to the flexible conduit, and referring to, for example... Figure 11 The sleeve 10 includes a first annular rib 19A and a second annular rib 19B. Each annular rib may have peaks 20A and 20B, respectively, and the sleeve defines a groove 21 between peaks 20A and 20B. Towards the first distal end of the sleeve away from the pipe body 6, the sleeve defines an annular transition region 22.

[0205] The transition section is the tapered region of the clamp, which includes a diameter smaller than that of the rib. This is where the clamp's diameter decreases towards the outer diameter of the pipe body. Although... Figure 20 As shown, the transition section 22 may include steps or other forms, but it is preferably a gradual taper. This taper will preferably extend outward from the tube end 13.

[0206] exist Figure 19 and Figure 20 The image illustrates, as an example, alternative forms of the clamp and the associated annular profile protrusion formed by the rigid tube. For instance, this is shown when the rigid tube provides only a single channel and the clamp provides only a single rib.

[0207] Once aligned at the annular profile protrusion and the elastic band in its more relaxed (unrecessed) state, and with the clamp secured within the annular profile protrusion, the rib / channel / groove / ridge interface ensures the flexible conduit is axially held to the rigid pipe. Separation in the axial direction parallel to the pipe axis XX is prevented due to the clamp being aligned at the annular profile protrusion.

[0208] The inward-facing surface of the annular profile protrusion is complementary to one or more outward-facing surfaces of the sleeve. As shown in Figures 9a and 10, the surfaces do not need to be identical to achieve a perfect match, because there may be gaps or cavities between the inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces of the annular profile protrusion and the sleeve, respectively.

[0209] Figure 9b shows a variation of the cross-sectional view of the interface between the flexible pipe and the rigid pipe of Figure 9a. In this variation, the resistance band in the injection-molded sleeve protrudes from the pipe end. This makes it easier to manually access the resistance band, for example, using the user's fingers and / or thumb, to more easily disconnect the flexible pipe from the rigid pipe and / or more easily facilitate the alignment of the sleeve of the flexible pipe with the protrusion of the rigid pipe.

[0210] To facilitate a sealing interface between the sleeve and the rigid pipe, inwardly pointing and outwardly pointing surfaces are shaped to make this possible. A primary sealing interface is established at the groove / ridge interface. Preferably, a primary seal is established at this interface between the flexible conduit and the pipe. This seal is preferably sufficient to prevent leakage of at least particulate matter and preferably also liquid or fluid matter from the passage through which such matter passes through the interface between the pipe and the flexible conduit.

[0211] To aid in establishing and / or improving sealing capability, the groove profile of the clamp may include at least one annular block 23, as shown in Figure 13. This block is an annular block integrally formed with the material of the rest of the clamp and is configured to provide a localized annular contact point between the clamp and the ridge of the rigid tube. The block is preferably formed during the injection molding of the clamp. A rounded-corner block is shown in Figure 13B. Alternative shapes may include wedge-shaped or triangular blocks.

[0212] By appropriately employing the shape and configuration of ridges and grooves with small blocks, the localized contact provided by the small blocks allows for greater pressure to be applied between the small blocks and the ridges. This greater pressure application provides a greater ability to provide a seal between the clamp and the rigid tube. Figure 14In the example shown, the clamp may have multiple small blocks, such as three. In a preferred form, at least one small block is provided. The small blocks are preferably rounded or have rounded contours, rather than sharp (e.g., serrated) contours. Variations of these three small blocks provide three sealing protection lines on the main sealing surface and are designed to provide a liquid-type seal. The main sealing surface is established between the small blocks and the ridge. Auxiliary seals may be established between the channels and the ribs. In a preferred form, the first rib is axially spaced from the second rib, and the first channel is axially spaced from the second channel and spaced from the ridge.

[0213] In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is made of a homogeneous material such as rubber or an elastomeric material such as silicone. In a preferred embodiment, there is no cavity within the sleeve, nor between the elastic band and the sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, there is no cavity between the elastic band and the flexible plastic film. In a preferred embodiment, there is no cavity between the sleeve and the flexible plastic film.

[0214] The outer surface of the sleeve is defined by its injection molding material. Preferably, the flexible plastic film has no portion extending on the outward-facing surface of the sleeve.

[0215] Injection molding allows for the precise formation and definition of one or more inwardly pointing surfaces of the sleeve. This provides the ability to design the shape of the outwardly pointing surfaces to appropriately complement the inwardly pointing surfaces of the annular profile protrusion. Such complementary shapes can be matching shapes or at least partially matching shapes.

[0216] Furthermore, to prevent the interception or accumulation of substances transported through the flexible conduit and the rigid pipe, the end region 7 of the flexible conduit can have a shape and configuration that reduces this possibility. For example, in Figure 16 In the example shown, the inner diameter d1 of the main conduit 14 of the rigid pipe 2 is preferably the same as the diameter d2 of the pipe body 3. The inner surface of the conduit is flush with the inner surface of the pipe. At the interface 24 of these surfaces, the end of the main conduit 14 preferably has a shape complementary to the end of the pipe body / clamp. This shape can be such that it defines the end surface of the main conduit 14 at substantially 90 degrees to the pipe axis XX. The complementary 90-degree end surfaces of the pipe body and / or clamp will ensure that at the interface 24, there are no gaps, cavities, grooves, or recesses between the flexible and rigid pipes, such as... Figure 16 As shown in the diagram. The rigid tube can be formed and / or machined to provide a desired end surface, which the end surface of the flexible tube can mate with at its inner diameter. Therefore, the end surfaces 24 / 25 of both the flexible and rigid tubes can prevent or reduce the possibility of particulate matter being trapped in any such gaps. Figure 14 and 15 An optional configuration is shown, in which small gaps 26 still exist, but their size is small and may be inconspicuous. Figure 14 In this example, the end surface 24 of the pipe body 3 forms a 90-degree angle with the inner wall 28 of the pipe body, and a sharp 90-degree bend 29 is defined between them. Alternatively, the main pipe 14 can transition to the annular profile extension 15 with a radius of 30. The opposite is true in... Figure 15 As shown, a sharp corner is defined between the main pipe and the end region 25 of the main pipe, but there is a transition of radius 31 from the inner wall 28 of the channel body to its end region 24.

[0217] In a preferred embodiment, the second end region 8 of the flexible conduit may have a similar collared and resilient band configuration. The conduit body between the first and second end regions may be cylindrical or tapered to define a truncated conical flexible conduit. In some forms and applications of this flexible conduit, it may be described as a connector.

[0218] The transition section region 22 of the sleeve preferably has a rounded profile to facilitate improved drainage. In a plant, particulate matter or liquid may fall onto the outside of the flexible pipe, and it is desirable to prevent such matter from accumulating (or to reduce the accumulating effect). The rounded profile in the transition section region beyond the free distal end exposed at the lip 18 of the annular profile protrusion helps to reduce the accumulating effect. In some embodiments, the transition section shown in FIG13A may be partially tapered or fully tapered to transition the sleeve and its upward-pointing surface to be substantially parallel to the outside of the pipe body 3 and have the same diameter. Figure 17 The diagram also illustrates this conical shape. The conical transition section can also help reduce stress concentration. As the sleeve thickness decreases at the conical section, the radial elasticity of the sleeve changes. As the conical section thins, this helps this elasticity to become increasingly compatible with the elasticity of the plastic film.

[0219] Alternatively, the annular lip 18 of the annular profile protrusion 15 may extend to abut against the outwardly pointing surface of the pipe body 3 in the material being rinsed. This can be, for example... Figure 18 As seen in the image, the injection molding form of the clamp allows for the definition of the desired shape characteristics of the clamp in order to provide the means and requirements for the use of the flexible pipe in, for example, food processing equipment.

[0220] exist Figure 21-23Another variation of the flexible and rigid pipe is shown, illustrating the end region 7 of the flexible pipe 1 and the pipe end 13 of the rigid pipe 2. In this example, the clamp 10 of the flexible pipe 1 does not need to be injection molded (although it can be and preferably according to, for example, the manner described above) and can alternatively be formed in other ways. In one example, the clamp 10 may comprise a separate elastomeric material captured by a fold 41 of a flexible plastic material 5, which is secured using a seam weld 46 or some other suitable adhesive method. In another example, the clamp 10 may comprise a radially outward contour ring 40, which is held captured by the fold 41.

[0221] The radially outward contour ring 40 can be formed of any suitable elastic but deformable material, such as plastic, metal (e.g., stainless steel), or composite material. The contour ring 40 is shape-retaining but can be elastic, such that it can conform to the shape of the protrusion 15 when the clamp 10 is held within the rigid tube 2. Various shapes of contour rings 40 can be used. A double-ribbed contour ring 40 is shown, but other contours providing proper retention are also within the scope of the invention. Examples include those concerning… Figure 11-20 Those described.

[0222] The elastic band 12 is located below the profile ring 40 and is held in place by the clamp 10 and / or the flexible plastic film 5. When the clamp is aligned with the annular profile extension of the rigid pipe 2, the elastic band 12 extends longitudinally to protrude beyond the clamp 10 and / or the profile ring 40 and / or the extension 15. The longitudinal protrusion 45 facilitates manual disengagement of the flexible pipe 1 and the rigid pipe 2, which will be described in more detail below.

[0223] The elastic band 12 is cylindrical and has a first edge 42 and a second edge 43, and a cylindrical wall 44 extending between the first edge and the second edge. The cylindrical wall 44 extends longitudinally to protrude beyond the annular profile extension, and the sleeve is aligned or will be aligned with the sleeve on the side of the sleeve 10 furthest from the end region 7 of the pipe body 3. The elastic band 12 can be any suitable material as described above, including, for example, rubber, plastic, or metal.

[0224] Figure 22 A cross-section of the tube end 13 of the rigid tube 2 is shown, along with the profile of the annular protrusion 15. Various profiles can be used, including those previously mentioned. Figure 11-20 The outlines described. Figure 23 It shows Figure 21 The hoop 10 and Figure 22 The protrusion 15 is aligned to hold the flexible pipe 1 inside the rigid pipe 2.

[0225] By presenting itself in a protruding manner, the protruding portion 45 of the elastic band 12 can be manually pressed down so that the clamp is deformed when the corresponding protrusion is aligned, and the preload is not applied directly only to the flexible plastic film. This makes it easy to deform the clamp and disengage the flexible pipe 1 from the rigid pipe 2. For example, the flexibility of the elastic band 12 can be less than that of the flexible plastic film 5, which would otherwise be manually pressed down, thus requiring less manual pressing. The use of the protruding portion 45 of the elastic band 12 also reduces the risk of stretching or tearing the flexible plastic film 5, which reduces the possibility of spillage and thus reduces the need for cleaning.

[0226] The contour ring 15 can be adhered to the elastic band 12, for example, using adhesive, such that pressing down on the protrusion of the elastic band 12 causes the contour ring to deform as well, allowing the flexible conduit to disengage from the rigid tube. In other examples, the contour ring can simply be positioned adjacent to the elastic ring, both of which are captured by the flexible plastic film 5, for example, by using foldback 41 or overmolding. By capturing the elastic bands 12 together, deformation of the contour ring 40 will also be caused by manually pressing down on the elastic bands 12.

[0227] When the clamp 10 is aligned with the protrusion 15, the elastic band 12 has a second edge 43 positioned longitudinally away from the lip 18 of the protrusion by a distance D1. Another or first edge 42 is located closer to the proximal inlet or outlet opening of the flexible conduit. In a preferred embodiment, the span between the first and second edges of the elastic band 12 is greater than the span of the profile ring 15, such that the second edge 43 is also positioned a longitudinal distance beyond the profile ring 15 in a direction away from the clamp 10 (e.g., towards another clamp at the other end of the flexible conduit 1). A protruding region or portion 45 of the elastic band 12 protrudes from the profile ring 15 and / or the protrusion 15 by a distance sufficient to allow a human finger (e.g., thumb) to act directly (albeit by folding back 41) on the elastic band. This distance D1 can be 5 mm or greater. For example, it can be about the width of a thumb and can be a length of about 10 to 40 mm. The distance D2 by which the elastic band 12 protrudes from the profile ring 15 can be similar or dissimilar. The contour ring 15 may also protrude to some extent from the protrusion 15.

[0228] Figures 24 to 26 The retention and removal of the flexible pipe 1 from the rigid pipe 2 are shown. Figure 24 The deformation of the sleeve 10 of the flexible pipe 1 is shown, while the sleeve 10 is aligned within the protrusion 15 of the rigid pipe 2. Figure 25 and 26The perspective and detailed sectional views show the cylindrical wall 44 of the contour ring, the first and second edges 42, 43 of the elastic band 12, the contour ring 40, the fold 41, and the protrusion 15. The protrusion 45 of the elastic band 12 can also be seen in more detail. Thus, it can be seen that pressing inward on the protrusion 45 of the elastic band will cause deformation of both the elastic band 12 and the contour ring 40. This allows the flexible conduit 1 to be removed from the rigid tube 2. Similarly, removing the manual pressure on the elastic band 12 will allow both the band 12 and the contour ring 40 to return to their normal shape, so that the flexible conduit 1 can be retained within the rigid tube 2.

[0229] Figures 27 to 30 A variation of the flexible conduit 1 is shown, wherein the clamp 10 includes a single annular rib 19B and the extension 15 in the rigid conduit 2 includes a corresponding single channel 16B. Further variations are possible; for example, a clamp with a double-rib profile can be configured to engage with an extension having a single channel. One or both of the extension 15 and the clamp 10 may each include more than two channels and / or ribs. Furthermore, the shapes of the ribs and the corresponding channels may be substantially the same or different.

[0230] Flexible tubing allows for quick interchangeability with a variety of devices—for example, if a new flexible tubing is needed due to damage or wear on a previous connector, this can be done easily, quickly, and without tools. The old connector can be snapped out, and the replacement part can be snapped in.

[0231] Those skilled in the art will also understand that there are few ways to provide sufficient flatness for collection areas of granular materials such as food powder. These should be easily removed by regular cleaning without requiring disassembly in conjunction with the possible vibration characteristics of the structure. Regular removal of the connectors is easy because there are no surrounding hose clamps that can be removed and replaced. Removal and replacement are simple.

[0232] The described arrangement provides excellent hygiene because the design ensures a tight fit with few or no gaps, little or no product buildup, and prevents material leakage from the bag during filling. Furthermore, since no hose clamps are needed to secure it to the equipment and no tools are required, the device is not easily damaged, thus preventing damage as a result.

[0233] If the preceding description has referenced elements or wholes having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were described separately.

[0234] Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and / or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0235] Furthermore, when features or aspects of the invention are described using the Markush group, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is therefore also described using any single member or subgroup member of the Markush group.

Claims

1. A flexible conduit capable of being removably inserted to partially nest within a smaller flexible or rigid tube, the tube having a main conduit adjacent to one end of the tube, the main conduit being provided with an annular profile extension and through which a flowable substance can be conveyed into or transported out of the flexible conduit, the flexible conduit comprising: A flexible plastic membrane pipe body for restricting and allowing the capture of flowable material through a flexible pipe to or from a pipe, an injection-molded clamp of elastomeric material at the end region of the pipe body, the injection-molded clamp being overmolded onto the flexible plastic membrane of the pipe body for integral connection with the flexible plastic membrane, and overmolded onto an elastic band held and captured by the flexible plastic membrane and / or the injection-molded clamp, the clamp including at least one annular rib nested in an annular channel of an annular profile extension when inserted into the pipe, the clamp and elastic band being elastic to fold inward for insertion and removal of the clamp at the annular profile extension, and having a return bias toward or towards a more relaxed state, such that at the extension and between the engagement of the rib and the channel, the rigid pipe retains the pipe to prevent axial separation from the rigid pipe.

2. The flexible conduit of claim 1, wherein the strip is cylindrical in shape and wherein the strip is formed of a metal strip or flat metal; wherein the strip is trapped inside the elastomeric material of the sleeve, or wherein the strip is trapped between the elastomeric material and the flexible plastic film, and wherein the strip is not exposed to the outside of the flexible conduit.

3. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the flexible plastic film has a distal end that extends to the end of the conduit within the annular interior of the sleeve.

4. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conduit body has the clamp and / or the plastic film located inside the clamp at the end region, and the conduit body has a surface adjacent to the complementary surface of the conduit.

5. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the clamp comprises two parallel annular ribs spaced axially from each other, and the clamp has at least one annular groove in the middle of the parallel annular ribs.

6. The flexible conduit according to claim 5, wherein at least one annular block is present at the radially outwardly projecting groove.

7. The flexible conduit according to claim 6, wherein at least two parallel and spaced-apart annular blocks are present at the radially outwardly projecting groove.

8. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the at least one small piece protrudes radially outward to press against a radially inwardly presented ridge of the protrusion.

9. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the two parallel annular ribs are axially spaced apart to align with and press against the respective channels of the protrusion.

10. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sleeve comprises, from its distal end, a first annular rib, an annular groove (optionally having at least one annular block) and a second annular rib, each of the first and second ribs comprising a corresponding peak located on the side of the groove.

11. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the clamp comprises, from its distal end, a first annular rib, an annular groove, a second annular rib, and an annular transition section extending to the inner end of the clamp away from the distal end.

12. The flexible conduit according to claim 11, wherein the transition section is a tapered region of the sleeve, the diameter of the tapered region being smaller than the diameter of the rib and / or the peak or the groove.

13. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the pipe engagement surface of the sleeve has a continuous curved profile.

14. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the side of the strip is in contact with two regions of the overmolded sleeve, at which the sleeve is overmolded onto the flexible plastic film.

15. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the clamp is thermally welded to the plastic film or the strip by being overmolded under pressure and heat.

16. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the strip is not exposed to the outside of the flexible conduit, and the elastomeric material of the sleeve is in immersion contact with the strip.

17. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the belt includes a plurality of holes through the belt, and the elastomeric material of the sleeve passes through the plurality of holes.

18. A component, as part of a flowable material transport system, comprising: a. A rigid pipe having a main pipe, wherein the main pipe has an annular profile extension near one end of the pipe, and b. The flexible conduit according to any one of the preceding claims The sleeve has at least one annular rib that, when inserted into the rigid tube, nests in the annular channel of the protrusion of the annular profile. The sleeve and elastic band are elastic to fold inward to allow the sleeve to be inserted into and removed from the rigid tube into the protrusion, and have a return bias toward or toward a more relaxed state, such that the rib engages with the channel to retain the tube and prevent axial separation from the rigid tube.

19. The component of claim 18, wherein the inner cylindrical surface has the same diameter as the main conduit of the tube.

20. The component according to any one of claims 18 to 19, wherein the imaginary axis of the inner cylindrical surface is collinear with the imaginary axis of the main conduit of the tube.

21. The component according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the inner surface of the non-protruding region transitions to the adjacent surface of the pipe, the adjacent surface being such that the inner surface of the non-protruding region abuts the contour of the end surface of the pipe in a manner that makes the inner surface of the non-protruding region flush with the inner surface of the pipe.

22. The component according to any one of claims 18 to 21, comprising: The second rigid pipe has a main pipe, wherein the main pipe has an annular profile extension near its end, and The flexible conduit is removably insertable into a second end region opposite to the mentioned first end region, so as to partially nest within the second rigid tube at its protrusion and via the conduit, allowing flowable material to be transported from the mentioned first rigid tube to the second rigid tube. A second injection-molded sleeve of elastomeric material is provided at the second end region of the conduit body. The second injection-molded sleeve is overmolded onto a flexible plastic film of the conduit body for integral connection with the flexible plastic film and is overmolded onto a second elastic band, which is held and captured by the flexible plastic film and / or the second injection-molded sleeve. The second sleeve has at least one annular rib that, when inserted into the rigid tube, nests in the annular channel of the annular profile extension of the second rigid tube. The second sleeve and the elastic band are elastic to fold inward to allow the second sleeve to be inserted into and removed from the extension of the second rigid tube, and have a return bias toward or toward a more relaxed state, such that the rib engages with the channel to keep the tube from axially separating from the second rigid tube.

23. The component of claim 22, wherein the second pipe has a main conduit, the imaginary axis of which is collinear with the imaginary axis of the main conduit of the first pipe mentioned.

24. A system capable of being assembled to provide transport of flowable material and then disassembled, comprising: a. A first rigid pipe having a main pipe, wherein the main pipe has an annular profile extension near its end. b. A second rigid pipe having a main pipe, wherein the main pipe has an annular profile extension in the region adjacent to its end. c. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, In each of the first and second end regions, each of these respective clamps has at least one annular rib that, when inserted into its respective rigid tube, nests in an annular channel extending from the annular profile of each respective tube. The clamp and elastic band are elastic to fold inward to insert the clamp from its respective tube into and remove it from the extension, and have sufficient return bias toward or toward a more relaxed state such that the rib engages with the channel to retain the tube from axial separation from the two rigid tubes.

25. A tubular flexible connector for guiding particulate material from a rigid discharge pipe to a rigid receiving pipe, said flexible connector comprising: a. A conduit of flexible plastic film material having at least one end region comprising an elastic band clamp of injection-molded material overmolded onto the plastic film material and defining an outer profile including at least one rib adapted to engage in each of a complementary internal channel in at least one of a discharge pipe and a receiving pipe after returning from a deformed form of the clamp, the clamp being elastic to deform inward along the imaginary pipe axis of its connector to insert or remove a connection at the channel, and having sufficient return bias toward or towards a more relaxed state such that the rib engaging with the channel retains the connector to the discharge pipe or receiving pipe to which it is connected.

26. The method of manufacturing a flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a flowable material defining the sleeve is injected into a mold comprising the end region of the elastic band and the flexible plastic film to fill the cavity with the flowable material, and the flowable material is in situ molded onto the elastic band and the flexible plastic film.

27. The method of manufacturing a flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a flowable material defining the sleeve is injected into a mold comprising the end region of the elastic band and the flexible plastic film to fill the cavity with the flowable material, thereby overmolding the flowable material onto the elastic band and the flexible plastic film in situ.

28. The method of manufacturing a flexible pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a flowable material for defining the sleeve is injected into a mold comprising the end region of the elastic band and the flexible plastic film to fill the cavity with the flowable material, thereby simultaneously overmolding the flowable material onto the elastic band and the flexible plastic film.

29. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the flexible conduit is produced using the method according to claim 100 or claim 101.

30. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the injection-molded sleeve is formed in a mold, and the end region and elastic band are formed in situ.

31. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the elastic band is cylindrical and has a first edge and a second edge and a cylindrical wall extending between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the cylindrical wall extends longitudinally to protrude beyond the annular profile extension, and the sleeve is aligned or will be aligned with the sleeve on the side of the sleeve's end region furthest from the conduit body.

32. The flexible conduit of claim 31, wherein by being presented in the protruding manner, the elastic band can be manually pressed down so as to deform the clamp when the clamp is aligned with the corresponding protrusion, and the preload is not applied directly only to the flexible plastic film.

33. The flexible conduit according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: a. When the sleeve is aligned with the corresponding protrusion, the first edge of the elastic band is located inside the protrusion during use, and b. When the clamp is aligned with the corresponding protrusion, the second edge of the fastener strap is located outside the protrusion during use and maintains a longitudinal distance from the protrusion. The longitudinal distance is 5 mm to 40 mm.

34. The flexible conduit according to any one of claims 31 to 33, comprising a radially outward profile ring covering the elastic band, the radially profile ring being deformable to releasably align radially inward with a complementary profile portion of the protrusion, and when so aligned, creating an interface with the tube, the interface preventing the flowable material from escaping from the flexible conduit via the interface and securely holding the flexible conduit to the tube.

35. The flexible conduit of claim 34, wherein the cylindrical wall extends longitudinally to protrude beyond the radially outward contour ring on the side of the end region of the sleeve furthest from the conduit body.

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