Flexible connectors and methods of manufacturing same
A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing, a polymeric sleeve aligned with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, and a length of mesh tubing extending the entire length of corrugated tubing and over the polymeric sleeve. The distal end of the corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing are received in a sleeve which is formed integrally with an end piece. The sleeve is crimped into permanent retaining engagement with the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the length of mesh tubing. The end piece functions to secure the flexible connector into engagement with an adjacent component.
1. A method of manufacturing a flexible connector comprising the steps of:
providing a length of corrugated tubing having a distal end;
providing a polymeric sleeve;
extending the polymeric sleeve over the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing;
providing a length of mesh tubing having a distal end;
extending the length of mesh tubing over the entirety of the length of corrugated tubing and over the polymeric sleeve;
providing a unitary structure comprising an end piece for securing the flexible connector in engagement with an adjacent component and a sleeve for receiving the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing; and
crimping the sleeve into permanent retaining engagement with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing.