Granted Patent B2

US 7,534,317 · App. 11/319,870 · Granted May 19, 2009

Abstract

Claims (15)

1. A method of manufacturing a kink-resistant sheath, comprising:

coating a mandrel with a first layer of plastic material to form an inner tube;

placing a braid over the inner tube;

placing a spring reinforcement over the braid; and

coating the braid with a second layer of plastic material to form an outer tube of a braid-reinforced sheath.

2. The method recited in claim 1 , wherein placing the braid over the inner tube comprises molding the braid to the inner tube.

3. The method recited in claim 1 , wherein placing the braid over the inner tube comprises fusing the braid to the inner tube.

4. The method recited in claim 1 , wherein placing the braid over the inner tube comprises bonding the braid to the inner tube.

5. The method recited in claim 1 , wherein the spring reinforcement has a length x and the braid has a length of approximately 2 x.

6. The method recited in claim 5 , further comprising inverting the excess braid over the spring reinforcement.

7. The method recited in claim 1 , wherein the braid is made of polyester.

8. The method recited in claim 1 , further comprising heat fusing the braid to prevent axial stretching of the braid.

9. The method recited in claim 1 , wherein the braid comprises a plurality of woven fibers made of plastic.

10. The method recited in claim 1 , wherein the braid comprises a plurality of woven fibers made of metal.

11. The method recited in claim 1 , wherein the braid comprises a plurality of woven fibers made of a combination of plastic and metal.

Assignments (8)