U.S. patent application number 10/164850 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-15 for flexible conduit and method for forming the same.
Invention is credited to Williams, Robert M..
Application Number | 20040007278 10/164850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30113775 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040007278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams, Robert M. |
January 15, 2004 |
Flexible conduit and method for forming the same
Abstract
A conduit defining a continuous conduit passage extending from a
first opening to a second opening includes a plurality of flexible,
tubular, corrugated sections, each defining at least a portion of
the conduit passage therethrough. A plurality of tubular,
non-corrugated sections are merged with at least one of the
corrugated sections and define at least a portion of the conduit
passage therethrough. The plurality of corrugated sections and the
plurality of non-corrugated sections are arranged in alternating
relation.
Inventors: |
Williams, Robert M.;
(Davison, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS BIGEL SIBLEY & SAJOVEC
PO BOX 37428
RALEIGH
NC
27627
US
|
Family ID: |
30113775 |
Appl. No.: |
10/164850 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
138/121 ;
138/118; 264/176.1; 285/423; 285/7; 285/903 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 48/0018 20190201;
B29C 2791/006 20130101; F16L 11/15 20130101; B29C 48/13 20190201;
B29C 48/09 20190201; B29K 2023/06 20130101; B29K 2027/06 20130101;
B29C 49/0015 20130101; B29L 2016/00 20130101; B29L 2031/243
20130101; B29C 48/303 20190201; B29C 53/30 20130101; A47L 9/24
20130101; B29K 2023/0691 20130101; B29L 2023/183 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
138/121 ; 285/7;
285/903; 138/118; 285/423; 264/176.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 009/24 |
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A conduit defining a continuous conduit passage and comprising:
a) a flexible, tubular, corrugated section defining at least a
portion of the conduit passage therethrough; b) wherein at least
the corrugated section is formed of CPVC.
2. The conduit of claim 1 further including: a) a tubular,
non-corrugated section merged with the corrugated section at an end
of the corrugated section; b) wherein the non-corrugated section
defines a second portion of the conduit passage.
3. The conduit of claim 2 wherein the non-corrugated section is
formed of CPVC.
4. The conduit of claim 2 wherein the non-corrugated section has a
nominal wall thickness of at least 0.068 inch.
5. The conduit of claim 2 wherein the non-corrugated section has a
nominal inner diameter of at least 0.489 inch.
6. The conduit of claim 2 wherein the non-corrugated section has a
length of at least about 2 inches.
7. The conduit of claim 2 including: a) a second tubular,
non-corrugated section merged with the corrugated section at a
second end of the corrugated section; b) wherein the second
non-corrugated section defines a third portion of the conduit
passage.
8. The conduit of claim 7 including a second tubular, corrugated
section merged with the second non-corrugated section at an end of
the second non-corrugated section opposite the first corrugated
section.
9. The conduit of claim 1 wherein the corrugated section has a
nominal wall thickness of at least 0.068 inch.
10. The conduit of claim 1 wherein the corrugated section has a
nominal inner diameter of at least 0.489 inch.
12. The conduit of claim 1 wherein the corrugated section has a
length of between about 10 and 40 inches.
13. The conduit of claim 1 wherein the conduit has a burst pressure
of at least 250 psi at 180.degree. F.
14. The conduit of claim 1 wherein the conduit meets or exceeds
ASTM F1970-01, revision 2001.
15. The conduit of claim 1 wherein the conduit is formed of CPVC
having a modulus of elasticity of at least 360,000 psi.
16. A conduit defining a continuous conduit passage and comprising:
a) a flexible, tubular, corrugated section defining at least a
portion of the conduit passage therethrough; b) wherein at least
the corrugated section is formed of cross-linked polyethylene
(PEX).
17. The conduit of claim 16 further including: a) a tubular,
non-corrugated section merged with the corrugated section at an end
of the corrugated section; b) wherein the non-corrugated section
defines a second portion of the conduit passage.
18. The conduit of claim 17 wherein the non-corrugated section is
formed of PEX.
19. The conduit of claim 17 wherein the non-corrugated section has
a length of at least about 2 inches.
20. The conduit of claim 17 including: a) a second tubular,
non-corrugated section merged with the corrugated section at a
second end of the corrugated section; b) wherein the second
non-corrugated section defines a third portion of the conduit
passage.
21. The conduit of claim 20 including a second tubular, corrugated
section merged with the second non-corrugated section at an end of
the second non-corrugated section opposite the first corrugated
section.
22. A conduit defining a continuous conduit passage extending from
a first opening to a second opening and comprising: a) a plurality
of flexible, tubular, corrugated sections each defining at least a
portion of the conduit passage therethrough; and b) a plurality of
tubular, non-corrugated sections each merged with at least one of
the corrugated sections and defining at least a portion of the
conduit passage therethrough; c) wherein the plurality of
corrugated sections and the plurality of non-corrugated sections
are arranged in alternating relation.
23. The conduit of claim 22 wherein each of the corrugated sections
and the non-corrugated sections is formed of a thermoplastic.
24. The conduit of claim 23 wherein each of the corrugated sections
and the non-corrugated sections is formed of CPVC.
25. The conduit of claim 24 wherein the conduit meets or exceeds
ASTM F1970-01, revision 2001.
26. The conduit of claim 23 wherein each of the corrugated sections
and the non-corrugated sections is formed of PVC.
27. The conduit of claim 26 wherein the conduit meets or exceeds
ASTM D2241-00, revision 2000.
28. The conduit of claim 23 wherein each of the corrugated sections
and the non-corrugated sections is formed of PEX.
29. The conduit of claim 22 wherein the conduit is formed of PVC or
CPVC having a modulus of elasticity of at least 360,000 psi.
30. A conduit system comprising: a) first and second substantially
rigid conduits; and b) a third conduit interposed between the first
and second conduits, wherein: the third conduit includes a
flexible, tubular, corrugated section; and at least the corrugated
section is formed of CPVC.
31. A conduit system comprising: a) first and second substantially
rigid conduits; and b) a third conduit interposed between the first
and second conduits, wherein: the third conduit includes a
flexible, tubular, corrugated section; and at least the corrugated
section is formed of PEX.
32. A method for forming a conduit, the method comprising: a)
extruding a tubular pre-form of PVC, CPVC, or PEX; and b) forming a
corrugated section in the pre-form.
33. The method of claim 32 wherein the pre-form is formed of
CPVC.
34. The method of claim 32 wherein the pre-form is formed of
PVC.
35. The method of claim 32 wherein the pre-form is formed of
PEX.
36. The method of claim 32 wherein the conduit is formed to meet or
exceed ASTM D1794-99A.
37. The method of claim 32 wherein the step of forming the
corrugated section is performed in-line with the step of extruding
the pre-form.
38. The method of claim 32 wherein said step of forming a
corrugated section includes forming corrugations in the pre-form
while the pre-form is plasticized.
39. The method of claim 38 wherein said step of forming a
corrugated section includes: a) compressing the pre-form with at
least one mold adapted to form the corrugations; and b)
pressurizing an interior passage of the pre-form with a
pressurizing fluid while the mold is compressing the pre-form to
limit displacement of walls of the pre-form into the interior
passage.
40. The method of claim 38 wherein said step of forming a
corrugated section includes: a) positioning at least one mold
adjacent the pre-form, the mold being adapted to form the
corrugations; and b) applying a vacuum to draw at least a portion
of the pre-form into the mold to thereby form the corrugations.
41. A method for forming a conduit, the method comprising: a)
extruding a tubular pre-form of a thermoplastic; b) forming a
corrugated section in the pre-form; and c) forming a non-corrugated
section in the pre-form such that the non-corrugated section is
merged with the corrugated section.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein the pre-form is formed of
CPVC.
43. The method of claim 41 wherein the pre-form is formed of
PVC.
44. The method of claim 41 wherein the pre-form is formed of
PEX.
45. A method for forming a conduit system, said method comprising:
providing a first conduit including a flexible, tubular, corrugated
section defining at least a portion of the conduit passage
therethrough, wherein at least the corrugated section is formed of
CPVC; coupling second and third substantially rigid conduits to
opposed ends of the first conduit; and bending the corrugated
section to form a bend between the second and third conduits.
46. The method of claim 45 wherein the first conduit includes a
second corrugated section connected to the first corrugated section
by an integral non-corrugated section, and further including
bending the second corrugated section to form the bend.
47. The method of claim 46 including cutting the first conduit from
a conduit assembly including a third corrugated section, said step
of cutting including separating the first conduit from the third
corrugated section.
48. A method for forming a conduit system, said method comprising:
providing a first conduit including a flexible, tubular, corrugated
section defining at least a portion of the conduit passage
therethrough, wherein at least the corrugated section is formed of
PEX; coupling second and third substantially rigid conduits to
opposed ends of the first conduit; and bending the corrugated
section to form a bend between the second and third conduits.
49. The method of claim 48 wherein the first conduit includes a
second corrugated section connected to the first corrugated section
by an integral non-corrugated section, and further including
bending the second corrugated section to form the bend.
50. The method of claim 49 including cutting the first conduit from
a conduit assembly including a third corrugated section, said step
of cutting including separating the first conduit from the third
corrugated section.
51. A method for forming a conduit system, the method comprising:
a) providing a corrugated conduit defining a continuous conduit
passage and including: a flexible, tubular, corrugated section
defining a first portion of the conduit passage therethrough, the
corrugated section being formed of a thermoplastic; and a tubular,
non-corrugated section merged with the corrugated section at an end
of the corrugate section, the non-corrugated section defining a
second portion of the conduit passage; and b) installing the
corrugated conduit in a building structure such that the corrugated
conduit provides fluid communication between a supply of potable
water and a dispenser.
52. The method of claim 51 wherein the corrugated section is formed
of CPVC.
53. The method of claim 51 wherein the corrugated section is formed
of PVC.
54. The method of claim 51 wherein the corrugated section is formed
of PEX.
55. The method of claim 51 wherein the step of installing includes
bending the corrugated section to form a bend.
56. The method of claim 51 further including connecting at least
one substantially rigid conduit to the corrugated conduit such that
the rigid conduit also provides fluid communication between the
supply of potable water and the dispenser.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to conduits and pipes and,
more particularly, to conduits and pipes for forming bends.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Polymeric pipes are commonly used for transporting water and
other fluids. Pipes formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and
chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) may be preferred in many
applications because of their performance characteristics and
relatively low cost. PVC and CPVC pipes are rigid and typically are
difficult to bend without kinking. As a result, typically fittings
must be used to accommodate more than nominal bends. Alternatively,
heat may be used to soften a pipe for bending. However, heat
bending may reduce the performance characteristics (e.g., the
pressure rating) of the pipe if the pipe wall on the outside of the
bend is stretched thin. As a consequence of the foregoing problems,
flexible piping material such as cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)
and other polyolefin-based pipes have been employed in applications
where PVC or CPVC piping might otherwise be preferred. Moreover,
PEX and other polyolefin-based pipes may also suffer from
insufficient flexibility.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to embodiments of the present invention, a conduit
defining a continuous conduit passage includes a flexible, tubular,
corrugated section defining at least a portion of the conduit
passage therethrough. At least the corrugated section is formed of
CPVC.
[0004] According to further embodiments of the present invention, a
conduit defining a continuous conduit passage includes a flexible,
tubular, corrugated section defining at least a portion of the
conduit passage therethrough. At least the corrugated section is
formed of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).
[0005] According to further embodiments of the present invention, a
conduit defining a continuous conduit passage extending from a
first opening to a second opening includes a plurality of flexible,
tubular, corrugated sections, each defining at least a portion of
the conduit passage therethrough. A plurality of tubular,
non-corrugated sections is provided. Each of the non-corrugated
sections merges with at least one of the corrugated sections and
defines at least a portion of the conduit passage therethrough. The
plurality of corrugated sections and the plurality of
non-corrugated sections are arranged in alternating relation.
[0006] According to further embodiments of the present invention, a
conduit system includes first and second substantially rigid
conduits. A third conduit is interposed between the first and
second conduits. The third conduit includes a flexible, tubular,
corrugated section. At least the corrugated section is formed of
CPVC.
[0007] According to further embodiments of the present invention, a
conduit includes first and second substantially rigid conduits and
a third conduit interposed between the first and second conduits.
The third conduit includes a flexible, tubular, corrugated section.
At least the corrugated section is formed of PEX.
[0008] According to method embodiments of the present invention, a
method for forming a conduit includes extruding a tubular pre-form
of PVC, CPVC, or PEX. Thereafter, a corrugated section is formed in
the pre-form.
[0009] According to further method embodiments of the present
invention, a method for forming a conduit includes extruding a
tubular pre-form of a thermoplastic. A corrugated section is formed
in the pre-form. A non-corrugated section is formed in the pre-form
such that the non-corrugated section is merged with the corrugated
section.
[0010] According to further method embodiments of the present
invention, a method for forming a conduit system includes providing
a first conduit including a flexible, tubular, corrugated section.
At least the corrugated section is formed of CPVC. Second and third
substantially rigid conduits are coupled to opposed ends of the
first conduit. The corrugated section is bent to form a bend
between the second and third conduits.
[0011] According to further method embodiments of the present
invention, a method for forming a conduit system includes providing
a first conduit including a flexible, tubular, corrugated section
defining at least a portion of the conduit passage therethrough,
wherein at least the corrugated section is formed of PEX. Second
and third substantially rigid conduits are coupled to opposed ends
of the first conduit. The corrugated section is bent to form a bend
between the second and third conduits.
[0012] According to further method embodiments of the present
invention, a method for forming a conduit system includes providing
a corrugated conduit defining a continuous conduit passage and
including a flexible, tubular, corrugated section defining a first
portion of the conduit passage therethrough. The corrugated section
is formed of a thermoplastic. A tubular, non-corrugated section is
merged with the corrugated section at an end of the corrugate
section. The non-corrugated section defines a second portion of the
conduit passage. The corrugated conduit is installed in a building
structure such that the corrugated conduit provides fluid
communication between a supply of potable water and a
dispenser.
[0013] Objects of the present invention will be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures
and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which
follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a conduit according to embodiments
of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the conduit of FIG. 1
taken along the line 2-2;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of a conduit system including the
conduit of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of a conduit assembly according to
embodiments of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a conduit system including a
portion of the conduit assembly of FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an apparatus for forming and
packaging a conduit assembly according to embodiments of the
present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 7 is a block diagram representing method embodiments of
the present invention for forming the conduit of FIG. 1 and the
conduit assembly of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The present invention now is described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art.
[0022] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conduit 100 according to
preferred embodiments of the present invention is shown therein.
The conduit 100 may be used to form a conduit system 17 as shown in
FIG. 3. As discussed in more detail below, two or more of the
conduits 100 may be integrally formed and connected so as to form a
conduit assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 4.
[0023] As best seen in FIG. 2, the conduit 100 includes a tubular,
flexible corrugated section 130 and a pair of integral, relatively
rigid, tubular, non-corrugated sections 112 and 114 merged with and
extending from opposed ends of the corrugated section 130. The
conduit 100 defines opposed end openings 140A and 140B and a
through passage 140 extending between and fluidly connecting the
openings 140A and 140B. Portions 142, 144 and 146 of the passage
140 are defined within the sections 112, 130 and 114, respectively.
The overall length L1 of the conduit 100 is preferably between
about 14 and 52 inches.
[0024] The non-corrugated sections 112, 114 are preferably adapted
to engage conventional piping of common or standard dimensions. The
length L2 of each of the non-corrugated sections 112 and 114 is
preferably at least about 2 inches. The nominal inner diameter D1
of the sections 112 and 114 is preferably at least 0.489 inch, and
more preferably between about 0.489 and 2.149 inches. Each of the
non-corrugated sections 112, 114 preferably has a nominal thickness
T1 of at least 0.068 inch, and more preferably between about 0.068
and 0.113 inch.
[0025] The corrugated section 130 includes a plurality of annular,
concentric walls 135. Adjacent walls 135 are joined along upper
folds 132 and lower folds 134 to form a series of corrugations.
[0026] The distance W1 of adjacent upper folds 132 is preferably
between about 0.335 and 0.551 inch. The distance W2 between
adjacent lower folds 134 is preferably between about 0.335 and
0.551 inch. The walls 135 preferably have a nominal thickness T2 of
at least 0.068 inch, and more preferably between about 0.068 and
0.113 inch. The lower folds 134 preferably have a thickness T3 of
at least 0.068 inch, and more preferably between about 0.068 and
0.113 inch. The upper folds 132 preferably have a thickness T4 at
least 0.068 inch, and more preferably of between about 0.068 and
0.113 inch. The corrugations preferably have a height D2 (i.e., the
radial distance from a given upper fold 132 to a given lower fold
134) of between about 0.281 and 0.469 inch. The nominal inner
diameters of the lower folds 134 are preferably the same as the
nominal inner diameter D1 of the non-corrugated sections 112, 114.
Preferably, the wall thickness is substantially uniform along the
full length L1 of the conduit 100. The length L3 of the corrugated
section 130 is preferably between about 10 and 40 inches, and more
preferably of between about 10 and 12 inches.
[0027] The conduit 100 may be formed of any suitable polymeric
material. According to certain preferred embodiments, the conduit
100 is formed of CPVC. When formed of CPVC, the conduit 100 is
particularly well suited for use in pressurized hot water piping.
Preferably, the material of the conduit 100 has a modulus of
elasticity of at least 360,000 psi and, more preferably, of between
about 360,000 and 400,000 psi.
[0028] When formed of CPVC, the conduit 100 preferably has a burst
pressure of at least 250 psi at 180.degree. F. When formed of PVC,
the conduit 100 preferably has a burst pressure of at least 630 psi
at 73.degree. F. Preferably, the conduit 100 is constructed so as
to meet or exceed ASTM Standard F1970-01, revision 2001, when
formed of CPVC. Preferably, the conduit 100 is constructed so as to
meet or exceed ASTM Standard D2241-00, revision 2000, when formed
of PVC. Preferably the conduit meets or exceeds ASTM Standard
D1784-99A.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 3, the conduit 100 may be used in the
following manner to form a conduit system 17. The non-corrugated
sections 112 and 114 are inserted into the open ends of
substantially rigid tubular conduits 12 and 14, respectively. The
conduits 12, 14 may be of conventional construction and are
preferably formed of PVC or CPVC. The corrugated section 130 is
bent to form a bend 16 between the conduits 12 and 14. It will be
appreciated that the conduits 12 and 14 may be coupled to the
sections 112 and 114 by other techniques.
[0030] When formed of CPVC, the corrugated section 130 is
preferably adapted to bend at an angle of at least 90 degrees
relative to straight while maintaining a burst pressure of at least
250 psi at 180.degree. F. When formed of PVC, the corrugated
section 130 is preferably adapted to bend at an angle of at least
90 degrees relative to straight while maintaining a burst pressure
of at least 630 psi at 73.degree. F.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 4, a plurality of the conduits 100
may be serially connected to form an integral conduit assembly 10.
More particularly, the conduit assembly 10 includes a series of
corrugated sections 130 and extended, non-corrugated sections 110
arranged in alternating relation. Each non-corrugated section 110
corresponds to the non-corrugated sections 112 and 114 of adjacent
conduits 100.
[0032] A single conduit 100 may be provided by cutting the conduit
100 from the conduit assembly 10. Alternatively, two or more of the
conduits 100 may be cut from the conduit assembly 10 such that the
two or more conduits 100 are still connected or the conduit
assembly 10 may be used as a whole. For example, with reference to
FIG. 5, a conduit assembly 10A consisting of two conduits 100
joined at an extended non-corrugated section 110 is shown therein.
The non-corrugated section 112 of the first conduit 100 and the
non-corrugated section 114 of the second conduit 100 are coupled to
the conduits 12 and 14, respectively. Each of the corrugated
sections 130 is bent to form a combined bend 19. Conduit systems
according to the present invention may be formed using conduit
assemblies consisting of greater than two conduits 100, for
example, to form sharper bends without overstressing the conduit
assembly.
[0033] According to preferred methods of the present invention and
with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the conduit 100 or conduit
assembly 10 may be formed using the following methods and an
apparatus 160. Suitable raw material (e.g., CPVC compound in pellet
or powder form) is provided to an extruder 162. The extruder 162 is
preferably a twin screw extruder. A continuous, tubular conduit
pre-form 102 is extruded from the extruder 162 (Block 170).
Preferably, the pre-form 102 has substantially the same inner and
outer diameters as the non-corrugated sections 112 and 114. The
pre-form 102 is preferably generated at a rate of at least 15 feet
per minute.
[0034] The pre-form 102 is directed to a corrugator 166, which is
preferably in-line with the extruder 162. Preferably, the pre-form
102 extends continuously from the extruder 162 to the corrugator
166. The corrugator 166 forms the corrugations of the corrugated
section 130 in the pre-form 102 (Block 172). More particularly, the
corrugator 166 intermittently engages the pre-form 102 to form the
corrugated sections 130 at spaced apart locations along the length
of the pre-form 102 such that uncorrugated sections corresponding
to the sections 110 remain between the corrugated sections 130.
Preferably, the pre-form 102 extends along substantially a single
axis all the way from the exit of the extruder 162 to the
downstream end of the portions of the corrugator 166 that engage
the pre-form 102 (e.g., the mold dies). Preferably, the pre-form
102 is maintained at a temperature in the range of between about
350 and 450.degree. F. from the extruder 162 to the corrugator
166.
[0035] The corrugated sections 130 are formed by the corrugator 166
while the pre-form 102 is heat-softened (i.e., in its plasticized
condition). Preferably, the pre-form 102 is still heat softened
(i.e., plasticized) from the heat of the extruder 162. Auxiliary
heaters (e.g., in the corrugator 166) may be used to soften the
pre-form 102 for the corrugating step. Preferably, the sections of
the pre-form 102 in which the corrugations are formed are at a
temperature of between about 350 and 450.degree. F. during the step
of molding the corrugations into the pre-form 102. Preferably, the
pre-form is cooled in the corrugator 166 such that the exiting tube
has a temperature of between about 125 and 175.degree. F.
[0036] The corrugator 166 may form the corrugated sections 130
using a combination of a mold and a vacuum. The vacuum is provided
in the mold to draw the pre-form 102 into the mold dies, the mold
dies having the shape of the desired corrugated section 130.
[0037] The corrugator 166 may form the corrugated sections 130
using a combination of a mold and pressure or blow molding. A
pressurized fluid, for example, air, is provided inside the
pre-form 102 to prevent or limit collapse of the pre-form 102 as
the mold dies are compressed about the pre-form 102. The mold dies
have the shape of the desired corrugated section 130.
[0038] A continuous conduit assembly 10 is thereby produced from
the corrugator 166. After cooling, the conduit assembly 10 may
thereafter be packaged in desired fashion (Block 174). The conduit
assembly 10 may be wound onto a roll 168 to form a package 11.
Alternatively, the conduit assembly 10 may be cut to desired
lengths including one or multiple conduits 100.
[0039] The conduits and conduit assemblies of the present invention
may be used to convey potable water. The conduit and conduit
assemblies may convey the potable water from a suitable source of
potable water such as a water storage container or a water supply
pipe (e.g., a municipal water line) to a suitable dispenser such as
a faucet. Preferably, such conduit formed of CPVC is installed in a
building structure to convey potable pressurized hot water (i.e.,
water having a temperature in the range of between about 120 and
160.degree. F.). Such conduit formed of PVC may be installed in the
building structure to convey potable pressurized cold water (i.e.,
water having a temperature in the range of between about 40 and
80.degree. F.). The building structure may be a residential or
commercial structure.
[0040] According to further embodiments of the present invention,
conduits and integral conduit assemblies as described above may be
formed of suitable thermoplastic materials other than PVC or CPVC.
Such conduits and conduit assemblies may be formed in the same
manner and otherwise of the same construction as described above
with regard to the conduit 100 and the conduit assembly 10. The
selected thermoplastic material is preferably well-suited for use
in pressurized water piping. It is particularly contemplated that
conduits and conduit assemblies as described above may be formed of
cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) in place of PVC or CPVC. While PEX
may have significant inherent flexibility, the corrugated sections
provide additional flexibility to facilitate installation and
longevity.
[0041] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and
is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few
exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications
are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this
invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of this invention. Therefore, it is to be
understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present
invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific
embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed
embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be
included within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *