1. Field of the Invention
This invention broadly concerns flexible synthetic resin couplings used to convey fluids from a source to a receiver. More particularly, it concerns a synthetic resin fluid coupling which is of a self-sustaining initial shape having a number of arcuate bends and is flexible in order to compensate for relative movement between the source and the receiver.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is well known to employ piping to convey fluids from a source, such as a reservoir or pipe, to a receiver which may also be a reservoir or pipe. Such piping is often rigid and stiff, and this may be beneficial in some instances where the pipe must be supported and routed along a particular path. However, when the source and the receiver are subject to relative movement, as may occur because of thermal expansion and contraction or seismic events, to give just two of many examples, then a rigid pipe often imparts a force on the source or receiver which may cause fatigue or even failure. In the case of a receiver which is a tank or other reservoir, and the receiver is also a tank or other reservoir, each having walls with which the pipe is directly or indirectly connected, the pipe may impart significant force and stress against the wall due to its rigidity and stiffness. In addition, metal piping may be unsatisfactory in many applications not only for its rigidity and the transfer of loading to tank walls, but also because of differences in thermal expansion with the reservoir or other piping and the fact that it may deteriorate or fail when exposed to corrosive chemicals.
It is also known to utilize flexible conduit such as a rubber hose or the like to transport fluids. Such hoses do not, however, have a self-sustaining shape which permits the piping to be routed along a definite path and hold that configuration. Moreover, hoses do not have the degree of structural strength necessary in an industrial environment where impact or abrasion can be expected.
Thus, there has developed a need for an improved flexible conduit which is self-sustaining in an initial configuration, yields to impacts both internal and external, and reduces the transfer of forces to another pipe or reservoir to which it is connected.