Importance

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Abstract

A reinforced tubing has an inner continuous hollow metallic tube. To strengthen the tube, a metallic helical structural member is bonded in tension by nickel or cobalt electroplating to the outside wall of the tube. Thus, a surrounding layer of electroplated material (i.e. nickel or cobalt) covers the tube and the structural member to bond the structural member to the tube. The individual coils of the helical structural member are spaced apart, so that the edges of successive coils do not touch or overlap. Importantly, the angular pitch between successive coils is in the range 20.degree.-60.degree., the pitch being variable throughout the length of the tubing. For applications wherein the tubing is to be used as a rigid platform, a longitudinal stiffening member may be bonded to the inside of the tube. Additionally, regardless of the particular application of the tubing, a polymeric coating may be molded onto the outside of the tube, the helical structural member, and the surrounding electroplated layer to cover and protect the tubing.

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First Claim