Whirlpool Corporation

William R Rickel

Dale E Mueller

Dennis W Hauch

David B Bozoarth

A method of treating polypropylene hose to increase its strength and durability is provided by flexing the hose through a plurality of 360 degree rotations while in a bent form to alternately axially compress and extend portions of the hose to increase the molecular alignment of the polypropylene.

Method of strengthening polypropylene hose

A hose receiving member constructed as a unitary plastic article is specifically adapted to connect an anti-kink corrugated plastic hose to an appliance such as an automatic washer in either a standpipe installation or a laundry tub installation when used with a metal or plastic hose guide member. The plastic hose guide member connects to an outlet pipe of the member near an upper end thereof adjacent an end of the corrugated hose. This guide member has a curvilinear upper surface which curves from a vertical orientation adjacent the end of the hose connection fitting through an arc of at least 180.degree. in a plane including an axis of the outlet pipe. A planar rib maintains the surface in its desired shape. Two retaining ties on the guide member grasp the hose, clamping it to the curvilinear surface, one tie being used to bend the hose approximately 90.degree. and both used for a bend of approximately 180.degree.. The metal hose guide member comprises an 'S'-shaped member with a raised center portion between co-planar ends which are hooked to capture spaced-apart portions of the corrugated hose.

Termination fixture for a corrugated drain hose

A unitary hose connector made of plastic material and having multiple locking means mounted through the back panel of an automatic washing machine without the use of tools or additional fastening means in either of two locked positions. In the first or 'shipping' position the connector is positively locked to the back panel of the machine almost entirely within the machine cabinet. In the second or 'installed' position the connector is positively locked to the back panel with an end portion of the connector projecting out of the cabinet to be accessible for coupling with a water inlet hose from an external water source.

Growing community of inventors

St. Joseph, MI, United States of America

William R Rickel