Inventors:
Carey V. Campbell - Flagstaff AZ
Donald G. M. Goffena - Camp Verde AZ
James D. Lewis - Flagstaff AZ
David J. Myers - Camp Verde AZ
Clayton M. Sparling - Flagstaff AZ
Assignee:
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. - Newark DE
International Classification:
B29D 2200
B32B 904
Abstract:
A thin-wall PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) tube in the form of a tube of porous expanded PTFE film wherein the porous PTFE film has a microstructure containing a multiplicity of fibrils oriented substantially parallel to each other. The tube has a wall thickness of less than about 0. 25 mm and is made from at least one first layer and at least one second layer of porous PTFE film, wherein the fibrils of the first and second layers are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Preferably the fibrils of the at least one first layer are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and the fibrils of the at least one second layer of porous PTFE film are oriented substantially circumferential to the tube. The first and second layers may be inner and outer layers respectively, or alternatively their relationship may be reversed. Alternatively, either of the first and second film layers may be replaced with alternative reinforcing components such as a braid or at least one reinforcing rib.