Curved, inflated, tubular beam
US5421128A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD10B2403/0243
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A curved, inflated, tubular beam consists of braided fibers and axial fibers on an elastomeric barrier. The construction can be accomplished on a short, straight mandrel. The curvature along the beam can be varied to suit the design needs. The angle of the braid in the bias fibers determines the inflated curvature when axial fibers situated within the braid along the inside of the curvature constrain the elongation on the inside of the curvature. The curved shape can be reinforced by having tape cemented to the outside of the inflated tube. While very small and very large tubes can be perfected for a range of inflation pressures and beam strengths, the preferred embodiment is a 12 3/4-inch diameter tube, 60 feet long forming an arch for a tent 30 feet wide and 24 feet high.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.