Method for making composite structures
US5908591A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2231/52
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for making a composite structure, comprising the steps of: arranging a fabric layer in a configuration constrained against outward movement and defining a cavity between opposing surfaces of the fabric layer; dispensing a predetermined amount of a self-expanding, self-curable, uncured structural foam into the cavity, the foam expanding and curing in the cavity at a molding pressure determined by the predetermined amount of the foam and thereby attaching itself to the fabric layer to form the composite structure, the molding pressure causing the expanding foam to substantially fill only interstices of an inner portion of the fabric layer, without substantially penetrating an outer portion of the fabric layer; and, freeing the cured composite structure from the constraint of the arranging step, the outer portion of the fabric layer of the composite structure being thereafter substantially completely saturable with a curable material for lamination to another structure in a subsequent processing step. The method can further comprise the step of laminating the cured composite structure to another composite structure by saturating the outer portion of the fabric layer of the cu…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.