Method and apparatus for tensioning composite material
US7717694B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C70/302
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for tensioning material (12) over a mold (14), such as a cure tool, comprises a tensioning fork (10) consisting of two substantially parallel tapered legs (18,20) between which material (12) is disposed. A tensioning fork (10) is positioned at a first side edge (42) and proximate a first end edge (38) of the material (12). A first leg (18) of the tensioning fork (10) is disposed under the material (12), and a second leg (20) of the tensioning fork (10) is disposed over the material (12). When force is applied to the second leg (20), it pivots about the first leg (18) along the length of the legs, remaining parallel to the first leg (18), thereby pressing a portion of the material (12) against the mold (14).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.