The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 12, 2010
Filed:
Dec. 19, 2006
Habib J. Dagher, Veazie, ME (US);
Joshua J. Tomblin, Orono, ME (US);
Richard F. Nye, Old Town, ME (US);
Imad W. El Chiti, Tampa, FL (US);
Matthew W. Bodwell, Lewiston, ME (US);
Alexander L. Baker, Frankfort, ME (US);
Roberto A. Lopez-anido, Orono, ME (US);
Habib J. Dagher, Veazie, ME (US);
Joshua J. Tomblin, Orono, ME (US);
Richard F. Nye, Old Town, ME (US);
Imad W. El Chiti, Tampa, FL (US);
Matthew W. Bodwell, Lewiston, ME (US);
Alexander L. Baker, Frankfort, ME (US);
Roberto A. Lopez-Anido, Orono, ME (US);
University of Maine System Board of Trustees, Bangor, ME (US);
Abstract
A method of forming a hollow composite construction member of the type suitable for use as building material includes providing an elongated inflatable mold assembly having a longitudinal axis, a flexible tubular bladder wall defining an elongated inflatable cavity, a reinforcing fabric positioned concentrically around the flexible bladder wall, and a flexible air-impervious outer layer positioned concentrically around the fabric. The bladder wall and the outer layer define an elongated annular space with the fabric positioned therein. Tension is applied longitudinally to the fabric and fluid is introduced into the cavity to at least partially inflate the mold and shape the fabric. The mold is shaped to a desired shape while maintaining the fabric under tension. The elongated annular space and the fabric are infused with a rigidification material. The rigidification material is hardened while maintaining the fabric in tension to form a rigid hollow composite construction member.