Pultrusion method and related article
AssigneeComfort Line, Ltd.
InventorsRobert Spaans, Jacob Huskins, John Sigmund, Robert Jennings
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of forming a reinforced composite structure comprises providing a plurality of fiberglass rovings to a resin applicator. The plastic applicator has an inlet, an outlet, and a plastic applicator cavity such that the rovings enter the plastic applicator through the inlet and exit through the outlet. The inlet and outlet are relatively positioned to spread out the rovings. Resin-containing rovings are directed between a first fiberglass matt and a second fiberglass matt and then cured. A joint that connects two frame members formed by the method of the invention is provided.
Claims20
A method of forming a fiberglass-plastic composite structure comprising:
- a) providing a plurality of fiberglass rovings to a resin applicator, the plastic applicator having an inlet, an outlet, and a plastic applicator cavity, the rovings entering the plastic applicator through the inlet and exiting through the outlet such that the inlet and outlet are relatively positioned to spread out the rovings wherein the rovings are embedded with a liquid resin within the plastic applicator cavity to form resin-containing rovings;
- b) directing at least a portion of the resin-containing rovings between a first fiberglass matt and a second fiberglass matt;
- c) directing the resin-containing rovings, the first fiberglass matt, and the second resin-containing matt into a curing chamber;
- and
- d) curing the resin-containing rovings positioned between the first and second fiberglass matts to form the fiberglass-plastic composite structure, wherein the fiberglass-plastic composite structure emerges from the curing chamber with a predetermined linear speed.
A joint for attaching frame members together, the joint comprising:
- a first frame member, the first frame member including a first substantially rectangular surface having a first length and first width and a second substantially rectangular surface having a second length and a second width, the first width being greater than the second width;
- a second frame member having a wall that defines a first interior cavity, the second frame member including a first end, a second end, a third substantially rectangular surface, and a fourth substantially rectangular surface, the first end being angled relative to a plane perpendicular to the third substantially rectangular surface;
- and
- a fastener comprising:
- a body section;
- one or more flange sections extending from the body section, the flanged sections attached to a side of the second frame member;
- an insert section extending from the body section, the insert section positioned within the interior cavity of the second frame member;
- and
- an angled stop surface defined by a surface of the body section, the angled stop surface oriented at a mating angle that matches the angle of the second frame member such that when the insert section is positioned within the interior cavity the first end is adjacent to the angled stop surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.