Reinforced Hollow Profiles

Abstract

A hollow lineal profile formed from a continuous fiber reinforced ribbon (“CFRT”) that contains a plurality of continuous fibers embedded within a first thermoplastic polymer matrix. To enhance the tensile strength of the profile, the continuous fibers are aligned within the ribbon in a substantially longitudinal direction (e.g., the direction of pultrusion). In addition to continuous fibers, the hollow profile of the present invention also contains a plurality of long fibers that may be optionally embedded within a second thermoplastic matrix to form a long fiber reinforced thermoplastic (“LFRT”). The long fibers may be incorporated into the continuous fiber ribbon or formed as a separate layer of the profile. Regardless, at least at a portion of the long fibers are oriented at an angle (e.g., 90°) to the longitudinal direction to provide increased transverse strength to the profile.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.