Systems and method for producing three-dimensional articles from flexible composite materials
AssigneeCubic Tech Corporation
InventorsRoland Joseph Downs, Christopher Michael Adams, Jon Michael Holweger
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Abstract
The present disclosure encompasses three-dimensional articles comprising flexible-composite materials and methods of manufacturing said three-dimensional articles. More particularly, the present system relates to methods for manufacturing seamless three-dimensional-shaped articles usable for such finished products as airbags/inflatable structures, bags, shoes, and similar three-dimensional products. A preferred manufacturing process combines composite molding methods with specific precursor materials to form fiber-reinforced continuous shaped articles that are flexible and collapsible.
Claims14
(canceled)
A manufacturing method comprising:
- inflating an elastomeric bladder into a forming tool;
- assembling a layup on said forming tool to form a laid-up assembly by applying at least one unidirectional tape layer over said forming tool, said unidirectional tape layer comprising reinforcing fibers in parallel alignment, impregnated with an adhesive resin matrix;
- and
- curing said laid-up assembly into a cured assembly comprising a cured composite on said forming tool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.