Continuous filament apex fittings and methods of manufacture thereof

Abstract

Continuous filament apex fittings and methods of manufacture thereof to provide high-strength, low-weight fittings for use on cargo lifts and the like, and as replacements for metal clevises. The fittings are made by wet-winding one or more strands of continuous filaments into a loop, forming the loop into a basic clevis-like shape and curing the resin. The use of a flexible resin allows spreading of the clevis eyes for entry and removal of the item to be retained by the clevis without a separate clevis pin. Twisting of the loop one or more times along the major length of the loop prior to bending in the basic clevis shape creates an integrated clevis body having better load distribution across the cross-section thereof. Alternate methods of manufacture are disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.