High performance composite tubular structures
AssigneeVyatek Sports, Inc.
InventorHoward A. Lindsay
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Abstract
This invention relates generally to the design and manufacture of high performance, composite, tubular structures. More specifically, the invention relates to a high performance, composite, tubular structure that utilizes an integral pattern of ribs on the internal diameter (“ID”) or outer diameter (“OD”) surface of the tube. The present invention provides high performance, composite, tubular structures that are both lighter and stiffer than conventional tubes. In general, the present invention incorporates unconventional features into the design of tubular structures, to greatly enhance performance. For example, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, tubular structures are enhanced by incorporating small, stabilizing, raised ribs on the ID of the tubes.
Claims7
A tubular structure, comprising:
- an outer surface;
- an inner surface;
- and
- at least two, stiffness increasing criss-crossing raised ribs, integrated with and extending from said inner surface, said ribs formed by a string of continuous strands of carbon fibers impregnated and at least partially encapsulated with at least one of a layer of prepreg.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.