Mandrel to facilitate thin sheet fabrication

Abstract

A mandrel 1 includes a top support 10, a first edge support 20, a bottom support 30, and a second edge support 40. The top support and first edge support make-up a first support section. The bottom support and second edge support make-up a second support section. The first support section and the second support section are disposed relative to one another so as to form an outer circumference. A jack 50 is coupled to the first and second support sections and is configured to move the first and second support sections relative to one another so as to adjust the outer circumference of the mandrel. A locking element 60 removably is coupled to the first and second support sections to selectively prevent relative movement between the first and second support sections.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.