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US 8,347,572 B2Granted
Lightweight beam structure
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorGregory Piedmont
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lightweight beam may have a triangular prism core and a triaxial fabric cover wrapped around the core, with at least one rod proximate an apex of the core. The rod may extend substantially parallel to a centerline of the core. Multiple lightweight beams may be joined to form a larger lightweight structure.
Claims20
A beam comprising:
- a triangular prism core comprising a first material, the core having a longitudinal centerline, a plurality of apexes, and a length;
- at least one rod extending substantially parallel to the centerline of the core and proximate to one of the plurality of apexes;
- and
- a cover woven of a yarn comprising a second material different from the first material, the cover disposed about the core and the at least one rod.
1 more element
A lightweight beam structure comprising:
- a plurality of lightweight beams joined to form a structure;
- wherein each of the lightweight beams comprises:
- a triangular prism core comprising a first material, the core having a longitudinal centerline and a plurality of apexes;
- at least one rod extending substantially parallel to the centerline of the core and proximate to one of the plurality of apexes;
- and
- a cover woven of a yarn comprising a second material different from the first material, the cover disposed about the core and the at least one rod.
3 more elements
A method of forming a beam, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a triangular prism core comprising a first material and having a longitudinal centerline;
- providing at least one rod respectively proximate to at least one of the plurality of apexes of the core and extending substantially parallel to the centerline of the core;
- and
- wrapping a cover woven of a yarn comprising a second material different from the first material about the core.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.