초록 ▼

A structural support member formed of a plurality of tubular members positioned to shape the structural support member in a desired form, e.g., an arched form. The positioned tubular members are permanently affixed to a base plate at one end and a nose plate at the other end, and the combination is

A structural support member formed of a plurality of tubular members positioned to shape the structural support member in a desired form, e.g., an arched form. The positioned tubular members are permanently affixed to a base plate at one end and a nose plate at the other end, and the combination is layered by fiber-reinforced material to form the structural support member. Assembled plurality of structural support members can be interconnected to form a skeleton which can support a cover. Custom-sized structural support members are produced without the need for a mold. An additional embodiment utilizes an inflatable bladder as a mold around which the fiber-reinforced material is layered, the bladder then being deflated, removed, and reused. Custom-sized structural support members are thus produced in any shape desired and can also be assembled in group to form a skeleton which supports a cover.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of manufacturing a skeleton for supporting a fabric skin, the skeleton comprising a series of interconnected structural support members, the method comprising:a) providing an inflatable bladder, of predetermined dimensions;b) inflating the bladder to a pressure a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of manufacturing a skeleton for supporting a fabric skin, the skeleton comprising a series of interconnected structural support members, the method comprising:a) providing an inflatable bladder, of predetermined dimensions;b) inflating the bladder to a pressure at which its sides are rigid;c) layering fiber reinforced plastic around the inflated bladder to a pre-determined thickness;d) curing the fiber reinforced plastic;e) deflating the bladder;f) removing the bladder leaving a hardened integument which is used as one of the structural support members; andg) interconnecting a series of structural support members forming a skeleton for supporting a fabric skin.