Abstract This patent describes a novel stressed structural member which comprises a composite of a lightweight void-containing core to which is bonded thin skin sheets on at least some of the lateral surfaces, said core having one or more reinforcing members embedded therein. This patent further describes a novel method of manufacturing a novel stressed structural member which comprises positioning thin skin sheets in a predetermined arrangement around one or more reinforcing members, forming a lightweight void-containing core around said reinforcing members which bonds to said members and said skin sheets, and applying stress to said composite. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the novel stressed structural member comprises an elongated beam having four lateral sides and formed of a composite of a lightweight void-containing core to which is bonded on four sides thin skin sheets, said core having one or more reinforcing members embedded therein, and end cap members at each end of said beam.
A novel elongated stressed structural member which comprises an elongated beam having four lateral sides and formed of a composite of a lightweight plastic organic polymer resin foam core to which is bonded on all four lateral sides generally flat, thin metal skin sheets, said foam core having one or more longitudinally disposed reinforcing wires or cables embedded therein, and end cap members at each end of said beam, said end cap member having holes therein in which the ends of said reinforcing wires or cables are received, said wires or cables being under tension and acting, in conjunction with said end caps, to maintain said foam core under longitudinal compressive force.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A novel elongated stressed structural member which comprises an elongated beam having four lateral sides and formed of a composite of a lightweight plastic organic polymer resin foam core to which is bonded on all four lateral sides generally flat, thin metal skin sheets, said foam core having one or more longitudinally disposed reinforcing wires or cables embedded therein, and end cap members at each end of said beam, said end cap member having holes therein in which the ends of said reinforcing wires or cables are received, said wires or cables being under tension and acting, in conjunction with said end caps, to maintain said foam core under longitudinal compressive force.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The member of claim 1 in which the skins are aluminum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The member of claim 1 in which the core is rigid polyurethane foam.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The member of claim 1 in which the core is a flame retardant material.