Inventors:
Rikard Haraldsson - Elkton MD, US
Andrew Perella - Hockessin DE, US
International Classification:
B32B001/02
B29C045/14
B29D022/00
B65D001/00
US Classification:
428/036100, 264/516000, 264/219000, 264/102000, 264/257000, 264/258000, 264/221000, 264/317000, 264/277000, 264/263000, 428/036300, 428/036500, 264/259000, 264/279100
Abstract:
A method of constructing large, unitary, fiber-reinforced Polymer composite containers using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. The method allows for the construction of container systems with only two separately molded parts—an open box consisting of a base (i.e., floor), 2 sidewalls and 2 endwalls, and a cover (i.e., roof). The method results in a structure which maintains the continuity of the reinforcement fibers across the junction between the floor, side, and end walls corners. This method can be applied to very large composite structures such as railcar bodies, intermodal containers, and shelters.