Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite structure has two molded outer polymeric layers spaced apart from each other and defining a cavity therebetween. Each molded outer polymeric layer defines a sealing surface extending about a periphery of the respective layer, and the opposing sealing surfaces cooperate to define a hermetic seal extending about a periphery of the cavity. One or more multi-directional fiber reinforcement layers are adhesively attached in a discontinuous manner to each outer polymeric layer, and define a first region of the cavity extending between each respective outer polymeric layer and adjacent fiber reinforcement layer, and a second region of the cavity extending between the fiber reinforcement layers. A core is located between the two outer polymeric layers, and is made of a resinous core material capable of exhibiting a foamed character and a resinous character.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 17, 2000
Date of Patent:
December 18, 2001
Assignee:
Advance USA, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael A. O'Neill, Wayne D. Kirk, Stuart C. Simmons, Paul Trudeau, Jonathan W. Bremmer