Abstract: An axle mount construction for a fiber reinforced resin leaf spring. The central section of the molded fiber reinforced resin spring that is adapted to be secured to an axle of a vehicle is molded with alternate longitudinally extending ridges and grooves with the ridges on one surface of the central section being vertically aligned with grooves on the opposite surface. The outer extremities of the ridges define flat lands, and a clamping mechanism secured the central section of the spring to the axle and includes clamping plates which are engaged with the lands on the ridges. The ridge and groove construction provides added section stiffness to the mounting area of the spring to reduce stress concentrations in the spring under load.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced resin leaf spring including a curved central section and a pair of generally circular end sections connected to the respective ends of the central section. Each end section defines an opening to receive a connecting member. The spring is wound from an endless strand of substantially continuous fibers impregnated with a cured thermosetting resin. A plurality of longitudinally extending ribs are formed in the neck region of the spring, which joins the curved central section to the respective end sections. The ribs, which extend alternately upwardly and downwardly from a plane extending through the neutral axis of the spring, increase the stiffness of the spring in the neck region and prevent delamination of the fibrous windings during service.

Abstract: An orthotropic pressure vessel (2) is provided by a cylindrical filament wound body (4) having open ends, a pair of end plates (8, 10) sealingly disposed at the open ends of the body, and one or more axial continuous endless loops (18) engaging the end plates and maintaining them in position when the vessel is filled with a fluid under pressure. Hoop to axial stress ratios greater than or equal to about 15:1, and helix angles less than or equal to about 15.degree., are provided. One end plate is stationary, and the other is axially slideable along the inner wall of the cylindrical body. Exterior and interior loop bound versions are disclosed. Various end plates and body end designs are disclosed for increased loop life, uniform force distribution for lighter and thinner end plates, and pressurized axial loading of the vessel wall.

Abstract: A filament wound structural vessel includes a cylindrical wall formed of a cured thermosetting resin reinforced by fibrous material. An opening in the wall is reinforced by a series of reinforcement bands formed by filament windings that encircle the wall and run adjacent the opening.