Composite Structural Member

Abstract

A light-weight composite structural member including an elongated body having at least one internal recess with a tensioned cable in the recess or series of recesses. End pieces on each end of the elongated body secure the cable, which is connected to each end piece. The composite structural member is light-weight with relatively thin walls while providing enhanced benefits for resisting the combination of tension, compression and buckling forces.

1 . A composite structural member including:
 an elongated body having an internal recess;   end pieces on each end of the elongated body; and   a cable connected to each end piece, the cable passing inside the internal recess;   wherein the tensioned cable is fitted between the end pieces.   
     
     
         2 . The structural member of  claim 1  wherein the elongated body additionally includes internal spaced walls for added reinforcement, which form part of the internal recess. 
     
     
         3 . The structural member of  claim 1  wherein the elongated body is formed from extruded aluminum with a cover mantle including a glass fiber or carbon fiber covering. 
     
     
         4 . The structural member of  claim 1  wherein the elongated body has a plurality of internal recesses with a plurality of internal cables. 
     
     
         5 . The structural member of  claim 4  wherein two cables are in opposite internal recesses. 
     
     
         6 . The structural member of  claim 1  wherein the end pieces are connected on each end of the elongated body by fastening plates fastened to head plates that pass through each end piece wherein a portion of the elongated body is secured between the fastening plates and the head plates. 
     
     
         7 . The structural member of  claim 1  wherein the end pieces cover each end of the elongated body and have a cable aperture through which ends of the cable are connected to each end piece. 
     
     
         8 . The structural member of  claim 7  wherein at least one cable aperture includes a means for preloading the cable with tension. 
     
     
         9 . A light-weight composite structural member including:
 an elongated body having preloaded thin walls and including internal walls forming part of an internal recess;   end pieces covering each end of the elongated body; and   a tensioned cable connected to each end piece, the tensioned cable passing inside the internal recess;   wherein the tensioned cable is fitted between the end pieces and at least one end piece has a cable aperture through which an end of the cable is adjustably connected to the end piece having the cable aperture.   
     
     
         10 . The structural member of  claim 9  wherein the cable aperture includes a means for preloading the cable in tension. 
     
     
         11 . The structural member of  claim 9  wherein the end pieces are connected on each end of the elongated body by fastening plates fastened to head plates that pass through each end piece wherein a portion of the elongated body is secured between the fastening plates and the head plates. 
     
     
         12 . A structural member including:
 an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and an internal recess extending from the first end to the second end of the body;   a cable located within the recess of the body, the cable having a first end and a second end, the second end of the cable being coupled to the second end of the body;   a first end piece coupled to the first end of the body, the first end of the cable being coupled to the first end piece;   whereby the cable is adapted to be coupled to the first end piece in tension to thereby preload the body.   
     
     
         13 . The structural member of  claim 12  wherein the body includes a plurality of internal recesses and one or more cables, each cable having a first end coupled to the first end piece and a second end coupled to the second end of the body. 
     
     
         14 . The structural member of  claim 12  including a second end piece coupled to the second end of the body, the second end of the cable being coupled to the second end piece. 
     
     
         15 . The structural member of  claim 12  wherein the cable comprises a wire rope. 
     
     
         16 . The structural member of  claim 12  including one or more head plates attached to the first end of the body, each head plate extending into a respective aperture in the first end piece, whereby the head plates inhibit rotational movement of the first end piece with respect to the body. 
     
     
         17 . The structural member of  claim 16  including one or more fastening plates, each fastening plate being connected to a head plate, the body being located between the head plates and fastening plates. 
     
     
         18 . The structural member of  claim 12  wherein the first end piece includes an aperture, the first end of the cable extending through the aperture. 
     
     
         19 . The structural member of  claim 18  including an adjustment mechanism attached to the first end of the cable, the adjustment mechanism adapted to selectively tension the cable. 
     
     
         20 . The structural member of  claim 19  wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a threaded member threadably attached to the first end of the cable.