Multi-layer laminate load ring

Abstract

A laminated load ring for a balloon assembly includes a plurality of ring stacking units stacked one on top of the other. Each of the ring stacking units can include a main body having a central opening, a plurality of arms, and at least one weld line. The plurality of arms may each extend away from the main body around a circumference of the main body. The at least one weld line can be formed on the main body. The plurality of arms of the plurality of ring stacking units may be aligned with one another. The weld line of each of the plurality of ring stacking units may be offset from the weld line of a directly adjacent ring stacking unit in a direction extending around the circumference of the laminated load ring.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A fiber-reinforced load ring comprising:
 a central opening;   an interior edge surrounding the central opening; and   a perimeter edge surrounding the interior edge;   a plurality of projecting arms extending from the perimeter edge and away from the central opening;
 wherein each of the arms includes:
 a distal end; and 
 an aperture extending through the distal end. 
 
   
     
     
         3 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 2  wherein fibers of the fiber-reinforced load ring are oriented in a lateral direction nearly parallel to a top or a bottom surface of the fiber-reinforced load ring. 
     
     
         4 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 2  wherein fibers within the fiber-reinforced load ring are oriented in substantially the same direction. 
     
     
         5 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 2  wherein at least 25% of fibers within the fiber-reinforced load ring are oriented in the same direction. 
     
     
         6 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 2  wherein the fiber-reinforced load ring is an injection molded ring. 
     
     
         7 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 2  wherein the fiber-reinforced load ring is made from a high-performance thermoplastic. 
     
     
         8 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 2  wherein the fiber-reinforced load ring is made from at least one of high strength glass-fiber, carbon-fiber, or ceramic fiber filled nylon-based plastic. 
     
     
         9 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 2  further comprising at least one gate extending from the interior edge towards a center of the central opening. 
     
     
         10 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 2  wherein at least two fiber-reinforced load rings are stacked. 
     
     
         11 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 10  wherein the at least two fiber-reinforced load rings are bonded together. 
     
     
         12 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 2  further comprising bolts received through at least one of the apertures. 
     
     
         13 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 2  further comprising at least one tendon coupled to the fiber-reinforced load ring through at least one of the apertures. 
     
     
         14 . The fiber-reinforced load ring of  claim 2  wherein a termination plate assembly disposed at a base of a balloon envelope or an apex of a balloon envelope is coupled to the fiber-reinforced load ring.