Ultra lightweight segmented ladder/bridge system

摘要

A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A carbon fiber ladder structure, comprising:
a) a pair of tubular carbon fiber side rails, each rail having a first end and a second end; b) at least one carbon fiber rung perpendicular to the carbon fiber side rails, wherein the carbon fiber rung connects the side rails of the ladder segment; and c) a spliced joint connector located at at least one of the first end and the second end of each carbon fiber side rail; wherein the spliced joint connector on an end of a first carbon fiber side rail of a first ladder segment reversibly mates with a sleeve formed by a hollow portion of an interior of a second carbon fiber side rail of a second ladder segment; wherein, when at least two ladder segments are joined by the spliced joint connector and the sleeve, they form a segmented structure; wherein the rung is detachable from the side rails; and wherein the rung comprises a uni-directional carbon fiber inner layer and a braided carbon fiber layer.