Compact support system using low aspect ratio composite tensile support bands

摘要

A support system comprising a number of racetrack-shaped tensile support bands (22) held in tension between a supported article and a supporting article, respective curved end portions of each tensile support band being retained by respective mounting points (30) mounted on respective surfaces of the supported article and the supporting article, respectively. At least one of the tensile support bands is arranged so that the curved end portions lie in a plane substantially parallel to the surface upon which the respective mounting point is mounted; and at least one mounting point is a monolithic mounting point having a curved surface (32) which is complementary to an inner curved surface of an end of the tensile support band.