Patent ID: 6019138
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: D03D,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of making a three dimensional stiffener having at least one wall extending outwardly from a generally planar base portion comprising the steps of:forming the generally planar base portion of said stiffener by weaving at least two layers using a plurality of orthogonally disposed first and second yarn lengths and using a third plurality of yarn lengths disposed within planes extending perpendicularly to the general plane of said stiffener, and weaving each of first and second yarn lengths such that said third plurality of yarn lengths extend between the topmost and bottommost ones of said plurality of first and second orthogonally disposed first and second yarn lengths; andforming at least one stiffener wall having a height defined by a free end and which the at least one stiffener wall extending generally in a plane orthogonally to said plane of said base portion by overweaving said first and second yarn lengths along a given section of said otherwise planar base portion and in a direction of the height of said at least one stiffener wall such that said stiffener being coincident with said section of said overweaved first and second yarn lengths.