Patent ID: 7497921

Claim:
A method of laying up a plurality of stringers on a mandrel to form a lay-up surface comprising: positioning a first stringer on the mandrel; placing a first vacuum attachment assembly into communication with the lay-up surface, said first vacuum attachment assembly comprising a first vacuum cup assembly; and a first flexible tube assembly; placing said first flexible tube assembly into communication with a vacuum source such that said first vacuum attachment assembly is secured to the lay-up surface; placing a second vacuum attachment assembly into communication with the lay up surface, said second vacuum attachment assembly comprising a second vacuum cup assembly, a second flexible tube assembly, and a flexible spacer; placing said second flexible tube assembly into communication with said first flexible tube assembly such that said second vacuum attachment assembly is secured to the lay-up surface, said flexible spacer having a extended end in communication with said first vacuum cup assembly such that when said vacuum source is engaged said flexible spacer presses said first stringers against the mandrel.