Claims
- 1. An inflatable tool comprising:a mandrel; an inflatable element disposed about said mandrel; an extrusion resistant at least biaxially woven sleeve wherein said sleeve is composed of strong fibers laid in at least two axial directions, said sleeve being disposed about said element said sleeve being unaffixed on at least one end thereof; and a plurality of ribs disposed about said extrusion resistant sleeve.
- 2. The inflatable tool of claim 1, wherein said tool further comprises a plurality of ribs disposed about said extrusion resistant sleeve.
- 3. The inflatable tool of claim 2, wherein said extrusion resistant sleeve is a woven material.
- 4. The inflatable tool of claim 3, wherein said woven material is biaxially woven.
- 5. The inflatable tool of claim 3, wherein said material is one of carbon fiber, Aramid fiber and fiberglass.
- 6. The inflatable tool of claim 1, wherein said tool further includes a friction lowering material disposed between said extrusion resistant sleeve and said inflatable element.
- 7. The inflatable tool of claim 6, wherein said friction lowering material is applied to said element.
- 8. The inflatable tool of claim 7, wherein said friction lowering material is polytetrafluoroethylene tape.
- 9. The inflatable tool of claim 6, wherein said friction lowering material is applied to said extrusion resistant sleeve.
- 10. The inflatable tool of claim 1, wherein said extrusion resistant sleeve is composed substantially of material having a low coefficient of friction.
- 11. An inflatable tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said biaxially woven sleeve is constructed of fibers woven at an acuate angle to one another.
- 12. An inflatable tool as claimed in claim 11 wherein said acuate angle is about 45 degrees.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of an earlier filing date from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/144,508 filing date Jul. 19, 1999.
US Referenced Citations (25)
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60/144508 |
Jul 1999 |
US |