>TI Hybrid Composite Pultruded Rectangular Rod Withstands Flex Fatigue, Bends in any Direction, Provides Variable Resistance, and Floats.

A new hybrid composite rod technology offers the benefit of bending in any direction once a force is applied at or near the ends of the rod. The rectangular shape of the composite is an excellent use of the composite in a bending fatigue end-use application.

The shape of the finished product (or rod) however is round. A round finished shape makes it desirable in a designer's final product application because it will fit into another round shape and a round surface is more comfortable for gripping for typical consumer products.

Another important feature of the finished round shape is the wide available selection of potential materials which surround the core pultruded composite member. In one example, the immediate outside is a sleeve of closed cell vinyl foam which gives a soft and smooth exterior. For a consumer product, the end-user can grip the product in a sure manner because the fingers press into the material for a good grip.

For companies with an application idea needing a flexible rod with a tailored degree of stiffness, it is possible to make it float as well, opening other market opportunities. The vinyl foam material is partially responsible for this fact.

The material surrounding the composite core is a thermoplastic that not only protects the user should the composite crack or splinter under high load, but this ...