Method of forming a fiber reinforced plastic structure
US5266249A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 2, 1992 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 2, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24149
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of forming a hollow structure in a female mold includes the step of assembling a vacuum bag and an uncured composite layer assembly comprising a fiber reinforced resin in a female mold, so that the composite layer assembly extends along the inner surfaces of the mold, and so that the vacuum bag is received inside the composite layer assembly in the mold. The method further includes the step of evacuating the area between the vacuum bag and the composite layer assembly, so that the vacuum bag applies outward pressure to the composite layer assembly in order to urge the composite layer assembly outwardly against the inner surface of the mold. The method still further includes the steps of curing the composite layer assembly while maintaining a vacuum on the area between the composite layer assembly and the vacuum bag, and thereafter releasing the vacuum and removing the cured composite layer assembly from the mold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.