Method of manufacturing a golf shaft of complex shape by internal bladder pressurization
US6071460A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/5227
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved apparatus for manufacturing a reinforced golf club shaft having a complex shape. An inflatable bladder is positioned over a mandrel having a simple shape. Layers of fiber material are then rolled over inflatable bladder to produce a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is placed in a mold defining a negative of the shape of the final shaft that is to be produced. The impression may have enlarged or narrowed regions for producing irregularities in the shape of the shaft. The bladder is expanded within the mold so that the composite structure is radially displaced and compressed between the bladder and the mold. The inflatable bladder has a variable thickness that conforms to the shape of the impression so that the composite structure undergoes a uniform and minimum displacement along its entire length, which improves the mechanical properties of the final shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.