GB2250466A - Moulding a hollow golf club shaft from composite fibre/resin material - Google Patents
Moulding a hollow golf club shaft from composite fibre/resin material Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2250466A GB2250466A GB9112694A GB9112694A GB2250466A GB 2250466 A GB2250466 A GB 2250466A GB 9112694 A GB9112694 A GB 9112694A GB 9112694 A GB9112694 A GB 9112694A GB 2250466 A GB2250466 A GB 2250466A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- mandrel
- bladder
- golf club
- shaft
- club shaft
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 13
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 7
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 title claims description 12
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 title claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007598 dipping method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003235 aromatic polyamide Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003822 epoxy resin Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000647 polyepoxide Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 claims 2
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000000057 synthetic resin Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 description 2
- ZCCIPPOKBCJFDN-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium nitrate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O ZCCIPPOKBCJFDN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004760 aramid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000701 coagulant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015271 coagulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005345 coagulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006267 polyester film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009257 reactivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003190 viscoelastic substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/10—Non-metallic shafts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/22—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor using multilayered preforms or parisons
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C49/48—Moulds
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
- B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
- B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
- B29C70/40—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied
- B29C70/42—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C70/44—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using isostatic pressure, e.g. pressure difference-moulding, vacuum bag-moulding, autoclave-moulding or expanding rubber-moulding
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
- A63B2209/02—Characteristics of used materials with reinforcing fibres, e.g. carbon, polyamide fibres
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/06—Handles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/06—Handles
- A63B60/08—Handles characterised by the material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/06—Handles
- A63B60/10—Handles with means for indicating correct holding positions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
- B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C49/48—Moulds
- B29C2049/4879—Moulds characterised by mould configurations
- B29C2049/4881—Moulds characterised by mould configurations having a mandrel or core e.g. two mould halves with a core in-between
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/10—Isostatic pressing, i.e. using non-rigid pressure-exerting members against rigid parts or dies
- B29C43/12—Isostatic pressing, i.e. using non-rigid pressure-exerting members against rigid parts or dies using bags surrounding the moulding material or using membranes contacting the moulding material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/52—Sports equipment ; Games; Articles for amusement; Toys
- B29L2031/5227—Clubs
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Golf Clubs (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for fabricating a golf club shaft in composite materials. The method is comprised particularly of the following successive steps: a sealed elastic tubular bladder (8) is arranged around a rigid mandrel (9) whose length is at least equal to the length of the shaft to be made; the mandrel is then covered with a composite structure (11) including fibers impregnated with a synthetic resin matrix; the mandrel (9) is arranged in the mold (12); a molding is then operated by applying at least one internal pressure exerted by introducing a fluid inside the bladder (8). The invention also relates to the device as well as to shafts made according to said method.
Description
Method for the Manufacture
of Golf Club Shafts
The invention relates to the manufacture of golf club shafts and more particularly to a new method for the manufacture of shafts from composite materials, means for implementing the method, and shafts so manufactured.
A method for the manufacture of tubular objects such as fishing rods and golf clubs from resin reinforced with carbon or other fibres is disclosed in patents GB 1,446,444 and US 4,555,113.
The method consists of winding sheets of fibres pre-impregnated with e.g. epoxy resin about a mandrel, and then compacting the lay-up by taping it with heat-shrinking polyester film. The mandrel wrapped in this way is then placed in an oven so as to cure the composite coating and cause the coating to compact around the mandrel as a result of the pressure exerted by the shrinkage of the film. Finally after the resin has hardened the mandrel is withdrawn and the tape is then removed. Surface irregularities or marks left by the pitch of the tape, commonly called steps, are sanded off in a shaft finishing operation.
A variant of this method consists of covering the mandrel by winding on a thread which has previously been impregnated with resin.
These methods, which are widely used among manufacturers, are nevertheless not entirely satisfactory to golfers, and in particular to high level players, because they do not ensure that mechanical properties are reproducible from one shaft to another.
Important differences in the performance of these clubs, revealed by professional players, arise in particular from the removal of material during the necessary operation of shaft finishing.
Furthermore, these methods considerably limit the opportunities for making shafts of complex shape, such as doubly tapering shafts, with or without a reversed taper, and zones of swelling or shrinkage, for example.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a golf club shaft of composite material, comprising the successive steps of - providing a tubular, elastic and fluid-tight bladder about a rigid mandrel having a length at least equal to the length of the shaft required, - covering the shaft with a composite material comprising fibres impregnated with a matrix of organic resin, - placing the covered mandrel in a mould having a surface defining the required final shape of the shaft, and - performing a moulding operation by introducing a fluid between the bladder and the mandrel to apply at least an internal pressure to compact the composite material against said surface of the mould.
The method of the invention is reproducible, easy to put into effect, and allows shafts of complex shape to be constructed from continuous fibre layers.
Furthermore, the method makes it possible to produce a shaft with an acceptable finish from the moulding operation, so that further machining steps are obviated.
Another advantage of the invention is that it enables manufacture of shafts of complex shape having uniform mechanical properties, which are impossible or difficult to manufacture using the techniques known hitherto.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the bladder is constructed of elastomeric material which may be applied by dipping.
The invention also relates to apparatus for use in manufacturing golf club shafts by the method, and to a shaft manufactured by the method of the invention.
Other advantages and features of the invention will be more clearly apparent from the nonrestrictive description of an embodiment of the invention provided below with reference to the appended drawing.
Figure 1 shows a golf club including a shaft manufactured in accordance with the method according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows another golf club with a another shaft manufactured in accordance with the method according to the invention.
Figures 3 to 8 show different stages in the process of the manufacture of a shaft according to the invention.
Figure 9 shows a detailed partial view of the moulding device for implementing the method according to the invention.
Figure 10 shows a detailed view in crosssection of the same device as in Figure 9.
Figure 11 shows a partial cross-section of the same device in Figure 10 along B.
Figures 12 and 13 show examples of shafts constructed in accordance with the method according to the invention.
Figure 14 shows an example of a shaft in
Figure 13 with an incorporated grip and filling ring.
As shown in Figure 1, a golf club generally comprises a head 2, a shaft 3, a grip 4, and if applicable an intermediate part 5, called a hosel, which serves mainly to reinforce the link between the head and the shaft. Shaft 3 is not a simple tube of constant cross-section, but more usually comprises a tapering tubular member whose largest cross-section is located at grip 4. But, in certain cases, as illustrated in Figure 2, and in particular for the clubs called putters, the shaft 3 may have a short section 3b of reversed taper at its lower end in comparison with the main part 3a of the shaft.
Shaft 3 according to the invention is constructed of composite materials, and in particular of fibres set in a polymerised organic resin.
Longitudinal bending stresses are essentially taken up by the fibres arranged longitudinally along the axis I of shaft 3, while torsional stresses are taken up by fibres which are wound in a substantially circumferential fashion. The proportions of longitudinal fibres, wound fibres and fibres making a particular angle with longitudinal axis I are selected in accordance with the desired characteristics of the club.
The preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 3 to 8. It comprises a first stage of the manufacture of an elastic tubular bladder 8 whose length is preferably at least equal to the length of the desired shaft.
The bladders are preferably manufactured from an elastomer and can be formed by dipping. This technique is known to those skilled in the art, particularly in the field of gloves, bladders and thin rubber items of complex shape, where the essential characteristics required are: great aptitude for extension, and a perfect seal against gases and liquids. Elastomers which can be used within the scope of the invention include the latexes, neoprenes or silicone elastomers. The use of a latex bladder is preferred by the applicant.
As shown in Figure 3, a piece or former 6 is used for this purpose and is immersed in a coagulant bath of e.g. calcium nitrate, and then in a bath 7 of latex. After coagulation bladder 8 is subjected to a curing stage of approximately 10 minutes between 70 and 800C. With this technique it is possible to obtain thin bladders with a thickness of the order of 0.2 to 0.3 mm. After cooling the bladder is placed on rigid moulding mandrel 9 whose length is equal to at least the length of the shaft required.
The following stage, illustrated in Figure 5, consists of covering mandrel 9 with layers of fibres impregnated with organic resin. The materials used within the scope of the invention are e.g. epoxy pre-impregnated carbon fibres of the type T6T-135 or
T6M-135 manufactured by the Hexcel-Genin company. Of course the method may be used for moulding shafts using other fibres such as glass, aramid or other fibres.
Mandrel 9 is covered by winding on a set 10 of fibre sheet(s) orientated in accordance with the desired characteristics. A composite structure 11 in the shape of a truncated cone having several layers of fibre sheets is thus obtained.
Of course the mandrel may also be covered by winding on one (or more) threads which have previously been impregnated with resin.
Mandrel 9, as formed and illustrated in
Figure 6, is thus covered with a material 11 comprising a lay-up of 12 to 15 layers of preimpregnated fibres.
As shown in Figures 7 to 8, mandrel 9 is then placed in a mould 12 whose surface 13 will determine the final shape of the shaft. Figure 7 shows a non-restrictive example of the inventioy in which surface 13 has two zones 13a, 13b bounded by plane P, which taper in opposite directions on either side of this plane. In general, surface 13 may have zones of swelling or shrinkage in such a way as to obtain a zone of opposite shape on the shaft at the desired points when moulding. The method according to the invention can make use of a single tapering mandrel for moulding shafts of different shapes. This possibility is of great utility, partly for technical reasons, because the manufacture of mandrels of complex shape from steel is difficult, and partly for economic reasons, because one mandrel former will suffice to fit many different shapes of mould.
Advantageously a cavity or a centering shoulder 12a may be provided at the end of mould 12 opposite that through which a part of mandrel 9, whose end is not wholly covered by bladder 8, passes.
The moulding operation is performed by heating the mould and applying an internal pressure exerted by introducing a gas into elastic bladder 8 in such a way as to compact composite structure 11 against surface 13 of mould 12. The moulding cycle varies according to the nature and reactivity of the pre-impregnated materials used. By way of example, for epoxy pre-impregnated materials the mould is heated to 1500C and then cooled to ambient temperature. The heating and cooling times are 15 and 10 minutes respectively. Pressurisation takes place between 40 and 500C during the heating stage and is held stable until the end of the moulding cycle.
A compressed air pressure of between approximately 3 and 4 bars is used for this purpose.
Figure 8 shows how the different components are arranged at the periphery of the mandrel after the compressed fluid such as compressed air has been injected within the bladder. When the mould is opened mandrel 9 can easily be withdrawn without special tools because the space produced by compacting effects the release of mandrel 9 and bladder 8 from the surrounding composite structure 11.
Figures 9 to 11 show a particular embodiment of a method for feeding and sealing the mould.
Mandrel 9 comprises two members 91 and 92, which are partly nested within each other, one being a secondary member 92 for the delivery of compressed fluid mounted on the other main tapering member 91 which supports composite structure 11. Secondary member 92 seals bladder 8 by pressing the latter against surface of revolution 12b of complementary shape at the inlet of mould 12. For this purpose the edge of bladder 8 extends beyond main tapering member 91 of mandrel 9 so that the bladder covers front tubular portion 92a of secondary member 92, which is inserted in mould 12 and has the shape of a truncated cone with the smaller base 92d being applied against the end of the larger base of main tapering member 91. The bladder is pinched between the surface of tapering part 92a of secondary member 92 and walls 12b of mould 12.
Applied secondary member 92 is pierced by an axial bore 92b which is connected to the external gas feed Compressed fluid is fed to the interior of bladder 8 by means of one or more feed orifices 92c which are preferentially made in the smaller base 92d of conical part 92a of secondary member 92, as shown in Figure 9.
Main member 91 is advantageously extended by an axial positioning nipple 91a which extends in line with the bore of secondary member 92. This positioning nipple 91a preferably comprises one or more flats 91b through which fluid may pass through the bore in the secondary member 92. Finally main member 91 may be fixed in secondary member 92 using a pin 93 or by any other means.
Figures 12 and 13 illustrate shafts manufactured in accordance with the invention, of tubular shape and slight taper. The method according to the invention makes it possible to provide zones of swelling 31 or shrinkage 32 while maintaining continuity of the layers of fibre sheets in the transition zones, thus ensuring that mechanical properties are uniform along the shaft and that characteristics are satisfactorily reproduced from one shaft to another. A correct and acceptable surface finish which does not require any finishing operations is also obtained.
In particular these zones are constructed at different positions, depending on the club, in order to define a specific deformation profile, or again to displace the moment of inertia of the club without making it heavier, for example.
Finally these zones may also be used for incorporating a grip which is flush with the surface of the shaft, for example when a shrinkage is provided as may be seen in Figure 13. The space made by shrinkage may also be filled with a ring of plastic or metal material. Depending on the nature and properties of the material used, this ring may contribute to the damping or balancing of the club.
Figure 14 shows an example of a shaft 3 provided with a shrinkage zone 32 which is covered by a ring 40 and an integral grip 4 adjacent to the ring.
Ring 40 may be a metal mass or a damping member of viscoelastic material, for example.
A swelling may be used as e.g. a sighting member or for other purposes.
Of course the invention is not in any way restricted to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have only been provided by way of example. In particular it comprises all means constituting techniques equivalent to the means described and their combinations, if these are implemented in accordance with its spirit and utilised within the context of the following claims.
Claims (15)
1. A method of manufacturing a golf club shaft of composite material, comprising the successive steps of - providing a tubular, elastic and fluid-tight bladder about a rigid mandrel having a length at least equal to the length of the shaft required, - covering the shaft with a composite material comprising. fibres impregnated with a matrix of organic resin, - placing the covered mandrel in a mould having a surface defining the required final shape of the shaft, and - performing a moulding operation by introducing a fluid between the bladder and the mandrel to apply at least an internal pressure to compact the composite material against said surface of the mould.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the bladder is made of an elastomeric material which can be formed by dipping.
3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the bladder is made of latex, silicone or neoprene.
4. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the covering of composite material is made by winding a layer or layers of fibres impregnated with thermosetting resin around the mandrel.
5. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the covering of composite material is made by winding on one threads of fibres which have previously been impregnated with thermosetting resin.
6. A method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the resin is epoxy resin.
7. A method according to any one of claims 1, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the composite material comprises of glass, carbon or aramid fibres.
8. Apparatus for manufacturing a golf club shaft by the method according to any one of the foregoing claims, comprising a mandrel, having means for connecting the mandrel to an external support of pressurised fluid for introducing said fluid between the mandrel and a bladder received thereon.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the mandrel comprises two members partly nested within each other, one being a main tapering member adapted to receive the covering of composite material, and the other being a secondary member coupled to the main member (91) and having a bore for connection to the external supply of pressurised fluid.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the secondary member comprises a front portion shaped as a truncated cone and arranged to be covered by the bladder and to be inserted into the mould for said portion to rest against a surface of revolution of complementary shape surrounding the mould inlet with the bladder therebetween for forming a seal for the said bladder.
11. A method of manufacturing a golf club shaft substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
12. Apparatus for manufacturing a golf club shaft substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 3 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.
13. A golf club shaft manufactured by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or 11.
14. A golf club shaft according to claim 13, wherein one or more zones of swelling and/or shrinkage are provided within continuous fibre layers.
15. A golf club shaft substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR9015387A FR2670120B1 (en) | 1990-12-05 | 1990-12-05 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING GOLF CLUB SLEEVES. |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9112694D0 GB9112694D0 (en) | 1991-07-31 |
| GB2250466A true GB2250466A (en) | 1992-06-10 |
| GB2250466B GB2250466B (en) | 1995-03-08 |
Family
ID=9403031
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9112694A Expired - Fee Related GB2250466B (en) | 1990-12-05 | 1991-06-13 | Method for the manufacture of golf club shafts |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH0736841B2 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2670120B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2250466B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1992010244A1 (en) |
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1994021438A1 (en) * | 1993-03-16 | 1994-09-29 | Wolfgang Frank | Method and core element for producing a hollow shaped article or hollow section made of fibre-reinforced plastic |
| WO1996007532A1 (en) * | 1994-09-09 | 1996-03-14 | Decta Holdings Pty. Ltd. | Improved method of manufacturing composites |
| FR2730416A1 (en) * | 1995-02-13 | 1996-08-14 | Taylor Made Golf Co | Golf club shaft |
| GB2321031A (en) * | 1997-01-13 | 1998-07-15 | Callaway Golf Co | Golf club shafts and methods and apparatus for their manufacture |
| US5813922A (en) * | 1997-10-15 | 1998-09-29 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club shaft |
| US6071460A (en) * | 1997-08-15 | 2000-06-06 | Taylor Made Golf Company Inc. | Method of manufacturing a golf shaft of complex shape by internal bladder pressurization |
| US6110407A (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 2000-08-29 | Callaway Golf Company | Methods of manufacturing dipped bladder molding mandrels for manufacturing tubular shafts |
| ES2150328A1 (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 2000-11-16 | Torres Martinez M | Hollow carbon fibre type elements fabrication technique consists of coiling of the fibres round an internal tool with an elastic membrane facilitating forming and curing |
| US6149844A (en) * | 1994-09-09 | 2000-11-21 | Decta Holdings Pty Ltd. | Method of manufacturing composites |
| GB2364511A (en) * | 2000-06-07 | 2002-01-30 | Yu Kuo Pin | Process for manufacturing a golf club shaft |
| US11426951B2 (en) * | 2019-01-02 | 2022-08-30 | The Boeing Company | Expandable bladders as tooling for composite parts |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5467984A (en) * | 1991-10-17 | 1995-11-21 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Balanced golf club |
| US6143236A (en) * | 1994-02-09 | 2000-11-07 | Radius Engineering, Inc. | Method for manufacturing composite shafts with injection molded, rigidized bladder with varying wall thickness |
| US5692970A (en) * | 1994-02-09 | 1997-12-02 | Radius Engineering | Composite golf club shaft |
| US5505492A (en) * | 1994-02-09 | 1996-04-09 | Radius Engineering, Inc. | Composite pole and manufacturing process for composite poles of varying non-circular cross-sections and curved center lines |
| US5534203A (en) * | 1994-02-09 | 1996-07-09 | Radius Engineering, Inc. | Composite pole manufacturing process for varying non-circular cross-sections and curved center lines |
| US5685781A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1997-11-11 | Swix Sport A/S | Golf club shaft |
| US6340509B1 (en) | 1997-04-23 | 2002-01-22 | Radius Engineering, Inc. | Composite bicycle frame and method of construction thereof |
| US5985197A (en) * | 1997-04-23 | 1999-11-16 | Radius Engineering, Inc. | Method of manufacturing a composite golf club head |
Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1312543A (en) * | 1970-07-29 | 1973-04-04 | Robin J | Method of making a frame for a tennis racket |
| GB1366773A (en) * | 1972-06-20 | 1974-09-11 | Kicherer K H | Method of producing a racket frame |
| GB1498892A (en) * | 1974-01-30 | 1978-01-25 | Starwin Ind Inc | Racket manufacture |
| GB1554353A (en) * | 1976-07-13 | 1979-10-17 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Tennis rackets |
| GB2040790A (en) * | 1979-02-05 | 1980-09-03 | Westland Aircraft Ltd | Moulding hollow articles |
| EP0040492A2 (en) * | 1980-05-21 | 1981-11-25 | Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. | Moulding material for fibre reinforced plastic tubes |
| GB2085351A (en) * | 1980-09-26 | 1982-04-28 | Blatchford Chas A And Sons Ltd | A method of making an artificial limb component |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1740144A (en) * | 1927-08-03 | 1929-12-17 | Pyratone Products Corp | Apparatus for and method of making tubular shafts for golf clubs and the like |
| US4319750A (en) * | 1979-04-30 | 1982-03-16 | Aldila, Inc. | Golf shaft having controlled flex zone |
| FR2550123A1 (en) * | 1983-08-05 | 1985-02-08 | Skf Cie Applic Mecanique | Improvements provided to the manufacture of tubes and connecting rods made from composite materials based on unidirectional plies of carbon fibres. |
| CA1311595C (en) * | 1987-10-09 | 1992-12-22 | David R. Nelson | Process and equipment for making composite tubes |
-
1990
- 1990-12-05 FR FR9015387A patent/FR2670120B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1991
- 1991-06-13 GB GB9112694A patent/GB2250466B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-07-09 WO PCT/FR1991/000552 patent/WO1992010244A1/en unknown
- 1991-07-09 JP JP3512005A patent/JPH0736841B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1312543A (en) * | 1970-07-29 | 1973-04-04 | Robin J | Method of making a frame for a tennis racket |
| GB1366773A (en) * | 1972-06-20 | 1974-09-11 | Kicherer K H | Method of producing a racket frame |
| GB1498892A (en) * | 1974-01-30 | 1978-01-25 | Starwin Ind Inc | Racket manufacture |
| GB1554353A (en) * | 1976-07-13 | 1979-10-17 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Tennis rackets |
| GB2040790A (en) * | 1979-02-05 | 1980-09-03 | Westland Aircraft Ltd | Moulding hollow articles |
| EP0040492A2 (en) * | 1980-05-21 | 1981-11-25 | Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. | Moulding material for fibre reinforced plastic tubes |
| GB2085351A (en) * | 1980-09-26 | 1982-04-28 | Blatchford Chas A And Sons Ltd | A method of making an artificial limb component |
Cited By (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1994021438A1 (en) * | 1993-03-16 | 1994-09-29 | Wolfgang Frank | Method and core element for producing a hollow shaped article or hollow section made of fibre-reinforced plastic |
| WO1996007532A1 (en) * | 1994-09-09 | 1996-03-14 | Decta Holdings Pty. Ltd. | Improved method of manufacturing composites |
| US6149844A (en) * | 1994-09-09 | 2000-11-21 | Decta Holdings Pty Ltd. | Method of manufacturing composites |
| FR2730416A1 (en) * | 1995-02-13 | 1996-08-14 | Taylor Made Golf Co | Golf club shaft |
| US5599242A (en) * | 1995-02-13 | 1997-02-04 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club shaft and club including such shaft |
| US5820483A (en) * | 1997-01-13 | 1998-10-13 | Callaway Golf Company | Reduced weight golf club shafts |
| GB2321031A (en) * | 1997-01-13 | 1998-07-15 | Callaway Golf Co | Golf club shafts and methods and apparatus for their manufacture |
| US6183233B1 (en) | 1997-01-13 | 2001-02-06 | Callaway Golf Company | Apparatus for manufacturing golf club shafts |
| GB2321031B (en) * | 1997-01-13 | 2001-05-09 | Callaway Golf Co | Golf club shafts and methods of making them |
| ES2150328A1 (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 2000-11-16 | Torres Martinez M | Hollow carbon fibre type elements fabrication technique consists of coiling of the fibres round an internal tool with an elastic membrane facilitating forming and curing |
| US6110407A (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 2000-08-29 | Callaway Golf Company | Methods of manufacturing dipped bladder molding mandrels for manufacturing tubular shafts |
| US6071460A (en) * | 1997-08-15 | 2000-06-06 | Taylor Made Golf Company Inc. | Method of manufacturing a golf shaft of complex shape by internal bladder pressurization |
| US5813922A (en) * | 1997-10-15 | 1998-09-29 | Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. | Golf club shaft |
| GB2364511A (en) * | 2000-06-07 | 2002-01-30 | Yu Kuo Pin | Process for manufacturing a golf club shaft |
| US11426951B2 (en) * | 2019-01-02 | 2022-08-30 | The Boeing Company | Expandable bladders as tooling for composite parts |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH05507227A (en) | 1993-10-21 |
| GB2250466B (en) | 1995-03-08 |
| FR2670120A1 (en) | 1992-06-12 |
| JPH0736841B2 (en) | 1995-04-26 |
| GB9112694D0 (en) | 1991-07-31 |
| WO1992010244A1 (en) | 1992-06-25 |
| FR2670120B1 (en) | 1993-05-28 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| GB2250466A (en) | Moulding a hollow golf club shaft from composite fibre/resin material | |
| US6030574A (en) | Process of manufacturing a golf club shaft | |
| US5262118A (en) | Method for producing a hollow FRP article | |
| AU2003200918B2 (en) | A method for the manufacture of a component by composite fibre construction | |
| US5540877A (en) | Method of making a continous fiber reinforced resin transfer molded frame for a game racquet | |
| US6361840B2 (en) | Injection molded, rigidized bladder with varying wall thickness for manufacturing composite shafts | |
| US4294787A (en) | Method of producing reinforced composite racket frame | |
| US5225016A (en) | Method of manufacturing an advanced composite duct having integral ribs | |
| JPH06503767A (en) | Process for preparing advanced composite structures and their products | |
| JPH07223271A (en) | Bent pipe and method and apparatus for producing the same | |
| US7638084B2 (en) | Methods for forming fiber reinforced composite parts having one or more selectively positioned core, structural insert, or veneer pieces integrally associated therewith | |
| US8501073B2 (en) | Device for injecting a resin into at least one fibre layer of a fibre-reinforced product to be manufactured | |
| US5419554A (en) | Sports racket frame | |
| CN107097397A (en) | The manufacture method of core air bag, core air bag module and core air bag | |
| US5820483A (en) | Reduced weight golf club shafts | |
| KR101219397B1 (en) | Method for manufacturing composite hollow structure | |
| US6475580B1 (en) | Manufacture of elongate articles | |
| JPH08770A (en) | Method for molding racket | |
| WO1996007533A1 (en) | Method of making composite product of tubular structure using clamshell mold | |
| JPH0698953A (en) | Golf club and its production | |
| JP2006001074A (en) | Manufacturing method of hollow molded product made of fiber reinforced resin | |
| CN109703055A (en) | A kind of forming method of high dimensional accuracy irregularly-shaped hole antiscour heat-insulated pipe | |
| CN219360372U (en) | Co-curing core mold for manufacturing composite material cap-shaped reinforced wallboard | |
| CN112704861B (en) | Manufacturing method of badminton racket and badminton racket | |
| GB2270633A (en) | Method of making fibre-reinforced plastics cue having a core. |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20010613 |