WO1992010244A1 - Method for fabricating golf club shafts - Google Patents

Method for fabricating golf club shafts Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1992010244A1
WO1992010244A1 PCT/FR1991/000552 FR9100552W WO9210244A1 WO 1992010244 A1 WO1992010244 A1 WO 1992010244A1 FR 9100552 W FR9100552 W FR 9100552W WO 9210244 A1 WO9210244 A1 WO 9210244A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mandrel
bladder
manufacturing
composite structure
handle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR1991/000552
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Marc Banchelin
Philippe Renard
Serge Solviche
Original Assignee
Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. filed Critical Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
Priority to JP3512005A priority Critical patent/JPH0736841B2/en
Publication of WO1992010244A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992010244A1/en

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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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the manufacture of golf club sleeves and relates more particularly to a new method for manufacturing sleeves of composite materials, and a device for carrying out the method, as well as the sleeves thus produced.
  • tubular objects such as fishing rods, golf clubs, resin reinforced with carbon fibers or the like, is described in GB Pat. Nos. 1,446,444 and US Pat. Nos. 4,555,113.
  • the process consists of wrapping sheets or sheets of fibers pre-impregnated with epoxy resin around a mandrel, for example, then compacting the stack by wrapping a heat-shrinkable polyester film.
  • the mandrel thus coated is then placed in an oven so as to bake the composite coating on the one hand and to cause the compaction of the coating around the mandrel by the pressure exerted by the shrinkage of the film on the other hand.
  • the mandrel is removed, then the ribbon is peeled off. Surface irregularities or traces left by the pitch of the tape, commonly called “steps", are abraded by emerying during a handle finishing operation.
  • a variant of this process consists in covering the mandrel by filament winding of a wire previously impregnated with resin.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a reproducible and easy-to-implement manufacturing method, allowing the production of sleeves of complex shape in continuous layers of layers of fibers.
  • Another object of the invention is to allow, by the molding operation, to take out a handle in a correct state of finish.
  • Another object of the invention is to manufacture handles of complex shape with homogeneous mechanical properties, which are impossible or difficult to produce by the techniques currently known.
  • the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a golf club handle in composite materials and is characterized in that it comprises according to the following successive steps:
  • the dressing of the mandrel is carried out with a composite structure comprising fibers impregnated with an organic resin matrix;
  • the molding operation is carried out by applying at least one internal pressure exerted by the introduction of a fluid inside the bladder between the latter and the mandrel so as to compact the composite structure against the imprint of the mold.
  • the tubular bladder is made of elastomeric material which can be used by dipping.
  • the invention also relates to the device for implementing the method.
  • the invention relates to the handle manufactured by the method.
  • FIG. 1 shows a golf club on which is mounted a handle made according to the method of the invention
  • FIG. 1 shows a golf club on which is mounted another handle made according to the method of the invention
  • FIG. 9 shows a partial detailed view of the molding device for implementing the method according to the invention.
  • FIG. 10 shows a detailed sectional view of the same device as that of Figure 9.;
  • Figure 11. shows a partial sectional view of Figure 10. along B of the same device.
  • FIG. 14 shows an example of the handle of Figure 13 on which is integrated a handle and a filling ring.
  • a golf club generally includes a head 2, a handle 3, a "grip” or handle 4, and possibly a part intermediate 5 called “hosel” used mainly to strengthen the head / che connection.
  • the handle 3 or “shaft” is not a simple tube with constant section, but more generally a conical tubular object, the largest section of which is located at the level of the handle 4. But, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in in certain cases, and in particular for clubs called “putters", the handle 3 may have a small part 3b of inverted conicity in its lower part relative to the main part 3a of the handle.
  • the handle 3 according to the invention is made of composite materials, and in particular of fibers embedded in a polymerized organic resin.
  • the longitudinal bending stresses are essentially taken up by fibers arranged longitudinally along the axis I of the handle 3, while the torsional stresses are taken up by fibers wound in a substantially circumferential manner. According to the desired characteristics of the club, we will choose the rate of longitudinal fibers, wound or having a certain angle with the longitudinal axis I.
  • FIGS. 3 to 8 The preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 8. It comprises a first step of manufacturing an elastic tubular bladder 8 of length preferably at least equal to the length of the desired handle.
  • the bladders are preferably made of elastomer which can be used by dipping. This technique is known to a person skilled in the art, in particular gloves, bladders and rubber parts of small thickness, of complex shape, and the characteristics of which are essentially required are: a great aptitude for elongation, and a perfect gas and liquid tightness.
  • elastomers which can be used in the context of the invention, mention may be made of latexes, neoprenes, or silicone elastomers.
  • the use of a latex bladder is preferred by the applicant.
  • the next step consists in dressing the mandrel 9 with sheets of fibers impregnated with organic resin.
  • the materials used in the context of the invention are carbon fibers pre-impregnated with oxide from the company HEXCEL-GENIN of the T6T-135 or T6M-135 type for example.
  • the method can be applied to the molding of sleeves using other fibers such as glass fibers, aramids or the like.
  • the dressing of the mandrel 9 is carried out by winding a developed 10 of sheet (s') of fibers oriented according to the desired characteristics. A composite structure 11 is thus obtained in the form of a truncated cone of several layers of layers of fibers.
  • the covering of the mandrel can also be obtained by filament winding of one (or more) wire (s) previously impregnated with resin.
  • the mandrel 9 formed and illustrated in FIG. 6 is thus coated with a covering 11 consisting of a stack of 12 to 15 layers of prepreg fibers.
  • FIG. 7 shows a nonlimiting example of the invention in which the imprint 13 has two zones 13a, 13b limited by the plane P, and whose conical shapes are reversed on either side of this plane.
  • the imprint 13 may have bulging or narrowing zones so as to obtain, during molding, the counterform of the zone produced on the handle at the desired locations.
  • the method of the invention allows the use of a simple conical mandrel for molding sleeves of different shapes. This possibility is of great interest, on the one hand technical, because the manufacture of mandrels of complex shapes in steel is difficult to carry out and on the other hand economical, because a form of mandrel is sufficient to adapt to many different forms of mussels.
  • provision may be made for the production of a centering cavity or shoulder 12a, at the end of the mold 12 opposite to that traversed by a portion of mandrel 9 the end of which is not completely covered by the bladder 8 .
  • the molding operation is carried out by heating the mold and applying an internal pressure exerted by the introduction of a gas inside the elastic bladder 8 so as to compact the composite structure 11 on the cavity 13 of the mold 12.
  • the molding cycle varies according to the nature and reactivity of the prepreg materials used. For example, for epoxy prepregs, the mold is heated to 150 ° C and then cooled to room temperature. The heating and cooling times are 15 and 10 minutes respectively. The pressurization takes place between 40 and 50 ° C. during the heating phase and is kept stabilized until the end of the molding cycle.
  • FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of the various constituents at the periphery of the mandrel after the injection of a compressed fluid such as compressed air inside the bladder. After opening the mold, the mandrel 9 can be easily removed without special tools simply because of the space created by compaction and cleared between the mandrel 9 and the bladder 8 surrounded by the composite structure 11.
  • Figures 9 to 11 show a particular embodiment of the supply and the sealing system of the mold.
  • the mandrel 9 is formed by two elements partially nested one inside the other 91 and 92 one of which is a secondary element 92 compressed fluid supply and refers on the other conical main part 91 which supports the structure composite 11.
  • the secondary element 92 seals the bladder 8 by wedging it against the surface of revolution 12b of complementary shape to the mold inlet 12.
  • the edges of the bladder 8 s extend beyond the main conical element 91 of the mandrel 9 and the bladder covers the tubular part 92a before, engaging in the mold 12 and in the form of a truncated cone of the secondary element 92, the edges 92d of the small base pressing against the end of the large base of the main conical element 91.
  • the bladder is wedged between the surface of the conical part 92a of the secondary element 92 and the walls 12a of the mold 12 .
  • the added secondary element 92 is traversed by an axial bore 92b connecting to the external gas supply.
  • the supply of compressed fluid inside the bladder 8 is effected by one or more supply orifices 92c, preferably produced on the edges 92d of the small base of the conical part 92a of the secondary element 92 like the shows figure 9.
  • the main element 91 is advantageously extended by an axial positioning stud 91a extending in the bore of the secondary element 92.
  • This positioning stud 91a preferably comprises one or more flats 91b allowing the passage of the fluid through the bore of the added secondary element 92.
  • the securing of the main element 91 in the secondary element 92 can be achieved by using a pin 93 or by any other means.
  • Figures 12 and 13 illustrate sleeves made according to the invention of tubular shape and low taper.
  • the method of the invention makes it possible to produce bulge 31 or shrinkage zones 32 while respecting the continuity of the layers of plies of fibers in these transition zones, thus conferring homogeneity of the mechanical properties along the handle and therefore good reproducibility. characteristics from one round to another. We also obtain a correct finish without requiring recovery operations.
  • these zones can also be used for integrating a handle or "grip" flush with the surface of the handle, for example when a shrinkage is made as can be seen in FIG. 13. It is also possible to provide the filling of the space produced by the narrowing by a plastic or metallic ring. Depending on the nature and properties of the material used, this ring can participate in the amortization or balance of the club.
  • FIG. 14 shows an example of a handle 3 provided with a narrowing zone 32 which is covered with a ring 40 and an integrated grip 4, adjacent to the ring.
  • the ring 40 may be a metal counterweight or a damping element of viscoelastic material, for example.
  • a bulge can be used as a marking or other sighting element, for example.

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  • 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

Procédé de fabrication de manches de club de golf Method for manufacturing golf club sleeves
L'invention se rapporte à la fabrication des manches de clubs de golf et concerne plus particulièrement un nouveau procédé de fabrication de manches en matériaux composites, et un dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé, ainsi que les manches ainsi fabriqués.The invention relates to the manufacture of golf club sleeves and relates more particularly to a new method for manufacturing sleeves of composite materials, and a device for carrying out the method, as well as the sleeves thus produced.
Un procédé de fabrication d'objets tubulaires tels que cannes à pêche, clubs de golf, en résine renforcée de fibres de carbone ou autres, est décrit dans les brevets GB n° 1 446 444 et US n° 4 555 113.A method of manufacturing tubular objects such as fishing rods, golf clubs, resin reinforced with carbon fibers or the like, is described in GB Pat. Nos. 1,446,444 and US Pat. Nos. 4,555,113.
Le procédé consiste à enrouler autour d'un mandrin des feuilles ou nappes de fibres pré-imprégnées de résine époxyde par exemple, puis à compacter l'empilage par enrubannage d'un film thermorétractable en polyester. Le mandrin ainsi revêtu est ensuite disposé dans un four de façon à cuire le revêtement composite d'une part et à provoquer le compactage du revêtement autour du mandrin par la pression exercée par la rétraction du film d'autre part. Enfin, après durcissement de la résine, le mandrin est retiré, puis le ruban est décollé. Les irrégularités de surface ou traces laissées par le pas du ruban, appelées communément les "steps", sont abrasées par émerisage lors d'une opération de finition du manche.The process consists of wrapping sheets or sheets of fibers pre-impregnated with epoxy resin around a mandrel, for example, then compacting the stack by wrapping a heat-shrinkable polyester film. The mandrel thus coated is then placed in an oven so as to bake the composite coating on the one hand and to cause the compaction of the coating around the mandrel by the pressure exerted by the shrinkage of the film on the other hand. Finally, after hardening of the resin, the mandrel is removed, then the ribbon is peeled off. Surface irregularities or traces left by the pitch of the tape, commonly called "steps", are abraded by emerying during a handle finishing operation.
Une variante de ce procédé consiste à habiller le mandrin par enroulement filamentaire d'un fil préalablement imprégné de résine.A variant of this process consists in covering the mandrel by filament winding of a wire previously impregnated with resin.
Ces procédés, très répandus chez les constructeurs, ne donnent néanmoins pas entière satisfaction aux pratiquants de golf, et notamment aux joueurs de haut niveau, car il ne permet pas d'assurer la reproductibilité des caractéristiques mécaniques d'un manche à l'autre.These methods, very widespread among manufacturers, do not however give complete satisfaction to golfers, and in particular to high level players, because it does not ensure the reproducibility of the mechanical characteristics from one handle to another.
Les différences importantes des performances de tels clubs, révélées par les joueurs professionnels proviennent, en particulier, de l'enlèvement de matière lors de l'opération nécessaire de finition du manche.The significant differences in the performance of such clubs, revealed by professional players, arise in particular from the removal of material during the necessary operation of finishing the handle.
De plus, ces procédés limitent considérablement les possibilités de réaliser des manches de forme complexe, tels que les manches biconiques, à conicité inversée ou non, des zones de renflements ou de rétrécissement, par exemple.In addition, these methods considerably limit the possibilities of producing sleeves of complex shape, such as biconical sleeves, with reverse taper or not, bulging or narrowing zones, for example.
Le but de la présente invention est de proposer un procédé de fabrication reproductible et facile à mettre en oeuvre, permettant la réalisation de manches de forme complexe en couches continues de nappes de fibres .The object of the present invention is to propose a reproducible and easy-to-implement manufacturing method, allowing the production of sleeves of complex shape in continuous layers of layers of fibers.
Un autre but de l'invention est de permettre, par l'opération de moulage, de sortir un manche dans un état de finition correct.Another object of the invention is to allow, by the molding operation, to take out a handle in a correct state of finish.
Un autre but de l'invention est de fabriquer des manches de forme complexe aux propriétés mécaniques homogènes, qui sont impossibles ou difficiles à réaliser par les techniques actuellement connues. Pour cela, l'invention a pour objet un procédé de fabrication d'un manche de club de golf en matériaux composites et se caractérise par le fait qu'il comprend selon les étapes successives suivantes :Another object of the invention is to manufacture handles of complex shape with homogeneous mechanical properties, which are impossible or difficult to produce by the techniques currently known. For this, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a golf club handle in composite materials and is characterized in that it comprises according to the following successive steps:
- On dispose une vessie tubulaire, élastique et étanche autour d'un mandrin rigide de longueur au moins égale à la longueur du manche à obtenir ;- There is a tubular, elastic and tight bladder around a rigid mandrel of length at least equal to the length of the handle to be obtained;
- ensuite, on réalise l'habillage du mandrin avec une structure composite comprenant des fibres imprégnées d'une matrice de résine organique ;- Then, the dressing of the mandrel is carried out with a composite structure comprising fibers impregnated with an organic resin matrix;
- on dispose le mandrin ainsi revêtu dans un moule dont l'empreinte définit la forme finale du manche à réaliser ;- The mandrel thus coated is placed in a mold whose imprint defines the final shape of the handle to be produced;
- on effectue enfin l'opération de moulage en appliquant au moins une pression interne exercée par l'introduction d'un fluide à l'intérieur de la vessie entre celle-ci et le mandrin de façon à compacter la structure composite contre l'empreinte du moule.- Finally, the molding operation is carried out by applying at least one internal pressure exerted by the introduction of a fluid inside the bladder between the latter and the mandrel so as to compact the composite structure against the imprint of the mold.
Dans un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, la vessie tubulaire est réalisée en matériau élastomère pouvant être mis en oeuvre par trempage.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tubular bladder is made of elastomeric material which can be used by dipping.
L'invention concerne également le dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé.The invention also relates to the device for implementing the method.
Enfin, l'invention concerne le manche fabriqué par le procédé.Finally, the invention relates to the handle manufactured by the method.
D'autres objets, avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention ressortiront plus clairement de la description de mode de réalisation de l'invention donnés ci-dessous à titre non limitatif en référence aux dessins annexés.Other objects, advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description of embodiment of the invention given below without implied limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- la figure 1. représente un club de golf sur lequel est monté un manche fabriqué selon le procédé de l'invention ;- Figure 1. shows a golf club on which is mounted a handle made according to the method of the invention;
- la figure 2. représente un club de golf sur lequel est monté un autre manche fabriqué selon le procédé de l'invention ;- Figure 2. shows a golf club on which is mounted another handle made according to the method of the invention;
- les figures 3. à 8. représentent différentes étapes du procédé de fabrication d'un manche selon l'invention ;- Figures 3. to 8. show different stages of the method of manufacturing a handle according to the invention;
- la figure 9. représente une vue détaillée partielle du dispositif de moulage pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention ;- Figure 9. shows a partial detailed view of the molding device for implementing the method according to the invention;
- la figure 10. représente une vue détaillée en coupe du même dispositif que celui de la figure 9. ;- Figure 10. shows a detailed sectional view of the same device as that of Figure 9.;
- la figure 11. représente une vue partielle en coupe de la figure 10. suivant B de ce même dispositif.- Figure 11. shows a partial sectional view of Figure 10. along B of the same device.
- les figures 12 et 13 représentent des exemples de manches réalisés selon le procédé de l'invention.- Figures 12 and 13 show examples of sleeves made according to the method of the invention.
- la figure 14 représente un exemple de manche de la figure 13 sur lequel est intégré une poignée et une bague de remplissage.- Figure 14 shows an example of the handle of Figure 13 on which is integrated a handle and a filling ring.
Comme le montre la figure 1., un club de golf comprend généralement une tête 2, un manche 3, un "grip" ou poignée 4, et éventuellement une partie intermédiaire 5 appelée "hosel" servant principalement à renforcer la liaison tête/ma che. Le manche 3 ou "shaft" n'est pas un simple tube à section constante, mais plus généralement un objet tubulaire conique dont la plus grande section se situe au niveau de la poignée 4. Mais, comme l'illustre la figure 2, dans certains cas, et notamment pour les clubs appelés "putters", le manche 3 peut avoir une faible partie 3b de conicité inversée dans sa partie inférieure par rapport à la partie principale 3a du manche. Le manche 3 selon l'invention est réalisé en matériaux composites, et notamment en fibres noyées dans une résine organique polymérisée. Les contraintes longitudinales de flexion sont essentiellement reprises par des fibres disposées longitudinalement suivant l'axe I du manche 3, alors que les contraintes de torsion sont reprises par des fibres enroulées de façon sensiblement circonférentielle. Suivant les caractéristiques souhaitées du club, on choisira le taux de fibres longitudinales, enroulées ou présentant un certain angle avec l'axe longitudinal I.As shown in Figure 1., a golf club generally includes a head 2, a handle 3, a "grip" or handle 4, and possibly a part intermediate 5 called "hosel" used mainly to strengthen the head / che connection. The handle 3 or "shaft" is not a simple tube with constant section, but more generally a conical tubular object, the largest section of which is located at the level of the handle 4. But, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in in certain cases, and in particular for clubs called "putters", the handle 3 may have a small part 3b of inverted conicity in its lower part relative to the main part 3a of the handle. The handle 3 according to the invention is made of composite materials, and in particular of fibers embedded in a polymerized organic resin. The longitudinal bending stresses are essentially taken up by fibers arranged longitudinally along the axis I of the handle 3, while the torsional stresses are taken up by fibers wound in a substantially circumferential manner. According to the desired characteristics of the club, we will choose the rate of longitudinal fibers, wound or having a certain angle with the longitudinal axis I.
Le mode de réalisation préféré du procédé selon l'invention est illustré par les figures 3 à 8. Il comprend une première étape de fabrication d'une vessie tubulaire élastique 8 de longueur de préférence au moins égale à la longueur du manche désiré.The preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 8. It comprises a first step of manufacturing an elastic tubular bladder 8 of length preferably at least equal to the length of the desired handle.
Les vessies sont de préférence fabriquées en élastomère pouvant être mise en oeuvre par trempage. Cette technique est connue de l'homme de l'art dans le domaine notamment des gants, vessies et pièces en caoutchouc de faible épaisseur, de forme complexe, et dont les caractéristiques essentiellement demandées sont : une grande aptitude à l'allongement, et une étanchéité parfaite aux gaz et liquides. Parmi les élastomères utilisables dans le cadre de l'invention, on peut citer les latex, néoprènes, ou élastomères siliconés. L'utilisation d'une vessie en latex est préférée par la demanderesse.The bladders are preferably made of elastomer which can be used by dipping. This technique is known to a person skilled in the art, in particular gloves, bladders and rubber parts of small thickness, of complex shape, and the characteristics of which are essentially required are: a great aptitude for elongation, and a perfect gas and liquid tightness. Among the elastomers which can be used in the context of the invention, mention may be made of latexes, neoprenes, or silicone elastomers. The use of a latex bladder is preferred by the applicant.
Comme le montre la figure 3, on se sert pour cela d'une pièce ou gabarit 6 qui est plongée dans un bain coagulant de nitrate de calcium par exemple, puis dans un bain 7 de latex. Après coagulation, la vessie 8 subit une étape de cuisson d'environ 10 minutes entre 70 et 80°C. Cette technique permet d'obtenir des vessies d'épaisseur faible de l'ordre de 0,2 à 0,3 mm. Après refroidissement, la vessie est disposée sur le mandrin 9 rigide de moulage dont la longueur est au moins égale à celle du manche à obtenir.As shown in Figure 3, we use for this a piece or template 6 which is immersed in a coagulating bath of calcium nitrate for example, then in a bath 7 of latex. After coagulation, the bladder 8 undergoes a cooking step of approximately 10 minutes between 70 and 80 ° C. This technique makes it possible to obtain bladders of small thickness of the order of 0.2 to 0.3 mm. After cooling, the bladder is placed on the rigid molding mandrel 9 whose length is at least equal to that of the handle to be obtained.
L'étape suivante, illustrée par la figure 5, consiste à habiller le mandrin 9 de nappes de fibres imprégnées de résine organique. Les matériaux utilisés dans le cadre de l'invention sont des fibres de carbone pré-imprégnées depoxyde de la société HEXCEL-GENIN du type T6T-135 ou T6M-135 par exemple. Bien entendu, le procédé peut s'appliquer au moulage de manches en utilisant d'autres fibres telles que fibres de verre, aramides ou autres. L'habillage du mandrin 9 est réalisé par enroulage d'une développée 10 de nappe(s') de fibres orientées selon les caractéristiques désirées. On obtient ainsi une structure composite 11 en forme de tronc de cône de plusieurs couches de nappes de fibres.The next step, illustrated in FIG. 5, consists in dressing the mandrel 9 with sheets of fibers impregnated with organic resin. The materials used in the context of the invention are carbon fibers pre-impregnated with oxide from the company HEXCEL-GENIN of the T6T-135 or T6M-135 type for example. Of course, the method can be applied to the molding of sleeves using other fibers such as glass fibers, aramids or the like. The dressing of the mandrel 9 is carried out by winding a developed 10 of sheet (s') of fibers oriented according to the desired characteristics. A composite structure 11 is thus obtained in the form of a truncated cone of several layers of layers of fibers.
Bien entendu, l'habillage du mandrin peut également être obtenu par enroulement filamentaire d'un (ou plusieurs) fil(s) préalablement imprégné(s) de résine.Of course, the covering of the mandrel can also be obtained by filament winding of one (or more) wire (s) previously impregnated with resin.
Le mandrin 9 formé et illustré par la figure 6 est ainsi revêtu d'un habillage 11 constitué d'un empilage de 12 à 15 couches de fibres pré- imprégnées.The mandrel 9 formed and illustrated in FIG. 6 is thus coated with a covering 11 consisting of a stack of 12 to 15 layers of prepreg fibers.
Comme le montrent les figures 7 à 8, le mandrin 9 est ensuite disposé dans un moule 12 dont l'empreinte 13 va déterminer la forme finale du manche. La figure 7 montre un exemple non limitatif de l'invention dans lequel l'empreinte 13 présente deux zones 13a, 13b limitées par le plan P, et dont les formes coniques s'inversent de part et d'autre de ce plan. D'une manière générale, l'empreinte 13 peut présenter des zones de renflement ou de rétrécissement de façon à obtenir, lors du moulage, la contreforme de la zone réalisée sur le manche aux endroits désirés. Le procédé de l'invention permet l'utilisation d'un mandrin conique simple pour le moulage de manches de formes différentes. Cette possibilité présente un grand intérêt, d'une part technique, car la fabrication de mandrins de formes complexes en acier est difficile à réaliser et d'autre part économique, car une forme de mandrin suffit à s'adapter à de nombreuses formes différentes de moules.As shown in Figures 7 to 8, the mandrel 9 is then placed in a mold 12 whose imprint 13 will determine the final shape of the handle. FIG. 7 shows a nonlimiting example of the invention in which the imprint 13 has two zones 13a, 13b limited by the plane P, and whose conical shapes are reversed on either side of this plane. Generally, the imprint 13 may have bulging or narrowing zones so as to obtain, during molding, the counterform of the zone produced on the handle at the desired locations. The method of the invention allows the use of a simple conical mandrel for molding sleeves of different shapes. This possibility is of great interest, on the one hand technical, because the manufacture of mandrels of complex shapes in steel is difficult to carry out and on the other hand economical, because a form of mandrel is sufficient to adapt to many different forms of mussels.
On peut prévoir avantageusement la réalisation d'une cavité ou d'un épauiement de centrage 12a, à l'extrémité du moule 12 opposée à celle traversée par une partie de mandrin 9 dont l'extrémité n'est pas totalement recouverte par la vessie 8.Advantageously, provision may be made for the production of a centering cavity or shoulder 12a, at the end of the mold 12 opposite to that traversed by a portion of mandrel 9 the end of which is not completely covered by the bladder 8 .
L'opération de moulage est réalisée en chauffant le moule et en appliquant une pression interne exercée par l'introduction d'un gaz à l'intérieur de la vessie élastique 8 de façon à compacter la structure composite 11 sur l'empreinte 13 du moule 12. Le cycle de moulage varie selon la nature et la réactivité des matériaux pré-imprégnés utilisés. A titre d'exemple, pour des pré-imprégnés époxydes, le moule est chauffé jusqu'à 150°c puis refroidi jusqu'à température ambiante. Le temps de chauffage et de refroidissement est respectivement de 15 et 10 minutes. La mise sous pression s'effectue entre 40 et 50°c pendant la phase de chauffage et est maintenue stabilisée jusqu'à la fin du cycle de moulage.The molding operation is carried out by heating the mold and applying an internal pressure exerted by the introduction of a gas inside the elastic bladder 8 so as to compact the composite structure 11 on the cavity 13 of the mold 12. The molding cycle varies according to the nature and reactivity of the prepreg materials used. For example, for epoxy prepregs, the mold is heated to 150 ° C and then cooled to room temperature. The heating and cooling times are 15 and 10 minutes respectively. The pressurization takes place between 40 and 50 ° C. during the heating phase and is kept stabilized until the end of the molding cycle.
On utilise pour cela une pression d'air comprimé comprise entre 3 et 4 bars environ. La figure 8 montre la disposition des différents constituants à la périphérie du mandrin après l'injection d'un fluide comprimé tel que l'air comprimé à l'intérieur de la vessie. Après ouverture du moule, le mandrin 9 peut être facilement retiré sans outillage particulier du seul fait de l'espace réalisé par le compactage et dégagé entre le mandrin 9 et la vessie 8 entouré de la structure composite 11.For this, a compressed air pressure of between 3 and 4 bars is used. FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of the various constituents at the periphery of the mandrel after the injection of a compressed fluid such as compressed air inside the bladder. After opening the mold, the mandrel 9 can be easily removed without special tools simply because of the space created by compaction and cleared between the mandrel 9 and the bladder 8 surrounded by the composite structure 11.
Les figures 9 à 11 représentent un mode de réalisation particulier de l'alimentation et du système d'étanchéité du moule. Le mandrin 9 est constitué de deux éléments emboîtés partiellement l'un dans l'autre 91 et 92 dont l'un est un élément secondaire 92 d'alimentation en fluide comprimé et se rapporte sur l'autre élément principal conique 91 qui supporte la structure composite 11. L'élément secondaire 92 réalise l'étanchéité de la vessie 8 par coincement de celle-ci contre la surface de révolution 12b de forme complémentaire de l'entrée du moule 12. A cette fin, les bords de la vessie 8 s'étendent au delà de l'élément principal conique 91 du mandrin 9 et la vessie vient recouvrir la partie tubulaire 92a avant, s'engageant dans le moule 12 et en forme de tronc de cône de l'élément secondaire 92, les bords 92d de la petite base s 'appliquant contre l'extrémité de la grande base de l'élément principal conique 91. Le coincement de la vessie est réalisé entre la surface de la partie conique 92a de l'élément secondaire 92 et les parois 12a du moule 12.Figures 9 to 11 show a particular embodiment of the supply and the sealing system of the mold. The mandrel 9 is formed by two elements partially nested one inside the other 91 and 92 one of which is a secondary element 92 compressed fluid supply and refers on the other conical main part 91 which supports the structure composite 11. The secondary element 92 seals the bladder 8 by wedging it against the surface of revolution 12b of complementary shape to the mold inlet 12. To this end, the edges of the bladder 8 s extend beyond the main conical element 91 of the mandrel 9 and the bladder covers the tubular part 92a before, engaging in the mold 12 and in the form of a truncated cone of the secondary element 92, the edges 92d of the small base pressing against the end of the large base of the main conical element 91. The bladder is wedged between the surface of the conical part 92a of the secondary element 92 and the walls 12a of the mold 12 .
L'élément secondaire rapporté 92 est traversé d'un alésage axial 92b se reliant à l'alimentation externe de gaz. L'alimentation de fluide comprimé à l'intérieur de la vessie 8 s'effectue par un ou plusieurs orifices d'alimentation 92c, réalisés préférentiellement sur les bords 92d de la petite base de la partie conique 92a de l'élément secondaire 92 comme le montre la figure 9.The added secondary element 92 is traversed by an axial bore 92b connecting to the external gas supply. The supply of compressed fluid inside the bladder 8 is effected by one or more supply orifices 92c, preferably produced on the edges 92d of the small base of the conical part 92a of the secondary element 92 like the shows figure 9.
L'élément principal 91 se prolonge avantageusement par un téton axial de positionnement 91a s'étendant dans l'alésage de l'élément secondaire 92. Ce téton de positionnement 91a comprend de préférence un ou plusieurs méplats 91b permettant le passage du fluide à travers l'alésage de l'élément secondaire rapporté 92. Enfin, la solidarisation de l'élément principal 91 dans l'élément secondaire 92 peut être réalisé en utilisant une goupille 93 ou par tout autre moyen.The main element 91 is advantageously extended by an axial positioning stud 91a extending in the bore of the secondary element 92. This positioning stud 91a preferably comprises one or more flats 91b allowing the passage of the fluid through the bore of the added secondary element 92. Finally, the securing of the main element 91 in the secondary element 92 can be achieved by using a pin 93 or by any other means.
Les figures 12 et 13 illustrent des manches réalisés selon l'invention de forme tubulaire et de faible conicité. Le procédé de l'invention permet de réaliser des zones de renflement 31 ou de rétrécissement 32 en respectant la continuité des couches de nappes de fibres dans ces zones de transition, conférant ainsi une homogénéité des propriétés mécaniques le long du manche et donc la bonne reproductibilité des caractéristiques d'un manche à l'autre. On obtient également un état de finition correct ne nécessitant pas d'opérations de reprise.Figures 12 and 13 illustrate sleeves made according to the invention of tubular shape and low taper. The method of the invention makes it possible to produce bulge 31 or shrinkage zones 32 while respecting the continuity of the layers of plies of fibers in these transition zones, thus conferring homogeneity of the mechanical properties along the handle and therefore good reproducibility. characteristics from one round to another. We also obtain a correct finish without requiring recovery operations.
Ces zones sont notamment réalisées à différents endroits selon le club pour définir un profil de déformation spécifique ou encore dans le but de déplacer le moment d'inertie du club sans l'alourdir, par exemple.These areas are in particular carried out at different places depending on the club to define a specific deformation profile or even in order to move the moment of inertia of the club without weighing it down, for example.
Enfin, ces zones peuvent également servir à l'intégration d'une poignée ou "grip" à fleur avec la surface du manche, par exemple lorsque l'on réalise un rétrécissement comme on peut le voir sur la figure 13. On peut également prévoir le remplissage de l'espace réalisé par le rétrécissement par une bague en matière plastique ou métallique. Suivant la nature et les propriétés du matériau utilisé, cette bague peut participer à l'amortissement ou l'équilibre du club.Finally, these zones can also be used for integrating a handle or "grip" flush with the surface of the handle, for example when a shrinkage is made as can be seen in FIG. 13. It is also possible to provide the filling of the space produced by the narrowing by a plastic or metallic ring. Depending on the nature and properties of the material used, this ring can participate in the amortization or balance of the club.
La figure 14 montre un exemple d'un manche 3 muni d'une zone de rétrécissement 32 laquelle est recouverte d'une bague 40 et d'un grip intégré 4, adjacent à la bague. La bague 40 peut-être une masselotte métallique ou un élément d'amortissement en matériau viscoélastique, par exemple.FIG. 14 shows an example of a handle 3 provided with a narrowing zone 32 which is covered with a ring 40 and an integrated grip 4, adjacent to the ring. The ring 40 may be a metal counterweight or a damping element of viscoelastic material, for example.
Un renflement peut-être utilisé comme élément de visée de marquage ou autre, par exemple.A bulge can be used as a marking or other sighting element, for example.
Bien entendu, l'invention n'est nullement limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits et représentés qui n'ont été donnés qu'à titre d'exemple. En particulier, elle comprend tous les moyens constituant des équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons, si celles-ci sont exécutées suivant son esprit et mises en oeuvre dans le cadre des revendications qui suivent. Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and shown which have been given only by way of example. In particular, it includes all the means constituting technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations, if these are carried out according to the spirit and implemented in the context of the claims which follow.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Procédé de fabrication d'un manche de club de golf en matériau composite caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes successives suivantes :1. Method for manufacturing a golf club handle in composite material, characterized in that it comprises the following successive steps:
- dans un premier temps, on dispose une vessie (8) tubulaire, élastique et étanche autour d'un mandrin (9) rigide de longueur au moins égale à la longueur du manche à réaliser ;- Firstly, there is a tubular, elastic and leaktight bladder (8) around a rigid mandrel (9) of length at least equal to the length of the handle to be produced;
- on réalise ensuite l'habillage du mandrin (9) avec une structure composite (11) comprenant des fibres imprégnées d'une matrice de résine organique ;- Then the dressing of the mandrel (9) is carried out with a composite structure (11) comprising fibers impregnated with an organic resin matrix;
- on dispose le mandrin ainsi revêtu dans un moule (12) dont l'empreinte (13, 13a. 13b) définit la forme finale du manche à réaliser ;- The mandrel thus coated is placed in a mold (12) whose imprint (13, 13a. 13b) defines the final shape of the handle to be produced;
- on effectue ensuite une opération de moulage en appliquant au moins une pression interne exercée par l'introduction d'un fluide à l'intérieur de la vessie entre celle-ci et le mandrin (9) de façon à compacter la structure composite (11) contre l'empreinte (13, 13a, 13b) du moule (12).- A molding operation is then carried out by applying at least one internal pressure exerted by the introduction of a fluid inside the bladder between the latter and the mandrel (9) so as to compact the composite structure (11 ) against the imprint (13, 13a, 13b) of the mold (12).
2. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la vessie tubulaire (8) est réalisée au préalable en matériau élastomère pouvant être mis en oeuvre par trempage.2. Manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular bladder (8) is made beforehand of elastomeric material which can be used by dipping.
3. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la vessie tubulaire est réalisée en latex, silicone ou néoprène.3. Manufacturing method according to claim 2, characterized in that the tubular bladder is made of latex, silicone or neoprene.
4. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la structure composite (11) est réalisée par enroulement autour du mandrin (9) de naρρe(s) de fibres imprégnées de résine thermodurcissable.4. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composite structure (11) is produced by winding around the mandrel (9) of naρρe (s) of fibers impregnated with thermosetting resin.
5. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la structure composite (11) est réalisée par enroulement filamentaire d'un (ou plusieurs) fil(s) de fibres préalablement imprégné(s) de résine the rmodurcis sable .5. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composite structure (11) is produced by filament winding of one (or more) fiber yarn (s) previously impregnated with the rmodurcis sable resin.
6. Procédé de fabrication selon les revendications 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que la résine utilisée est du type époxyde.6. The manufacturing method according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the resin used is of the epoxy type.
7. Procédé de fabrication selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1, 4, 5, ou 6 caractérisé en ce que la structure composite (11) est constituée de fibres de verre,- carbone ou aramides.7. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1, 4, 5, or 6 characterized in that the composite structure (11) consists of glass fibers, - carbon or aramids.
8. Dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le mandrin (9) recouvert de la vessie (8) est raccordable à une alimentation externe de fluide sous pression. 8. Device for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mandrel (9) covered with the bladder (8) is connectable to an external supply of pressurized fluid.
9. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que le mandrin (9) est constitué de deux éléments (91, 92) emboîtés partiellement l'un dans l'autre, dont l'un est un élément principal conique (91) destiné à supporter la structure composite (11), et l'autre, un élément secondaire (92) rapporté sur l'élément principal (91) et traversé d'un alésage (92b) se raccordant à l'alimentation externe de fluide sous pression.9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the mandrel (9) consists of two elements (91, 92) partially nested one inside the other, one of which is a main conical element (91) intended supporting the composite structure (11), and the other, a secondary element (92) attached to the main element (91) and traversed by a bore (92b) connecting to the external supply of pressurized fluid.
10. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que l'élément secondaire rapporté (92) est constitué d'une partie avant (92a) en forme de tronc de cône (92a), recouverte de la vessie (8) et s'engageant dans le moule; ladite partie étant en appui sur une surface de révolution complémentaire (12b) de l'entrée du moule (12), réalisant l'étanchéité de ladite vessie (8).10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the added secondary element (92) consists of a front part (92a) in the form of a truncated cone (92a), covered with the bladder (8) and s' engaging in the mold; said part being supported on a complementary surface of revolution (12b) of the mold inlet (12), sealing said bladder (8).
IL Manche de club de golf obtenu selon le procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7.IL Golf club handle obtained according to the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.
12. Manche de club de golf selon la revendiation 11 caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une ou plusieurs zones de renflement (31) et/ou de rétrécissement (32) de couches continues de nappes de fibres. 12. Golf club handle according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises one or more bulge (31) and / or shrinkage (32) zones of continuous layers of layers of fibers.
REVENDICATIONS M0DIFTKF.SM0DIFTKF.S CLAIMS
- [reçues par le Bureau international le 29 october 1991 (29.10.91), revendications 1 et 2 remplacées par la revendication 1 modifiée; revendication 3 remplacée par la revendication 2 modifiée; autres revendications inchangées mais renumérotées- [received by the International Bureau on 29 October 1991 (29.10.91), claims 1 and 2 replaced by claim 1 as amended; claim 3 replaced by amended claim 2; other claims unchanged but renumbered
3-11 (2 pages)]3-11 (2 pages)]
1. Procédé de fabrication d'un manche de club de golf en matériau composite comprenant les étapes successives suivantes :1. Method for manufacturing a golf club handle in composite material comprising the following successive steps:
5 - dans un premier temps, on dispose une vessie (8) tubulaire, élastique et étanche autour d'un mandrin (9) rigide de longueur au moins égale à la longueur du manche à réaliser ;5 - firstly, there is a tubular, elastic and sealed bladder (8) around a rigid mandrel (9) of length at least equal to the length of the handle to be produced;
- on réalise ensuite l'habillage du mandrin (9) avec une structure composite (11) comprenant des fibres imprégnées d'une matrice de résine o organique ;- The dressing of the mandrel (9) is then carried out with a composite structure (11) comprising fibers impregnated with a matrix of organic o resin;
- on dispose le mandrin ainsi revêtu dans un moule (12) dont l'empreinte (13, 13a, 13b) définit la forme finale du manche à réaliser ;- The mandrel thus coated is placed in a mold (12) whose imprint (13, 13a, 13b) defines the final shape of the handle to be produced;
- on effectue ensuite une opération de moulage en appliquant au moins une pression interne exercée par l'introduction d'un fluide à l'intérieur 5 de la vessie entre celle-ci et le mandrin (9) de façon à compacter la structure composite (11) contre l'empreinte (13, 13a, 13b) du moule (12), caractérisé en ce que la vessie tubulaire de fine épaisseur (8) est réalisée au préalable par trempage en un matériau élastomère.a molding operation is then carried out by applying at least one internal pressure exerted by the introduction of a fluid inside the bladder 5 between it and the mandrel (9) so as to compact the composite structure ( 11) against the imprint (13, 13a, 13b) of the mold (12), characterized in that the thin tubular bladder (8) is produced beforehand by dipping in an elastomeric material.
2. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la vessie tubulaire est réalisée en latex ou néoprène.2. Manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular bladder is made of latex or neoprene.
3. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la structure composite (11) est réalisée par enroulement autour du mandrin (9) de nappe(s) de fibres imprégnées de résine thermodurcissable.3. Manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composite structure (11) is produced by winding around the mandrel (9) of sheet (s) of fibers impregnated with thermosetting resin.
4. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la structure composite (11) est réalisée par enroulement filamentaire d'un (ou plusieurs) fil(s) de fibres préalablement imprégné(s) de résine thermodurcissable.4. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composite structure (11) is produced by filament winding of one (or more) fiber yarn (s) previously impregnated with thermosetting resin.
5. Procédé de fabrication selon les revendications 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que la résine utilisée est du type époxyde. 6. Procédé de fabrication selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1, 3,5. The manufacturing method according to claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the resin used is of the epoxy type. 6. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1, 3,
4, ou 5 caractérisé en ce que la structure composite (11) est constituée de fibres de verre, carbone ou aramides.4, or 5 characterized in that the composite structure (11) consists of glass fibers, carbon or aramids.
7. Dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le mandrin (9) recouvert de la vessie (8) est raccordable à une alimentation externe de fluide sous pression.7. Device for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mandrel (9) covered with the bladder (8) is connectable to an external supply of pressurized fluid.
8. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que le mandrin (9) est constitué de deux éléments (91, 92) emboîtés partiellement l'un dans ' ' structure- composite (11), et l'autre, un élément secondaire (92) rapporté sur l'élément principal (91) et traversé d'un alésage (92b) se raccordant à l'alimentation externe de fluide sous pression.8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the mandrel (9) consists of two elements (91, 92) partially nested one in '' composite structure (11), and the other, a secondary element (92) attached to the main element (91) and traversed by a bore (92b) connecting to the external supply of pressurized fluid.
9. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que l'élément 5 secondaire rapporté (92) est constitué d'une partie avant (92a) en forme de tronc de cône (92a), recouverte de la vessie (8) et s'engageant dans le moule; ladite partie étant en appui sur une surface de révolution complémentaire (12b) de l'entrée du moule (12), réalisant l'étanchéité de ladite vessie (8).9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the added secondary element (92) consists of a front part (92a) in the form of a truncated cone (92a), covered with the bladder (8) and s 'engaging in the mold; said part being supported on a complementary surface of revolution (12b) of the mold inlet (12), sealing said bladder (8).
10. Manche de club de golf obtenu selon le procédé selon l'une quelconque o des revendications 1 à 6.10. Golf club handle obtained by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
IL Manche de club de golf selon la revendiation 10 caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une ou plusieurs zones de renflement (31) et/ou de rétrécissement (32) de couches continues de nappes de fibres. IL Golf club handle according to claim 10 characterized in that it comprises one or more bulge (31) and / or shrinkage (32) zones of continuous layers of layers of fibers.
PCT/FR1991/000552 1990-12-05 1991-07-09 Method for fabricating golf club shafts WO1992010244A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP3512005A JPH0736841B2 (en) 1990-12-05 1991-07-09 Golf club handle manufacturing method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR90/15387 1990-12-05
FR9015387A FR2670120B1 (en) 1990-12-05 1990-12-05 METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING GOLF CLUB SLEEVES.

Publications (1)

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WO1992010244A1 true WO1992010244A1 (en) 1992-06-25

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JP (1) JPH0736841B2 (en)
FR (1) FR2670120B1 (en)
GB (1) GB2250466B (en)
WO (1) WO1992010244A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2670120A1 (en) 1992-06-12
GB2250466B (en) 1995-03-08
GB2250466A (en) 1992-06-10
JPH0736841B2 (en) 1995-04-26
GB9112694D0 (en) 1991-07-31
FR2670120B1 (en) 1993-05-28
JPH05507227A (en) 1993-10-21

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