Jean P Renaudin

US Patent:

60714603, Jun 6, 2000

Filed:

Aug 15, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/911813

Inventors:

Jean Pierre Renaudin - Encinitas CA
Philippe Renard - Carlsbad CA

Assignee:

Taylor Made Golf Company Inc. - Carlsbad CA

International Classification:

B29C 4900

US Classification:

264314

Abstract:

An improved apparatus for manufacturing a reinforced golf club shaft having a complex shape. An inflatable bladder is positioned over a mandrel having a simple shape. Layers of fiber material are then rolled over inflatable bladder to produce a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is placed in a mold defining a negative of the shape of the final shaft that is to be produced. The impression may have enlarged or narrowed regions for producing irregularities in the shape of the shaft. The bladder is expanded within the mold so that the composite structure is radially displaced and compressed between the bladder and the mold. The inflatable bladder has a variable thickness that conforms to the shape of the impression so that the composite structure undergoes a uniform and minimum displacement along its entire length, which improves the mechanical properties of the final shaft.