Patent ID: 9662843
Date: 2017-05-30
CPC Classifications: B29C,B29L

Claim:
1. A tool for use in the manufacture of composite structures, the tool comprising: a core support section having an elongated body with a tapered configuration from one end to the other end, a plurality of tool sections surrounding the core support section to define a tool surface on which a composite material to be moulded is placed and formed, the core support section being selectively retractable from the tool sections, and a flexible, substantially non-permeable membrane sealed to portions of the core support section so as to define an airtight enclosure surrounding the tool sections and the composite material, wherein the tool sections are abutting one another and are in direct contact with an external surface of the core support section, the core support section is slidingly retractable from the tool sections, and the tool sections are self-supporting when the core support section is removed from supporting the tool sections.