Patent ID: 7132075
Filing Date: 2006-11-07
Classification: B62K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for producing a connector element for connecting frame parts at a joint location in a bicycle framework, the method comprising the following steps: arranging an expandable core having a reusable inner body made from a metal material with a main cylindrical portion and one or more auxiliary cylindrical branches extending from the main portion and removably connected thereto by means of screws, covered with a deformable sheath made of an elastomeric material, the expansion of the core being obtained through the dilation of the material forming the sheath in response to an increased temperature, applying a number of layers of structural fiber fabric incorporated in a plastic material matrix around the core, to form a layered outer body, of predetermined shape and thickness, arranging the core with the layered outer body in the cavity of a mold, increasing the temperature of the mould to a value sufficient to cause the reticulation of the plastic material matrix, expanding the core, so as to apply a pressure on the outer body inside the mold, removing the outer body from the mould and removing the reusable body from the outer body, so as to obtain a hollow molded body formed of a single piece of structural fiber based material, wherein the reusable body is made from a metal material expandable core that includes a body of metal material covered with a deformable sheath made of an elastomeric material, the expansion of the core being obtained through the dilation of the material forming the sheath when the temperature of the mold is increased.