Patent ID: 6458306
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: A63B,B29C,B29L,B62K,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for forming a hollow, lapless, complex three-dimensional fiber composite bicycle component, the method comprising;placing a mandrel core comprising a solvent-soluble material and in the general form of the component in a pressurizable bladder to form a bladder/core assembly, wrapping resin impregnated reinforcing fiber around the bladder/core assembly, pressurizing the bladder in a female mold to compact the fiber against inside surfaces of the mold and heating the mold to cure the resin to form a cured part, such that compaction of the fiber against the inside surfaces of the mold is from the pressurization of the bladder and not from the mandrel core, removing the mandrel core and bladder from the interior of the cured part by injecting solvent into the interior of the bladder to disintegrate and remove sufficient core material to allow removal of the bladder from the interior of the cured part.