Patent ID: 6261500
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: A63B,B29C

Abstract:
A method of making a tubular member from composite material having unidirectional high strength fibers impregnated in a thermoplastic resin matrix which comprises the steps of:(1) taping a lengthwise edge of at least one pattern of said composite material to a mandrel of non-uniform taper,(2) placing the mandrel and pattern on a first platen,(3) heating the pattern to above the melt temperature of the thermoplastic resin using an external heat source,(4) moving a second platen which conforms to the shape of the mandrel into pressure engagement with the mandrel and pattern of composite material on the first platen,(5) rolling the pattern tightly onto the mandrel while simultaneously removing heat from said composite material to solidify the pattern in a tight wrap on said mandrel,(6) releasing the mandrel and said rolled pattern of composite material from the platens,(7) consolidating said composite material on said mandrel into a tubular member of said composite material, and(8) removing the tubular member from the mandrel.