Patent ID: 6110407
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: B29C,B29L

Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a composite shaft for a golf club, the method comprising:overlaying a plurality of holes of a mandrel with a thin film to create a mandrel with substantially uniform surface;forming an inflatable bladder with a uniform surface about the mandrel by dipping the mandrel in a liquid material and allowing the liquid material to cure on the mandrel;wrapping plies of pre-preg composite sheet about the inflatable bladder on the mandrel;inflating the bladder to a predetermined pressure through the plurality of holes in the mandrel, the plurality of holes communicating between a passage within the mandrel and an outer surface of the mandrel;heating the plies of pre-preg composite sheet for a sufficient time to allow a resin comprising the composite sheet to cure to form the composite shaft;removing the mandrel from the inflatable bladder; andremoving the inflatable bladder from the composite shaft.