Patent ID: 6391246
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: B29C,B29K

Abstract:
A method for forming a fiber-reinforced composite member, comprising the steps of(a) placing a shape-retention means adjacent to at least one projection of a preform made of a fiber-reinforced composite material; (b) completely sealing said preform and said shape-retention means with a bagging film; and (c) forming said preform into a fiber-reinforced composite member by heating under pressure; said shape-retention means comprising a plurality of soft unit members having simple cross-sectional shapes selected from the group consisting of a triangular prism, a rectangular parallelepiped, and a flat plate, wherein said unit members are reuseable; wherein said plurality of soft unit members substantially covers the surface of said pre-form to provide a gradually changing contour to prevent said at least one projection from being subjected to deforming during pressing.