Patent ID: 8215360

Claim:
A vacuum bag frame assembly for use in the manufacture of fibre-reinforced composite panels, said vacuum bag frame assembly comprising: a first, rigid vacuum bag frame spanning a first vacuum bag, the first vacuum bag having a first flange gasket; a second, rigid vacuum bag frame spanning a second vacuum bag, the second vacuum bag having a second flange gasket; a rigid, tubular centre frame including a first flange surface and a second flange surface, the second flange surface being arranged at an opposite side relative to the first flange surface, wherein the first and second rigid vacuum bag frames are offset from and symmetrically arranged about the rigid tubular centre frame before the air is evacuated from the vacuum bag frame assembly; and an integrated mould having a perimeter within the tubular centre frame and arranged to be flexibly supported by and held between the first and second vacuum bags, wherein said first flange gasket is configured to bear against the first flange surface and the second flange gasket is configured to bear against the second flange surface after the air is evacuated from the vacuum bag frame assembly, wherein said rigid, tubular centre frame comprises: a first, peripherally arranged vacuum outlet external relative to said first and second flange gaskets; one or more second vacuum apertures directed internally relative to said first and second flange gaskets and arranged for evacuating a space formed between said first and second vacuum bags and said tubular centre frame; and a tubular, auxiliary centre frame extending radially inward from an inner perimeter of said rigid tubular centre frame, said auxiliary centre frame being in vacuum communication with said surrounding tubular centre frame, said auxiliary centre frame being provided with said second vacuum apertures, said auxiliary centre frame having a cross-section in a first direction larger than a separation between said first and second flange surfaces in said first direction and thus forming shoulders for positioning and maintaining the relative position of said first and second rigid vacuum bag frames.