US5770243A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vacuum bagging apparatus
Assignee: Umeco Composites Ltd
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Filing: 1993-04-14
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Granted: 1998-06-23
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Expires: 2013-04-14
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for forming composite articles which include the stretchable or pre-shaped membrane adapted to be placed on a mold in a ridged framework carrying an outer seal. An inner seal is attached to the membrane and located between the membrane and the inner side of the rigid framework defining a vacuum cavity. The membrane is attached to the seal at the lower most point thereof. The seals are substantially square in section and have cut-out sections to enhance resilience. The seals have a outwardly directed downwardly extended curtain portion to form a initial loose seal with a mold base.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Butterworth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 22:20
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C70/00; B29C70/04; B29C70/28; B29C70/40; B29C70/42; B29C70/44; B29C43/00; B29C43/32; B29C43/36; B29C43/3607; B29C43/3642; B29C2043/3644; B29C2791/00; B29C2791/004; B29C2791/006; B29C33/00; B29C33/0038; B29K; B29K2105/00; B29K2105/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus for forming composite articles which comprises a stretchable or pre-shaped membrane (12) adapted to be placed on a mould and a rigid framework (10) carrying an outer seal (14a), there being an inner seal (18a) attached to the membrane and located between the membrane and the inner side of the rigid framework (10) defining a vacuum activity (22), the membrane being attached to the inner seal on a lower part, thereof characterised in that the seals are substantially square in section and have cut-out sections (36, 40) to enhance resilience, and in that the outer seal has an outwardly directed downwardly extending curtain portion (38) to form an initial loose seal with a mould base.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus for forming composite articles which comprises a stretchable or pre-shaped membrane (12) adapted to be placed on a mould and a rigid framework (10) carrying an outer seal (14a), there being an inner seal (18a) attached to the membrane and located between the membrane and the inner side of the rigid framework (10) defining a vacuum activity (22), the membrane being attached to the inner seal on a lower part, thereof characterised in that the seals are substantially square in section and have cut-out sections (36, 40) to enhance resilience, and in that the outer seal has an outwardly directed downwardly extending curtain portion (38) to form an initial loose seal with a mould base.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a number of membranes (12) of different pre-shaped sizes are provided with a single manifold thus allowing stacks of composites of different sizes and configuration to be moulded without requiring a separate seal and manifold assembly for each one.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the framework (10) comprises a flat bar and vacuum is then introduced into the cavity by having one or more vacuum valves (26) passing through the bar directly into the cavity (22).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a support (34) is positioned between the inner and outer seals to prevent them being deformed in to the cavity (22) and blocking it.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the support (34) is a metal channel and has holes or other passages therein to allow passage of vacuum from the framework to the cavity (22).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the channel (34) is of lesser height than the seals (14a,18a).
References Cited (Backward Citations)
SU585074A1
Cited
US4216047A
Cited
US4323413A
Cited
EP0175510A2
Cited
WO1987005557A1
Cited
FR2629010A1
Cited
US4886442A
Cited
US5433165A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-06-22 | 2001-12-22 | 2002-06-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-06-22 | 2005-12-22 | 2006-06-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-06-22 | 2009-12-22 | 2010-06-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |