CPC B29C 70/48 (2013.01) [B29C 70/523 (2013.01); B29K 2101/12 (2013.01); B29K 2309/08 (2013.01); B29L 2031/5227 (2013.01)] | 9 Claims |
1. A method of forming a sporting implement comprising:
coating a plurality of fibers with one of an epoxy, polyurethane, and an aerosol adhesive;
placing the plurality of fibers in an empty cavity formed in a first portion of a mold, the mold having an inlet and an outlet, the fibers being randomly dispersed in the cavity;
positioning a second portion of the mold in contact with the first portion such that the cavity cooperates with the second portion of the mold to define a chamber, wherein a vacuum pump is operably connected to the chamber, and a gas reservoir is operably connected to the chamber;
creating a vacuum in the chamber with the vacuum pump;
flushing the chamber with gas from the gas reservoir;
mixing a first material with a second material to form a thermoplastic resin;
injecting the thermoplastic resin into the chamber through the inlet, the resin being injected into the chamber at a temperature of between approximately 20° C. and approximately 60° C.;
closing the inlet and the outlet;
waiting until the thermoplastic resin has completely polymerized so as to form a fiber reinforced sporting element in the chamber; and
removing the sporting element from the chamber.
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