LAMINATE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME
A laminate blank includes at least one rigidifying layer and at least one comfort layer. The rigidifying layer includes a reinforcement preform and a resin. The layers are pressed to form the laminate blank.
1 . A handgrip comprising
a plurality of prepreg layers including a reinforcement preform and a resin,
at least one rubber layer interlaid between the plurality of prepreg layers, and
a plurality of contours that expose portions of the plurality of prepreg layers and the at least one rubber layer.
2 . The handgrip of claim 1 , wherein the handgrip has a first edge and an opposite second edge and at least a portion of each of the prepreg layers have lengths between the first and second edges that are different from one another.
3 . The handgrip of claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the at least one rubber layer has a length between the first and second edges that is different from each of the plurality of prepreg layers.
4 . The handgrip of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of prepreg layers is combined with the at least one rubber layer to provide a transition layer that includes a plurality of nodes of rubber that extend into voids between fibers of the at least one prepreg layer.
5 . The handgrip of claim 4 , wherein some of the nodes partially define an outer surface of the handgrip.
6 . The laminate blank of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement preform of the plurality of prepreg layers includes one of fiberglass, canvas, linen, and paper.
7 . The laminate blank of claim 1 , wherein the resin of the plurality of prepreg layers includes one of epoxy and phenolic.
8 . The laminate blank of claim 1 , further comprising a bonding layer positioned at an interface between prepreg layer and rubber layer.
9 . The laminate blank of claim 8 , wherein the bonding layer includes phenolic.
10 . A laminate blank comprising
a plurality of prepreg layers including a reinforcement preform and a resin, and
at least one rubber layer interlaid between the plurality of prepreg layers.
11 . The laminate blank of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of prepreg layers have a first color and the at least one rubber layer has a second color different than the first color.
12 . The laminate blank of claim 10 , wherein the reinforcement preform of the plurality of prepreg layers includes one of fiberglass, canvas, linen, and paper.
13 . The laminate blank of claim 10 , wherein the resin of the plurality of prepreg layers includes one of epoxy and phenolic.
14 . The laminate blank of claim 10 , further comprising a bonding layer positioned at an interface between prepreg layer and rubber layer.
15 . The laminate blank of claim 14 , wherein the bonding layer includes phenolic.
16 . A method of forming a laminate blank, the method comprising
preparing a pre-laminate book including a plurality of prepreg layers and a plurality of rubber interlaid between the prepreg layers,
applying caul plates and press pads to the outermost layers of the pre-laminate book, and
processing the pre-laminate book through a press cycle.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the processing includes pressing the pre-laminate book at a temperature within a range of about 225 degrees F. to about 275 degrees F. for an amount of time within a range of about 10 minutes to about 20 minutes.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the processing includes pressing the pre-laminate book at a temperature within a range of about 300 degrees F. to about 325 degrees F. for an amount of time within a range of about 40 minutes to about 50 minutes.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the processing includes pressing the pre-laminate book at a temperature within a range of about 275 degrees F. to about 300 degrees F. for an amount of time within a range of about 10 minutes to about 15 minutes.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the processing includes pressing the pre-laminate book at a temperature of less than about 100 degrees F. for an amount of time within a range of about 20 minutes to about 30 minutes.