Composite connectors and methods of manufacturing the same

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a composite (e.g. fibre-reinforced polymer) connector for a fluid transfer conduit comprises: providing a tubular mandrel which extends substantially parallel to a central axis C; providing a former on the tubular mandrel which extends substantially perpendicular to the central axis C; and winding continuous fibre reinforcement, impregnated with a thermosetting polymer, around the mandrel to form a tubular hub portion which extends substantially parallel to the central axis C and over the former to form a flange portion 308 which extends from the hub portion at an angle to the central axis C. Winding the continuous fibre reinforcement over the former comprises passing the continuous fibre reinforcement across a first surface of the former that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis C and across a second surface of the former such that the former is encapsulated as a core for the flange portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.