Vacuum bagging apparatus

Abstract

A bonding apparatus for vacuum bagging is disclosed comprising a base having a top surface provided with an outer peripheral vacuum manifold, a diaphragm having a top member and side walls adapted for placement on the base and in conjunction therewith defining a chamber encompassing a work piece; one or more evacuation ports formed in the base or the diaphragm adapted for connection to a vacuum source whereby the chamber may be evacuated of ambient atmosphere to form a vacuum therein; and an edge member associated with the side walls, including a solid, conformable seal adapted to seal the vacuum manifold and to provide at least a primary seal thereagainst. In one embodiment, intended for autoclaving applications, a seal providing both primary and secondary sealing is disclosed. The diaphragm, edge member and seal preferably comprise an elastomeric material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.