Flexible inflatable support structure for use with a reusable compaction bag

A reusable vacuum bag apparatus having an inflatable support structure for supporting said apparatus in an orientation ready to be applied to a forming tool, said apparatus comprising:

• a reusable mat vacuum bag;
• a tubular, flexible framework support structure secured to said vacuum bag, said tubular, flexible framework support structure defining a support structure adapted to support said reusable vacuum bag in an operative orientation;
• and
• said tubular, flexible framework support structure being inflatable by a pressurized fluid source such that when pressurized, said flexible framework support structure presents said reusable vacuum bag secured thereto in an orientation ready to be placed on said forming tool during a manufacturing process;
• and
• wherein said tubular flexible framework support structure can be de-pressurized to allow said structure and said reusable vacuum bag secured thereto to be formed into a compact assembly for storage.

A reusable vacuum bag apparatus having an inflatable support structure for supporting said apparatus in an orientation ready to be applied to a work piece, said apparatus comprising:

• a reusable vacuum bag;
• a tubular, flexible framework secured to said vacuum bag, said tubular, flexible framework defining a support structure comprised of a plurality of intercoupled tubular segments which, when assembled to form said tubular flexible framework, support said reusable vacuum bag in an operative orientation ready to be placed on a work piece;
• said tubular, flexible framework being inflatable by a pressurized fluid source such that when filled with a pressurized fluid, said framework presents said reusable vacuum bag secured thereto in an orientation easily able to manipulated by an individual and easily placed on said work piece during a manufacturing process;
• each of said tubular segments of said tubular, flexible framework including an inner layer, an outer layer and a reinforcement layer therebetween;
• and
• wherein said tubular flexible framework can be de-pressurized to allow said framework and said reusable vacuum bag secured thereto to be formed into a compact assembly for storage.