Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of repairing a damaged portion of a panel formed of composite material. The method includes preparing the damaged portion for repair and applying a pressure responsive adhesive layer to substantially cover the damaged portion. The method also includes disposing a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding repair patch assembly to substantially cover the damaged portion and substantially covering the repair patch assembly with a vacuum bag assembly. Resin is introduced into and impregnates the repair patch assembly. The repair patch assembly is cured after being impregnated.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier component and a method of manufacturing the component are disclosed. The method may involve forming a braided, tubular cylindrical form including a plurality of fibers having at least one of a curvilinear pattern or a helical pattern. A reinforcing form of unidirectionally oriented fibers may be positioned at a predetermined location on one of an interior or exterior surface of the braided tubular cylindrical form, to thus create a composite assembly. A resin may be used to saturate the composite assembly. An inflatable bladder and a molding tool may be used to form a finished, unitary composite part through a molding operation.