Abstract: A sheet compound (1) is disclosed, comprising a first group of conglomerates (3) of fiber segments (5) and a matrix (6) of polymeric material, the conglomerates (3) of the first group having a random orientation, and at least one second group of conglomerates (4) of fiber segments (5) and a matrix (6) of polymeric material, the conglomerates (4) of the second group having a prevailing orientation of a direction of maximum tensile strength (FR) thereof along a respective predetermined direction (FB) in said geometric plane (P), said at least one second group of conglomerates (4) being distinguishable from the first group of conglomerates (3) by at least one characteristic other than orientation. A process and an installation for making such a material, as well as a molded object made from such a material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal crank has an elongated body and a first end portion with a first seat for coupling with a bottom bracket of the bicycle, a second end portion with a second seat for coupling with a pedal, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end portion and said second end portion and having an inner portion substantially without structural strength and a first reinforcement structure. The first reinforcement structure has a tubular structure arranged around said inner portion and extending longitudinally not longer than the longitudinal extension of the intermediate portion. The extension of the tubular element is limited to the intermediate portion of the pedal crank. The crank may be manufactured in a simple, quick way in a completely automated manner, using a filling material molded under high pressure.

Abstract: A sheet compound (1) is disclosed, comprising a first group of conglomerates (3) of fibre segments (5) and a matrix (6) of polymeric material, the conglomerates (3) of the first group having a random orientation, and at least one second group of conglomerates (4) of fibre segments (5) and a matrix (6) of polymeric material, the conglomerates (4) of the second group having a prevailing orientation of a direction of maximum tensile strength (FR) thereof along a respective predetermined direction (FB) in said geometric plane (P), said at least one second group of conglomerates (4) being distinguishable from the first group of conglomerates (3) by at least one characteristic other than orientation. A process and an installation for making such a material, as well as a moulded object made from such a material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal crank has an elongated body and a first end portion with a first seat for coupling with a bottom bracket of the bicycle, a second end portion with a second seat for coupling with a pedal, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end portion and said second end portion and having an inner portion substantially without structural strength and a first reinforcement structure. The first reinforcement structure has a tubular structure arranged around said inner portion and extending longitudinally not longer than the longitudinal extension of the intermediate portion. The extension of the tubular element is limited to the intermediate portion of the pedal crank. The crank may be manufactured in a simple, quick way in a completely automated manner, using a filling material molded under high pressure.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm has an elongated body and a first end portion with a first seat for coupling with a bicycle bottom bracket assembly, a second end portion with a second seat for coupling with a pedal, an intermediate portion extending between the first and second end portions and having an inner portion without structural strength, and a first reinforcement structure and a second reinforcement structure facing the inner portion and the first reinforcement structure and having at least one bundle of structural fibers having at least in part a first orientation. The intermediate portion has a section in which the inner portion occupies a space defined by a first area having a first surface extension and by a second area having a second surface extension and in which the second reinforcement structure occupies a space having a surface extension equal to the difference between the first and second areas.