Structural reinforcements
AssigneeL&L Products, Inc.
InventorsWilliam J. Barz, Michael J. Czaplicki
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A composite structural reinforcement has a keyed reinforcement member in which a thermally expandable resin strip is mechanically retained. The mechanical interlock permits the resin to be secured to the member without heat or an adhesive.
Claims30
A structural reinforcement system for structurally reinforcing a hollow member, said reinforcement member comprising:
- (a) a member having at least one longitudinal channel incorporated about its periphery, said member adapted for placement in a cavity defined in an automotive vehicle frame;
- and
- (b) an expandable material disposed within at least one of said channels over at least a portion of said member.
A reinforcement system for hollow members of an automotive vehicle, comprising:
- (a) a hollow member adapted for insertion in a cavity of an automotive vehicle, said member having a plurality of longitudinal channels defined about its periphery;
- and
- (b) an expandable material disposed within at least one of said channels in sealing contact with at least a portion of said member and at least one of said plurality of channels.
A reinforcement member for structurally reinforcing a hollow member of an automotive vehicle, said reinforcement member comprising:
- (a) a rigid member having a plurality of channels configured about its periphery for receiving and mechanically retaining an expandable material inserted therein, said member being adapted for placement in a cavity defined in an automotive vehicle frame;
- and
- (b) an expandable material disposed in at least one of said channels and over at least a portion of the surface adjacent said channel of said member, said expandable material being suitable for foaming upon activation through heat and adhering to said member.
A reinforcement system for a hollow member of an automotive vehicle, comprising:
- (a) an automotive vehicle body member, said body member having a wall structure defining an internal passageway therein;
- and
- (b) a rigidifying member having a channel defined on an outer surface thereof, and
- (c) an expandable material disposed in said channel over at least a portion of the exterior of said member, said expandable member being suitable for foaming upon activation and adhering said member to said wall structure of said vehicle body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.