Method of forming a tubular member
AssigneeTextron Fastening Systems Limited
InventorKeith Denham
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of forming a tubular member with longitudinal slots along part of its wall, comprising the steps of: firstly, forming longitudinal zones of weakness along part of the wall of the tubular member, and secondly, expanding the said part of the tubular member radially to cause fracture of the wall of the member along the longitudinal zones, thereby to form longitudinal slots.
Claims16
A method of forming a tubular member with longitudinal slots along part of its wall, comprising the steps of:
- firstly, forming longitudinal zones of weakness along part of the wall of the tubular member, each comprising a longitudinal zone of reduced wall thickness;
- secondly, expanding the said part of the tubular member radially to cause fracture of the wall of the member along the longitudinal zones, thereby to form longitudinal slots, each bounded by opposed edges or walls;
- and
- thirdly, radially compressing at least the said part of the tubular member so that the edges or walls of at least part of each slot move nearer each other.
A tubular member with longitudinal slots along part of its wall which has been formed by forming longitudinal zones of weakness along part of the wall of the tubular member, each comprising a longitudinal zone of reduced wall thickness, and expanding the said part of the tubular member radially to cause fracture of the wall of the member along the longitudinal zones, thereby to form longitudinal slots.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.