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US 8,545,157 B2Granted
Metal members and assemblies that have reinforced punched holes and method of forming the holes
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorSergey Fedorovich Golovashchenko
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A metal member defining a hole in which the hole is reinforced by forming a flange and turning the flange back upon itself so that the rolled outer surface of the flange defines the perimeter of the hole. The sheared edge is spaced from the perimeter of the hole. The shaft of the fastener inserted in the hole contacts a non-sheared surface. A reinforcement ring may be assembled around the flange.
Claims20
A combination of a metal member defining a hole having a fastener disposed therein, the combination comprising:
- a flange extending from one side of the metal member with a first surface opposite a second surface and a sheared edge extending therebetween, wherein the flange is turned back on the first surface with the second surface defining a perimeter of the hole and the sheared edge being continuous and spaced from the hole;
- a reinforcement ring disposed around the hole contacting a portion of the first surface;
- and
- a fastener disposed in the hole having a shaft contacting the second surface.
1 more element
A combination comprising:
- an aluminum panel having a reversely turned flange defining a hole, the flange having a continuous sheared edge adjacent a rolled surface, wherein the rolled surface extends from the panel to the sheared edge and defines the hole;
- a reinforcement ring disposed around the flange;
- and
- a fastener disposed in the hole with a shaft that contacts a portion of the rolled surface.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.