Patent ID: 6068424
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
A joint reinforcement member for use in reinforcing a hollow structure of an automotive vehicle comprising a carrier portion having an outer surface, said carrier portion having a base portion, a first extension secured to and extending away from said base portion, a second extension secured to and extending away from said base portion, said base portion connecting said first extension to said second extension to form a continuous integral outer surface of said first extension to said second extension, each of said first extension and said second extension being longer than said base portion, each of said first extension and said second extension having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis of said first extension being non-colinear with said longitudinal axis of said second extension, said longitudinal axis of said first extension and said longitudinal axis of said second extension intersecting at said base portion, and a thermally expandable structural foam bonded to said outer surface and substantially covering said outer surface.