Patent ID: 6345927
Filing Date: 2002-02-12
Classification: F16B,G21C,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
A weld reinforcement comprising:first and second members welded to one another forming an elongated weld seam; a continuous pocket formed in said members opening through corresponding surfaces thereof and defining first and second pocket portions on opposite sides of said weld seam, said first pocket portion adjacent one end of said pocket having a laterally enlarged recess spaced from said seam and a laterally reduced portion adjoining said seam, said second pocket portion having a laterally reduced portion adjacent said seam; one of said pocket portions in one of said members having a projection extending from a base of said one pocket portion and in a direction toward the surface of said one member; a reinforcing element including laterally enlarged end portions connected to one another by a laterally reduced intermediate portion, one of said enlarged end portions of said element being received in said first pocket portion with said reduced intermediate portion of said element in said reduced pocket portions scanning said weld seam; and a retainer engaging said projection to retain said element in said pocket spanning said weld seam; said one enlarged end portion of said element having an opening for receiving said projection, said retainer being received in said opening and about said projection.