Patent ID: 6928736
Filing Date: 2005-08-16
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of reinforcing an automobile structure, comprising: providing an elongated hollow automobile frame structure having a closed profile, the automobile frame structure defining a hollow center; providing an elongated carrier having a longitudinal axis extending from a first open end to a second open end wherein the carrier includes: i) at least one opening extending therethrough; ii) a plurality of axially extending ribs; and iii) a contoured exterior surface having at least one sloping wall extending from adjacent the first open end to the second open end; and applying a reinforcing medium to the carrier for forming a sleeve wherein the reinforcing medium is a heat activated expandable material that extends along at least a portion of the length of the carrier; inserting the sleeve in the hollow center of the hollow frame structure such that there is a clearance between the sleeve and the automobile frame structures wherein: i. the step of providing the carrier includes forming the carrier of polymeric material by injection molding; ii. cross-sections of the carrier taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis narrow from the first end to the second end of the carrier.