Patent ID: 6933057
Filing Date: 2005-08-23
Classification: B23K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of stir welding T-joints comprising: assembling a first member to a second member, the first member comprising a thin sheet portion of material and at least two protuberances, the thin sheet portion of material having opposite first and second faces, the at least two protuberances extending outwardly from the first face of the sheet portion and together forming opposing restraining surfaces that are oriented at an angle relative to the first face of the sheet portion, the second member comprising a rib that has a terminal edge margin, the assembling comprising engaging the edge margin of the rib of the second member with the first member in manner such that the rib of the second member extends at an angle away from the first face of the first member and such that the edge margin is positioned between the restraining surfaces of the first member; and stir welding the first member to the second member by engaging a stir welding tool against the second face of the first member, the stir welding occurring with the first and second members being assembled to each other in accordance with the preceding step of assembling the first member to the second member, the restraining surfaces of the first member limiting movement of the edge margin of the second member relative to the first member during the stir welding.