Patent ID: 6070445
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: B21D,B60G,Y10T

Abstract:
A method comprising the steps of:deforming a cylindrical metal tube to provide the tube with a plurality of partially flattened sections;hydroforming said tube to provide each of said partially flattened sections with a pair of parallel opposite side walls;forming a plurality of passages extending transversely through said tube by providing each pair of said side walls with a pair of opposed openings defining a corresponding one of said passages;said passages including a first passage which is sized to receive a first pivotal joint structure that connects said tube pivotally to a vehicle part;said passages further including a second passage which is sized to receive a second pivotal joint structure that connects said tube pivotally to another vehicle part; andbending said tube into the configuration of an A-arm prior to said deforming step, said A-arm having an outer end portion and a pair of inner end portions, said first passage being formed at said outer end portion of said A-arm said second passage being one of a pair of second passages formed at said inner end portions of said A-arm.