Patent ID: 9199293
Filing Date: 2015-12-01
Classification: B21D,B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a header beam for a vehicle frame, comprising: cutting an extruded member to form a generally straight beam with a length, the beam having a hollow interior with a forward leg and a rearward leg extending within the hollow interior continuously along the length, wherein the beam includes a front flange extending forward along the length of the beam; securing opposing end portions of the beam with a clamping device; stretching and bending the beam to form a three-dimensional curvature in the beam between the opposing end portions, wherein the secured opposing end portions of the beam remain generally straight; striking the front flange to form an edge parallel to the curvature proximate the opposing end portions of the beam for engaging a vehicle windshield, wherein striking the front flange includes forming a series of notches along a center region of the front flange for engaging a vehicle roof panel; and attaching the opposing end portions to a pair of A-pillars of the vehicle frame such that the curvature is positioned to span forward and between the pair of A-pillars.