Patent ID: 7003996
Filing Date: 2006-02-28
Classification: A61F,B21D,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A die set for at least partially forming a metal blank into a structural component, said die set comprising a first die member, a second die member and a shape imparting shell; said shape imparting shell formed from a low permeability and rigid material, said shell being at least partially in the form of first and second shell portions, each of which includes an inner surface defining a predetermined shape, an outer support and mounting surface and spaced lateral edges which edges define a parting plane between said two shell portions when said two shell portions are brought together to at least partially form said shell; said first die member including an upper side and a lower side and having a support framework to carry said first shell portion, said support framework including a first compression force transmitting material which engages and supports said outer support and mounting surface of said first shell portion, said first shell portion facing outwardly from said lower side of said first die member, said first compression force transmitting material having a hardness that is less than said first shell portion; said second die member including an upper side and a lower side and having a support framework for carrying said second shell portion, said support framework including a second compression force transmitting material which engages and supports said outer support and mounting surface of said second shell portion, said second shell portion facing outwardly from said upper side of said second die member, said second compression force transmitting material having a hardness that is less than said second shell portion; at least one of said die members being movable to capture said blank in said shape imparting shell.