Patent ID: 8580058
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: B29C,B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of reinforcing a structure of an automotive vehicle, the method comprising: providing at least two portions of a matrix material with at least one portion of a strengthening material between and directly contacting the at least two portions of the matrix material thereby forming a reinforcement material, the reinforcement material having a length, a width, and a thickness, the thickness extending through the at least two portions of the matrix material and through the at least one portion of the strengthening material, the thickness being less than 30 millimeters, the strengthening material being a metal sheet sheet, wherein the at least two portions of the matrix material include an epoxy-based material, and wherein the strengthening material extends substantially entirely in directions parallel to the width and length, and the width and length are perpendicular to the thickness; providing a structure of an automotive vehicle, the structure defining a cavity and comprising a plurality of walls and at least one small opening having a dimension that is less than 10 mm greater than the thickness of the reinforcement material into which the reinforcement material can be inserted, the at least one small opening extending from an inner surface of a first wall of the structure to an inner surface of a second opposing wall of the structure, the second opposing wall being in an opposing relationship with a third wall within the cavity; locating the reinforcement material within the at least one small opening within the cavity of the structure of the automotive vehicle activating the reinforcement material to expand and adhere to a surface of the structure thereby providing structural integrity to the structure of the automotive vehicle, the surface of the structure at least partially defining the cavity of the structure.