Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6233826?dq=5,666,293
Timestamp: 2014-12-27 19:24:16
Document Index: 76182365

Matched Legal Cases: ['art.\n2', 'art.\n16', 'art.\n28', 'art 24', 'art 24', 'art 24', 'art 24', 'art 24', 'art 24', 'art 24']

Patent US6233826 - Method for reinforcing structural members - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA method for reinforcing a selected portion of a structural part utilizes a flexible tube having a unexpanded, preferably thermally expandable resin sheath. The sheath may be limited to a selected region along the length of the flexible tube. The flexible tube is inserted through a curved passage and...http://www.google.com/patents/US6233826?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6233826 - Method for reinforcing structural membersAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6233826 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/103,033Publication dateMay 22, 2001Filing dateJun 23, 1998Priority dateJul 21, 1997Fee statusLapsedAlso published asCA2242283A1, DE29812841U1, DE69804274D1, DE69804274T2, EP0893332A1, EP0893332B1Publication number09103033, 103033, US 6233826 B1, US 6233826B1, US-B1-6233826, US6233826 B1, US6233826B1InventorsJoseph S WycechOriginal AssigneeHenkel CorpExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (54), Referenced by (86), Classifications (28), Legal Events (5) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod for reinforcing structural membersUS 6233826 B1Abstract A method for reinforcing a selected portion of a structural part utilizes a flexible tube having a unexpanded, preferably thermally expandable resin sheath. The sheath may be limited to a selected region along the length of the flexible tube. The flexible tube is inserted through a curved passage and conforms to the geometry of the part to be reinforced. After the portion of the tube having the sheath reaches the desired location, the tube is secured in place. Upon heating, the resin expands to several times its original volume and fills the structural cavity only at that region.
What is claimed is: 1. A method of reinforcing a part, comprising the steps of: providing a flexible member having a length greater than its width; covering at least a portion of the flexible member with an expandable resin mounted directly on the flexible member; inserting the flexible member with the expandable resin into a cavity of a hollow part, the inserting step including the step of bending the flexible member with the expandable resin to accommodate the geometry of the cavity while the resin is of smaller outside dimension than the inside dimension of the part whereby the flexible member and the resin move freely through the part without the resin and the portion of the flexible member having the resin mounted thereon contacting the inside dimension of the part; and expanding the expandable resin into contact with the inside dimension of the part and thereby bonding the resin to the part.
2. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible member is a hollow tube.
3. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible member is a solid rod.
4. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein resin is thermally expandable and contains hollow microspheres.
5. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the part is selected from the group consisting of an A-pillar joint and a seat frame and a roll-bar for a motor vehicle.
6. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible member has an attached spacer for spacing the flexible member from the inner walls of the part prior to the expansion step.
7. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the length of the flexible tube is at least five times its diameter.
8. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the diameter of the flexible tube is between about 8 and about 40 mm and its length is from about 50 to about 200 mm.
9. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the expandable resin forms a layer encircling and encasing at least a portion of the flexible member.
10. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the resin before expansion is a layer which has a uniform thickness of from about 2 to about 8 mm.
11. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible member is hollow and has a wall thickness of from about 0.5 to about 1.2 mm.
12. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible tube is formed of metal.
13. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 12, wherein the metal is aluminum.
14. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible member is inelastically deformed prior to the insertion step and forms a deformation of the flexible member that conforms to the geometry of the cavity.
15. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible member is shaped during the insertion step by contact with the part.
16. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible member is secured in the part prior to the expansion step.
17. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the length of the flexible member is at least five times its width.
18. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein substantially all of the flexible tube is covered by the expandable resin.
19. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the resin is thermally expandable and includes, percentage by weight, from about 40% to about 80% resin, from about 10% to about 50% microspheres, from about 0.5% to about 5% blowing agent, from about 1% to about 15% filler, from about 0.5% to about 2% accelerator and from about 1% to about 8% curing agent.
20. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the resin is thermally expandable and includes, percentage by weight, 55% epoxy resin, 4% dicyandiamide curing agent, 0.8% imidizole accelerator, 1.1% fumed silica, 1.2% azodicarbonamide blowing agent, 37% glass microspheres, and 0.9% calcium carbonate filler.
21. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible member is a hollow tube with electrical wiring extending longitudinally therein.
22. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the cavity is of non-straight linear geometry having at least one bend, and snaking the flexible member through the cavity until the resin is located at the bend.
23. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 22, wherein there are a plurality of bends, and locating resin at more than one of the bends.
24. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the resin is in a form of a sheet which is cut by a die and wrapped around the flexible member.
25. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible member is a spiral wrapped tube.
26. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the part is a vehicle part, the resin being thermally expandable, and expanding the resin in a vehicle paint oven during a painting step.
27. A method of reinforcing a structural part having a space which is difficult to access due to the geometry of the part, comprising the steps of: providing a hollow flexible member having a length at least five times its width; coating at least a portion of the flexible member with an expandable resin; inserting the flexible member with the expandable resin into the cavity of a hollow structural part, the inserting step including the step of bending the flexible member with the expandable resin to accommodate the geometry of said cavity while the resin is of smaller outside dimension than the inside dimension of the structural part whereby the flexible member and the resin move freely through the structural part without the resin and the portion of the flexible member having the resin mounted thereon contacting the inside dimension of the structural part; securing the flexible member with the expandable resin in the structural part by expanding the expandable resin into contact with the inside dimension of the structural part and thereby bonding the resin to the structural part.
28. The method of reinforcing a part recited in claim 1, wherein the resin is a coating molded onto the flexible member.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 60/053,264, filed Jul. 21, 1997.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the reinforcement of hollow structural members and more specifically deals with reinforcement of structures having enclosed regions that present special access problems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, a number of factors have necessitated fundamental changes in the approach to automotive structural design. These include the need to meet ever-increasing impact resistance and fuel economy standards and the need to produce a competitively priced vehicle in a global marketplace. At times, these requirements are seemingly at odds with one another. For example, impact resistance can in most cases be achieved simply by increasing steel thickness or through the use of high strength steels. These approaches, however, generally increase vehicle weight and/or cost. Although light-weight resins are available which can be used to fill entire hollow cavities of structural members to provide greater strength, these materials are expensive and thus their use in great quantities undesirably increases vehicle cost.
The present inventor has pioneered a novel approach to structural part reinforcement through localized reinforcement of critical regions using microsphere-filled thermally expandable resins, such as: a composite door beam which has a resin-based core that occupies not more than one-third of the bore of a metal tube; a hollow laminate beam characterized by high stiffness-to-mass ratio and having an outer portion which is separated from an inner tube by a thin layer of structural foam, a W-shaped carrier insert reinforcement which carries a foam body for use in reinforcing a hollow beam; a bulkhead that utilizes a thermally expandable foam to provide localized reinforcement of a rail for the attachment of an engine cradle or the like.
Although these techniques are well suited for a number of applications, there exists a need for localized reinforcement of regions having special access problems. More specifically, in a number of hollow structural parts the member has an enclosed region or space which is located some distance from the opening of the space and is difficult to reach due to a curvature or bend in the member. In some instances the member and the channel which it defines have an irregular geometry that makes access to a particular internal region difficult. Of course, in some instances it may be possible to simply fill the entire structure with a liquid resin which is then cured, but as stated above, this approach may be prohibitively expense in a number of applications. Accordingly, there is a need for an alternative method of providing localized reinforcement of such parts. The present invention provides a solution to this problem.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of providing a local reinforcement in a region of a hollow structural part which is difficult to reach using conventional techniques.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of introducing a localized resin reinforcement in a structural part where the region to be reinforced is beyond a curvature in a channel.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a method of centralizing a resin reinforcement in a hollow structural part in a region which is difficult to access.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the present invention provides a method of reinforcing a part in a localized region. The method includes the steps of providing a flexible member having a length substantially greater than its width; covering at least a portion of the flexible member with a thermally expandable resin; and inserting the flexible member into the cavity of a hollow structural part. The insertion step includes the step of bending the flexible member to accommodate the geometry of the part cavity. The resin is then thermally expanded such that the resin is bonded to the structural part. In this manner, localized reinforcement can be achieved for any number of parts whose internal geometry would make it difficult or impossible to reinforce using conventional techniques.
In one aspect, the flexible member is a tube around which the resin is applied as a layer or coating. The resin-coated tube is then inserted in the structural part and bends as pressure is applied such that it can be fed into the part cavity, i.e. it conforms to the desired shape as it is inserted into the part.
In one aspect, the resin includes a blowing agent and glass microspheres. After the flexible member is in place in the part, the part is heated, for example after installation in a motor vehicle, to a temperature sufficient to activate the blowing agent and thermally expand the resin. As the resin expands it bonds to the inner walls of the part forming a tube-in-tube type structure with high strength characteristics.
In one aspect, the thermally expanded resin includes, in parts by weight, from about 40% to about 80% resin, from about 10% to about 50% microspheres, from about 0.5% to about 5% blowing agent, from about 1% to about 15% filler, from about 0.5% to about 2% accelerator and from about 1% to about 8% curing agent.
In still another aspect, the flexible member includes one or more stand-offs which space it from the inner walls of the structural part.
These and other aspects, features and objects of the invention will be more fully described in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a resin support tube used in the method of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevational view partly in section showing the position of the unexpanded resin on the resin support tube.
FIG. 3 illustrates another resin support tube with a covering of unexpanded resin.
FIG. 4 depicts a curved structural member in cross-section to reveal the resin support tube in position prior to expansion of the resin.
FIG. 5 depicts the curved structural member of FIG. 4 in cross-section, revealing the expanded resin forming an internal reinforcement.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a resin support tube having radial stand-offs for use in the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an end view of the support tube of FIG. 6 in the direction of arrow 7�7.
FIG. 8 depicts a curved structural member in cross-section, revealing the unexpanded resin and the placement of the stand-offs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, flexible member or tube 20 is shown which serves as a support for unexpanded resin sheath 22. Flexible member 20 is most preferably a hollow tube similar to that used as a conduit for electrical wiring 23. Various flexible conduits will be known to those skilled in the art. One particular preferred flexible conduit is a metallic spiral tube which can be flexed without metal deformation due to its spiral construction. Of course, it may not be necessary for tube 20 to be round in cross section and other configurations such as square or oval may be suitable. Where flexible member 20 is a hollow metal tube it will typically be formed of aluminum and will preferably have a wall thickness of from about 0.5 to about 1.2 mm. The diameter of tube 20 will vary depending upon the application, but will typically be from about 8 to about 40 mm and will typically have a length of from about 50 to about 800 and preferably 200 mm in most automotive applications. In some applications, tube 20 will be deformed beyond its elastic limit during placement in the structure to be reinforced. In addition, in some applications a more elastic tube or rod can be used which is essentially spring biased in position in the structural cavity. Although hollow tube 20 is most preferred, particularly since it provides a lightweight structure, solid rods may also be used. It may be desirable to use plastic rods or tubes, rather than metal, as tube 20 in some applications.
The length of tube 20 is a function of the distance to the site to be reinforced from the cavity opening. The length of tube 20 is greater than its diameter or width and in many applications tube 20 will be preferably at least 5 times or may be 20 times and often more than 100 times longer than its diameter in cross section. In many applications, tube 20 will have a length of from about 50 to about 200 mm. Also, in some applications, it may be desirable to cover substantially all of tube 20 a, shown as a spiral conduit in FIG. 3, with resin sheath 22 a. Resin sheath 22 in most applications will be a layer extending around the entire outer surface of tube 20 and will usually be of relatively uniform thickness, for example from about 2 to about 6 or to about 8 mm, in the unexpanded state. Resin sheath 22 can be prepared by die cutting a sheet of resin to the requisite geometry and the wrapping the pre-cut sheet around tube 20. Alternatively, the coating may be molded on the carrier, although it may be possible to use other forms of coating, such as by spraying or the like.
The polymer used to form resin sheath 22 is a resin based material which is preferably thermally expandable. A number of resin-based compositions can be utilized to form resin sheath 22 in the present invention. The preferred compositions impart excellent strength and stiffness characteristics while adding only marginally to the weight. With specific reference now to the composition of sheath 22, the density of the material should preferably be from about 20 pounds per cubic feet to about 50 pounds per cubic feet to minimize weight. The melting point, heat distortion temperature and the temperature at which chemical breakdown occurs must also be sufficiently high such that sheath 22 maintains its structure at high temperatures typically encountered in pain ovens and the like. Therefore, sheath 22 should be able to withstand temperatures in excess of 320 degrees F. and preferably 350 degrees F. for short times. Also, sheath 22 should be able to withstand heats of about 90 degrees F. to 200 degrees F. for extended periods without exhibiting substantial heat-induced distortion or degradation.
In more detail, in one particularly preferred embodiment the thermally expanded structural foam of sheath 22 includes a synthetic resin, a cell-forming agent, and a filler. A synthetic resin comprises from about 40 percent to about 80 percent by weight, preferably from about 45 percent to about 75 percent by weight, and most preferably from about 50 percent to about 70 percent by weight of sheath 22. Most preferably, a portion of the resin includes a flexible epoxy. As used herein, the term �cell-forming agent� refers generally to agents which produce bubbles, pores, or cavities in sheath 22. That is, sheath 22 has a cellular structure, having numerous cells disposed throughout its mass. This cellular structure provides a low-density, high-strength material, which provide a strong, yet lightweight structure. Cell-forming agents which are compatible with the present invention include reinforcing �hollow� microspheres or microbubbles which may be formed of either glass or plastic. Glass microspheres are particularly preferred. Also, the cell-forming agent may comprise a blowing agent which may be either a chemical blowing agent or a physical blowing agent. Where the cell-forming agent comprises microspheres or macrospheres, it constitutes from about 10 percent to about 50 percent by weight, preferably from about 15 percent to about 45 percent by weight, and most preferably from 20 percent to about 40 percent by weight of the material which forms sheath 22. Where the cell-forming agent comprises a blowing agent, it constitutes from about 0.5 percent to about 5.0 percent by weight, preferably from about 1 percent to about 4.0 percent by weight, and most preferably from about 1 percent to about 2 percent by weight of sheath 22. Suitable fillers include glass or plastic microspheres, fumed silica, calcium carbonate, milled glass fiber, and chopped glass strand. A thixotropic filler is particularly preferred. Other materials may be suitable. A filler comprises a from about 1 percent to about 15 percent by weight, preferably from about 2 percent to about 10 percent by weight and most preferably from about 3 percent to about 8 percent y weight of sheath 22.
Preferred synthetic resins for use in the present invention include thermosets such as epoxy resins, vinyl ester resins, thermoset polyester resins, and urethane resins. It is not intended that the scope of the present invention be limited by molecular weight of the resin and suitable weights will be understood by those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. Where the resin component of the liquid filler material is a thermoset resin, various accelerators, such as imidizoles and curing agents, preferably dicyandiamide may also be included to enhance the cure rate. A functional amount of accelerator is typically from about 0.5 percent to about 2.0 percent of the resin weight with corresponding reduction in one of the three components, resin, cell-forming agent or filler. Similarly, the amount of curing agent used is typically from about 1 percent to about 8 percent of the resin weight with a corresponding reduction in one of the three components, resin, cell-forming agent or filler. Effective amounts of processing aids, stabilizers, colorants, UV absorbers and the like may also be included in layer. Thermoplastics may also be suitable.
In the following table, a preferred formulation for sheath 22 is set forth. It has been found that this formulation provides a material which fully expands and cures at about 320 degrees F. and provides excellent structural properties. All percentages in the present disclosure are percent by weight unless otherwise specifically designated.
DI-CY (dicyandiamide curing agent)
IMIDIZOLE (accelerator)
CELOGEN AZ199 (azodicarbonamide blowing agent)
B38 MICROS (glass microspheres)
Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, structural part 24 is seen in cross section and defines cavity 26. For the purpose of illustration only, structural part 24 is shown here as a portion of an automotive roll bar. Other preferred applications are for use in reinforcing top A-pillar joints and seat frames. Structural part 24 has an arcuate or curved portion 28 which defines an arcuate portion 30 of cavity 26. Cavities similar to cavity 26, i.e. those which are difficult to access, are the focus of the present invention. Flexible tube 20 is shown in position in cavity 26 prior to thermal expansion of the resin. Tube 20 is bent to conform to the shape of cavity 26. This shaping operation is preferably performed in place. In other words, flexible tube 20, having resin sheath 22 positioned at a preselected location relative to the ends of tube 20, in inserted into cavity 26. As force is applied to tube 20 it moves farther through the passage. As it encounters resistance from the inner walls 32, flexible tube 20 bends, thereby �snaking� its way through cavity 26, including beyond arcuate portion 30. Alternatively, it may be possible in some applications to bend tube 20 to a conforming geometry prior to inserting it into cavity 26. Flexible tube 20 is inserted a distance sufficient to bring resin sheath 22 into position at arcuate portion 28. Once in position, outer end 34 or tube 20 is clamped into position relative to tube 20 with a clamp (not shown) or otherwise fixed in position, if required.
The cavity 26 is of non-straight linear geometry which could be more complicated than having simply one bend with its arcuate portion such as illustrated in FIG. 4. Where there are multiple bends or irregularities a resin sheath 22 could be provided for some or all of these irregularities, this could be done by providing individual spaced resin sections or by providing one or more continuous resin sections which are located at two or more bends.
Referring now to FIG. 5 of the drawings, resin 22 is shown in the expanded state. That is, once tube 20 and resin 22 are in position in structural part 24, the resin is expanded by heating the entire assembly to a temperature which activates the blowing agent to expand and cure resin sheath 22. In automotive applications that is typically achieved as the vehicle moves through the paint oven. Resin 22 expands to several times its original volume, preferably at least twice its original volume. The expanded resin contacts and bonds firmly to surrounding walls 32 of structural part 24. It also cures to form a rigid reinforcement in part 24. In this manner, a minimum amount of resin is used at the precise location where reinforcement is required.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings, tube 20 is provided with radical stand-off assembly 36 which has legs 38, typically two to four in number. As seen in FIG. 8, stand-off assembly 36 serves the function of generally centering tube 20 in structural part 24. It may be preferable to make legs 38 somewhat resilient, i.e. it may be desirable to allow legs 38 to flex inwardly as tube 20 is inserted into cavity 26.
While the invention has been described primarily in connection with automotive or vehicle parts, it is to be understood that the invention may be practiced as part of other products, such as aircrafts, ships, bicycles or virtually anything that requires energy for movement. Similarly, the invention may be used with stationary or static structures, such as buildings, to provide a rigid support when subjected to vibration such as from an earthquake ro simply to provide a lightweight support for structures subjected to loads. Additionally, while the invention has been described primarily with respect to heat expandable foams and with respect to metal parts such as the structural part and the flexible member, other materials can be used. For example, the foam could be any suitable known expandable foam which is chemically activated into expansion and forms a rigid structural foam. The flexible member could be made of materials other than metal such as various plastics or polymeric materials or various wood type fibrous materials having sufficient rigidity to function as a back drop or support for the foam. Where a heat expandable foam is used the flexible member should be able to withstand the heat encountered during the heat curing. Where other types of foam materials are used, however, it is not necessary that the flexible member be able to withstand high temperatures. Instead, the basic requirement for the flexible member is that it have sufficient rigidity to function in its intended manner. It is also possible, for example, to use as the flexible member materials which in themselves be come rigid upon curing or further treatment. The invention may also be practiced where the structural part is made of materials other than metal. It is preferred, however, that materials be selected for the structural part and flexible member, as well as the foam, so that the thin unexpanded foam upon expansion forms a strong bond with the structural part and flexible member, so that a structural composition will result.
While particular embodiments of this invention are shown and described herein, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not be limited thereto since many modifications may be made, particularly by those skilled in this art, in light of this disclosure. It is contemplated, therefore, by the appended claims, to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS1993307 *Aug 7, 1933Mar 5, 1935Nicholson Mentor DTest plugUS3123170Nov 16, 1960Mar 3, 1964 Radiator with resilient mountingUS3493257Mar 22, 1967Feb 3, 1970Gen Motors CorpResilient microcellular foam bumperUS4090734Sep 24, 1976May 23, 1978Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.Reinforcement member for an automobile doorUS4186162Apr 14, 1978Jan 29, 1980Daley Thomas GMethod of making a platen coreUS4238540May 29, 1979Dec 9, 1980Celanese CorporationFiber reinforced composite shaft with metallic connector sleeves mounted by connector ring interlockUS4397490May 4, 1981Aug 9, 1983Ford Motor CompanyLow profile bumperUS4436120 *Jun 15, 1982Mar 13, 1984Compagnie Francaise Des PetrolesInflatable internal pipe obturator with hardenable coreUS4484386 *Nov 1, 1982Nov 27, 1984Rovanco Corp.Method of field insulating pipe jointsUS4559274Apr 18, 1983Dec 17, 1985Ford Motor CompanyComposite components of sandwich constructionUS4610836Nov 23, 1984Sep 9, 1986General Motors CorporationAdhesively bonded macrospheresUS4640150 *Dec 14, 1984Feb 3, 1987Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Steering wheel with integrally-skinned foamed thermoplastic resin-covered handwheel core having flow mark-obscuring abrasion-resistant coatingUS4751249Dec 19, 1985Jun 14, 1988Mpa Diversified Products Inc.Reinforcement insert for a structural member and method of making and using the sameUS4783890 *Mar 27, 1986Nov 15, 1988FramatomeMethod of repairing a steam generator tube by means of liningUS4836516Apr 25, 1988Jun 6, 1989Essex Composite SystemsFilled tubular torsion bar and its method of manufactureUS4853270Jun 27, 1988Aug 1, 1989Essex Specialty Products, Inc.Knee blocker for automotive applicationUS4861097Sep 18, 1987Aug 29, 1989Essex Composite SystemsLightweight composite automotive door beam and method of manufacturing sameUS4901500Dec 12, 1988Feb 20, 1990Essex Composite SystemsLightweight composite beamUS4908930Dec 12, 1988Mar 20, 1990Essex Composite SystemsMethod of making a torsion barUS4922596Dec 12, 1988May 8, 1990Essex Composite SystemsMethod of manufacturing a lightweight composite automotive door beamUS4923902Mar 10, 1988May 8, 1990Essex Composite SystemsProcess and compositions for reinforcing structural membersUS4936004 *Mar 15, 1989Jun 26, 1990Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas SystemApparatus for insertion of an object into a close clearance holeUS4978562Feb 5, 1990Dec 18, 1990Mpa Diversified Products, Inc.Composite tubular door beam reinforced with a syntactic foam core localized at the mid-span of the tubeUS4995545Dec 12, 1988Feb 26, 1991Essex Composite SystemsThermosetting resin heat expansable microsphere and filter; curing, crosslinking; hollow structuresUS5040283 *Jul 31, 1989Aug 20, 1991Shell Oil CompanyMethod for placing a body of shape memory metal within a tubeUS5122398Nov 26, 1990Jun 16, 1992Basf AktiengesellschaftRecyclable bumper systemUS5124186Aug 14, 1990Jun 23, 1992Mpa Diversified Products Co.Composite tubular door beam reinforced with a reacted core localized at the mid-span of the tubeUS5194199Feb 7, 1992Mar 16, 1993Volkswagen AgMethod of producing a beam-like structural part having a core of light-weight materialUS5199463 *Apr 5, 1991Apr 6, 1993Subterra LimitedMethod for remotely lining conduitsUS5242637 *Mar 31, 1992Sep 7, 1993Teijin LimitedProcess for the production of composite molded articlesUS5255487Aug 13, 1991Oct 26, 1993Mannesmann AktiengesellschaftDoor reinforcement tubeUS5474721 *Apr 12, 1994Dec 12, 1995Stevens; Robert B.Method of forming an expanded compositeUS5575526 *May 19, 1994Nov 19, 1996Novamax Technologies, Inc.Composite laminate beam for radiator supportUS5665295 *Aug 3, 1995Sep 9, 1997Teijin LimitedProcess for the production of composite molded articleUS5884960 *Nov 15, 1996Mar 23, 1999Henkel CorporationIncreased compression resistance at minimal cost and weight; high strengthUS5885494 *May 7, 1997Mar 23, 1999E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And CompanyMethod of forming foamed fluoropolymer compositesUSRE30802 *Feb 22, 1979Nov 24, 1981Combustion Engineering, Inc.Method of securing a sleeve within a tubeUSRE34978 *Jan 21, 1993Jun 27, 1995Opti-Com Manufacturing Network IncorporatedAssembly for connecting multi-duct conduitsDE2919049A1May 11, 1979Nov 20, 1980Zahnradfabrik FriedrichshafenVentileinrichtung zur servosteuerung von fahrzeugenDE4203460A1Feb 7, 1992Aug 27, 1992Volkswagen AgProdn. of impact-absorbing beam for e.g. car - by placing lightweight core with foaming cover in metal sections, welding them, and hot dip coating to foam up cover, and fill remaining spacesDE9011147U1Jul 28, 1990Oct 31, 1990Ascher, Peter, 4100 Duisburg, DeTitle not availableDE9320333U1May 10, 1993Jul 28, 1994Austria MetallGebogenes HohlprofilteilEP0061131A2Mar 16, 1982Sep 29, 1982Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Reinforcing member and reinforced panel comprising itEP0414302A1Aug 8, 1990Feb 27, 1991Polyplastic B.V.Vehicle, in particular caravan or camperEP0453777A2Mar 22, 1991Oct 30, 1991Orbseal, Inc.Cavity sealing arrangement and methodGB628868A Title not availableGB2061196A Title not availableGB2197267A Title not availableJP5389920A Title not availableJPH02206537A Title not availableJPS6469308A Title not availableJPS6469309A Title not availableWO1989006595A1Jan 14, 1988Jul 27, 1989Seikisui Chemical Co LtdA method for the production of composite pipesWO1993005103A1Sep 3, 1992Mar 18, 1993Terence Allan RussellStrengthening structures* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6419305Sep 29, 2000Jul 16, 2002L&L Products, Inc.Automotive pillar reinforcement systemUS6471285 *Sep 29, 2000Oct 29, 2002L&L Products, Inc.Hydroform structural reinforcement systemUS6494525 *Sep 15, 2000Dec 17, 2002Sika CorporationSide impact reinforcementUS6502821May 16, 2001Jan 7, 2003L&L Products, Inc.Automotive body panel damping systemUS6516913 *Nov 28, 2000Feb 11, 2003Benteler AgAxle support for motor vehiclesUS6547894Nov 30, 2001Apr 15, 2003James B. SmithMethod of forming a stabilizer barUS6585202Jan 5, 2001Jul 1, 2003Daimlerchrysler CorporationMulti-tiered carrier structure for a motor vehicleUS6634698May 16, 2001Oct 21, 2003L&L Products, Inc.Vibrational reduction system for automotive vehiclesUS6668457 *Dec 10, 1999Dec 30, 2003L&L Products, Inc.Heat-activated structural foam reinforced hydroformUS6729425Oct 10, 2001May 4, 2004L&L Products, Inc.Adjustable reinforced structural assembly and method of use thereforUS6742795 *Oct 30, 2002Jun 1, 2004Hsin Lung Accessories Co., Ltd.Handlebar for two wheeled vehicleUS6777049 *Nov 8, 2001Aug 17, 2004L&L Products, Inc.Structural foamUS6786533Sep 6, 2002Sep 7, 2004L&L Products, Inc.Structural reinforcement system having modular segmented characteristicsUS6793256Dec 12, 2002Sep 21, 2004Jsp Licenses, Inc.Vehicle bumper energy absorber system and methodUS6793274Nov 13, 2002Sep 21, 2004L&L Products, Inc.Automotive rail/frame energy management systemUS6817478 *Dec 14, 2001Nov 16, 2004Frank Venegas, Jr.Modular office furnitureUS6855652Aug 24, 2001Feb 15, 2005L&L Products, Inc.Structurally reinforced panelsUS6869091 *Nov 7, 2000Mar 22, 2005Meritor Suspension Systems CompanyMethod for enhancing the physical characteristics of a suspension componentUS6883858Aug 21, 2003Apr 26, 2005L & L Products, Inc.Structural reinforcement member and method of use thereforUS6887060 *Jun 25, 2002May 3, 2005Iida Industry Co., Ltd.Void filling deviceUS6890021May 5, 2004May 10, 2005L & L ProductsStructural reinforcement system having modular segmented characteristicsUS6896320Jan 15, 2003May 24, 2005Dow Global Technologies Inc.Reinforced structural bodyUS6905745Jun 16, 2004Jun 14, 2005L & L Products Inc.Structural foamUS6920693Jul 10, 2003Jul 26, 2005L&L Products, Inc.Dynamic self-adjusting assembly for sealing, baffling or structural reinforcementUS6923499Jul 28, 2003Aug 2, 2005L & L ProductsMultiple material assembly for noise reductionUS6932421Oct 6, 2004Aug 23, 2005L & L Products, Inc.Structural reinforcement member and method of use thereforUS6941719Nov 8, 2001Sep 13, 2005L&L Products, Inc.hollow member is reinforced with an expandable adhesive material and ribsUS6953219Dec 19, 2003Oct 11, 2005L&L Products, Inc.Reinforcing membersUS6969551Apr 1, 2003Nov 29, 2005L & L Products, Inc.Method and assembly for fastening and reinforcing a structural memberUS7004536Jun 26, 2003Feb 28, 2006L&L Products, Inc.Attachment system and method of forming sameUS7010950Jan 17, 2003Mar 14, 2006Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Suspension component having localized material strengtheningUS7025409Aug 25, 2004Apr 11, 2006L & L Products, Inc.Automotive rail/frame energy management systemUS7041193Oct 14, 2003May 9, 2006L & L Products, Inc.Positioning adhesive; curing; structural beamsUS7041355Nov 29, 2001May 9, 2006Dow Global Technologies Inc.Structural reinforcement parts for automotive assemblyUS7077460Apr 25, 2003Jul 18, 2006L&L Products, Inc.Reinforcement system utilizing a hollow carrierUS7084210Dec 17, 2003Aug 1, 2006Dow Global Technologies Inc.Vehicular reinforcement; polymethyl methacrylate viscosity enhancing agent; small voids and high Young's modulusUS7097794Apr 15, 2003Aug 29, 2006Dow Global Technologies, Inc.Vehicular structural members and method of making the membersUS7105112Oct 16, 2003Sep 12, 2006L&L Products, Inc.Lightweight member for reinforcing, sealing or bafflingUS7111899Apr 12, 2004Sep 26, 2006L & L Products, Inc.Structural reinforcement member and method of use thereforUS7114763May 17, 2004Oct 3, 2006L & L Products, Inc.Automotive rail/frame energy management systemUS7144071May 6, 2003Dec 5, 2006L&L Products, Inc.Multi segment partsUS7160491May 24, 2005Jan 9, 2007L&L Products, Inc.Structural reinforcement system for automotive vehiclesUS7169344Apr 26, 2002Jan 30, 2007L&L Products, Inc.Method of reinforcing at least a portion of a structureUS7249415Jun 22, 2004Jul 31, 2007Zephyros, Inc.Method of forming members for sealing or bafflingUS7250124Mar 5, 2004Jul 31, 2007Dow Global Technologies Inc.Structural reinforcement article and process for preparation thereofUS7255388May 6, 2004Aug 14, 2007Zephyros, Inc.Reinforcing membersUS7290828Jun 2, 2005Nov 6, 2007Zephyros, Inc.Baffle systemUS7296847Jun 1, 2006Nov 20, 2007Zephyros, Inc.Reinforcement system utilizing a hollow carrierUS7313865Nov 13, 2003Jan 1, 2008Zephyros, Inc.Process of forming a baffling, sealing or reinforcement member with thermoset carrier memberUS7318873Jan 7, 2003Jan 15, 2008Zephyros, Inc.Structurally reinforced membersUS7374219Sep 16, 2005May 20, 2008Zephyros, Inc.Structural reinforcement member and method of use thereforUS7478478Aug 8, 2005Jan 20, 2009Zephyros, Inc.Method of providing reinforcing membersUS7479246Jun 14, 2005Jan 20, 2009Zephyros, Inc.OvermouldingUS7503620May 5, 2006Mar 17, 2009Zephyros, Inc.Structural reinforcement member and method of use thereforUS7627976Dec 31, 2007Dec 8, 2009Wilsons Gunshop, IncFiber optic sight for firearms with nighttime capabilitiesUS7695040Feb 29, 2008Apr 13, 2010Zephyros, Inc.Structural reinforcement member and method of use thereforUS7713372Sep 15, 2009May 11, 2010Wycech Joseph SMethod for forming a tangible item and a tangible item which is made by a method which allows the created tangible item to efficiently absorb energyUS7774925Oct 19, 2006Aug 17, 2010Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc.Method for in-situ foaming of metal foam in hollow structureUS7784185 *Jan 9, 2006Aug 31, 2010Murray Scott LFoam wheel cladding processUS7784186Jul 25, 2005Aug 31, 2010Zephyros, Inc.Method of forming a fastenable member for sealing, baffling or reinforcingUS7790280Jun 15, 2005Sep 7, 2010Zephyros, Inc.Structural reinforcementUS7838100Apr 18, 2006Nov 23, 2010Dow Global Technologies Inc.Vehicular structural members and method of making the membersUS7926179Aug 1, 2006Apr 19, 2011Zephyros, Inc.Reinforcements, baffles and seals with malleable carriersUS7926867Dec 5, 2007Apr 19, 2011Henkel Ag & Co., KgaaReinforcing componentUS8079146Jun 25, 2010Dec 20, 2011Zephyros, Inc.Reinforcements, baffles and seals with malleable carriersUS8128780Nov 14, 2007Mar 6, 2012Zephyros, Inc.Reinforcement system utilizing a hollow carrierUS8381403Nov 15, 2007Feb 26, 2013Zephyros, Inc.Baffle for an automotive vehicle and method of use thereforUS8430448 *Nov 6, 2009Apr 30, 2013Zephyros, Inc.Hybrid reinforcement structureUS8434826 *Jul 14, 2008May 7, 2013Johnson Controls Technology CompanyStructure for a vehicle seatUS8475694Oct 19, 2006Jul 2, 2013Zephyros, Inc.Shaped expandable materialUS8530015Jan 11, 2007Sep 10, 2013Zephyros, Inc.Reinforcement of hollow profilesUS8580058Nov 21, 2007Nov 12, 2013Zephyros, Inc.Structurally reinforced membersUS8763254Nov 17, 2011Jul 1, 2014Zephyros, Inc.Reinforcements, baffles and seals with malleable carriersUS8771564Jun 13, 2013Jul 8, 2014Zephyros, Inc.Shaped expandable materialUS8807654 *Jun 24, 2008Aug 19, 2014Johnson Controls Technology CompanyStructure for a vehicle seatUS20100276979 *Jul 14, 2008Nov 4, 2010Johnson Control Technology CompanyStructure for a vehicle seatUS20110006581 *Jun 24, 2008Jan 13, 2011Johnson Control Technology CompanyStructure for a vehicle seatCN102498004BSep 13, 2010Aug 6, 2014雷诺股份公司用于机动车辆的后桥的封闭轮廓的横梁构件DE102010006335A1 *Jan 30, 2010Aug 4, 2011WESTFALIA-Automotive GmbH, 33378Tragbauteil einer Anh�ngekupplung oder eines Lastentr�gersEP1925417A1 *Nov 23, 2007May 28, 2008Basf SeMethod for manufacturing composite profilesWO2002022387A1 *Sep 14, 2001Mar 21, 2002Blank Norman ESide impact reinforcementWO2002049836A1 *Nov 16, 2001Jun 27, 2002Bruce Lee HarrisonStorage-stable foamable compositionsWO2005028580A2 *Jul 29, 2004Mar 31, 2005Nu Chem IncWaterborne coatings and foams and methods of forming themWO2009012917A2 *Jul 16, 2008Jan 29, 2009Zephyros IncImprovements in or relating to seatingWO2011033213A1 *Sep 13, 2010Mar 24, 2011Renault S.A.S.Closed profile crossmember for rear axle of motor vehicleWO2014011413A2 *Jun 28, 2013Jan 16, 20143M Innovative Properties CompanyFoamable article* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification29/897.1, 29/897.35, 29/402.09, 29/402.18, 52/309.14, 29/530, 52/309.15, 52/835, 29/897.2International ClassificationB29C44/12, B29L31/30, B32B5/20, B29K63/00, B29K509/08, B29K105/04, C08J9/32, B29C67/02, B60N2/68, B62D29/00, B60R21/13Cooperative ClassificationB60N2/682, B29C44/1242, B62D29/002, B60R21/13European ClassificationB62D29/00A1, B60R21/13, B60N2/68J, B29C44/12G4Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJul 19, 2005FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20050522May 23, 2005LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesDec 8, 2004REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedJun 1, 2004CCCertificate of correctionAug 25, 1998ASAssignmentOwner name: HENKEL CORPORATION, PENNSYLVANIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WYCECH, JOSEPH;REEL/FRAME:009412/0382Effective date: 19980818RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google