Patent ID: 6969551

Claim:
A reinforced structural assembly, comprising: a structural member including a first portion and a second portion defining a cavity therebetween; a fastener attached to the structural member, the fastener including a first member and a second member wherein the fastening of the first member of the fastener to the second member of the fastener provides a force urging the first portion of the structural member toward the second portion of the structural member across the cavity; a reinforcement material disposed in the cavity wherein the reinforcement material is activatable to expand and adhere to adjoining surfaces; and one or more spacers that maintain the first portion of the structural member spaced apart from the second portion of the structural member at a predetermined distance thereby assisting in supporting the first portion of the structural member and second portion of the structural member against the force provided by the fastener wherein loss of such support would otherwise lessen the ability of the fastener to remain attached to the structural member during activation and expansion of the reinforcement material.