Flattened U-bolt and method
US6852181B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S72/70
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for cold forming a flattened, end-threaded rod into a U-bolt answers the need for high-strength steel rods that can be bent into flattened U-bolts by spring and suspension repair facilities or the like. By controlling the amount of work put into the end-threaded flattened rod during bending, it is possible to manufacture a flattened, end-threaded rod from a high-strength steel that can be successfully cold bent into a U-bolt. The amount or degree of flattening and the radius of the U-bolt are variables which applicant controls to successfully cold bend a high-strength steel flattened rod into a U-bolt. Therefore, the spring and suspension repair facility avoids the need to heat the flattened rods for warm forming and, instead, can maintain an inventory of end-threaded and flattened rods for cold forming into flattened U-bolt comply with OEM designs when modifying or repairing vehicles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.