Roof rail with integrally formed pinched flanges
US7543883B2 · kind B2 · utility
10Cited by
10References
12Claims
0Family size
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D27/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A support rail for a vehicle has an A-pillar portion and a roof rail portion. The roof rail and A-pillar are formed with a tubular body portion and longitudinally extending support flanges. The support flanges are formed by pinching the blank during the hydroforming process to provide a double thickness flange. A windshield support flange, roof support flange and door opening flange are formed to extend outwardly from the tubular body portion. Front and rear tube connectors include blind openings or notches to facilitate welding.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.