Multi-directionally swept beam, roll former, and method
US8307685B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB21D53/10
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A high-strength beam includes first and second sections bent in opposite directions as part of a roll-forming process. A frame includes side frame members incorporating the double-bent beam and at least one energy management tube attached to the beam. In one form, the beam is tubular and has a cross-sectional dimension of greater than 25 mm and a material strength of at least about 60 KSI tensile strength. A roll form apparatus includes a roll former device and a sweep station in-line with the roll former device for sweeping the continuous beam in first and second opposing directions. Also, a method of roll-forming comprises steps of: roll-forming a sheet of material into a continuous beam and sweeping first and second sections of the beam in opposite directions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.