Sika Technology Ag

Taylor S Robertson

Michael C Niezur

Raymond D Helferty

Robert Davis

A reinforcing element for reinforcing a structural element in a motor vehicle, the reinforcing element including: a carrier; an expandable material, the expandable material being arranged at least partially on the carrier; at least two fixation elements that are connected with the carrier, the fixation elements each including a circular metallic tab with an essentially flat central section adapted for welding, and the fixation elements being arranged in such a way that the reinforcing element is fixable to the structural element with a weld connection between the tabs and the structural element; wherein the circular metallic tabs are enclosed by material of the carrier; and wherein the fixation elements are arranged in a peripheral area of the carrier.

Reinforcing element for reinforcing a structural element

Exemplary baffles for inhibiting noise transmission through a pillar structure, and exemplary methods of making the same, are disclosed. An exemplary baffle may include a body configured to be secured in a cavity, the body defining a passage for selectively receiving a line extending through the body. The baffle may further include an expandable material extending substantially about a perimeter of the passage. The expandable material may be configured to expand to seal the cavity about the body. The body may include a flap configured to open to allow the line to extend through the passage. The body may further include a biasing element urging the flap toward a closed position, substantially obstructing the passageway.

Baffle with self-closing flap assembly

Some embodiments comprise an integrated reinforcing crossmember having a carrier with an expansible material adhered to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the carrier. The carrier is comprised of a center section and two end sections, each section comprised of external lateral walls and internal ribs joined by cross walls and horizontal connecting walls. The crossmember is inserted into a cavity of a corresponding structural member, and the expansible material is activated and expands, securing the crossmember in place within the cavity.

Integrated reinforcing crossmember

Reinforcement components for structural members are disclosed. The reinforcement components have expansible reinforcement material that adheres to and reinforces structural members following activation. Methods of reinforcing are disclosed. Reinforced structural members are described.

Growing community of inventors

Oxford, MI, United States of America

Taylor S Robertson