The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 18, 2003
Filed:
Aug. 29, 2000
Richard A. Marando, Mohrsville, PA (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
A method for forming a closed channel structural member having a central portion that is enlarged relative to the end portions thereof is disclosed. Initially, first and second tubes are formed in respective hydroforming dies to have desired shapes that are preferably characterized by a relatively large diameter first end portions and relatively small diameter second end portions. Each of the two tubes is then oriented such that the relatively large diameter first end portions are disposed adjacent to one another. Lastly, the relatively large diameter first end portions are joined together in any conventional manner, such as by butt welding, to form a unitary member characterized by a relatively large diameter central portion extending between a pair of relatively small diameter end portions. The unitary member can be used as a component, such as a side rail, of a vehicle body and frame assembly.