Structural reinforcement member and method of use therefor

• US 20060061115A1
• Filed: 09/16/2005
• Published: 03/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
• Original Assignee: L&L Products Inc.
• Inventors: Brennecke, Eric
• Granted Patent: US 7,374,219 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 296/30
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 29/002 a foamable synthetic material or metal being added in situ shaping of substances in a plastic state by foaming, in general B29C44/00

Abstract

There is disclosed a reinforcement member with a carrier member and a reinforcement material disposed on the carrier member.

Claims

1. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle, comprising:

(a) an automotive vehicle having a structure defined by one or more components that at least partially define an underbody of the vehicle;

(b) a reinforcement member that includes a carrier member and a reinforcement material disposed upon the carrier member wherein the reinforcement material is adhered to the carrier member and the one or more components.

2. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 1 wherein the transportation vehicle is a convertible.

3. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 2 wherein the convertible is without a roof.

4. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 2 wherein the convertible includes a roof configured for removal or assembly to the vehicle with mechanical fasteners.

5. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 2 wherein the convertible includes a roof that is adjustable from a position overlaying a passenger compartment of the vehicle to a position not overlaying the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

6. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 1 wherein the reinforcement member spans at least partially adjacent the underbody of the automotive vehicle in a lateral direction relative to the vehicle.

7. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 2 wherein the reinforcement material is a thermoset foam material and the carrier member is formed of a thermoplastic material.

8. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 2 wherein the reinforcement member is located within a cavity defined by the one or more components and wherein the one or more components include a frame rail, a trunk compartment or both.

9. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 2 wherein the reinforcement member includes one or more mechanical fasteners for at least temporarily holding the reinforcement member in place.

10. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 2 wherein the reinforcement member is composed of a first member for one side of the vehicle and a second member for a second side of the vehicle.

11. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 2 wherein the reinforcement member extends substantially entirely laterally across the vehicle.

12. A structurally reinforcement transportation vehicle, comprising:

(a) an automotive vehicle having a structure defined by one or more components that at least partially define an underbody of the vehicle;

(b) a reinforcement member that includes a carrier member and a reinforcement material disposed upon the carrier member wherein the reinforcement material is adhered to the carrier member and the one or more components and wherein the reinforcement member spans at least partially adjacent the underbody of the automotive vehicle in a lateral direction relative to the vehicle;

wherein the automotive vehicle is a convertible that includes a roof that is adjustable from a position overlaying a passenger compartment of the vehicle to a position not overlaying the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and

wherein the reinforcement material includes a thermoset foam material and the carrier member is formed of a material that at least includes a thermoplastic and has a plurality of ribs.

13. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 12 wherein the carrier member includes an outer peripheral strip and the plurality of ribs include internal intersecting ribs.

14. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 13 wherein the reinforcement material is adhered to an outwardly facing surface of the peripheral strip.

15. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 12 wherein the reinforcement member is located within a cavity defined by the one or more components and wherein the one or more components include a frame rail and a trunk compartment.

16. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 12 wherein the carrier member includes one or more flanges.

17. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 12 wherein the reinforcement member is composed of a first member for one side of the vehicle and a second member for a second side of the vehicle.

18. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 12 wherein the reinforcement member extends substantially entirely laterally across the vehicle.

19. A structurally reinforcement transportation vehicle, comprising:

(a) an automotive vehicle having a structure defined by one or more components that at least partially define an underbody of the vehicle;

(b) a reinforcement member comprised of first member and second member, both the first and second members including a carrier member and a reinforcement material disposed upon the carrier member wherein the reinforcement material is adhered to the carrier member and the one or more components and wherein the reinforcement member spans substantially entirely adjacent the underbody of the automotive vehicle in a lateral direction relative to the vehicle;

wherein the automotive vehicle is a convertible that includes a roof that is adjustable from a position overlaying a passenger compartment of the vehicle to a position not overlaying the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and

wherein the reinforcement material includes a thermoset foam material and each carrier member is formed of a material that at least includes a thermoplastic and has a plurality of ribs.

20. A structurally reinforced transportation vehicle as in claim 19 wherein the reinforcement member is located within a cavity defined by the one or more components and wherein the one or more components include a frame rail and a trunk compartment.