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Apparatus and method for forming a tubular frame member

  • US 5,353,618 A
  • Filed: 08/23/1993
  • Issued: 10/11/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/24/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for forming a complex-shaped frame member from a cylindrical tube blank having first and second opposite ends, comprising:

  • a base;

    a die mounted upon said base and defining a pair of vertical parallel punch engaging surfaces and a horizontal upwardly facing lower stuffing ledge therebetween;

    a punch defining a pair of vertical parallel die engaging surfaces and a horizontal downwardly facing upper stuffing ledge therebetween, and wherein said punch is suspended above said die such that said die and punch engaging surfaces are constantly parallel and such that said upper and lower stuffing ledges are in constant vertical alignment along a path parallel to said punch and die engaging surfaces;

    wherein said punch has a retracted, non-engaging position above and away from said die;

    wherein said die is adapted to receive a tube blank upon its lower stuffing ledge when said punch is in the retracted position;

    wherein said punch has a fully extended position wherein said die engaging surfaces are in substantially complete mutually cooperating engagement with said punch engaging surfaces so as to surround a tube blank and wherein said upper and lower stuffing ledges together define the desired complex-shaped frame member configuration;

    wherein the apparatus further includes punch moving means for reciprocating said punch between said retracted position and said fully extended position.

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