Reinforcement device

• US 7,641,264 B2
• Filed: 10/05/2007
• Issued: 01/05/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sika Technology Ag (Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA)
• Original Assignee: Sika Technology Ag (Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA)
• Inventors: Robertson, Taylor S., Niezur, Michael C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel; Kiran B.
• Application Number:
  US11/867,982
• Publication Number:
  US 20090091157A1
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• Field of Search: 296/187.02, 296/204, 296/209, 296/187.03, 296/187.12, 296/146.6, 296/205, 296/30, 296/203.03, 293/109
• US Class Current: 296/187.02
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 25/00 Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for having impact absorbing means B62D21/15; running-boards, steps, or the like as superstructure sub-unit B60R3/00
• 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

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.

Claims

1. A reinforcement system, comprising:

a structural member having a first cavity with a longitudinal axis, a second cavity with a second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal axes being substantially parallel and the first and the second cavities being separated by a barrier with an opening therein, the opening joining the first and the second cavities;

a reinforcement component being insertable into the structural member through the opening, the reinforcement component having;

a first portion shaped to fit in the first cavity having a longitudinal axis;

a second portion shaped to fit in the second cavity, such that the second portion has a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first portion;

wherein, the first portion and the second portion are connected at a region that is insertable through the opening such that the first cavity and the second cavity become substantially separate and the opening becomes substantially closed upon insertion of the reinforcement component;

wherein, expansible reinforcement material is disposed on a section of at least one of the first portion or the second portion; and

wherein, upon exposure to heat, expansible reinforcement material is adherable to the structural member in at least the first cavity or the second cavity.

2. The reinforcement system of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed.

3. The reinforcement system of claim 1, wherein expansible reinforcement material is disposed on a section of the first portion and a section of the second portion, wherein upon exposure to heat, expansible reinforcement material is adherable to the structural member in the first cavity and expansible reinforcement material is adherable to the structural member in the second cavity.

4. The reinforcement system of claim 1, wherein expansible reinforcement material is disposed on a section of the first portion, and wherein upon exposure to heat, expansible reinforcement material is adherable to the structural member in the first cavity.

5. The reinforcement system of claim 1, wherein expansible reinforcement material is disposed on a section of the second portion, and wherein upon exposure to heat, expansible reinforcement material is adherable to the structural member in the second cavity.

6. The reinforcement system of claim 1, wherein an expansible baffle material is disposed on a top area of at least one of the first portion or the second portion.