Method for producing a bumper exhibiting a crushed profile

Abstract

A method for forming a beam exhibiting non-parallel opposing surfaces including the steps of unreeling, in sheet form, a selected running length of a roll material and forming the steel roll into a generally three-dimensional and tubular shape exhibiting a closed cross section. Additional steps include heating the tubular shaped material inwardly displacing at least one of first and second opposing surfaces associated with the tubular shaped material, relative to one another, and concurrent with imparting an overall arcuate shape to the material.

1 . A method for forming a beam exhibiting non-parallel opposing surfaces, said method comprising the steps of: 
 unreeling, in sheet form, a selected running length of a roll material;    forming said steel roll into a generally three-dimensional and tubular shape exhibiting a closed cross section;    heating said tubular shaped material; and    inwardly displacing at least one of first and second opposing surfaces associated with said tubular shaped material, relative to one another, and concurrent with imparting an overall arcuate shape to said material.    
     
     
         2 . The method as described in  claim 1 , said step of inwardly displacing further comprising the step of rearwardly displacing front surfaces of said beam, corresponding to first and second ends, and in a direction towards associated rear surfaces, thereby reducing a cross-sectional area associated with each of said first and second ends.  
     
     
         3 . The method as described in  claim 2 , further comprising the step of inwardly displaced mounting locations formed within said rear surface and proximate said first and second ends.  
     
     
         4 . The method as described in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of applying a combined forming and quenching operation, by which individually sectioned lengths of material are bent into an overall profile shape.  
     
     
         5 . The method as described in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of stamping a plurality of spaced apart and transverse extending beads along at least one of said front and rear facing surfaces.  
     
     
         6 . The method as described in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of forming a central planar section separating upper and lower three-dimensional and tubular shaped sections.  
     
     
         7 . The method as described in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of sectioning into individual lengths said unreeled roll material and subsequent to forming into said desired three-dimensional shape.