Method for Reinforcing a Tubular Beam with a Sleeve

Abstract

A method of reinforcing a hollow beam by inserting a sleeve that is held in place by a tang that is placed on a supporting portion of a first or second opening formed in the beam. A fastener is inserted inside the sleeve. A component is attached to the beam by inserting a fastener through the sleeve. An insertion tool may be used to insert the sleeve into the beam.

1 . A reinforcement sleeve for attaching a part to a beam, the beam having a wall that defines a hollow area into which the reinforcement sleeve may be assembled between a first opening and a second opening in the wall, the reinforcement sleeve comprising:
 a sleeve portion inserted between the first and second openings; and   a first hanger portion attached to the sleeve portion that engages the wall of the beam to hold a first end of the sleeve in alignment with the first opening and a second hanger portion attached to the sleeve portion that engages the wall of the beam to hold a second end of the sleeve in alignment with the second opening.   
     
     
         2 . The reinforcement sleeve of  claim 1  wherein the wall has a first receptacle adjacent the first opening that receives the first hanger portion and a second receptacle adjacent the second opening that receives the second hanger portion. 
     
     
         3 . The reinforcement sleeve of  claim 2  wherein the first receptacle is formed by an insertion opening through which the reinforcement sleeve is inserted into the beam and the second receptacle is formed by a shoulder opening adjacent to the second opening. 
     
     
         4 . The reinforcement sleeve of  claim 2  wherein the first hanger portion is attached to the sleeve portion proximate a first end of the sleeve portion and wherein the second hanger portion is attached to the sleeve portion proximate a second end of the reinforcement sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . The reinforcement sleeve of  claim 1  further comprising a projection attached to the sleeve portion, the projection engaging an outer portion of the wall to prevent the sleeve portion from falling into the hollow area when the reinforcement sleeve is assembled between the first and second openings in the wall.