US 12,240,215 B2
Hybrid reinforcement structure
Henry E. Richardson, Washington, MI (US); Xuping Qian, Novi, MI (US); and Gary Hulett, Memphis, MI (US)
Assigned to ZEPHYROS, INC., Romeo, MI (US)
Filed by Zephyros, Inc., Romeo, MI (US)
Filed on Apr. 13, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/719,761.
Application 17/719,761 is a continuation of application No. 16/587,733, filed on Sep. 30, 2019, granted, now 11,331,877.
Application 16/587,733 is a continuation of application No. 15/727,237, filed on Oct. 6, 2017, granted, now 10,434,747, issued on Oct. 8, 2019.
Application 15/727,237 is a continuation of application No. 14/874,521, filed on Oct. 5, 2015, granted, now 9,782,950, issued on Oct. 10, 2017.
Application 14/874,521 is a continuation of application No. 14/269,262, filed on May 5, 2014, granted, now 9,150,001, issued on Oct. 6, 2015.
Application 14/269,262 is a continuation of application No. 13/866,448, filed on Apr. 19, 2013, granted, now 8,752,884, issued on Jun. 17, 2014.
Application 13/866,448 is a continuation of application No. 12/613,862, filed on Nov. 6, 2009, granted, now 8,430,448, issued on Apr. 30, 2013.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/112,331, filed on Nov. 7, 2008.
Prior Publication US 2022/0242091 A1, Aug. 4, 2022
Int. Cl. B62D 29/00 (2006.01); B29C 65/48 (2006.01); B32B 3/04 (2006.01); B32B 3/28 (2006.01); B32B 7/02 (2019.01); B32B 7/022 (2019.01); B32B 7/08 (2019.01); B32B 9/04 (2006.01); B32B 15/08 (2006.01)
CPC B32B 7/022 (2019.01) [B29C 65/4855 (2013.01); B32B 3/04 (2013.01); B32B 3/28 (2013.01); B32B 7/02 (2013.01); B32B 7/08 (2013.01); B32B 9/041 (2013.01); B32B 15/08 (2013.01); B62D 29/002 (2013.01); B32B 2305/08 (2013.01); B32B 2605/00 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A structural reinforcement for insertion into a cavity of an automotive vehicle, the structural reinforcement comprising:
i) an elongated base reinforcing portion having:
a) a longitudinal axis,
b) a network of ribs, and
c) notches formed in opposing walls of the elongated base reinforcing portion;
ii) an expandable polymeric material located at least partially on the elongated base reinforcing portion; and
iii) a localized reinforcement aligned generally parallel with the longitudinal axis and located within the notches of the elongated base reinforcing portion; and
wherein the ductility of the elongated base reinforcing portion is less than the ductility of the localized reinforcement.