Abstract: A vehicle trailer hitch including an aluminum tubular U-shaped strut and a cast aluminum receiver mounted thereto. Ends of the strut tube are flatted to form integral planar mounting flanges for mounting the hitch to a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer hitch including an aluminum tubular U-shaped strut and a cast aluminum receiver mounted thereto. Ends of the strut tube are flatted to form integral planar mounting flanges for mounting the hitch to a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer hitch including an aluminum tubular U-shaped strut and a cast aluminum receiver mounted thereto. Ends of the strut tube are flatted to form integral planar mounting flanges for mounting the hitch to a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer hitch including an aluminum tubular U-shaped strut and a cast aluminum receiver mounted thereto. Ends of the strut tube are flatted to form integral planar mounting flanges for mounting the hitch to a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer hitch including an aluminum tubular U-shaped strut and a cast aluminum receiver mounted thereto. Ends of the strut tube are flatted to form integral planar mounting flanges for mounting the hitch to a vehicle.

Abstract: A process for stretch forming hollow metal bodies, such as aluminum alloy extrusions. The extrusions are stretched longitudinally, bent transversely of the pulling direction, and then subjected to pressure from an incompressible fluid in a hollow interior. In a preferred embodiment, the incompressible fluid is water at a pressure sufficient to deform at least part of the extrusion outwardly of its hollow interior. The incompressible fluid reduces dimensional distortions in the shaped product.

Abstract: A hollow metal body is shaped by a process including simultaneous stretching and bending. The body is stretched longitudinally by pulling end portions in opposite directions with sufficient force to exceed an elastic limit and to initiate elongation through plastic deformation. While the body is being stretched longitudinally, it is bent between its end portions transversely of the direction of pulling. Solid polymeric first and second mandrels are inserted into end portions of the body to prevent collapse during bending.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and methods for the stretch forming of an elongated hollow metal section, such as an aluminum extrusion. The apparatus and methods use a flexible constraining means which surrounds at least a portion of the outer periphery of the elongated hollow metal section to constrain and support the walls of the elongated hollow metal section against the forces produced within the interior of the hollow metal section during the reshaping of the extrusion by the stretch forming operation. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein resist wrinkles, crimps and bulges being formed in the walls of the elongated hollow metal section during the stretch forming and reshaping thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and a method for the stretch forming of an elongated hollow metal section, such as an aluminum extrusion. The apparatus and method uses one or more constraining means secured to the forming die and a die extension to constrain and support the walls of the elongated hollow metal section against the forces produced by air pressure within the interior of the hollow metal section. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein prevent the formation of wrinkles, crimps and bulges in the walls of the elongated hollow metal section during the stretch forming and reshaping thereof.

Abstract: A tool device for supporting one or more walls of an elongated hollow member located in a recess of a die for bending said member over a surface of the die while said member is in a stretched condition. The tool device comprises a plurality of segments held together in a snake-like arrangement by at least one cable extending through the segments. Opposed ends of the cable are provided with means for connecting the cable to opposed clamp assemblies of stretch bend apparatus.

Abstract: A novel and improved method of deforming elongated hollow members so as to maintain uniform cross-sectional profile, uniform section thickness reduction, and minimal springback characteristics which includes superimposing in the forming process an internal fluid pressure support for the hollow member which imposes a circumferential tension thereon, a longitudinal tension which plastically elongates the member, and a transverse bending load which plastically bends the member.