Tab-and-slot frame members with a stringer
View Patent ↗A frame may comprise a plurality of interlocking tab-and-slot frame members forming a three-dimensional structure. A removable stringer may be designed into one or more of the interlocking tab-and-slot frame members. The stringers may be removed after positioning and welding of tab-and slot frame members together. Notches may also be designed into and formed as additional features of a tab-and-slot frame member. Notches may serve as a guide for bending tab-and-slot frame members and in the creation of tabs and/or slots of the tab-and-slot frame members.
1. A frame comprising:
a first tab-and-slot-frame member with at least one removable stringer;
a second tab-and-slot frame member; and
a body portion of the frame comprising welds between the first tab-and-slot frame member to the second tab-and-slot member and the second tab-and-slot member, wherein the at least one removable stringer is removable after the two tab-and-slot sections are welded, and wherein the at least one removable stringer serves to hold in position the first tab-and-slot frame member when the two tab-and-slot sections are welded.
2. The frame of claim 1 , wherein when the at least one removable stringer is removed before accessory components are attached to the frame.
3. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the at least one removable stringer is removed before accessory components are attached to the frame.
4. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the at least one removable stringer is more than 10 times longer in length than a material thickness of the first tab-and-slot frame member.
5. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the frame is at least a portion of a vehicle frame.
6. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the at least one removable stringer is integrally formed between two sections of the first tab-and-slot frame member.
7. The frame of claim 6 , wherein the at least one removable stringer is removed, two tab-and-slot sections of the first tab-and-slot frame member are disconnected from each other.
8. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the first tab-and-slot frame member and the second tab-and-slot frame member are made from generally flat sheets of metal which are laser cut or stamped on a press.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one removable stringer prevents warping of the first tab-and-slot frame member as the first and second tab-and-slot members are welded together.