David H Slaughter

US Patent:

6931904, Aug 23, 2005

Filed:

Oct 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/694631

Inventors:

Darrin F. Jones - Alliance OH, US
John A. Pale - Troy MI, US
David J. Slaughter - Warren OH, US

Assignee:

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B21J013/00

US Classification:

723554, 72267, 72359, 7237003, 298972

Abstract:

A method of forging a trailer receiver tube by providing a die having an inner surface defining a first portion and a second portion. Providing a hollow tube having an outer surface. Providing a punch having a body and a shaft extending therefrom sized to fit within the hollow tube. Loading the hollow tube within the first portion of the die. Inserting the punch into the hollow tube such that the body abuts an end of the hollow tube and the shaft extends therethrough. Advancing the punch and the hollow tube through the die such that a portion of the hollow tube is extruded into the second portion of the die and the outer surface of the hollow tube conforms to the inner surface of the die to thereby form the trailer receiver tube.