Fastenerless internal support for hollow structures

摘要

A reinforced structural member having a tubular member and a support structure. The tubular member has a sidewall that defines a hollow interior portion. The support structure is formed from a composite material and bonded to the sidewall in at least two predetermined locations. The support structure is positioned within the tubular member and configured to transmit force between the predetermined locations so as to prevent the tubular member from being crushed in response to the application of a force of a predetermined magnitude to the tubular member. A method for forming a reinforced structural member is also provided.