METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING A VARIABLE THICKNESS SIDE RAIL

摘要

Method and apparatus for providing a C-shaped member or component (98), each having an elongate body (144) constructed from a continuous metal sheet (110) that extends along a length of the elongate body between distal first (146) and second ends (148) thereof. The elongate body has a generally C-shaped cross-section along a substantial entirety of the length of the body between the distal first and second ends. The generally C-shaped cross-section is formed by a top and bottom flanges (126) joined together by a web (124). The top and bottom flanges each have thicknesses greater than the web. The sheet (110) of metal has a first configuration in which the thickness of the sheet is substantially uniform thereacross and a second configuration in which the thickness of a strip (104) of the sheet of metal corresponding to the web (124) is thinner than in the first configuration. A further alternative embodiment considers providing a close-shaped member or component for the same purposes described herein.