Method for forming a frame assembly

Abstract

A frame assembly for a motor vehicle includes a tubular frame and a support tube. The tubular frame includes a first portion connected to a second portion. The first and second portions define a hollow cavity therebetween. A support tube is positioned within the hollow cavity between the first and second portions. The support tube has an exterior surface. The first and second portions include first and second indents respectively formed therein. The first and second indents engage the exterior surface of the support tube to secure the support tube between the first and second portions.

1 . A frame assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: 
 a tubular member including a first portion connected to a second portion, said first and second portions defining a hollow cavity therebetween; and    a support tube positioned within said hollow cavity between said first and second portions, said support tube having an exterior surface,    wherein said first and second portions include first and second indents, respectively, said first and second indents extending within said hollow cavity and engaging said exterior surface of said support tube to secure said support tube between said first and second portions.    
   
   
       2 . The frame assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second portions is generally U-shaped.  
   
   
       3 . The frame assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein ends of said first portion overlap and engage ends of said second portion, and said overlapped ends being connected to one another by welding.  
   
   
       4 . The frame assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second portions include first and second apertures respectively, and said first and second indents surround said first and second apertures respectively.  
   
   
       5 . The frame assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second indents have an annular configuration.  
   
   
       6 . The frame assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second indents are unitary formed with said first and second portions, respectively, as one-piece, integral elements.  
   
   
       7 . The frame assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second indents includes an inclined inner surface and an inclined outer surface.  
   
   
       8 . A frame assembly according to  claim 4 , further comprising: 
 a fastener extending through said apertures and said support tube.    
   
   
       9 . A frame assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: 
 a tubular frame member including a first portion connected to a second portion, said first and second portions defining a hollow cavity therebetween;    a support tube positioned within said hollow cavity between said first and second portions; and    means for securing said support tube between said first and second portions.