Core shroud corner joints

Abstract

A core shroud is provided, which includes a number of planar members, a number of unitary corners, and a number of subassemblies each comprising a combination of the planar members and the unitary corners. Each unitary corner comprises a unitary extrusion including a first planar portion and a second planar portion disposed perpendicularly with respect to the first planar portion. At least one of the subassemblies comprises a plurality of the unitary corners disposed side-by-side in an alternating opposing relationship. A plurality of the subassemblies can be combined to form a quarter perimeter segment of the core shroud. Four quarter perimeter segments join together to form the core shroud.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of assembling a core shroud, the method comprising:
 providing a number of planar members;   extruding a plurality of unitary corners;   joining a combination of said planar members and said unitary corners to form a number of subassemblies; and   joining a plurality of said subassemblies to form at least a portion of said core shroud.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising joining a plurality of said subassemblies to form a quarter perimeter segment of said core shroud. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising joining four of said quarter perimeter segments to form said core shroud. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each of said unitary corners includes a first planar portion and a second planar portion disposed perpendicularly with respect to the first planar portion; and wherein said method further comprises joining the first planar portion of one of said unitary corners to the second planar portion of another one of said unitary corners, in order that said unitary corners are disposed side-by-side in an alternating opposing relationship. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said joining steps are performed by laser welding. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said joining steps further comprise securing at least one of said planar members, said unitary corners and said subassemblies in a desired position with a number of fixtures.