A method for manufacturing a grid-stiffened structure includes: regularly arranging triangular or quadrangular cells on one surface of a sheet member and setting a lattice-like pattern which is provided with rib configuring regions, each of the rib configuring regions being provided between the cells; providing through-holes in positions in the sheet member, where the rib configuring regions intersect, so as to separate the rib configuring regions; forming ribs which protrude from the one surface of the sheet member by folding the rib configuring regions of the sheet member; and mutually connecting ends of the rib in a position of each of the through-holes.

A method for manufacturing a grid-stiffened structure includes: regularly arranging triangular or quadrangular cells on one surface of a sheet member and setting a lattice-like pattern which is provided with rib configuring regions, each of the rib configuring regions being provided between the cells; providing through-holes in positions in the sheet member, where the rib configuring regions intersect, so as to separate the rib configuring regions; forming ribs which protrude from the one surface of the sheet member by folding the rib configuring regions of the sheet member; and mutually connecting ends of the rib in a position of each of the through-holes.

A method of making a corrugated metal deck assembly including an elongated corrugated metal deck portion having substantially longitudinally extending, generally U-shaped peaks and valleys. One or more support channels are formed integrally with the corrugated metal deck portion prior to casting concrete thereon. Each of the support channels are configured with a generally U-shaped cross-section having generally opposed side walls having leg portions extending generally laterally inwardly from the corresponding side walls and defining a slot facing generally downwardly from the corrugated metal deck. The support channels are adapted for receiving therethrough and supportably engaging at least portions of anchors or support items. The slots may be provided with one or more internal threads into which externally threaded portions of anchors or support items may be screwed to fixedly attach the anchors or support items to the one or more integrated support channels.

A method of making a corrugated metal deck assembly including an elongated corrugated metal deck portion having substantially longitudinally extending, generally U-shaped peaks and valleys. One or more support channels are formed integrally with the corrugated metal deck portion prior to casting concrete thereon. Each of the support channels are configured with a generally U-shaped cross-section having generally opposed side walls having leg portions extending generally laterally inwardly from the corresponding side walls and defining a slot facing generally downwardly from the corrugated metal deck. The support channels are adapted for receiving therethrough and supportably engaging at least portions of anchors or support items. The slots may be provided with one or more internal threads into which externally threaded portions of anchors or support items may be screwed to fixedly attach the anchors or support items to the one or more integrated support channels.

Disclosed are an integrated structure of different kinds of materials formed by integrating a steel material and a fiber reinforced composite material, and a method of integrating different kinds materials. An integrated structure of different kinds of materials may be formed by integrating different kinds of materials that are a steel material and a fiber reinforced composite material. The integrated structure includes: a first plate including a steel material; and a second plate facing the first plate and including a fiber reinforced composite material, which may be formed by impregnating resin in a reinforced fiber. In particular, a thermal bonding layer may be formed at an interface of the first plate and the second plate and include the resin of the second plate which is thermally bonded on a surface of the first plate.

An expanded laminate and method of forming an expanded laminate are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes selectively applying a relatively high temperature-resistant material to a surface of a first metal sheet to form a covered portion and an uncovered portion and diffusion bonding the first metal sheet to a second metal sheet at the uncovered portion to form a bonded region and an unbonded region. Pressurized gas may be introduced between the first and second metal sheets to expand the first and second metal sheets in the unbonded region. The metal sheets may be aluminum sheets. The sheets may be positioned in a die having a plurality of cavities such that when the pressurized gas is introduced the sheets expand into the cavities. The diffusion bonding may be performed by applying pressure, for example, using rollers.

An expanded laminate and method of forming an expanded laminate are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes selectively applying a relatively high temperature-resistant material to a surface of a first metal sheet to form a covered portion and an uncovered portion and diffusion bonding the first metal sheet to a second metal sheet at the uncovered portion to form a bonded region and an unbonded region. Pressurized gas may be introduced between the first and second metal sheets to expand the first and second metal sheets in the unbonded region. The metal sheets may be aluminum sheets. The sheets may be positioned in a die having a plurality of cavities such that when the pressurized gas is introduced the sheets expand into the cavities. The diffusion bonding may be performed by applying pressure, for example, using rollers.

Provided is a vehicle seat frame configured so that the weight of the frame can be reduced while the strength of a portion of the frame can be ensured. A vehicle seat frame F includes a frame member molded from a high tensile strength steel plate. A metal structure of a portion of the frame member is a structure formed according to one or more conditions upon a thermal treatment performed on the frame member, and the strength of the portion is different from those of other portions of the frame member. For example, the portion of the frame member includes a high strength portion with a higher strength than those of the other portions. Moreover, the portion of the frame member includes, for example, a low strength portion with a lower strength than those of the other portions.

Provided is a vehicle seat frame configured so that the weight of the frame can be reduced while the strength of a portion of the frame can be ensured. A vehicle seat frame F includes a frame member molded from a high tensile strength steel plate. A metal structure of a portion of the frame member is a structure formed according to one or more conditions upon a thermal treatment performed on the frame member, and the strength of the portion is different from those of other portions of the frame member. For example, the portion of the frame member includes a high strength portion with a higher strength than those of the other portions. Moreover, the portion of the frame member includes, for example, a low strength portion with a lower strength than those of the other portions.

Provided is a vehicle seat frame configured so that the weight of the frame can be reduced while the strength of a portion of the frame can be ensured. A vehicle seat frame F includes a frame member molded from a high tensile strength steel plate. A metal structure of a portion of the frame member is a structure formed according to one or more conditions upon a thermal treatment performed on the frame member, and the strength of the portion is different from those of other portions of the frame member. For example, the portion of the frame member includes a high strength portion with a higher strength than those of the other portions. Moreover, the portion of the frame member includes, for example, a low strength portion with a lower strength than those of the other portions.