The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 16, 1999
Filed:
Jan. 23, 1997
John A Beckman, Wernersville, PA (US);
Richard A Marando, Bernville, PA (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
A combined engine cradle and cross member structure for use with a vehicular body and frame assembly is lighter in weight than known structures. The engine cradle is formed from tubular stock material using mechanical bending and hydroforming techniques to have a generally U-shaped configuration including a central portion having a pair of leg portions extending therefrom. The cross member is also formed from tubular stock material using hydroforming techniques and has a pair of end portions. The end portions of the tubular cross member are secured to the leg portions of the tubular cradle to form the combined engine cradle and cross member structure. To accomplish this, the end portions of the tubular cross member may have notches formed therein which receive the leg portions of the engine cradle therein. The end portions of the cross member may be secured to the leg portions of the engine cradle in any conventional manner, such as by welding.