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:
Oct. 30, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 31, 1997
Paul A. Christofaro, Reading, PA (US);
Mark W. Kiehl, Reading, PA (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a vehicle frame assembly includes the initial steps of providing first and second side rails and providing first and second cross members. Each of the first and second cross members has first and second ends extending from a central portion. A desired torsional stiffness is determined for the first cross member. In response to this determination, the first and second ends of the first cross member are enlarged so as to achieve the desired torsional stiffness for the cross member. A similar process can be conducted for the second cross member. Then, the first ends of the first and second cross members are secured to the first side rail, and the second ends of the first and second cross members are secured to the second side rail to form a vehicle frame assembly.