Side rail for a vehicle frame assembly

Abstract

A side rail for a vehicle frame having a generally open C-shaped cross section defined by a vertically extending web, upper and lower flanges extending from the edges of the web, and upper and lower lips extending from the edge of the upper and lower flanges, respectively. The upper lip extends from the edge of the upper flange and is folded such that a portion of the upper lip is parallel to and abuts an inwardly facing surface of the upper flange. Similarly, the lower lip extends from the edge of the lower flange and is folded such that a portion of the lower lip is parallel to and abuts an inwardly facing surface of the lower flange. The horizontal positioning of the upper and lower lips provide for an increase in the structural strength of the side rail, while permitting a cross member to be positioned between and adjacent to both the upper and lower lips. The cross member can then be attached to the side rail by riveting the cross member to the upper and lower flanges. The upper and lower lips provide for a double gauge thickness of the sheet used to form the side rail in the riveted region where the cross member is attached to the side rail. The side rail can be formed with the upper and lower lips extending along the entire length of the side rail, or with a plurality of cooperating upper and lower lip segments. In another embodiment, the lips have vertically extending portions which abut the inwardly facing surface of the web.