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:
Dec. 05, 2006
Filed:
Mar. 14, 2003
Mark W. Kiehl, Bernville, PA (US);
Robert D. Durand, Reading, PA (US);
Mark W. Kiehl, Bernville, PA (US);
Robert D. Durand, Reading, PA (US);
Dana Corporation, Toledo, OH (US);
Abstract
A vehicle body and frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails having a plurality of transverse cross members extending therebetween. The cross member is a multiple piece structure, including a central portion having a pair of end portions secured thereto. The central portion of the cross member is preferably formed from a first metallic material, while the end portions are preferably both formed from a second metallic material. The end portions of the cross member are preferably formed from the same metallic material as the respective side rails to which they are secured. The end portions of the cross member can be secured to the ends of the central portion by any desired process, such as by magnetic pulse welding. Similarly, the cross member can be secured to the side rails by any desired process, such as by magnetic pulse welding or by conventional welding. The end portions of the cross member can extend either partially or completely through the respective side rails. If desired, a reinforcing and positioning collar can be secured to the end portions of the cross member adjacent to each of the side rails.