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:
Nov. 04, 2008
Filed:
Dec. 14, 2006
Rob Yustick, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Jamil Alwan, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Geoff Cooper, Canton, MI (US);
Matt Maser, Northville, MI (US);
Rob Yustick, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Jamil Alwan, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Geoff Cooper, Canton, MI (US);
Matt Maser, Northville, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A vehicle structural frame member incorporates an internal lightweight brace member spanning between the opposing flanges of the co-joined hat-shaped members forming the structural frame member. The internal brace is formed of thin material, such as steel, to help the frame member retain its geometric shape when placed under a load. The internal brace can be formed into a ladder-like configuration with longitudinally spaced members that span between the opposing flanges to keep the geometric shape from collapsing. A substantial improvement in load carrying capability before collapse is obtained with a small increment in additional weight in the structural frame member.