Method of manufacturing support structure for a pickup truck bed
US10137952B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D33/077
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle includes a pair of longitudinal frame rails and a bed above the frame rails. A plurality of roll-formed aluminum cross-members contact the bed and are disposed between the bed and the frame rails for additional support of the bed. Extruded aluminum spacers are disposed between and in contact with the one of the cross members and one of the frame rails. A crush tube is spin-welded to the spacer and contacts the underside of the bed for additional support to inhibit downward relative movement of the bed. The crush tube is formed with a longitudinal hole extending therethough to receive a fastener that extends from above the truck bed, through the crush tube hole, through the cross-member and spacer, and into the frame rail.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.