Structural component for vehicle body-in-white

US6116680A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Aluminum Company of America · US

Inventors

• Daniel E. Hunter · Vista, US
• Rodney Heiple · Vandergrift, US
• Jeffrey M. Shoup · Delmont, US
• Dirk Schnapp · Soest, DE
• Klaus Ruehle · Esslingen am Neckar, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 1, 1997
• Grant date: Sep 12, 2000
• Expiry date: Oct 1, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D27/02
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An integral structural element particularly well suited as a component of a body-in-white comprises an elongated hollow member with a first end and a second end opposite thereto. A first region, a second region, and a third region extend between a first end and a second end of the hollow member. A first flange extends substantially the length of the elongated hollow member. A second flange extends substantially the length of the elongated hollow member's first region. A first socket or connecting structure is adapted to receive therein a roof header and is disposed on the elongated hollow member between the first region and the second region. A second socket is adapted to receive therein a B-post disposed on the elongated hollow member between the second region and the third region. This integral structural element is a component of a motor vehicle's body-in-white.