Lower vehicle body structure and method of use therefor
US6899194B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lower vehicle body structure for a vehicle body defining an interior space includes structural elements that extend higher than the lower extent of the interior space. The structural elements protect the spatial integrity of the interior space by being sufficiently configured and positioned to receive a load at a point higher than the lower extent of the interior space from an impact to the vehicle body. The vehicle body is configured to be matable with a chassis having systems that are responsive to nonmechanical control signals. A method for advantageously using pre-engineered lower body structures as a common base for bodies of varying styles, types, and configurations is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.