Releasable tunnel brace for a vehicle
US8752885B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D25/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A releasable tunnel brace for releasably connecting a first side panel to a second panel of a vehicle is disclosed. One or both ends of the brace include a fastener-receiving aperture. The aperture has a round portion and an elongated slot extending therefrom. The round portion can allow the head of a shoulder bolt fastener to pass therethrough. The elongated slot is defined by a pair of opposed walls. The shoulder of the shoulder bolt fastener can pass between the opposed walls. In the event of a side impact, the brace is pushed vehicle inward and the bolt slides through the elongated slot and into the round portion where it is allowed to be released from its attachment position. The brace provides maximum torsion stiffness while withstanding only a minimum amount of lateral force before it releases and thus minimizes local deflection in the event of a side impact.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.