Vehicle load transfer apparatus

US9421927B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Vedanth M. Basappa · Birch Run, US
• Len V. Peschansky · Beverly Hills, US
• Bradley E. Bowers · Holly, US
• Bhushan W. Dandekar · Rochester Hills, US
• Huai-yang Chiang · Troy, US
• Wayne J. Sturgill · Shelby Charter Township, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 27, 2014
• Grant date: Aug 23, 2016
• Expiry date: May 2, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/0023
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A load transfer apparatus for a vehicle includes a first deflector member that is securable both to a body mount bracket that extends from a frame rail and to the frame rail so that a first portion of the frame rail is between the body mount bracket and the bumper, and a second portion of the frame rail is between the body mount bracket and the first deflector member. The first deflector member at least partially forms a load path from the bumper to the frame rail under a sufficient offset load applied to the bumper. The load transfer apparatus may also include a second deflector member securable to the bumper to extend from the bumper such that the second deflector member is spaced from and free from contact with the body mount bracket and the first deflector member prior to application of the sufficient offset load to the bumper.