Releasable cradle to body joint
US9616931B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D21/11
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A releasable joint configured to attach a cradle to an underbody of a vehicle subjectable to an external force includes a fastener, an attachment portion of the cradle, and a partial sleeve. The fastener attaches the cradle to the underbody. The attachment portion of the cradle encircles the fastener and includes a breakaway portion that fractures when the external force exceeds a threshold force. The partial sleeve is attached to and disposed within the attachment portion of the cradle and partially encircles the fastener so as to form an opening that provides a horizontal pathway for the fastener to move through to exit the cradle when the breakaway portion fractures. The cradle may separate from the underbody at the releasable joint with no vertical motion of the cradle relative to the underbody when the external force exceeds the threshold force.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.