Tubular support for shock tower in automobiles

Patent 7210733 Issued on May 1, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date:

December 15, 2024. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventors

Assignee

Ford Global Technologies, LLC.

Application

No. 11012748 filed on 12/15/2004

US Classes:

296/203.02, Front296/193.09, Front296/205, Made of tubular members280/124.155, Upper strut mount detail280/788, With resilient means for suspension296/203.03, Side52/633, OPENWORK; E.G., TRUSS, TRELLIS, GRILLE, SCREEN, FRAME, OR REBAR CHAIR296/187.09, Front296/29, Corners and joints296/203.01, Body frame296/192, Cowl296/146.4, Remotely actuated door280/785Assembled from prefabricated connectable sections

Examiners

Primary: Dayoan, D. Glenn
Assistant: Chenevert, Paul

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Foreign Patent References

02200580 JP 08/01/1990
02293276 JP 12/01/1990
02293277 JP 12/01/1990
04092775 JP 03/01/1992
05077762 JP 03/01/1993

International Class

B62D 21/11

Abstract

A shock tower support structure utilizes a hydroformed tubular member that extends horizontally along the upper vehicle frame rail and wraps around the front edge and upper portion of the shock tower assembly to join into the lower vehicle frame rail. The shock tower support member is welded to the upper vehicle frame and also to the lower vehicle frame. The loading of the spot welds is in shear to provide improved stiffness in the support of the vehicle shock tower assembly. The support structure also provides increased crash resistance for front impacts into the vehicle. The front apron in conventional shock tower supports can be replaced by a plastic panel that has associated components pre-assembled thereon to be installed into the vehicle as a module.