Patent ID: 7699386
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A roof reinforcement member including an extruded aluminum alloy part which, under an automobile roof panel, is upwardly convex along the extruded length of the aluminum alloy part, wherein the extruded length of the aluminum alloy part extends in a vehicle lateral direction with both longitudinal ends thereof joined to a body frame component, the extruded aluminum alloy part comprising: a pair of upper and lower flanges approximately parallel-facing each other as seen in a cross-section of the aluminum alloy part, the cross section extending transverse to the extruded length of the aluminum alloy part; and a pair of webs formed approximately perpendicularly to the pair of flanges; wherein the pair of flanges and the pair of webs form an approximately rectangular closed sectional part, the pair of flanges each projecting, in a vehicle longitudinal direction, forward and rearward from the closed sectional part; and wherein the roof reinforcement member is constructed such that, as seen in the cross-section of the aluminum alloy part, the shape of the cross section is such that a neutral axis of vertical bending of the aluminum alloy part is positioned lower than the middle of the vertical height of the cross-section of the aluminum alloy part.