Patent ID: 7175532
Filing Date: 2007-02-13
Classification: B60K,F16C

Abstract:
1. A vehicular propeller shaft system having a longitudinal axis of rotation, the system comprising: a first section extending along the longitudinal axis between a first end adapted to be positioned toward a vehicular engine and a second distal end, the first section including a weakened area which is more susceptible to bending or buckling than any other portion along an axial length of the first section; and a second section having a first end coupled to the second distal end of the first section and a second end adapted for coupling to a vehicular rear differential; whereby when a predetermined generally axial load is applied to the first section, the first section buckles transversely to the longitudinal axis about the weakened area thereby absorbing substantially all of the axial load on the propeller shaft system and isolating the second section from effects of the axial load to enable the second section to remain substantially stationary under the axial load.