Patent ID: 6742808
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
Frame apparatus for a vehicle, comprising:an aluminum subframe including a substantially hollow left side-rail, a substantially hollow right side-rail, a front cross-member, and a rear cross-member, wherein said substantially hollow side-rails and said cross-members each has a respective cross-sectional diameter over a majority of their respective lengths about equal to a first predetermined diameter; and a tension/compression strut element having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends being rigidly affixed between a first locus and a second locus on said cast aluminum subframe, said tension/compression strut element having a substantially straight body between said first and second ends and having a respective cross-sectional diameter over a majority of said substantially straight body about equal to a second predetermined diameter, said second predetermined diameter being less than about one-half of said first predetermined diameter, wherein said tension/compression strut element is comprised of a circular cross section at least at said first end, wherein said first end is threaded, and wherein said first end is attached by screwing to a first one of said side-rails or cross-members at said first locus.