Patent ID: 6834912
Filing Date: 2004-12-28
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A frame and support structure for a vehicle having a longitudinal axis, said frame and support structure comprising:spaced-apart first and second side sill assemblies extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; spaced-apart first and second frame members extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, said first and second frame members being disposed between the first and second side sill assemblies; and, at least one lateral support assembly that includes: first and second outriggers, said first outrigger extending between the first side sill assembly and the first frame member, and said second outrigger extending between the second side sill assembly and the second frame member; and a cross member extending between the first and second frame members; and wherein the stiffness of the first and second outriggers and the stiffness of the cross member are selected such that the cross member is stiffer than the first and second outriggers.