Patent ID: 6267438
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A pillar for supporting a vehicle body, said pillar comprising:a first beam comprising sheet steel;a second beam comprising sheet steel;said second beam comprising a hat profile;said hat profile comprising a deep profile;said pillar being configured to protect occupants of a vehicle against a side impact;said first beam comprising a first side and a second side, a distance between edges of said first side of said first beam and said second side of said first beam defining a width dimension therebetween;said second beam comprising a first side and a second side, a distance between edges of said first side of said second beam and said second side of said second beam defining a width dimension therebetween;said first beam comprising at least a first beam flange and a second beam flange;the width of said first beam flange of said first beam extending no more than one-third of the width of said first beam;the width of said second beam flange of said first beam extending no more than one-third of the width of said first beam;said second beam comprising at least a first beam flange and a second beam flange;the width of said first beam flange of said second beam extending no more than one-third of the width of said second beam;the width of said second beam flange of said second beam extending no more than one-third of the width of said second beam;said first beam flange of said first beam being connected to said first beam flange of said second beam;said second beam flange of said first beam being connected to said second beam flange of said second beam;at least one of said first beam and said second beam being configured to be disposed substantially adjacent a vehicle door;a substantial portion of said pillar being configured to be disposed substantially vertically in a vehicle body;said deep profile comprising two side sections being disposed adjacent their corresponding beam flanges;said deep profile comprising a top section being transverse to, and disposed between and joining said two side sections;said two side sections having a length;said top section having a length;said length of each of said two side sections being greater than said length of said top section;said two side sections being disposed transversely to said beam flanges;said first beam comprising a profile; andsaid profile in said second beam being substantially deeper than said profile in said first beam.