Patent ID: 6435299
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: B60K

Abstract:
A central support structure for a vehicle propeller shaft, said central support structure being adapted to support the propeller shaft vertically relative to a lower surface of the vehicle and to permit said propeller shaft to move rearwardly during a front-end collision between the vehicle and another object, said central support structure comprising:a support bracket secured to said vehicle lower surface at a first position along the length of the propeller shaft and surrounding at least a lower portion of said propeller shaft; a resilient annular support substantially surrounding said propeller shaft at said first position and being supported by said support bracket; and, a deflector secured to said lower surface of said vehicle at a second position along the length of the propeller shaft, said second position being spaced a distance from said first position, said deflector being sized and positioned so as to guide the propeller shaft through the support bracket during a front-end collision.