Patent ID: 7445400
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A frame joint structure for a vehicle comprising: a first frame member of U-shaped cross section having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a bottom wall and defining an opening one of said first and second sidewalls of the first frame member having a hole formed therein; a second frame member being U-shaped in cross section and having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall and defining an opening, said second frame member having an end portion connected to the one of the first and second sidewalls of the first frame member having the hole formed therein adjacent the hole such that the second frame member first sidewall is laterally spaced from the hole on one side of the hole, the second frame member second sidewall is laterally spaced from the hole on an opposite side of the hole, and the second frame member bottom wall is vertically spaced from a bottom side of the hole, so as to define a joint between the first and second frame members; a reinforcing member received in both the first frame member and the second frame member, said reinforcing member extending through said joint and into said first frame member a first predetermined length so as to have a free end adjacent said joint and extending in said second frame member a second predetermined length so as to have another free end adjacent said joint; a plate member closing the openings of the first and second frame members so as to form closed cross sections of the vehicle frame joint structure; and a foamed resin surrounding the reinforcement member and filling space defined by the plate member, the first and second frame members and the reinforcing member, such that the reinforcement member is spaced from the first and second frame members and the plate member by the foamed resin, and wherein the foamed resin results from foaming an unfoamed resin applied uniformly onto at least upper and lower surfaces of the reinforcing member, and wherein the foamed resin serves to space said reinforcing member from said first and second frame members and cooperates with said reinforcing member to strengthen said joint.