Patent ID: 6793275
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A vehicle frame for a vehicle, the vehicle frame comprising:a plurality of structural load-bearing frame members including two front hinge pillars, at least one cross member mounted with respect to the two front hinge pillars and partially defining an engine compartment, and two rails mounted with respect to the at least one cross member and further partially defining the engine compartment; and a body panel assembly; wherein the body panel assembly has a hood portion extending above and over at least part of the engine compartment so that the body panel assembly functions as a hood; and wherein the body panel assembly is rigidly mounted to at least two frame members of the plurality of frame members so that the body panel assembly is configured to transfer loads between said at least two frame members irrespective of load vector and thereby forms a portion of the frame by structurally interconnecting said at least two frame members.