Patent ID: 7537273
Filing Date: 2009-05-26
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. An impact force coupling assembly operable to couple impact forces from a substantially upright member of a vehicle to a substantially horizontal transverse member of the vehicle during an impact event, the coupling assembly comprises: a first region and a second region, whereby the coupling assembly is operable to be captured substantially at the regions between the upright member and the transverse member during the impact event to hinder the assembly from being substantially displaced from the transverse member; and at least one cavity including one or more dividing walls therebetween, the one or more dividing walls extending substantially in a direction from the first region to the second region; wherein the coupling assembly is configured so that the capture during the impact event is affected by intrusive deformation of the one or more dividing walls at one or more of the regions of the assembly by one or more portions of at least one of the transverse member and the upright member; wherein the assembly includes an obliquely formed edge extending upwardly from a lower portion of the assembly for assisting installation of the assembly to the vehicle or for assisting removal of the assembly from the vehicle, the obliquely formed edge cooperating with the vehicle to provide an aperture through which electrical cables or pipes of the vehicle can be routed.