Patent ID: 8641066
Filing Date: 2014-02-04
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A vehicle frame assembly, comprising: a base frame formed of metal and having a pair of lateral members transversely spaced from one another; a differential support member secured to the base frame, the differential support member having a body formed of a composite material and secured at each end to one of the base frame lateral members, and a differential support element configured to secure an associated vehicle differential to the differential support member body, wherein the differential support member body has a central portion provided between transversely opposed end portions, the differential support element is provided by the body central portion, and the differential support member further comprises base frame securing elements provided by the body end portions, the base frame securing elements configured to secure each body end portion to one of the base frame lateral members; a pair of brackets each provided on a transverse inner portion of one of the lateral members which faces the other lateral member, each bracket configured to engage one of the base frame securing elements provided by the body end portions, wherein the bracket provided on one lateral member is aligned in a lateral direction with the bracket provided on the other lateral member; a pair of suspension system mounting members which are each integrally formed with one of the pair of brackets and provided on a transverse outer portion of one of the lateral members, each suspension system mounting member being laterally aligned with the bracket with which it is integrally formed; and a pair of connecting members, each of which extends transversely across one of the lateral members and connects one of the brackets to one of the suspension system mounting members.