Patent ID: 8646792
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A frame structure for a land vehicle having wheels to engage a surface over which the vehicle moves, an electric motor enabling the vehicle to be moved along the surface, the frame structure providing support for a vehicle body, where at least a portion of the frame structure permanently changes shape in response to impact of the frame structure with another body, the frame structure adapted to absorb energy from frontal impacts, the frame structure extending under a front portion of the vehicle body, the improvement of the frame structure comprising: a rear sub-frame located below in front of and extending laterally across a pair of side frame under-members relative to a front of a vehicle; and a catching surface connected to the pair of side frame under-members for engaging the rear sub-frame and attached structures to improve energy absorption response during a frontal impact.