Patent ID: 6205736
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: B21C,B62D

Abstract:
A vehicle space frame comprising:at least two elongate structural frame elements arranged side by side and being interconnected by a plurality of elongate struts spaced along the length of the elements;each structural frame element comprising an elongate hollow body having one or more strut connection nodes located along its length at predetermined positions;each connection node being in the form of a socket extending internally of the element, the socket comprising a socket wall depending from one side wall of the hollow body, the socket wall defining a socket recess and being formed by hydro-forming from said one side wall of the hollow body;each opposite end of each strut being in the form of a plug received within the socket defined by a co-operating respective connection node;the socket recess in cross-sectional shape and dimensions being substantially constant throughout its depth; andsaid cross-sectional shape and dimensions of said socket recess being substantially the same as the external cross-sectional shape and dimensions of said plug, such that the length of the plug located in the socket recess resides in face to face contact with said socket wall.