Patent ID: 8167360
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: B60N,B62D

Abstract:
1. A vehicle cross member assembly comprising: a first straight cross member having first and second ends; a second straight cross member having first and second ends, wherein the first and second cross members are separated from a vehicle floor; a first connector connecting the first end of the first cross member to a first vehicle structure; a second connector connecting the first end of the second cross member to a second vehicle structure; and a bracket adapted to be connected near a top of a tunnel structure on a vehicle, said bracket comprising a first bracket connection for connecting to the second end of the first cross member and a second bracket connection for connecting to the second end of the second cross member, wherein at least one of the first and second cross members is configured to move laterally inward and downward into the tunnel structure during a sufficient lateral impact of the vehicle, wherein the first bracket connection comprises a first opening for receiving the second end of the first cross member and the second bracket connection comprises a second opening for receiving the second end of the second cross member, and wherein the bracket absorbs energy when at least one of the first and second cross members moves laterally into the tunnel.