Patent ID: 6758516
Filing Date: 2004-07-06
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
An automotive body and chassis, comprising:an outer rocker panel; an inner rocker panel joined to said outer rocker panel; a floor pan joined to said inner rocker panel; a closure structure having a portion overlying said outer rocker panel; a frame rail extending longitudinally under said floor pan inboard of said inner rocker panel, with said frame rail having a generally vertical outboard face; and a frame standoff member rigidly attached to said inner rocker panel and extending laterally inboard from said inner rocker panel to said outboard face of said frame rail, with said frame standoff member normally being separated from said outboard face of said frame rail by a clearance gap such that lateral displacement of said closure panel and said outer and inner rocker panels relative to said frame rail resulting from an impact load upon said closure structure will be resisted by said frame standoff member and said frame rail once said clearance gap has been closed.