Patent ID: 8662573
Filing Date: 2014-03-04
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A side impact energy transfer rail for an automotive vehicle, the transfer rail comprising: a center cross member having a pair of opposing ends; a pair of gussets, each of the gussets being mounted to one of the ends of the cross member, the gussets each having a first gusset end attached to the cross member and a second gusset end configured to be attached to a roof side rail of the vehicle; and each of the gussets being secured to the cross member by at least one fastener and at least one additional connection, the at least one fastener being provided along a fastener axis that is defined generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and spaced apart from the first gusset end, the at least one additional connection being positioned laterally offset from the fastener axis toward the first gusset end, and the at least one additional connection including a portion of the cross member in a supportive position beneath a portion of the first gusset end, the additional connection being a tab connection.