Patent ID: 8480167
Filing Date: 2013-07-09
Classification: B60R,B62D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A rocker panel assembly for attachment to a vehicle, the rocker panel assembly comprising: a rocker panel body; a first end feature situated on a first end of said rocker panel body; a second end feature situated on a second end of said rocker panel body; said rocked panel body having an outside surface generally presented in the form of a convex surface, and an inside surface generally presented in the form of a concave surface; said outside surface extending outwardly of said vehicle, to present an outboard section having a predetermined profile based on targeted aesthetic/performance characteristics; said inside surface having at least one transverse rib positioned therein, said transverse rib being arranged generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of said rocker panel body; wherein said transverse rib is integral with the inside surface of said rocker panel body; and wherein said rocker panel body comprises a wall structure having increased thickness in the region proximal said transverse rib.