Lawrence S Hewitt

US Patent:

58531955, Dec 29, 1998

Filed:

Jan 16, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/784889

Inventors:

Jialiang Le - Troy MI
Lawrence B. Hewitt - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B62D 2115

US Classification:

280784

Abstract:

A front rail assembly includes first and second front rails extending longitudinally with respect to the vehicle. Each rail includes a front end, and comprises inner and outer rail members having substantially C-shaped cross-sections which are welded together to form the front rails. First and second plates are secured, respectively, within the first and second rails between the respective inner and outer rail members. The plates span the length of the first and second rails for improved energy absorption characteristics as a result of the double-box section formed.