US3596978A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combined a-post, cowl and wheelhouse structure
Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Budd Co
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Filing: 1969-07-16
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Granted: 1971-08-03
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Expires: 1989-07-16
Abstract
Abstract A motor vehicle structure which provides for a more shallow Apost structure and a reinforced inner wheelhouse panel for joining to the A-post and transferring loading and shock stresses from the wheels or front end to the A-post. The dash panel, cowl, inner wheel housing and A-post structure forming an open box structure across the front of the passenger compartment.
Inventors
- 👤 Henry W Wessells
- 👤 Walter S Eggert Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:32
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D25/00; B62D25/08; B62D25/087
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
In a vehicle body having a pair of fabricated A-posts, a front end assembly extending forwardly of said A-posts and joined to said A-posts, and a cowl structure connected to said A-posts and said front end assembly, said front end assembly including a pair of inner front wheelhousing panels, each of said wheelhousing panels having a first attaching flange extending toward and attached to said adjacent A-post for securing said front end assembly to said A-posts, a second attaching flange extending adjacent said cowl structure and being attached thereto, and a formed diagonal side reinforcement bracket secured to the central section of each of said front wheelhousing panels for reinforcing said panels and distributing loadings imposed thereon to said A-posts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
In a vehicle body having a pair of fabricated A-posts, a front end assembly extending forwardly of said A-posts and joined to said A-posts, and a cowl structure connected to said A-posts and said front end assembly, said front end assembly including a pair of inner front wheelhousing panels, each of said wheelhousing panels having a first attaching flange extending toward and attached to said adjacent A-post for securing said front end assembly to said A-posts, a second attaching flange extending adjacent said cowl structure and being attached thereto, and a formed diagonal side reinforcement bracket secured to the central section of each of said front wheelhousing panels for reinforcing said panels and distributing loadings imposed thereon to said A-posts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
158 words
In a vehicle body having a pair of fabricated A-posts, a Front end assembly extending forwardly of said A-posts and joined to said A-posts, a cowl structure connected to said A-posts and said front end assembly, said front end assembly including a pair of inner front wheel housing panels, each of said wheel housing panels having a first attaching flange extending toward and attached to said adjacent A-post for securing said front end assembly to said A-posts, a second attaching flange extending adjacent said cowl structure and being attached thereto, a dash panel extending between said front wheel housings forwardly of said A-posts, said dash panel having a flange extending from each edge adjacent said wheel housing panels and being secured to said wheel housing panels thereby, and a hinge bracket secured to each upper corner of said dash panel and to the adjacent inner wheeelhouse panel for supporting a hinge arm and reinforcing said adjacent wheelhouse panel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
158 words
In a vehicle body having a pair of fabricated A-posts, a Front end assembly extending forwardly of said A-posts and joined to said A-posts, a cowl structure connected to said A-posts and said front end assembly, said front end assembly including a pair of inner front wheel housing panels, each of said wheel housing panels having a first attaching flange extending toward and attached to said adjacent A-post for securing said front end assembly to said A-posts, a second attaching flange extending adjacent said cowl structure and being attached thereto, a dash panel extending between said front wheel housings forwardly of said A-posts, said dash panel having a flange extending from each edge adjacent said wheel housing panels and being secured to said wheel housing panels thereby, and a hinge bracket secured to each upper corner of said dash panel and to the adjacent inner wheeelhouse panel for supporting a hinge arm and reinforcing said adjacent wheelhouse panel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A vehicle body structure as claimed in claim 2 having said cowl structure secured to an upper flange of said dash panel for forming an open box structure with said dash panel, said A-posts and said front wheel housing panels.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-02 | 1975-02-01 | 1975-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-02 | 1979-02-01 | 1979-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-02 | 1983-02-01 | 1983-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |