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AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsJohn T. Reed, Henry Hausler, Jason S. Balzer, Lawrence A. Queener
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A structural joint configuration is used in an automotive body structure in which a transverse roof cross member has a convoluted formed shape that must be connected to the longitudinally extending tubular roof side rail. A two-piece clam shell bracket forms the joint apparatus. A lower piece formed in a shape to mate to and receive the transverse roof cross member is welded to the underside of the tubular roof side rail while projecting a formed receiver to engage the transverse roof cross member. An upper piece clamps over top of the transverse roof cross member and is welded to the top portion of the tubular roof side rail. The joint apparatus can be secured to the transverse roof cross member and to the roof side rail by either welding or by adhesives to provide a reinforcement at the joint between the two structural members.
A bracket for connecting a transverse roof cross member to a roof side rail in an automotive vehicle, comprising:
8-13. (canceled)
A method of joining first tubular automotive body structure member and a second formed automotive body structure members with a bracket comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.