Bridge assembly

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention relates to a bridge assembly for supporting a seat of a motor vehicle. More particularly, the invention is directed to a bridge assembly that supports a front seat above a floor of a motor vehicle.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a rear, perspective view of a motor vehicle including a bridge assembly of a first embodiment of the invention;

#FIG. 2 is a rear, perspective view of a pair of seats supported above a floor by the first embodiment of the invention; and

#Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a motor vehicle 10 includes a pair of opposing B-pillars 12, 14 for providing structural reinforcement to sidewalls 16, 18. More specifically, the B-pillars 12, 14 distribute side impact forces over the sidewalls 16, 18 of the motor vehicle 10. The B-pillars 12, 14 extend between upper ends 11, 13 and lower ends 15, 17. The upper ends 11, 13 are fixedly secured to a roof 22 and the lower ends 15, 17 are fixedly secured to a floor 20. The B-pillars 12, 14 extend between the floor 20 and the roof 22. Together, the sidewalls 16, 18, the floor 20, and the roof 22 define a passenger compartment 24.

#A bridge assembly, generally shown at 26, includes a rear cross car beam 28 fixedly secured to the B-pillars 12, 14 to provide structural rigidity and support thereto. The rear cross car beam 28 defines a rear length 30 extending between a rear driver end 32 and a rear passenger end 34. The rear cross car beam 28 is fixedly secured to the B-pillars 12, 14 at its rear driver 32 and rear passenger 34 ends by fasteners, welds, or the like so as to be spaced above the floor 20. More specifically, the rear cross car beam 28 is secured to the two B-pillars 12, 14 at locations between the upper 11, 13 and lower 15, 17 ends.

#The bridge assembly 26 also includes a front support structure, generally shown at 35, spaced forward of the rear cross car beam 28 within the passenger compartment 24. In the first embodiment, the front support structure 35 is a front cross car beam 36. The front cross car beam 36 includes a plurality of support legs 38 extending downwardly therefrom. Each of the plurality of support legs 38 is fixedly secured to the floor 20 to support the front cross car beam 36 above the floor 20.