18060345. ROCK RAIL ASSEMBLY simplified abstract (Ford Global Technologies, LLC)

ROCK RAIL ASSEMBLY

Organization Name

Ford Global Technologies, LLC

Inventor(s)

Stuart C. Salter of White Lake MI (US)

David Brian Glickman of Southfield MI (US)

Paul Kenneth Dellock of Northville MI (US)

Dennis Yee of Milford MI (US)

Aaron Peter Klop of Bloomfield Hills MI (US)

Satvinder Singh Matharu of Tecumseh (CA)

ROCK RAIL ASSEMBLY - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18060345 titled 'ROCK RAIL ASSEMBLY

Simplified Explanation

The rock rail assembly for a vehicle described in the patent application includes a shock absorption pad mounted laterally on the vehicle and a rail assembly pivotably coupled to the mounting assembly, allowing the rail to move between a stowed and deployed position.

• The mounting assembly includes a shock absorption pad, which is the outboardmost portion of the assembly.
• The rail assembly can pivot relative to the mounting assembly, allowing the rail to be moved between a stowed and deployed position.
• In the stowed position, a portion of the rail abuts the shock absorption pad.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied to off-road vehicles, trucks, and other vehicles that require additional protection and functionality for off-road or rugged terrain driving.

Problems Solved

1. Provides additional protection to the vehicle's body and undercarriage during off-road driving. 2. Allows for easy deployment and stowing of the rail assembly as needed.

Benefits

1. Enhanced vehicle protection during off-road driving. 2. Improved functionality and versatility for different driving conditions. 3. Easy to use and operate.

Potential Commercial Applications

"Enhanced Vehicle Protection Technology for Off-Road Vehicles"

Possible Prior Art

There are existing rock rail assemblies for vehicles that provide similar functionality, but this patent application may introduce unique features or improvements to the existing technology.

Unanswered Questions

How does the shock absorption pad function in different driving conditions?

The patent application does not provide detailed information on how the shock absorption pad operates in various driving conditions, such as on different types of terrain or during extreme off-road use.

What materials are used in the construction of the rail assembly?

The patent application does not specify the materials used in the rail assembly, which could impact the durability and performance of the technology.

Original Abstract Submitted

A rock rail assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting assembly coupled to the vehicle and comprising a shock absorption pad, and a rail assembly pivotably coupled to the mounting assembly and having a rail. The shock absorption pad is the vehicle-laterally-outboardmost portion of the mounting assembly. The rail assembly is operable to pivot relative to the mounting assembly to move the rail between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position of the rail, a portion of the rail abuts the shock absorption pad.