Abstract: The present apparatus and method relates to improvements in stiffening elements within a vehicle body structure at a sub-frame attachment point. In a first embodiment of the improved apparatus and method, a long mounting pin is used in combination with a generally planar shear bulkhead. The pin fits partially into a channel within the shear bulkhead. The pin is welded, near its bottom, to a sub-frame mounting bracket. The long mounting pin extends to the upper part of the vehicle frame and is also welded thereto. The shear bulkhead abuts a generally middle section of the mounting pin and two additional welds are placed securing the mounting pin to the shear bulkhead.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members. The strength of the bulkheads, outriggers, and cross members is selected such that the cross member is stiffer than the outriggers, and the outriggers are stiffer than the bulkheads so that the support assemblies progressively crush during a side impact.

Abstract: A hook and catch assembly for use in securing a door to a body of a vehicle. The hook and catch assembly includes a hook that is secured to the door, a rocker panel that the door engages, a catch that is secured to the rocker panel upper surface, and a rocker panel garnish that is disposed over the rocker panel upper surface and the catch. The hook is positioned such that, when the door is in a closed position, the hook extends through a slot in the rocker panel garnish and is received between the catch and said rocker panel upper surface.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members.

Abstract: A frame and support assembly for a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar includes first and second frame members and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a plurality of bulkheads, a pair of outriggers, and a cross member. The bulkheads are incorporated into first and second side sill assemblies. The outriggers extend between the side sill assemblies and the first and second frame members. The cross members extend between the first and second first frame members. The strength of the bulkheads, outriggers, and cross members is selected such that the cross member is stiffer than the outriggers, and the outriggers are stiffer than the bulkheads so that the support assemblies progressively crush during a side impact.