Abstract: A connecting element for connecting two adjacent profiled rods, whose longitudinal axes enclose an angle &agr;, is to be further developed such that its production is simplified with respect to different angles &agr;.

Abstract: A compound element manufactured of light metal has at least one plate-shaped element and an oblong profile part. A deformable holding web is constructed on the plate-shaped element, the holding web interacting with a corresponding receiving device of the profile part in such a manner that, by the deforming of the holding web, a form-fitting joined connection of the compound element is established, in which edge portions of the holding web reach behind lateral undercuts of the receiving device. In order that the overall height of the connection area remains low, the low-cost, easily manufacturable compound element has the plate-shaped element and the profile part constructed as extruded profiles, and in that the holding webs on the plate-shaped element are arranged freely accessibly adjacent to flat exterior wall portions of the plate-shaped element.

Abstract: A safety belt arrangement for the rear seat unit of a motor vehicle comprises a diagonal upper-torso belt, the upper end of which interacts with a belt retractor which is fastened to a stationary component arranged behind the rear seat unit. In order to provide, for a motor vehicle having a folding top and a rear-side top compartment, a safety belt arrangement for the rear seat unit in which the belt retractor mounted on the upper end of the diagonal upper-torso belt is arranged to ensure a proper operation and can absorb high forces, it is provided that the diagonal upper-torso belt is guided by means of a guiding element over the upper edge of an upright transversely extending front boundary wall of the top compartment and in that the belt retractor is arranged below the guiding element in a recess of the top compartment in a covered manner.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure for a passenger car having a forward member and an exterior side member, where the forward member and the side member are formed by extruded profiles. A light metal junction connects the forward member and the side member, this junction being formed by a cast part and having first and second junction elements. The first junction element has an open end and a closed end and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle for receiving an end of the forward member in the open end. A second junction element is aligned essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and abuts and side member. This second junction element has a receiving channel that receives the first junction element. The body structure includes a floor and a transmission tunnel, with the second junction element abutting the floor and the transmission tunnel of the body structure. The first and second junction elements are additionally connected.

Abstract: An upright-pillar for a vehicle body structure which, in the cross-sectional view, has the shape of a box-shaped hollow profile, is made of light metal and is placed on a side member disposed underneath. The pillar has an extruded profile and a closing part connected with it, which provides a pillar for a body structure which, with low-cost manufacturing, is easy to adapt to the shape of the door joint and can easily be connected to the adjacent body parts.

Abstract: A body for a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car, has a bottom part and a top part, the bottom part and the top part being connected with one another approximately at the level of a belt line. So that an existing bottom part can be provided with different top parts in a simple manner and a good connection is achieved between the bottom part and the top part, separate junction elements are arranged in common connecting areas on the bottom part as well as on the top part, and interact with one another in a form-locking manner when the vehicle body is assembled. In addiition, a releasable connection is provided in each connecting area between the corresponding junction elements which are disposed above one another.

Abstract: A member, particularly a side member of a vehicle body structure, is formed by an extruded section manufactured or light metal which, viewed in the vertical direction, has at least one hollow-section portion. In order to achieve a high energy absorption in the case of an impact shock and for the space-saving connection of an impact-absorbing damper of a bumper arrangement, the member comprises a central tube portion and two outer hollow-section provides which are connected to the tube portion by diagonally extending webs.

Abstract: A clamped connection between a profile part and a sheet metal part by mans of a clamping strip. An edge area of the sheet metal part is held in its position between a foot portion of the clamping strip and a receiving device of the profile part and rests on an angular portion of the receiving device. An edge area of the sheet metal part, which projects into the receiving device and has a rectangular construction, is fixed in the receiving device by means of the clamping strip having an approximately T-shaped cross-section, the wedge-shaped foot portion of the clamping strip having at least one detent which interacts with an undercut area of the receiving device. Holding lips of a head portion of the clamping strip interact with the sheet metal part and the profile part in a supporting manner.

Abstract: An arrangement for fixing in position a top of a passenger motor vehicle includes a first member retained in position at the windshield frame which form-lockingly cooperates in the closed position of the top with a second member attached at the top. In order that this arrangement which has a simple construction with good functioning and which requires little structural space--as viewed in the vertical direction--, the first member is formed by an upwardly directed, transversely extending leg adjoining a recess which is surrounded by a downwardly open receiving section of the second member, whereby a web of the receiving section facing the windshield frame protrudes into the recess.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a top of a motor vehicle which is tightened against a fixed body, includes a support bracket arranged on the side of the top having an operating lever supported about a first transverse axis as well as a pivotal latching member which cooperates with a receiving device on the side of the body. For improving the operating comfort of the latching mechanism, the operating lever is connected with the latching member by way of a guide lever. Furthermore, the latching member cooperates with the support bracket and the receiving means by way of a positive control in such a manner that during the pivoting of the operating lever into its raised locking position, a defined upward movement of the latching member in the direction toward the receiving means and a following tightening movement inside of the receiving means take place.