Abstract: A steering assembly for a motorcycle is provided, comprising a front fork assembly, a handlebar assembly, and one or more riser assemblies connecting the handlebar assembly to the fork assembly. The front fork assembly comprises a pair of elongated fork legs. Each of the fork legs has an upper end and a lower end, and a cross-member extending between the fork legs adjacent the upper ends. Each of the riser assemblies comprises a riser extending between the handlebar assembly and the cross-member, an upper bushing, and a lower bushing. Each of the upper and lower bushings comprises an inner member comprising a tubular stem and a collar extending radially outwardly from an end of the stem, and an outer member comprising a tubular portion surrounding the stem and a lip extending radially outwardly from an end of the tubular portion adjacent the collar. The upper bushing extends from above the cross-member into a hole provided through the cross-member.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement to a existing fifth wheel hitch mounted within the bed of a pickup, the improvement applied to the existing fifth wheel hitch either before or after installation to a towing vehicle, providing for secondary retainment of a fifth wheel trailer kingpin within the fifth wheel hitch in the event that accidental or inadvertent disengagement of the kingpin from the hitch occurs during transport, release or connection of the fifth wheel trailer to the fifth wheel hitch preventing injury to person or damage to the towing vehicle, the fifth wheel hitch and the fifth wheel trailer.

Abstract: In order to improve a trailer coupling for motor vehicles comprising a pivot bearing body which is rigidly attached to the vehicle and upon which there is mounted a pivotal element that is pivotal about a pivotal axis, a ball neck which extends outwardly from the pivotal element and carries a coupling ball at the end thereof remote from the pivotal element, and a locking device for fixing the pivotal element relative to the pivot bearing body in interlocking manner, so that the locking device is constructed in as simple a manner as possible and can be implemented in simple manner so that it is free of play, it is proposed that the pivotal element is mounted on the pivot bearing body such that it is displaceable along the pivotal axis thereof and that by displacement of the pivotal element along the pivotal axis the pivotal element is moveable into a position wherein it is pivotal relative to the pivot bearing body and into a position wherein it is fixed relative to the pivot bearing body in mutually non-rotat

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12), an inflator (14), a cover (16), and a reaction plate (18). The inflator (14) provides inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device (12). The cover (16) at least partially encloses the inflatable device (12) and the inflator (14). The cover (16) has a front panel (20), which faces a vehicle occupant, and side panels (22), which laterally surround the inflatable device (12). The reaction plate (18) has a base plate portion (56) to which the inflatable device (12), the inflator (14), and the cover (16) are attached. The reaction plate (18) has at least one projection (77, 88) extending from the base plate portion (56). The at least one projection (77, 88) overlies at least a portion of at least one of the side panels (22) of the cover (16) to resist deformation of the at least one side panel laterally away from the inflator (14) as the inflatable device (12) inflates.

Abstract: An inflatable seat belt restraint system including a shoulder belt, an inflatable restraint, an inflation integrated inertia reel, and a shoulder belt anchor opposite to the inflation integrated inertial reel. The system can further include a lap belt and lap belt inertia reel. The inflation integrated inertia reel includes a webbing anchor, a drum having a pressure vessel, and a port for ducting inflation gas from the pressure vessel to the inflatable restraint. The inflation integrated inertia reel can further include an inflator in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. Upon deployment, gas flows from the inflator, into the pressure vessel, through the port, and into the inflatable restraint. The system can also include, a pressure-actuated locking mechanism locks the drum when the pressure vessel is pressurized. A corresponding method for deploying an inflatable restraint is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air bag device includes a control valve capable of opening and closing a vent hole provided in a retainer, and a sufficient opening degree of the control valve can be ensured by use of a small-sized and inexpensive actuator. For this purpose, the control valve for opening and closing the vent hole defined in the retainer supporting an inflator and an air bag in the air bag device is opened and closed by plural valve members each operated by a piezoelectric element serving as an actuator. The plurality of divided valve members of the control valve are used and hence, even if the size of the piezoelectric element for operating each of the valve members is reduced to provide a reduction in cost, a sufficient opening degree of the entire control valve is ensured.

Abstract: A gas generator small in size and which can be produced easily with a simple structure is provided. The output of a gas generator is equalized so that an occupant can be safely restrained, and the combustion performance can be stably adjusted. The gas generator comprises a housing forming an outer shell container and accommodating two or more ignition units to ignite upon an impact and two or more gas generating agents which are independently ignited and burnt by the ignition units to generate a combustion gas for inflating an air bag, and a plurality of gas discharge ports which are formed in the housing, wherein the gas discharge ports are closed by sealing units for maintaining an internal pressure of the housing to the given pressure, a breaking pressure for breaking the sealing units is adjusted in multiple stages by controlling gas discharge ports and/or sealing units, and a difference of the maximum internal pressures in the housing at activation of the respective igniters is suppressed.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a compressed gas source, a gas bag inflatable with compressed gas furnished by the compressed gas source which generates a gas flow, and a valve through which the gas is able to escape from the restraint system. Thee valve is arranged such that it is impacted by the gas flow and the valve reduces its flow cross-section upon an increase in pressure of the gas flow.

Abstract: A gas generator utilizes a housing having two combustion chambers defined by a partition disposed intermediate the ends of the housing and retained by a pair of crimps disposed on opposite sides of the partition, respectively.

Abstract: A gas generator for a vehicle occupant restraint system has a combustion chamber delimited by a combustion chamber wall and filled with propellant granules. A structure is arranged in the combustion chamber for holding down the propellant granule, which has a disc-shaped holding face with grid holes, wherein the holding face is pressed into the combustion chamber and is connected in a form- and force-fitting manner with the combustion chamber wall. The structure for holding down the propellant granules is prestressed and presses elastically onto the propellant granules thereby arresting the propellant granules at a preselected filling level and at a variable distance from the combustion chamber cover.

Abstract: An air bag is folded and accommodated in a container to be inflated by an inflator. An end portion of a gas inlet of the air bag is fastened to the container. The air bag has left and right side portions folded in a form of bellows to form an elongated intermediate folding body. Two sides of the intermediate folding body are folded in a form of bellows or a roll and accommodated in the container. The air bag can be inflated very smoothly.

Abstract: An energy absorbing sheet 1 has alternating front 3 and rear 5 projections at angles between 25 to 60 degrees from the plane of the sheet. The sheet absorbs impact by plastic deformation such that the curve of stress to deformation shows a plateau for example at a level of stress which does not break bone. The sheet 1 may be made of aluminium.

Abstract: A suspension support member is mounted on a vehicle body to support a coil spring and a shock absorber forming a suspension, and is formed of a cast article including a spring seat for the coil spring and a pivot support section for the shock absorber, which are disposed independently from each other. Thus, the suspension support member is provided which ensures that the supported positions of the coil spring and the shock absorber in the suspension can be determined simply with a good accuracy, and which has a high rigidity and moreover, enables the generation of noises to be inhibited remarkably.

Abstract: A belt pretensioner in a vehicle, having a piston-cylinder device with a cylinder chamber containing an explosive charge. The piston has a piston rod that projects out of the cylinder on the side of the piston opposite to the cylinder chamber with the explosive charge, and is joined to a cable that drives, via a drum and a planetary gear set, a belt reel mechanism in the winding-up direction when the explosive charge is detonated. The cylinder chamber has an evacuation opening that communicates with a spill valve controlled by an electronic control unit in response to a sensor, which senses the weight of the occupant.

Abstract: A system for mounting a component to a portfolio including a tongue located on the component, the tongue having a tail portion and a tip portion, and a portfolio having a tongue opening formed therein. The top can be inserted into the tongue opening and component rotated relative to the portfolio until the tongue is generally received through the tongue opening to couple the component to the portfolio.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful fluid conduit coupling apparatus which allows quick connection and disconnection with substantially no introduction of ambient fluids or air into the process fluid. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a quick connect/disconnect coupling for a fluid conduit, the coupling comprising assemblies for attaching to the ends of a conduit to be connected and for subsequently mating together, each assembly comprising a normally closed channel; means for expelling fluid from between the assemblies when the assemblies are to be connected to each other; means for preventing fluid from entering the assemblies from outside when the assemblies are being connected; means for opening the normally closed channels, means operable by the connecting of the assemblies to each other; latch means for securing the assemblies together, the latch means disconnectable by means of a hand operated unlatching means or by the application of a predetermined tensile force.

Abstract: An arrangement for installing a sanitary fitting contains a concealed tank with passage openings to be fitted in a wall and within which can be fitted a fitting body. The connection between the fitting body and the concealed tank takes place exclusively with the aid of connecting elements made from a soundproofing material and through which pass the passage openings of the concealed tank. There is no direct contact between the concealed tank and the fitting body. Different fittings can be screwed to the fitting body. The connecting elements can be simultaneously used for the passage of water pipes.

Abstract: A joint to connect a tubular ceramic element to a tubesheet. The joint has an internal seal housing to retain the tubular ceramic element and an external seal housing connected to the tubesheet to retain the internal seal housing. A ceramic-to-metal seal is located within the internal seal housing and a metal-to-metal seal is located between the internal seal housing and an external seal housing. The external seal housing is connected to the tubesheet. The internal seal housing is assembled in sections to allow assembly of the ceramic-to-metal seal to be assembled and tested prior to joining the tubular ceramic element to the tubesheet. After perfection of such seal, the internal seal housing and tubular ceramic element is inserted into the external seal housing and sealed within the external seal housing by the metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved system for connecting the ends of sheet metal ducts wherein each duct end is provided with an integral frame. Corner connectors defining perpendicularly extending arms are associated with each frame, and bolts or other fasteners are utilized for connecting the connectors and integral frames. The sections include an upturned portion extending perpendicularly outwardly from the duct wall, a second portion bent rearwardly from the outer end of the first portion, a third portion extending from the outer end of the second portion and forming an L-shaped double wall portion. When the frame is formed in this fashion, it is adapted to receive the side edges of respected arms of corner connectors whereby the ducts may be efficiently assembled by locating corner connectors in place and thereafter applying the fasteners used for maintaining the assembly.

Abstract: An upper case 5 is pivotable with respect to a case 2 by attachment with two frames 37. A sheet-supply tray 6 is pivotably mounted on the upper case 5. The sheet-supply tray 6 has a pair of left and right guides 35, 35 at a position near a sheet-supply port 13. The guides 35, 35 have a pair of separation ribs 42, 42 that define therebelow a sheet-supply pathway and thereabove a sheet discharge pathway. A synthetic resin hollow frame 40 with an integral slide rib 41 is fixed to the case 2. The slide rib 41 is formed with an outwardly curving surface 41a that is eccentric with an imaginary circle around a pivot shaft 38 of the upper case 5, wherein the free end of the slide rib 41 is farther from the shaft 38 than the fixed end. A horizontally protruding pin is fixed on one of the frames 37, and so pivots following the imaginary circle around the shaft 38.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved drawer latch mechanism, particularly suited for attaching to the front side of a drawer. The drawer front latch preferably has a handle with a full-length grip that is sufficiently large so that it may be operated while wearing gloves, holding a towel or other types of hand coverings. The handle is used to open and close the drawer such that the action of pulling on the handle to open the drawer releases spring-loaded latches biased to be in a locked position. Pushing the drawer closed causes catch surfaces of tapered leading ends of the latch to engage with drawer mounting walls of the cabinet and latch the drawer closed.

Abstract: An improved door handle is provided with a housing having a plunger tunnel designed to dissipate stress forces, such as door seal loads and vibration. The plunger tunnel is D-shaped in cross-section, with a curved interior radius to preclude stress concentrations. The plunger has a complimentary D-shaped cross-section for sliding movement within the tunnel between extended and retracted positions to latch and unlatch the door.

Abstract: A secondary latch (38) for a vehicle hood (34) includes a secondary latch member (90) that is mounted on the vehicle body (22) by a pin and slot mounting connection (98) for pivotal movement between latched and unlatched positions with respect to an associated striker (40) on the hood and for translational movement between a lower retracted position and an upper extended position.

Abstract: A door closing mechanism for pulling a door tight to a frame to which the door is mounted comprises a latch arm assembly having a latch arm pivotally secured to a panel of the door and pivotable between a first, open position and a second, latched position. An activating mechanism is operably connected to the latch arm assembly by a connecting apparatus and actuates the latch arm between its first and second positions. A latch member is secured to the jamb in which the door is mounted and is arranged and constructed so that when the latch arm is moved into its second, closed position, the latch arm engages the latch member and exerts force upon the latch member in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the door so as to cause the door to contact the door frame over substantially its entire height.

Abstract: A case lock is disclosed to include a fixed retaining member and a movable lock body assembly respectively fastened to the top and bottom cover shells of a case for locking the case. The movable lock body assembly includes a front cover, an actuating member pivoted to the front cover, a sliding retainer, a link pivoted between the actuating member and the sliding retainer and adapted to move the sliding retainer in an axial direction while the link is driven by the actuating member and moved along with said actuating member, and a back cover covered on the front cover and defining with the front cover a space in which the actuating member, the link and the sliding retainer are positioned.

Abstract: A shock absorbing construction for a motorcycle that has a dimensional standard suitable for practical use for sufficiently absorbing an impact. A shock absorbing member includes a plurality of cavities and reinforcing ribs for dividing adjacent cavities. All or some of the reinforcing ribs are formed with thinner portions, respectively. The shock absorbing member projects forwardly from the front wheel is provided so that the shock absorbing member absorbs the impact by being collapsed.

Abstract: An impact energy absorption system for vehicles, comprising a cross member (16) housing a series of composite alveolar structures or buffers (10, 10A) which co-operate with an element (14) made of foamed plastic resin; the alveolar structure (10, 10A) is made of plastic resin preferably derived from polycarbonate and can feature a taper at at least one of the longitudinal ends where a containment element (22) can be provided.

Abstract: A disc handling tool includes a housing and first and second arms which are pivotally mounted to the housing in spaced relation to each other. A first gripper is located adjacent a distal end of the first arm. A second gripper is located adjacent a distal end of the second arm. The first and second grippers fit about a peripheral edge of an associated disc with the grippers being tangential to the peripheral edge of the associated disc. A locking member is provided for locking at least one of the first and second arms in one end position in relation to the housing.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a deceleration/acceleration drum is described which includes a pivot arm with a gripper seat and a gripper bar with a gripper and a pin assembly. The assembly further includes a first toggle link supported by the pivot arm about a first pivot points the gripper bar is able to partially rotate about the first toggle link about a second pivot point. The assembly also includes a second toggle link supported by the pivot arm which supports the pin assembly of the gripper bar.

Abstract: A reconfigurable intermediate panel provides the capability of reconfiguring the interior space of a vehicle. A first panel portion is moveable in the vehicle between various locations. A second panel portion is supported for movement with the first panel portion and for movement relative to the first panel portion. By selectively extending the second panel portion relative to the first panel portion, the vehicle interior space may be selectively divided and provides isolated vehicle compartments.

Abstract: A removable console system includes a removable console having a front end, a rear end, a first side and a second side. A pair of support rails are adapted to support the removable console and to allow sliding movement of the removable console on the support of rails. The removable console includes support surfaces extending outward from opposing sides of the removable console which are adapted to engage the support rails to support the removable console on the support rails. The removable console further includes at least one latching mechanism for securing the removable console to the support rails.

Abstract: A rear body structure of a vehicle having a floor panel, a pocket provided on the floor panel for accommodating a spare tire assembly therein and a seat disposed above the pocket includes a reinforcement member hingedly connected with the floor panel and covering at least a part of the opening of the pocket for preventing the spare tire assembly from moving, a seat fixing section provided on the reinforcement member for detachably fixing the seat, and a seat belt anchoring section provided on the reinforcement member for anchoring an end portion of a seat belt.

Abstract: A dashmat for use in a vehicle passenger compartment comprising a firewall separating the passenger compartment from an engine compartment and a floorboard extending rearwardly from the firewall. The dashmat comprises a decoupling layer shaped to span the width of the vehicle passenger compartment. The decoupling layer has a lower surface adapted to abut the firewall and floorboard, and an upper surface adapted to face an interior of the passenger compartment. A header is formed in a front portion of the decoupling layer and is adapted to connect to a supply duct from a vehicle HVAC system. An air distribution channel is formed in the decoupling layer and extends rearwardly from the header through a substantial portion of the decoupling layer for distribution of conditioned air from the header throughout at least a front portion of the vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle rear seat lock that has a latch (3), a trigger (1) and a bolt housed in a recess (2) in the trigger, according to which the safety of the unit against unwanted opening is increased.

Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle having a rearwardly opening door relative to a seat. The seat having a seat cushion, seat back and a seat pivot rotatably connected to the vehicle for rotation of the seat about a vertical axis. At least one linkage is coupled between the seat cushion and a vehicle door. The linkage is sized and positioned such that the seat pivots in response to the door movement. The seat remains substantially adjacent to the vehicle door.

Abstract: A cover for a golf cart is removably affixed to an attached frame and existing roof support members of the roof of the cart where the attached frame comprises an upper frame, door posts and at least one removable door. The cover thus provides protection to golfers in a golfer compartment during inclement weather and also provides for convenient access to and from golfer compartment whether through door opening when opened or through the door frame when the door is in a closed position with the cover portion removed therefrom. The door may be stored in at least two positions upon the frame or may be removed from the frame and stored separately.

Abstract: A bug screen interface device for provide a gap blocking interface between a bug deflector and an automobile to reduce the collection of debris. The bug screen interface device includes a main member designed for covering a gap created between a bug deflector and a hood of an automobile, and an attachment member coupled to the main member and designed for coupling the main member to a back side of the bug deflector.

Abstract: A vehicle shield device is provided according to the invention. The vehicle shield device includes a hood protector region and hood attachment region. The hood protector region is constructed for extending across at least a portion of a vehicle hood for protecting the vehicle hood. The hood protector region includes at least one flexible region for allowing folding of the hood protector region. The hood attachment region is constructed for attaching the hood protector region to a vehicle hood. The hood attachment region includes a first hood attachment flange attached to at least a portion of the hood protector region and constructed for attaching to a left side of a vehicle hood, and a second hood attachment flange attached to at least a portion of the hood protector region and constructed for attachment to a right side of a vehicle hood. The hood protector region and the hood attachment region can be provided from a molded and continuous plastic sheet.

Abstract: A windup window shade has a windup shaft and a window shade web fastened on it. The window shade web is provided with a traction rod, which is moved at both ends by means of drive members along the guide rails. A compensating device is provided to compensate assembly tolerances or shape tolerances, which assures that too great tensions extending parallel with the windup shaft do not occur in the window shade web, which would lead to obliquely extending waves in the extended window shade web.

Abstract: A visor mounting assembly includes a visor elbow and a visor mounting bracket with a cam cooperating between the two members to detent the visor when moved from a front windshield position to a side window position at a location which allows clearance of the side curtain air bag, thereby positioning the visor when in the side window position at a location which does not interfere with or inhibit the deployment of a side curtain air bag. In one embodiment, a stop extends between the elbow and bracket to limit the movement of the visor.

Abstract: A securing device for contents of a wheelbarrow for preventing the content of a wheelbarrow from falling out of the wheelbarrow. The securing device for contents of a wheelbarrow includes a generally flexible panel having a first end edge and a second end edge. A first hook is attached to the first end edge. A tubular member has a first end and a second end. A slot extends through a peripheral wall of the tubular member. A spindle is rotatably mounted in the tubular member. The second end edge extends through the slot and is attached to the spindle. A second hook is attached to the tubular member. The first and second hooks are attached to the upper edge of a wheelbarrow such that the panel is extended over the wheelbarrow.

Abstract: The invention is a truck bed cover made from thermoplastic material. The top of the truck bed cover has a relatively smooth appearance. The underside of the bed cover comprises a support structure utilizing at least one “X”-type support. In the preferred embodiment, four “X”-type supports are utilized. A typical bed cover typically weighs less than 75 pounds for greater ease of handling, without loss of structural support strength over fiberglass covers from loads placed on the top of the bed cover.

Abstract: A releasable and adjustable clamp-on track assembly is provided for releasably and adjustably attaching an overhead rack, or the like, to the walls of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The clamp-on track assembly includes a track having an elongate body mountable on the side wall of the pickup truck by a clamp member. One end of the clamp member engages the elongate body, while the opposite end of the clamp is supported by the underside of the side wall of the truck. The clamp may be slidably received within a slot formed in the elongate body so that the clamp can be positioned anywhere along the length of the track, as desired. An adjustable fastener may additionally be provided which, when tightened, secures the clamp to the underside of the side wall of the truck in order to mount the track assembly.

Abstract: A retractable covering for attachment to a golf cart is provided. The covering is comprised of a framework having a plurality of pivotal and nestable U-shaped rib members and a fabric cover that enables the awning to move between an extended deployed position and a retracted closed position over a rear compartment of the golf cart. The framework is mounted to the cart through one of several disclosed arrangements including a transition plate extending between the forward rib member and a top mounting bracket in one arrangement. The covering comprises a gathering flap that is adapted to surround a portion of the cover as the cover portion is retracted from use. The gathering flap has an indicia area exposed to view from behind the golf cart. The indicia area has indicia thereon that is visible from the rear of the golf cart.

Abstract: A motor vehicle or other large object of manufacture can be selectably masked for painting, sanding or other finishing processes by disposing the article within a large polymeric bag having a drawstring closure. The bag is closed about at least a portion of the vehicle, and an opening is formed in the bag by selectably tearing away a portion of the bag to provide access to a section of the article to be treated. Portions of the opening thus formed can be taped to the vehicle. When the process is completed, the bag can be torn away from the vehicle. In some instances, the bag includes selectably weakened portions, such as perforated portions, which facilitate tearing of the bag. Also disclosed are specific bag structures.

Abstract: A system for anchoring and/or positioning a camper within a bed of a truck. The system comprising an anchoring assembly, a positioning assembly, and tie-down means for interconnecting the camper with said anchoring assembly. The anchoring assembly is attached to the bed of the truck and includes a mounting bracket, guide plate, stabilizing bar, and support bracket. The mounting bracket is configured to be mountable to the bed of the truck. The guide plate is connected to the mounting bracket and is configured to receive the stabilizing bar therein. The stabilizing bar is configured to connect two or more guide plates. A support bracket is attached to a load bearing member of the truck below the bed of the truck. A positioning assembly is also mounted in the bed of the truck. The positioning assembly is configured to guide the camper within the bed of the truck, while preventing lateral movement of the camper during movement of the truck. A tie-down assembly interconnects the camper with the anchor assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement in passenger vehicles, that diverts the impact energy in lateral or side impacts away from the passengers to the remaining mass of the vehicle thereby protecting the passengers, and in the same arrangement provides utilitarian access to the vehicle, such utilitarian access making it possible to both install multi-element contoured surround seats for passengers and the driver, and also a safety device for head-on collision protection that obviates the need for conventional seat belts and front impact airbags. An indo-skeletal structural arrangement proposed for the vehicle, provides further benefits by targeting the strength of the vehicle to protect passengers while minimizing other massive elements in the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fender panel impact absorption structure having a walker protection function in which an impact absorption unit is installed between a fender panel and the top of an apron panel to secure space enough to absorb the impact energy to the maximum level and minimize a walker's injury when the walker is bumped to the fender panel, the unit being constructed by fastening together the end of a bent part of a fender panel positioned under a hood panel and the top of an apron panel, the structure having an impact absorption unit whose top and bottom parts are bent toward one direction for being connected and installed between the end of the bent part of the fender panel and the top of the apron panel, the top part being fastened with the end of the bent part of the fender panel and the bottom part being fastened to the apron panel with a fixing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle structural component, especially a specialized front wall, comprising a functional part made of molded plastic intended to support functional members of the vehicle and a structural part intended to withstand the various mechanical stresses generated by the use of the vehicle, the structural part consisting of the combination of two rigid assemblies, namely, in the first place, an array of stiffening ribs and, in the second place, metal reinforcements. The functional part and one of the rigid assemblies are made as one piece when molding the plastic functional part, while the other rigid assembly is attached to the first rigid assembly to which it is fixed by snap-fastening.

Abstract: A vehicle body front structure includes: a frame having a front frame and a floor frame joined together by a curved portion provided along a toe board, the front frame extending in a forward direction from the curved portion, the floor frame extending in a rearward direction therefrom; a side structure disposed transversely outwardly of the frame, respectively; and a closed-section torque box for joining the frame to the side structure. The frame and the side structure are joined to an upper surface of the torque box to be substantially horizontally relative to each other, and are also joined to a lower surface of the torque box which is formed in such a manner as to be oriented downwardly toward the side structure, to thereby increase the joint area of the torque box on a side thereof where the torque box is joined to the side structure.