Abstract: A vehicular front structure is configured so that stresses do not concentrate in the upper joint part and the lower joint part of a front pillar, and even if the front pillar is made thin, the joint strength of the upper and lower parts of the front pillar is improved. The upper part of a front pillar (17) is joined to the side end part of a roof header member (41) and the front end part of a roof side member (42) via an upper joint panel (43). The front pillar is provided between the side edge of a windshield glass and the front edge of a side door and is formed in a tubular shape by the joint of a pillar inner panel (31) and a pillar outer panel (32), and the roof header member is provided along the upper edge of the windshield glass and is formed into a substantially tubular shape by the joint of a header inner panel (44) and a roof panel (45).

Abstract: A field configurable vehicle armoring system and associated method allow a user to retrofit and reconfigure a combination of armor components in response to a perceived threat change and using original equipment manufacture fasteners and holes. The system includes pillar armor attachable after an original equipment manufacture door and hinge are removed. Fasteners extend through the hinge of the armored door, the pillar armor and an original equipment manufacture pillar using holes other than the original equipment manufacture holes. Rocker panel and underbody armor is further provided, along with a ballistic resistant windscreen and rear wall armor. Where desired, system armor includes a composite plate comprising a strike face that is constructed from softer metallic material than an inner metallic sheet.

Abstract: An upper pillar structure of a vehicle may include a pad assembly for sealing an air intake portion formed between a side inner panel and a side outer panel, the pas assembly including a fixing member disposed at lower side of the air intake portion, and a rotating member, a portion of which is rotatably coupled to the fixing member and moves to top portion of the air intake portion by actuation of the side outer panel.

Abstract: An automotive body and trim assembly is provided that utilizes locating features on only a single sheet metal layer of a multi-layer body frame pillar to position a trim member, thus minimizing variability in the final assembled position of the trim member. The single sheet metal layer has both a fore-aft-locating feature and a cross-car-locating feature. A fore-aft-positioning feature and a cross-car-positioning feature on the pillar trim member are spaced to permit contact with the fore-aft-locating feature and the cross-car-locating feature, respectively when the pillar trim member is assembled with the body frame pillar, so that only the single sheet metal layer determines the fore-aft and cross-car position of the pillar trim member. A method of assembling a pillar trim member and a body frame pillar having multiple sheet metal layers is also provided.

Abstract: A pillar structure of a vehicle is disclosed. The pillar structure includes a pillar, a front outer garnish, a triangular window, and a shielding portion. The pillar includes an outer panel and an inner panel. A flange portion of the outer panel and a flange portion of the inner panel are joined to each other so as to form a joint portion. The front outer garnish is attached to the pillar so as to cover the outer panel. The triangular window is supported by the pillar. The shielding portion shields the joint portion, thereby making invisible the joint portion from the outside of the vehicle through the triangular window. The front outer garnish and the triangular window are integrally molded, and the shielding portion is integrated with the front outer garnish. The joint portion is bent toward the inner panel or the outer panel.

Abstract: A body side structure 3 includes an outer panel 4 integratedly formed by press forming, an inner panel 5, and a reinforcement 6. The outer panel 4 includes a front pillar outer section 12, and an outer front end lower portion 13 extending downward from the front pillar outer section 12. The inner panel 5 includes a front pillar inner section 26, and an inner front end lower portion 27 extending downward from the front pillar inner section 26. A flange 43 of the reinforcement 6 is joined to the inner front end lower portion 27. A lower edge 23 of the outer front end lower portion 13 is adjacent to or in contact with an outer surface 45 of the flange 43 of the reinforcement 6 at a higher position than a lower edge 36 of the inner front end lower portion 27 and a lower edge 44 of the flange 43 of the reinforcement 6.

Abstract: This invention relates to a means for facilitating access to a motor vehicle in an emergency to extricate the driver and/or passengers. In its simplest form the means is at least one removable pillar which ca be the A, B, C or D pillar of the vehicle. The pillar or pillars are equipped with handle actuated latches which enable the pillar or pillars to be removed without cutting equipment. The invention also provides for a removable seat or seats and a pivotable steering wheel or column and dashboard and all of which are aimed at removing occupants from a wrecked vehicle without having to wait for specialised cutting equipment. The invention also extends to a vehicle fitted with said means.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a vehicle pillar (e.g., a B-pillar) electronic control device, and/or a method of making the same. A pillar is molded, with the pillar being at least initially clear. An inner surface of the pillar is painted a desired color. Areas of the paint are laser etched away from the inner surface of the pillar to form one or more symbols. At least some of the symbols correspond to control buttons and/or indicators. Each symbol is substantially flush with an outer surface of the pillar. Control electronics are inserted into a recess formed in the pillar, with the recess being formed in the inner surface of the pillar. The control electronics are sealed in the recess via an adhesive. The adhesive may have a foam core. The pillar may be substantially impermeable with respect to debris and/or other elements.

Abstract: A wind deflector noise reduction system is provided. The wind deflector noise reduction system particularly reduces or eliminates wind throb in a moving vehicle having a rear side window in an open position. The system includes a panel attached to the B-pillar of a motor vehicle and operable to move between a closed position and an open position. When the panel is in the open position, wind is deflected from entering the moving vehicle. An actuator associated with the panel and operable to move the panel between the closed and the open position can be energized by a controller. The controller can be activated by the user of the motor vehicle and/or by a sensor that detects the position of the rear side window.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided having a vehicle body with a passenger compartment between a vehicle floor, a vehicle roof and side pillars. A pair of passenger seats are oriented within the passenger compartment with a center console mounted therebetween. A central structural pillar extends from the center console to the vehicle roof for supporting a central region of the vehicle roof. A ducting assembly is provided with a central duct extending upward from the center console adjacent to the pair of passenger seats and in fluid communication with a heating and cooling system. An outlet port is provided on the central duct for directing the air to the seating row.

Abstract: In a vehicular body structure, left and right front pillars are provided closer to the longitudinal centerline of a vehicle than left and right corner sections of a compartment of the vehicle. First corner window (26) provided adjacent to one of the left and right front pillars (13) which is more remote from a driver's seat (24) has a greater opening area than a second corner window (25) provided adjacent to the other of the left and right pillars (11) which is closer to the driver's seat.

Abstract: A striker reinforcement plate is configured for installation into the interior of a closed section, hydroformed tubular automotive frame member. The striker reinforcement plate is formed with an enlarged mounting tab at one end and a weld tab at the opposing end. The striker reinforcement plate is inserted through a slot formed into the wall of the tubular frame member, against which the enlarged mounting tab prevents the striker reinforcement plate from falling through the slot, and the weld tab is inserted through a special formed opening to receive the weld tab. The weld tab can then be welded to the exterior surface of the tubular frame member, which combined with the enlarged mounting tab secured against the slot holds the striker reinforcement plate in place for final assembly of the striker. The striker can then be bolted to the reinforcement plate and be positionally adjusted in a conventional manner.

Abstract: In a structure for attaching an interior trim panel around an automotive front pillar, in which an airbag (6) is stored in a space in the range from the inside of a front pillar trim (2) to the inside of a roof lining (3), an engagement projection (92) projecting in almost the same direction as the deployment direction of the airbag is provided at intervals in the range from a flange (11) of a door opening (7) to the inside of a vehicle compartment in a portion which is adjacent to a joint portion (L1) of the front pillar trim and the roof lining and extends along the door opening of a vehicle body panel (10) located on the inside of the front pillar trim, and on the other hand, an engagement portion (24) projecting in the substantially opposite direction to the deployment direction of the airbag is provided on the back surface of an end edge portion on the door opening side of the front pillar trim (2), whereby the engagement portion (24) is engaged to the engagement projection (92).

Abstract: An upper member of a pillar has a substantially U-shaped cross section, and includes first side walls extending substantially in a transverse direction of the vehicle at least at a lower portion, and a connecting plate at a lower end while keeping the U-shaped cross section. A lower member includes a mounting plate opposed to the connecting plate at a lower portion being lower than an upper end, and second side walls extending substantially in the transverse direction at both end portions of the mounting plate in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The connecting plate and the mounting plate are welded to each other in a state that they are in abutment with each other, and the first side walls and the second side walls are joined to each other, and the upper member and the lower member are integrally fixed to each other.

Abstract: A front pillar trim structure for a curtain airbag in a vehicle is disclosed. In preferred configurations, the front pillar trim structure comprises a handle mounted on a front pillar trim so that a passenger can conveniently use the handle when entering or exiting a vehicle, and wherein the front pillar trim is adapted to be moved effectively by the expansion force of the curtain airbag without being destroyed when a vehicular collision occurs.

Abstract: A post-mounting structure of a cowl complete panel is provided, which includes a front pillar part having a side outer panel, and a cowl complete having a cowl top panel and a cowl side inner member, wherein a side shape of an outside of the cowl top panel is formed to correspond to a side shape of a compartment side of the side outer panel, and a forward parting line of a rear side of the cowl side inner member is formed ahead of a front parting line of a front side of the side outer panel, to form a specified space between the forward parting line of the rear side of the cowl side inner member and the front parting line of the front side of the side outer panel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a noise reduction member. Preferably, the noise reduction member is employed for sealing or baffling within a pillar or other structure of an automotive vehicle, although not required.

Abstract: A front vehicle body structure including: a hood ridge provided on a side in a vehicle width direction of a front vehicle body; a suspension support member for supporting a suspension of a vehicle, provided on an inner side in the vehicle width direction of the hood ridge; and a concave portion provided on a lower surface of the hood ridge at a location close to the suspension support member.

Abstract: A bracket for placement between the A-pillar and pillar garnish in an automobile, wherein the bracket includes a base and first and second mounting flanges for use in attaching the bracket to the A-pillar structure. The bracket also includes first and second handle flanges for use in attaching an occupant grab handle to the bracket. The bracket also includes a garnish mounting flange located between the base and handle flange. The garnish is secured to the bracket allowing the garnish to deflect slightly inwards and outwards, but not to such an extent that damage to the garnish occurs.

Abstract: A structural supporting roof pillar for use in a vehicle including an elongated, interiorly hollowed and polygonal shaped body having a selected arcuate lengthwise configuration and corresponding in placement to at least one of an A, B, and C vehicle pillar. A first component supporting flange is integrally formed, such as by overlapping end portions of a roll formed body, and projecting in at least a partially lengthwise extending fashion from a given cross sectional location. A secondary component supporting flange is affixed to a further cross sectional location associated with the body, such as further by welding.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided having a vehicle body with a passenger compartment between a vehicle floor, a vehicle roof and side pillars. A pair of passenger seats are oriented within the passenger compartment with a center console mounted therebetween. A central structural pillar extends from the center console to the vehicle roof for supporting a central region of the vehicle roof. A ducting assembly is provided with a central duct extending upward from the center console adjacent to the pair of passenger seats and in fluid communication with a heating and cooling system. An outlet port is provided on the central duct for directing the air to the seating row.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods of forming a structural component of a transportation vehicle and preferably an automotive vehicle. The invention includes a hybrid structure, preferably formed of two or more components that are bonded together with an adhesive to form a structural component that is lighter in weight than that of traditional components formed out of metal. The hybrid component is also substantially free of an over-molding process. Advantageously, one or more snap-fits or the like may be used to position and maintain spatial relationship of the two or more components during assembly, and compression and curing of the adhesive.

Abstract: A stamped metal panel used as part of a pillar of a motor vehicle includes a main wall, an outer side wall, an inner side wall and a transitional portion. The outer side wall extends from one side of the main wall. The inner side wall extends from an opposite side of the main wall and forms a generally U-shaped cross section with the main wall and the outer side wall. The inner side wall has a first wall that extends from the main wall and a second wall that extends from an end of the first wall opposite from the main wall. The transitional portion extends arcuately between the first wall and the second wall. The transitional portion is substantially tangential with at least the first wall of the first side wall to facilitate removal of the panel from between upper and lower halves of a stamping tool.

Abstract: A dual cell rear corner pillar for the operator's compartment of a pick-up truck is formed with longitudinally oriented front and rear tubular members. The dual cell tubular construction increases section strength for the rear corner pillar while maintaining packaging constraints for the rear pillar design. The front tubular member is nested against the rear tubular member to provide support therefor longitudinally and vertically. The forward tubular member is welded to the door opening panel seal flange, while the rearward tubular member is welded to the window flange and the back panel flange. The forward and rearward tubular members are also welded to one another to form a strong pillar structure. The dual cell configuration resists buckling and shares loading. The rear tubular member wraps around the front tubular member and transitions into the roof rail area, shortening the unsupported moment arm of the rear tubular member.

Abstract: A pillar for suspension of a hinged vehicle door includes an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner and outer panels are spaced apart from each other. A spacing sleeve is arranged between the inner and outer panels. The spacing sleeve has at least one through hole for receiving a screw extending between the inner panel and the outer panel for attachment of a hinge flange to the pillar.

Abstract: A door pillar for a supporting frame structure of a vehicle body has an upper section which extends from a vehicle roof as far as a vehicle side edge, and a lower section which extends from the vehicle side edge in the direction of a vehicle floor. In order to improve the door pillar with regard to loading and weight, it has a pillar body which extends at least in the upper section and is made of iron or iron alloy, and a pillar base which is connected fixedly thereto, extends at least in the lower section, and is made of light metal or light metal alloy.

Abstract: A reinforcement member and reinforcement system for an article of manufacture (e.g., an automotive vehicle) are disclosed. The reinforcement member includes a carrier member and a reinforcement material and the carrier member includes one or multiple portions. The one portion or at least one of the multiples portions includes a reinforced portion that is divided into multiple sections.

Abstract: A front pillar apparatus of a vehicle includes a panel portion supporting a windshield of the vehicle from an upper portion of the vehicle and a pillar portion connected to both ends of the panel portion to support the panel portion, wherein the panel portion includes an outer panel disposed in an outward direction of the vehicle and an inner panel disposed in an inward direction of the vehicle and formed to be extended in an direction of the outer panel, which apparatus has improved stiffness.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement member with a carrier member and a reinforcement material disposed on the carrier member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a road vehicle having at least one strengthening member fixed to a structure of the vehicle, preferably extending adjacent to a front windscreen of the vehicle, between lateral edges of the front windscreen, wherein the strengthening member is dimensioned so that it will not prevent the driver from seeing an object which is at least two meters from the front windscreen. The present invention may further provide a road vehicle having at least one strengthening member which retracts to a first position and extends to a second position, and is movable from the first position to the second position. A particular type of strengthening member is formed of at least three first linearly extending structural units for extending from the front structure of the vehicle and second linearly extending structural unit joining the at least three first linearly extending units.

Abstract: A structural joint configuration is formed in an automotive frame in which the frame members are bent into an angular orientation and joined together to form a structural joint in the automotive frame in which loads imposed on any of the frame members forming the joint will be transferred to and shared with the other frame members in the joint. The structural joint can be configured with as many legs as needed to conform to the number of frame members entering the joint. The frame members can be formed with any cross-sectional shape and from any conventional material or combination of materials. Joining the frame members at the structural joint can be accomplished by welding or by applying adhesives. Load distribution through the frame members forming the structural joint enables the joint to withstand an application of high loads without major cracks or bending at the structural joint.

Abstract: A structural seat system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a passenger seat with a recessed configuration. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement and seat system in a convertible roof vehicle.

Abstract: A striker reinforcement plate is configured for installation into the interior of a closed section, hydroformed tubular automotive frame member. The striker reinforcement plate is formed with an enlarged mounting tab at one end and a weld tab at the opposing end. The striker reinforcement plate is inserted through a slot formed into the wall of the tubular frame member, against which the enlarged mounting tab prevents the striker reinforcement plate from falling through the slot, and the weld tab is inserted through a special formed opening to receive the weld tab. The weld tab can then be welded to the exterior surface of the tubular frame member, which combined with the enlarged mounting tab secured against the slot holds the striker reinforcement plate in place for final assembly of the striker. The striker can then be bolted to the reinforcement plate and be positionally adjusted in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A rear vehicle body structure including a left-right pair of first rear frame, a second rear frame arcuate in plan view which is connected to the rear ends of the first rear frames, a rear bumper beam with a front surface of a central portion thereof connected to a rear surface of the second rear frame, a left-right pair of fender beams with one-side end portions thereof connected respectively to both end portions of the rear bumper beam, and a left-right pair of rearmost portion pillars connected to the other end portions of the fender frames.

Abstract: Deformation by camber recovery etc. due to non-uniform residual stress is suppressed, and occurrence of crack and burr is suppressed by improving press forming property of a roof side T-shaped portion, so that a reinforcing member having a predetermined shape accuracy is manufactured easily and inexpensively by pressing. A reinforcing member (12) is constructed by three members, i.e. an upper member (20), a lower member (22) and a central member (24). A tensile strength of the upper member (20) is selected lower than that of the central member (24), and is higher than that of the lower member (22). In comparison to a case where the upper member (20) and the central member (24) are constructed integrally by an ultra-high tensile steel plate, fluctuation of internally generated residual stress is made small. Shape accuracy is thereby improved by the reduced deforming amount due to camber recovery etc., thus press forming being facilitated.

Abstract: An automotive body and trim assembly is provided that utilizes locating features on only a single sheet metal layer of a multi-layer body frame pillar to position a trim member, thus minimizing variability in the final assembled position of the trim member. The single sheet metal layer has both a fore-aft-locating feature and a cross-car-locating feature. A fore-aft-positioning feature and a cross-car-positioning feature on the pillar trim member are spaced to permit contact with the fore-aft-locating feature and the cross-car-locating feature, respectively when the pillar trim member is assembled with the body frame pillar, so that only the single sheet metal layer determines the fore-aft and cross-car position of the pillar trim member. A method of assembling a pillar trim member and a body frame pillar having multiple sheet metal layers is also provided.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention that bringing a door weather strip into contact with a side molding restrains dusts and the like from intruding into a gap between a front pillar and a side door. A front pillar (17) is provided between a side portion of a windshield glass (13) and a front portion of a side door (14), and an upper molding made of a resin is fitted to an upper part of the windshield glass (13). Also, a side molding (28) made of a resin is fitted to a side portion (13b) of the windshield glass (13), and the inner surface of the side portion (13b) of the windshield glass (13) is bonded to the front pillar (17). Moreover, a door weather strip (31) is provided along the front portion of the side door (14), and the door weather strip (31) is constructed so as to be brought into contact with the side molding (28).

Abstract: A lengthwise extended component contains of a support that possesses flow channels in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The support additionally possesses external surfaces that are offset to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis as well as a lateral external surface. These external surfaces are provided with a layer of a thermally expansible and curable composition. Reinforcing components of this type are suitable for stiffening and/or reinforcing hollow supports, such as the A-, B- or C-pillars, the roof edges or the rocker panels of vehicles, especially passenger cars.

Abstract: A rear support pillar is configured by combining plural plate members extending in the longitudinal direction of the support pillar to define a closed section. An end face of one of plate members adjacent to each other in the closed section is abutted against an inner surface of the other plate member and in this state the abutted portion of the plate members is fillet-welded throughout the overall length of each plate member.

Abstract: A vehicle front structure including: a closed-section cross member connected to a pair of front pillars; a closed-section hood ledge extending frontward from a portion of a corresponding one of the front pillars, where the cross member is connected to the corresponding one of the front pillars; and a strut housing provided on an inner side in a vehicle transverse direction of and adjacent to the hood ledge. The hood ledge is provided with two gussets dividing an internal space thereof into sections in the longitudinal direction of the hood ledge, and an intermediate portion of the hood ledge between the two gussets is located forward of the cross member and rearward of the strut housing.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes longitudinally extending elements such as roof side rail outer and inner members, a reinforcement member and a gusset that are part of a side impact energy management system for vehicles that include a sunroof. A laterally extending cross member is connected to the roof side rail members, and the roof side rail members are connected to an upper portion of an approximately vertical B-pillar. The cross-member is connected to the roof side rail members approximately perpendicular to the B-pillar, but longitudinally offset from the B-pillar. The reinforcement member extends between the roof side rail members to the cross-member.

Abstract: A side panel for a motor vehicle includes a bottom sill member, a roof panel portion, and a plurality of pillars extending between the sill member and the roof panel portion. The sill member forms with the pillars and the roof panel portion a single-piece structure from a sheet metal blank made of high-strength steel and has at least one region which is partly hardened and subject to increased load in the event of a crash of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle door pillar decorative panel is primarily composed of a base board having a recession in which a panel is adhered. A protruding block is fastened to the panel to form a decorative panel. And, by way of various surface treatments, the decorative panel may have a frosted or mirror surface to accomplish a high quality visual effect. Besides, by way of the design of the protrusions, the decorative panel may further provide a three-dimensional feeling, which is extremely applicable to the vehicle door pillar for decoration purposes.

Abstract: A front pillar apparatus of a vehicle includes a pipe formed to be extended from an lower portion of the vehicle, a reinforcing member connected to the pipe in an outer direction of the vehicle such that the reinforcing member supports the pipe, a panel located in an inner direction of the vehicle and including one end of the panel connected to the reinforcing member, a first bracket disposed between the panel and the reinforcing member and connected to the pipe and the reinforcing member, and a bracket unit connected to a lower portion of the pipe and the panel such that the bracket supports the pipe, which apparatus has improved stiffness.

Abstract: A one-piece B-pillar having a front flange and a rear flange formed on an upper portion of the B-pillar. The front and rear flanges extend forwardly and rearwardly from a trapezoidal section of the B-pillar. An inner concave portion is provided in a lower portion of the B-pillar. The one-piece B-pillar is secured to the outer and upper surfaces of a roof rail and to the outer surface of a rocker to provide side impact strength. The B-pillar is hydroformed in one-piece to provide superior strength for roof crush performance. The tubular portion of the B-pillar is partially collapsed to form a trapezoidal section in the upper portion of the B-pillar.

Abstract: A process for connecting a hydroformed front rail member of an automotive frame to the body side inner (rocker) beam does not require a substantive re-design of the frame to accommodate an overlapping parallel orientation of two tubular frame members. The hydroformed front rail member is laser cut at the rearward end thereof to remove a portion of a side wall of the tubular member to form a C-shaped section. The front rail member is formed with a vertical dimension that provides a nesting relationship between the C-shaped section of the front rail member and the body side inner member so that the rocker beam can be received into the C-shaped section. Welding between the two members can be accomplished using either MIG-welding or spot-welding processes. A body side reinforcement can be added to provide a stiff frame joint as the reinforcement is swept off the rail structure to provide a box section.

Abstract: An A-pillar structure on an automotive vehicle is manufactured from a formed tubular member that replaces the conventional inner and inner reinforcement members. The door opening panel is formed with conventional flanges that are welded or adhered to the tubular member to provide a conventional uniform surface against which the windshield and front door seals can be supported. The door opening panel flanges can be welded by one-sided welding techniques, such as laser stitch welding, to the tubular member. As an option, the movement of the front door seal from the ab flange to the front door can provide an opportunity to form the tubular member with a still larger cross-section for enhanced strength. The distance dimension spanning the opposing flanges to define the standard arc for maintaining binocular vision is retained while increasing the strength of the A-pillar due to the enlarged cross-sectional configuration provided by the tubular member.

Abstract: A left support pillar includes a protective portion extending substantially vertically in front of a back rest of the operator seat so as to cover an operator seat sideways, a fixing portion fixed onto a rotating frame at a position behind the operator seat, and a connecting portion adapted to extend forward from the fixing portion and to be connected to a lower end of the protective portion. The protective portion is disposed within a predetermined range of a seating surface of the operator seat and is formed upward from a position lower than an upper end of the back rest.

Abstract: A joint assembly for joining a tubular B-pillar to a tubular roof rail. The joint assembly includes an inner bracket plate and an outer bracket plate that are welded to each other around the roof rail and B-pillar. A flange of the roof rail is received in a slot formed in an upper end of the B-pillar.

Abstract: A B-pillar segment (24) for a convertible vehicle (10) comprises a stationary lower part (30) and an upper part (28) displaceable relative to the stationary part (28), wherein the upper part (28) is insertable into the lower part (30) when the side windows (18, 20) of the vehicle (10) are opened.