Abstract: A load handler with a modular frame and the manufacture and assembly of the frame and loader and components that may be used therein. A frame is provided that has a low pivot point for a boom. The frame has left and right side rails, and front and rear cross rails, each having a closed cross-section construction. The side rails and cross rails are modular and the cross rails of a selected size are configured to fit a plurality of sizes of side rails, such that the same size cross rails may be used to construct a variety sizes and capabilities of load handling vehicles in a flow type manufacturing process. A structural beam is provided having plates interconnected along their lengths to form the beam having a box-shaped closed cross-section having a perimeter generally along the widths of the plates and forming a beam cavity within the perimeter.

Abstract: A hydroformed tubular frame member includes an internal bulkhead member that is formed during the hydroforming process during which the frame member is manufacture from tubular stock material. The internal bulkhead is cut from one face by piercing three sides of a weld access opening with the die in which the tubular frame member is formed during the hydroforming process. The bulkhead member is then bent along the fourth side of the weld access opening and shaped into a folded configuration that includes a vertical portion spanning the distance between the opposing faces of the frame member, and a horizontal portion to facilitate welding to the opposing face. The provision of the internal bulkhead member increases stiffness in the tubular frame member and reduces the matchboxing effect associated with hydroformed tubular frame members. The frame member with internal bulkhead is particularly advantageous in manufacturing an automotive frame.

Abstract: A frame subassembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a one-piece hydro-formed upper side beam and may also include a one-piece hydro-formed lower side beam. The side beams extend from the front or grill area of the vehicle to the rear portion of the vehicle. The side beams are interconnected by A, B and C pillars. The beams are welded to each other through access openings in the beams and in and the pillars. The pillars are attached to the beams by welding through access holes.

Abstract: A structural member of a motor vehicle, e.g., a “B” pillar, comprises a reinforcing member having an elongate core of ultra high strength steel and a casing of aluminum alloy, the casing having a constant section profile with a closed section cavity. The core is encased within the casing and the core and the casing bonded together by co-drawing the core and the casing through a die. The casing has a pair of spaced flanges which connect the reinforcing member to aluminum alloy pressings to form the structural member. The reinforcing member has considerable yield strength from the use of the ultra high strength steel in the core while the flanges, being of aluminum alloy, are readily joined by self-piercing rivets.

Abstract: In a car body frame member that couples a front side member and an extension member to each other, a portion thereof extending from a rear portion of the front side member to the extension member is formed as a bent portion that is smoothly curved and inclined downward. A side surface that is continuously extending from the bent portion to the front side member as a straight portion of the car body frame member is continuously formed with a reinforcing bead.

Abstract: A main beam support is formed from aluminum and includes an upper end and a lower end. The upper end is attached to a first end of a main beam hanger, while the lower end is attached to a main beam support mounting bracket that is secured to a vehicle floor. The lower end of the main beam support includes first and second sockets with downwardly directed extensions. The first and second sockets are adapted to receive mounting posts that extend from the main beam support mounting bracket. The first socket is disposed relatively vertically above and rearward of the second socket. Integral keys of the main beam support mounting bracket cooperate with the downwardly directed extensions during assembly to align and restrict movement of the main beam support in forward/rearward and up/down directions.

Abstract: A main beam support mounting bracket formed from aluminum for a vehicle. The main beam support mounting bracket has a first lateral end that is mechanically secured to a main beam support and a second lateral end that is mechanically secured to a center support. A bottom wall of the main beam support mounting bracket includes slotted mounting openings for receipt of fasteners for attachment to a floor tunnel of a vehicle floor and frame cross-member. The fasteners threadingly engage weld-nuts on the frame cross-member. The bottom wall includes first, second, and third planar surfaces that interact with first, second, and third surfaces of the floor tunnel in the vehicle. Further, the main beam support mounting bracket provides for lateral attachment with the main beam support and the center support.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a node for joining a plurality of structural members together, such as in a vehicular body and frame assembly, is well suited for joining structural members that are formed from differing materials. An insert is provided having a node securing portion and a mounting portion that is adapted to have a structural member secured thereto. A node is formed about the node securing portion of the insert for joining a plurality of structural members together. The insert can be formed from a first material, while the node can be formed from a second material that is different from the first material. The insert can be provided with a node securing portion having at least one aperture or protrusion formed therein, and the node can be formed within or about the aperture or protrusion. A plurality of inserts can be provided, each having a node securing portion and a mounting portion, and the node can be formed about each of the node securing portions of the inserts.

Abstract: The present invention includes a rail system for securing a roofing sheet to a structure having a roof and at least one wall. The rail system includes a rail and a clamping member. The rail includes a wall mounting portion, a ledge extending from a lower portion of the wall mounting portion and a lip extending from the wall mounting portion and forming a recess between the lip and the wall mounting portion. The wall mounting portion is adapted to be mounted on the wall of the structure. The clamping member has a first end and a second end. When the roofing sheet is positioned over the rail, the first end of the clamp member fits within the recess and the opposing second end presses the roofing sheet against the ledge to thereby hold the clamp to the rail by interference fit and to clamp the roofing sheet between the rail and the clamping member.

Abstract: A method for constructing a bus, wherein a module associated with the front end of the bus is separately constructed and assembled to the shell after interior components of the bus have been installed. The shell of the bus can be fabricated at a first work station. The shell can be made transversely or laterally with respect to the longitudinal access of the bus to one or more work stations. At the subsequent work stations, interior components of the bus can be moved through the open ends of the bus. After the majority of the interior components have been installed with respect to the bus, the module supporting the windshield and bumper can be installed with respect to the shell. The module can also support the dashboard and steering column.

Abstract: A front part structure of a vehicle body includes a dashboard upper part attached to right and left damper housings. The dashboard upper part includes a front part positioned forwardly of the vehicle body, and a reinforcing beam member. Jointly with the front part, the reinforcing beam defines a closed cross section.

Abstract: An attachment mount apparatus connects a subframe component to the lower frame midrail structure for an automotive vehicle that is formed from a pair of tubular members manufactured through a hydroforming process. The two tubular members are formed with a pair of opposing semi-cylindrical depressions to receive a cylindrical mounting member internally of the frame structure. One of the semi-cylindrical depressions and the corresponding outer wall of the tubular member are pierced to receive the cylindrical mount and a mounting plate. The opposing semi-cylindrical depression serves as a stop to locate the cylindricalal mount along the centerline of the frame structure. The mounting plate spans the entire frame structure and is supported on four wall thicknesses to provide a stable mount structure for subframe components. The cylindrical mounting member is threaded to receive a fastener for the mounting of the subframe member.

Abstract: A vehicle upper body structure of the present invention includes: a step part for arranging a slide rail formed on a roof side rail; a pillar that is joined to the roof side rail in the vicinity of a standing wall that constitutes a front end part of the step part; and a roof arch that is joined to the roof side rail together with the pillar in the vicinity of the standing wall.

Abstract: A golf car (10) or utility vehicle having a composite body (58). In some aspects of the invention, the golf car or utility vehicle has a composite body assembly that includes a front clam shell assembly (62) and a rear shell-like body (64). In other aspects, the golf car or utility vehicle includes a composite body assembly having a periphery (118) and one or more decorative body panels (106, 108), the decorative body panels being recessed inwardly relative to the composite body assembly periphery to prevent impacts to the panels.

Abstract: A vehicle structure, preferably applied to a vehicle with 2-door automobiles with the intention of inhabitation of center pillar deformation, particularly intrusion inside the vehicle, as a side impact collision, including: a rear roof rail which is placed in a reward position of a center pillar and which forms a rear end of a roof of a vehicle; and a connector which connects a closed section formed on the center pillar and a closed section formed on the rear roof rail so that the first and the second closed sections are formed into a continuous closed section and which includes a side roof rail part which forms a portion of a side roof rail that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an underbody structure for an automobile, which comprises a pair of laterally-spaced floor frames 10 disposed to extend longitudinally in such a manner as to interpose a tunnel region 6 therebetween and joined to a bottom surface of a front floor portion 2. Each of the floor frames 10 has a rear end located in the vicinity of a rear kick-up portion 3 extending upward from a rear end of the front floor portion 2. The rear kick-up portion 3 and each rear end region of the floor frames 10 are connected to one another from the exterior side of the automobile through an end gusset 45 (47, 48). The end gusset 45 (47, 48) may be designed to define a closed section in cooperation with the rear kick-up portion 3, or to extend laterally outward so as to be connected to a front end region of a rear frame 17. The underbody structure of the present invention can prevent or suppress a rearward movement of each rear end of the floor frames during a head-on collision.

Abstract: A vehicle frame in which the transversal beams are linked to the longitudinal rails by means of a plurality of clamps joined by a high efficiency adherent substance.

Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.

Abstract: A structural assembly for a vehicle includes a structural member extending longitudinally. The structural assembly also includes an insert disposed within and extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the structural member and having at least one corrugation to act as a crush initiator during an axial impact on the structural assembly.

Abstract: Adjustable fastening element intended to be fitted to an end region of a transverse member of a vehicle chassis. The fastening element takes the form of a U-section element with a web portion of preferably uniform width and with mutually parallel flanges protruding from opposite side edges of this web portion. Each flange has running through it at least one oblong slitlike aperture, or has running through it two or more mutually aligned holes, for a fastening element, particularly a fastening bolt or fastening screw, whereby the fastening element can be fixed to the transverse member. The fastening element can be fitted straddling the end region of the transverse member, in one of various different positions relative to the end region of the member, with the flanges of the fastening element abutting against opposite side surfaces of the transverse member.

Abstract: A load handler with a modular frame and the manufacture and assembly of the frame and loader and components that may be used therein. A frame is provided that has a low pivot point for a boom. The frame has left and right side rails, and front and rear cross rails, each having a closed cross-section construction. The side rails and cross rails are modular and the cross rails of a selected size are configured to fit a plurality of sizes of side rails, such that the same size cross rails may be used to construct a variety sizes and capabilities of load handling vehicles in a flow type manufacturing process. A structural beam is provided having plates interconnected along their lengths to form the beam having a box-shaped closed cross-section having a perimeter generally along the widths of the plates and forming a beam cavity within the perimeter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight part, particularly a vehicle body part, which includes sheet steel and light metal. In order to improve the manufacturability as well as the strength and rigidity properties, the sheet steel (6 through 8) is implemented as thin-walled, particularly has a thickness of less than 2 mm, and has at least one free area which is provided locally with a cast or sintered reinforcement structure (15) made of light metal.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for providing an overhead frame structure having two side frame members each with at least one protrusion and one or more cross members coupling the side frame members through interconnection with the protrusions. Each protrusion has a corrugated configuration. Each cross member has end portions each having a wall with corrugated configuration. Each wall is adapted to engage one of the protrusions. The end portions in each cross member are adapted to receive one of the pairs of opposing protrusions therein. The cross members are coupled between the side frame members with the engagement and subsequent securing of the protrusions to the end portions of the cross members.

Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.

Abstract: A frame assembly is described including a tunnel, an engine cradle disposed forward of the tunnel and connected thereto, and a sub-frame disposed forward of the engine cradle and connected thereto. A forward support assembly extends upwardly from the subframe. An upper column extends upwardly from the engine cradle to connect with the forward support assembly. A rear brace assembly extends upwardly from the tunnel to connect with the forward support assembly and the upper column. In one embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle. An endless track is operatively connected to the engine and disposed beneath the tunnel for propulsion. A pair of skis is operatively connected to a steering device for steering. In another embodiment, the frame assembly further includes an engine disposed in the engine cradle.

Abstract: The assembly includes: a front face; a structural front portion (4); a fender front portion (5); a flexible beam (43); and a headlight unit fastened to said beam (43). It further comprises: a centering and guide part (71) fastened to the structural front portion, in a position that can be adjusted, during assembly, along three axes (X, Y, Z); fastening and centering means (83, 85) for fastening the end (43B) of the beam to said part (71) and for centering it thereon; and guide means (93, 95) for guiding the fender front portion (5) on said part (71), providing a sliding connection slidable along one of the three axes (X), making relative adjustment movements possible in order to absorb deformation in said fender front portion. The invention is also relates to a motor vehicle including such an assembly.

Abstract: An improved rocker panel on side sill construction includes a substantially planar horizontal top portion, a side portion with a substantially convex show surface and a substantially concave hidden surface opposite the show surface, and a clip house mounting structure disposed on the hidden surface. The improvement consists of joining the clip house to the rocker panel or side sill at the juncture formed between the top show surface and side show surface of the part. Preferably, this joint comprises at least one hollow channel surrounded by a reinforcing rib connecting to the hidden surface proximate the juncture of the top portion with the side portion and connecting the clip house mounting structure to this rib. The channel and reinforcing rib may run substantially longitudinally the length of the rocker panel. The channel and reinforcing rib inhibiting sagging in the top portion of the part between adjacent clip house mounting structures.

Abstract: A structural member for a motor vehicle, that is selectively positioned inside of a tubular frame rail that operatively deforms to absorb and dissipate energy in the event of a collision. The structural member having a tubular body with strengthening ribs located inside of the tubular body.

Abstract: In a front body structure including a bulk head 25 for supporting the tip 24 of a hood 16 covering an engine room 18 of a motor vehicle 11 and fenders 27, 27 covering the upper part of front wheels 26, 26, the left and right ends 33, 34 of the bulk head 25, after bent backward of a vehicle body, are connected to the fenders 27, 27 to adjust the shape of the front of the vehicle body by the bulk head 25, and when viewed in a plan, V-shape portions are formed at connecting portions between the ends of the bulk head and the fenders so that each of the V-shape portions is covered with each of eaves 36 extended from the fender and bulk head.

Abstract: A vehicular space frame assembly includes a plurality of structural components that are secured together to define an enclosed three-dimensional space. A plurality of body closure panels, such as a pair of door closure panels, a front windshield closure panel, a rear windshield closure panel, and a floor pan closure panel, are mounted on the structural components. Each of the body closure panels is a generally flat panel having one or more open spaces provided therein to support other components of the vehicular body on the space frame assembly. The body closure panels may have respective recesses formed therein that receive portions of the associated structural components therein. The recesses may be sized and shaped to receive the receive these portions in a snap fit relationship. One or more gaskets or other conventional sealing devices may be disposed between each of the body closure panels and the associated structural components of the vehicular space frame assembly.

Abstract: A wire and pipe-laying structure for a fuel cell vehicle including a rear frame which is disposed at a back of the fuel cell vehicle and extends in a longitudinal direction of the fuel cell vehicle; a side sill which is disposed at a side of the fuel cell vehicle; and a floor frame which is disposed inside the side sill and extends in a longitudinal direction of the fuel cell vehicle. The floor frame together with the side sill are connected to a front end of the rear frame so as to form a Y-shaped frame having a crotch portion. A fuel pipe or a high-voltage wiring is disposed so as to pass through the crotch portion of the Y-shaped frame, and the fuel pipe or high-voltage wiring connects a fuel tank for fuel gas or a storage device to a fuel cell box.

Abstract: A mobile chassis for vehicle body interchangeability has a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system packaged in a rolling platform. The system is connected to a powertrain cooling loop for waste heat circulation and to an electric air conditioning compressor for cooling. Supplemental heating elements are utilized for additional heating loads. Airflow from the HVAC system flows into the vehicle body through single or multiple passthroughs from the rolling platform. The air is then distributed through a ducting system in the vehicle body. The ducting system utilizes floor structure, seat structure, body pillars, or other designed forms so that the airflow is positioned and directed as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a road or rail vehicle comprised of a lightweight perimeter frame with panel-like elements, which define a floor, a roof, side walls, and front and rear end elements. In this design the panels are made from high-strength materials wherein the panels are the primary structural elements and the perimeter frame is used primarily as a means of attaching the panels. However, the perimeter chassis is reinforced with heavier sections in certain areas to distribute concentrated forces and impact loads into the structural panels from the vehicle suspension, powertrain, doors, seating, and major access panels or hatches. The body/chassis structure is configured with front and rear chassis subcomponents to which all suspension, steering, engine, and powertrain elements are mounted, in a manner to allow the entire sub-assemblies at the front and rear of the vehicle to be easily installed and removed from the chassis structure.

Abstract: An accelerated vehicle development process includes establishing a common, standardized interface system whereby different types of vehicle bodies may be attached to a single chassis design. Chassis and bodies are designed, manufactured and validated independently of each other in accordance with the standardized interface system, thereby accelerating the development process. As new bodies are designed to mate with the previously manufactured and validated chassis, the newly designed bodies may be developed more quickly in response to market demand and attached to the previously validated chassis.

Abstract: A sod cutter (10) is disclosed including a frame (12) formed by welding the free edges of mount, frame and end plates (46a, 46b 46c) bent relative to one of two side plates (46) to the corresponding edges of the other side plate (48). An axle assembly (160) is pivotal relative to the frame (12) by a depth adjustment lever (198) between a working position where wheels (16) carried by the axle assembly (160) engage tubular members (168) slideably and nonrotatably received on a drive shaft (166) and a transport position where the wheels (16) are spaced from the tubular members (168). A U-shaped handlebar (210) is positionable between an operating position for grasping during operation and a storage position for lifting and handling. A U-shaped control (212) is pivotably mounted in front of and above the U-shaped handlebar (210) for actuating the throttle of the engine (18).

Abstract: A space frame for a truck cab, the space frame having a pair of hydroformed, longitudinally extending inner side rail members, a laterally extending and hydroformed connecting member extending between the inner side rail members and extending laterally beyond each of the inner side rail members. The connecting member being constructed and arranged to hold the pair of inner side rail members in laterally spaced relation to one another. The space frame also having a U-shaped and hydroformed first upper cross member having a pair of leg portions forming rear pillar structures and a transverse bight portion. Each of the rear pillar structures being connected to and extending upwardly from the connecting member, and the pair of inner side rail members being positioned between and spaced from the pair of leg portions.

Abstract: A method of securing body panels to a space frame for a vehicle is disclosed. The body panels are secured to rivet nuts that are assembled to frame members. The location of the rivet nuts or rivet nuts supporting surface is measured and the rivet nuts are milled or machined to correspond to reference body coordinates. The milled rivet nuts function as a integral shim pack and obviate the need for shims between the space frame and body panels.

Abstract: A space frame for a motor vehicle having a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending side rail structures, a pair of forward-most upright structures each being connected to a respective side rail structure, thereby forming a pair of A pillars, a pair of roof rail structures, a forward end of each roof rail structure being connected to an upper end of an associated A pillar, and a rearward ring assembly connected at upper portions thereof with the roof rail structures and at bottom portions thereof with the side rail structures. The rearward ring assembly having (a) a tubular hydroformed inverted U-shaped upper member having a cross portion and a pair of leg portions extending downwardly from opposite ends of the cross portion, (b) a pair of tubular hydroformed side members, and (c) a cross structure rigidly connected in ring-forming relation between the second ends of the side members.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes an underbody having one or more underbody bolting flanges attached thereto, with each underbody bolting flange being adapted for bolted attachment to a mating bodyside bolting flange. Left and right bodyside subassemblies are joined to the underbody, with each bodyside including a supplemental bodyside support structure having attached thereto one or more bodyside bolting flanges, with each bodyside bolting flange being adapted for bolted attachment to one of the underbody bolting flanges after the bodyside subassemblies are otherwise joined to the underbody. The underbody bolting flanges are attached to supplemental crossmembers that are attached to and extend across the underbody.

Abstract: A connecting element for insertion into the ends of at least two hollow sections of different cross-section, in particular in the case of a middle node for an instrument panel transverse beam in automobile manufacture is such that a push-fit body is shape-formed—by way of extrusion of a light weight alloy, plastic or other extrudable material—on a frame with side walls extending in the direction of insertion, the push-fit body is of smaller cross-section than the frame and contains lengths of the frame walls. That frame preferably surrounds the push-fit body which in turn forms a corner of the frame. In addition, the frame may exhibit an integral frame bracket outside one frame side wall whereby the frame bracket walls are aligned with parallel frame walls.

Abstract: A chassis having systems responsive to nonmechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface includes regions optimized for energy absorption from an impact to the chassis periphery. A structural frame defines open spaces within which chassis systems are positioned. Material configured to absorb energy from an impact to the chassis periphery is located between the chassis periphery and the open spaces.

Abstract: The present invention describes a hollow structural body such as an automotive unibody or frame rail that is reinforced with a reinforcing material such as a polyurethane foam by inserting into a portion of the structural body a bulkhead-containing insert, which, in combination with the structural body at the place of insertion, creates a containment region for the reinforcing material. Uncured reinforcing material can then be added to the containment region and cured. The present invention solves a problem in the art by providing structural reinforcement to be easily and precisely placed within the structural body to provide, for example, enhanced crash resistance or improvements in acoustical properties.

Abstract: A support structure of a motor vehicle, e.g., a passenger car, having a floor which, in the longitudinal vehicle direction, evolves into an upwardly extending end wall, and having an extension which is attached to the end wall by longitudinal members. The production of the support structure may be simplified by arranging the longitudinal members as profiles having a constant cross-section in their longitudinal direction, their longitudinal profile direction being inclined relative to the longitudinal vehicle direction.

Abstract: A thermally energy efficient vehicle includes a vehicle structure having generally interconnected structural members that form a frame for the vehicle and generally planar interconnected panels that define a shape of the vehicle. The thermally energy efficient vehicle also includes a low transmittance glass window positioned within the vehicle structure which increases a thermal resistance of the vehicle and an energy efficient thermal management system that provides exterior thermal management and interior thermal management for the vehicle, such that the energy efficient thermal management system consumes less thermal energy as a result of the increased thermal resistance of the vehicle.

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 front structure of a vehicle includes torque box members connecting front side frames and side sills, and front suspension member supports integrally provided on the torque box members. According to the structure of the present invention, the number of members is decreased, and the supporting rigidity of the front suspension member supports is increased. Furthermore, the geometry of the front suspension members supports is maintained by being prevented from local deformation by load application from the suspension member to the front suspension member supports. Thus, the excellent driving stability and maneuverability of the vehicle are assured.

Abstract: A vehicle cell made of reinforced—reinforced thermoplastic material includes a shape-defining, long-reinforced-reinforced thermoplastic matrix (2) with integrated continuos fiber strands or strips (3). In a base structure (10), which includes a base plate (6), uninterrupted continuous fiber strands running longitudinally (3no) in an upper base area (NO) and continuous fiber strands running longitudinally (3nu) in a lower base area (NU). The upper and the lower base areas are connected with vertical walls (11). This results in an economically manufacturable, light-weight, rigid and safe vehicle cell.

Abstract: A vehicle body reinforcement structure has a reinforcing member positioned at a predetermined height from a floor panel such that the reinforcing member may function as an armrest. The reinforcing member extends substantially at the center of a vehicle compartment in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle. This structure allows the reinforcing member to be disposed in the space of the vehicle compartment without causing an occupant to sense discomfort, and improves stiffness of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A body suitable for motor vehicles, especially for passenger cars, comprises a passenger compartment with at least one supporting structure connected thereto, for example, for accommodating a driving unit and wheel guiding elements, the supporting structure being connected by a holder with the passenger compartment. To optimize this body, the supporting structure, having a connecting region to the passenger compartment, and a rear end region, is formed by an enveloping device of high strength, especially of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, the strength of which is optimized, the enveloping device surrounding the driving unit substantially all around.

Abstract: A composite structural article, of preferably metal and thermoplastic material is described. The composite structural article comprises: (a) at least one reinforcing element (2) having sized openings (20); and (b) at least three profiled sections (1, 3, 4). A portion of each profiled section (1, 3, 4) is connected interlockingly with a portion of the reinforcing element (2). At least two of the profiled sections (1, 3, 4) have terminal portions each having a projecting region (5) that engages interlockingly with the sized openings (20) of the reinforcing element (2), such that a portion of the reinforcing element (2) surrounds at least partially the projecting regions (5). The profiled sections (1, 3, 4) are further joined to the reinforcing element (2) by means of thermoplastic material (11, 13) injected in the region of each interlocking connection with the reinforcing element (2).