Abstract: A fastening arrangement of a door sill on the floor panel of a motor vehicle provides a welded connection between a welding flange on a longitudinal side of the door sill and an edge zone of the floor panel extending laterally next thereto. The welded connection, being distributed along the length of the door sill, has at least one run of spot welds. The butt joint between the welding flange of the door sill and the opposite edge zone of the floor panel is bridged in the rearward length area by a tension member or lug extending transversely thereto. The tension member is fastened by one end on the door sill and by of the other end on the adjacent area of the floor panel.

Abstract: A body structure of a motor vehicle having an inner section and an outer section is disclosed. The vehicle body structure comprises an outer panel structure and an inner closed section structure. The outer panel structure forms the outer section of the body structure. The inner closed section structure is disposed along an inner side configuration of the outer panel structure and attached to the outer panel structure. The inner closed section structure has a sectional configuration that changes in accordance with changes in the inner side configuration of the outer panel structure and has a closed section that is made of a single member. The outer panel structure has a part that functions as the inner section of the body structure.

Abstract: An illuminating plate for a car has a light guide plate; a cover provided with at least one light transmitting window, and disposed on the light guide plate; and light reflecting layer formed on the rear surface of the light guide plate. The light reflecting layer is formed to cover an area where the light is projected onto the rear surface of the light guide plate through the corresponding light transmitting window, and the light reflecting layer being slightly larger than the area.

Abstract: A body segment for a motor vehicle in the area of a side panel has the following characteristics: An open, particularly C-shaped profile part of a constant cross-section which was produced by roll profiling and which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body; and an interior side member mounted on the profile part in the direction of the interior side of the vehicle body. An interior A-column part and an interior B-column part are mounted on the profile part. Furthermore, the vehicle body segment has a side panel covering which is mounted partially over the profile part in the direction of the exterior side of the vehicle body and which has an exterior A-column part, an exterior B-column part and an exterior C-column part. In this case, the profile part is made of a high-strength steel, and its profile has pronounced displacements toward the exterior side of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A frame structure capable of increasing collision energy absorption includes a floor member. The floor member has extruded side sill members which are adapted to undergo lateral buckling response to side collisions while resisting axial or longitudinal deformation due to end-on collisions. Extruded impact dispersing deformable sections with a smaller rigidity than the associated side sills are provided on the inboard sides of the sills and arranged to smooth buckling and disperse collision energy. At least one extruded, flat, passenger occupancy floor section, which is located inboard of the impact dispersing deformable sections, is provided to prevent buckling deformation and assure cabin space.

Abstract: A side sill is formed into a stair-like configuration with step portions having in turn upper surfaces of lower and upper steps and an intermediate rise portion rising from the step portion so as to reach the step portion of the upper step. A lower end of a center pillar having substantially an angular 8-shaped cross-section is cut in conformity with the stair-like configuration of the side sill. The cutting of the center pillar exposes the intermediate wall, and the exposed intermediate wall is then brought into abutment with the rise portion, whereupon abutment portions so produced are welded together to thereby get the side sill and the center pillar integrated with each other.

Abstract: An extruded material frame connection structure for a vehicle, which is constituted by a frame assembly and a reinforcing cover. The frame assembly includes a first extruded member and a second extruded member which are assembled in a state where the first and second extruded members intersect each other and which are welded to each other at an assembled portion thereof so as to be integrated with each other. The reinforcing member is formed to have a size so that the reinforcing member covers the assembled portion between the first and second extruded members and extends to cover portions of the first and second extruded members, the reinforcing member being assembled to the frame assembly and welded to each of the first and second extruded members. With the configuration, it is possible to obtain a frame connection structure in which not only a necessary strength can be secured but also thermal distortion can be suppressed.

Abstract: A channel of a motor vehicle with a reinforcing insert. The channel serves as an essential load bearing structure of a motor vehicle. The channel is also served as a stable barrier to protect the passenger compartment in the event of a crash.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body structure has a vertically oriented front door latch pillar. The pillar is formed of a light metal alloy. The pillar has an upper end joined to a side roof rail and a lower end joined to a side sill. At a transition point between the upper and lower ends, the pillar defines a boundary between an upper structure portion and a lower structure portion. The upper structure portion extends between the upper end and the predetermined point. The lower structure portion extends between the predetermined point and the lower end. The upper and lower structure portions implement reinforcement and deformation permission measures, respectively.

Abstract: A structure for a vehicle body having an outrigger integrally coupled with a rear end of a side sill, a side end of a rear cross member and a front end of a rear side frame by means of die-cast molding. The structure may also have a support member supporting a rear trailing arm and a side jack up point, wherein the support member and the side jack up point are integrally coupled with the outrigger by means of die-cast molding.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a front door opening with a front edge and a bottom edge, a structural assembly includes a first structural member, a second structural member, and an extension assembly. The first structural member extends along the bottom edge of the door opening. The second structural member extends along the front edge of the door opening. The second structural member upwardly extends from the first structural member. The extension assembly operates to transfer forces from the first structural member to the second structural member. The extension assembly includes a main body secured to the first structural member and a portion extending through an aperture in the first structural member and abutting the second structural member.

Abstract: A support assembly 14 for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly 14 offers added support to the body of the vehicle between the front and rear wheel wells of the vehicle. The support assembly 14 is particularly adaptable for use in convertible type vehicles.

Abstract: A stiffener is provided for reinforcing a hollow structure having a pair of spaced walls. The stiffener includes a carrier member with a layer of expandable polymer which creates a structural foam when the polymer is later expanded. The stiffener could comprise a single laminate shaped to fit in the appropriate locations of the hollow structure so that when the polymer is expanded it forms a structural foam intimately bonded to the pair of spaced walls. The stiffener may also be in the form of a corrugated frame wherein individual laminates are provided with notches to permit the individual laminates to be interlocked with each other at the notches.

Abstract: A sidebody structure of a motor vehicle includes a pillar reinforcement member provided in a center pillar so that the center pillar has a substantially strong structure against a bending moment when a side impact load is applied thereto. A first yieldable portion is provided at the connecting portion of the center pillar and a side rail so that the center pillar is bent inwardly at the first yieldable portion when a side impact load is applied to the center pillar, and a second yieldable portion is provided at the second connecting portion of the center pillar and a side sill so that the side sill is deformed inwardly at the second yieldable portion, being pushed by the incoming center pillar. Thus, in an event of a side collision, a passenger's seat swings inwardly around the connecting portion of the center pillar and the side rail like a pendulum, coordinating with the movement of the center pillar, whereby a passenger can avoid being struck by the incoming center pillar.

Abstract: A laminate support beam includes an outer structural member which has a channel shape with a longitudinal rigid inner member precoated with structural foam to form a drop-in insert unit which is dropped into the channel of the outer structural member when the structural foam is heat expandable to intimately bond to the inner surface of the outer member and provide a lightweight reinforcement for the outer member.

Abstract: A stiffener is provided for reinforcing a hollow structure having a pair of spaced walls. The stiffener includes a carrier member with a layer of expandable polymer which creates a structural foam when the polymer is later expanded. The stiffener could comprise a single laminate shaped to fit in the appropriate locations of the hollow structure so that when the polymer is expanded it forms a structural foam intimately bonded to the pair of spaced walls. The stiffener may also be in the form of a corrugated frame wherein individual laminates are provided with notches to permit the individual laminates to be interlocked with each other at the notches.

Abstract: A rocker joint assembly provides adjustability in the Z-axis and Y-axis of a body-in-white structure. The individual components of the assembly includes a vertical pillar and a rocker member that cooperate with a main beam of a frame. The several components can be formed from extrusions or sheet product.

Abstract: A connector piece useful for joining two beam members preferably includes a generally triangular arrangement of load bearing members. The connector piece is especially useful in joining beam members of a vehicle space frame. The connector piece includes a set of tab members extending generally away from the load bearing members. The tab members are inserted into channels formed on the beam members. The beam members are then joined to the connector piece, preferably, by spot welding through each sidewall of the channels and the tabs, respectively. A longitudinal component of a load incident on one of the beam members is transferred along at least one of the load bearing members to assist in avoiding deformation of the beam.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cover (10) for a longitudinal member of a automobile, with a longitudinally extending covering part (16) which is securely attachable with the body (14) of the automobile and in the assembled condition covers the longitudinal member at least from the side exposed to view, of which the end segments (28, 30) with their upper edge (36, 38) engage the front and rear fender of the body with formation of a joint. For simplification of the manufacture and assembly as well as for improvement of the form integration a joint gap covering joint gap shield (42, 44) is provided on the respective end segments (28, 30), which is capable of being pre-assembled via connecting elements (46, 48), wherein the end segments together with the pre-assembled joint gap shield are attachable to the automobile body at associated connecting positions by means of the connecting elements.

Abstract: A body structure of a motor vehicle includes a roof side rail, a side sill, a center pillar, a floor, a center tunnel and a doubler provided between the side sill and the center tunnel. The doubler has a flat closed cross section formed by the floor and a plurality of U-shaped channels and its lengthwise width is longer than that of the lower end of the center pillar. At the outer end of the doubler there are provided a pillar mating section and a side sill mating section. The doubler is connected by welds at the pillar mating section with the center pillar and at the side sill mating section with the side sill. The center pillar has a yieldable portion thereon and it can absorb an impact energy by bending itself. The center tunnel has a reinforcement panel reinforced from underneath.

Abstract: A finishing trim for a rocker panel flange is manufactured from an elongated strip of material having a plurality of openings therein so as to enable it to be secured to the rocker panel flanges of a vehicle to provide both a decorative and protective covering thereto. The finishing trim may also include lights connected thereto, or incorporated therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a body structure for vehicles which is capable of enhancing the passenger-protecting performance without much increasing the vehicle weight by enhancing the stiffness around the vehicle interior with high efficiency. A body roof is equipped with a closed-in-cross-section roof reinforcement extending widthwise of the vehicle body along a roof panel, right-and-left end portions of the roof reinforcement being coupled to upper end portions of a right-and-left pair of closed-in-cross-section center pillars extending in upper-and-lower direction in side portions of the vehicle body, respectively.

Abstract: A harness assembling structure for assembling a harness on a vehicle floor includes: an inner side sill having a projection piece extending upwardly; an outer side sill having a projection piece extending along the projection piece of the inner side sill; a scuff plate housing the harness and covering the inner side sill and the outer side sill, the scuff plate including, a U-shaped housing portion having an opening downward, for housing the harness, covering pieces continuously and pivotably provided at the housing portion and engage with the opening of the housing portion, and a clamp engaging with the outer side sill; and a hook provided at an end portion of a carpet laid on a floor panel, wherein the hooks are engaged with the projection pieces so as to fix the end portion of the carpet, the clamp is engaged with the outer side sill, so that lower walls of the covering pieces abut against an upper wall of the carpet, and an outer wall of the housing portion fastens the end portion of the carpet together w

Abstract: A body has a front side member and a side sill connected thereto. The side sill is disposed outwardly of and below the front side member in the width and height directions of the body. At a junction between the front side member and the side sill, a reinforcement member for reinforcing the junction is provided. The reinforcement member has a longitudinal wall and front and rear walls extending in the body width direction and functioning as bulkheads, and permits the junction to resist a bending moment caused by an impact force applied to the front of the body and acting on the junction in the backward, upward and inward directions of the body. Especially in an offset crash, the reinforcement member restrains a deformation of the side sill and decreases a recession of a front pillar, to thereby reduce a deformation of the passenger cabin.

Abstract: A body side sill molding attachment for a motor vehicle includes a main body portion, first flange and a second flange. The first flange upwardly extends and includes a plurality of ribs adapted to frictionally engage an inboard side of a downwardly extending flange of a motor vehicle sill. The second flange longitudinally extends along an upper edge of the main body portion and includes a plurality of apertures adapted to align with a corresponding plurality of slots provided in the motor vehicle sill. Each of the apertures and associated slots are adapted to align and receive a mechanical fastener for securing an upper edge of the body side sill molding attachment to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure in which load from a front of a vehicle, which load is applied to a front side member, is absorbed via a reinforcing member fixed to a floor panel and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The reinforcing member is provided so as to be inclined, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, toward a side sill provided at a vehicle transverse outer side of the reinforcing member, and is provided such that, when a load is applied, the reinforcing member is slidable toward a rear of the vehicle with a rear end portion of the reinforcing member contacting the side sill.

Abstract: A sidebody structure of a motor vehicle includes a pillar reinforcement member provided in a center pillar so that center pillar has a substantially strong structure against a bending moment when a side impact load is applied thereto. A first yieldable portion is provided at the connecting portion of the center pillar and a side rail so that the center pillar is bent inwardly at the first yieldable portion when a side impact load is applied to the center pillar, and a second yieldable portion is provided at the second connecting portion of the center pillar and a side sill so that the side sill is deformed inwardly at the second yieldable portion, being pushed by the incoming center pillar. Thus, in an event of a side collision, a passenger's seat swings inwardly around the connecting portion of the center pillar and the side rail like a pendulum, coordinating with the movement of the center pillar, whereby a passenger can avoid being struck by the incoming center pillar.

Abstract: A side panel assembly for a passenger motor vehicle body is assembled of two side panel parts which complement one another at least in a side member area to a hollow profile which is visible to the outside and forms the side member. The side panel assembly extends at least from an A-column to a rear wheel mounting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to the rear. The assembly has a side panel structure as well as a side panel planking.

Abstract: A shock absorber for side sills of a chassis is disclosed. The shock absorber is installed in each side sill of a chassis and effectively absorbs a side impact at the side sill in the event of a side collision of a car, thus effectively reducing impact transmission velocity and preventing the side sill from being badly thrust into the passenger compartment in such a collision. In the shock absorber, a fixed guide pipe penetrates the center of a reinforcing member of a side sill box with both ends of the pipe being projected into inner and outer panels of the side sill box. A retractable damper is movably inserted into the guide pipe at a position inside the outer panel, thus primarily absorbing the side impact. A support member is elastically and movably inserted into the guide pipe at a position inside the inner panel, thus finally absorbing the impact.

Abstract: A lower body structure for a vehicle having a pair of side sills provided respectively at vehicle transverse ends of a floor panel in such a manner as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle includes: a floor-panel reinforcing member disposed on an underside of the floor panel in such a manner as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at a position spaced apart from each of the side sills in a transversely inward direction of the vehicle; and a side-sill reinforcing member disposed on an upper surface of the floor panel in such a manner as to extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle and connect a vehicle transverse inner side portion of each of the side sills and the floor panel, wherein the side-sill reinforcing member is provided such that a portion of the floor panel which extends from each of the side sills to a position spaced apart a predetermined distance from the floor-panel reinforcing member in a transversely outward direction of the vehicle is reinforced along th

Abstract: Door entry area for a motor vehicle has a cover for a cable duct and a door entry rail joined by metal clamps with a sill flange lengthwise member. The cover for the cable duct has a strip-shaped projection that overlaps the sill flange by force and in a sealing fashion, and the door entry rail is designed as a T-section that has a central retaining member and two shaped legs that project approximately horizontally in the assembled state, with the retaining rib being lockable by means of a latching connection accessible for disassembly in a receiving groove of the cover that abuts the projection and runs along the sill flange.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided having an elongated body with a front and rear end aligned along a longitudinal axis, a right and left seat area, and a right and left entry opening defined in part by a right and left sill member. A pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels are pivotally attached to the body generally adjacent the front and rear ends thereof. The front and rear wheels have a tire contact width of TW.sub.F and TW.sub.R. The front tires having a front wheel track WT.sub.F and the rear tires having a rear wheel track WT.sub.R measured from center of tire contact to center of tire contact of the tires making up a pair. The front wheel track being greater than the rear wheel track so that WT.sub.R +TW.sub.R is less than WT.sub.F. This dimensional relationship enables the sill members to be generally rearwardly inclined relative to the body longitudinal axis to facilitate easy vehicle entry by an occupant.

Abstract: A structural assembly at a front or rear of a vehicle frame includes a longitudinal member extending in a longitudinal direction of the frame. The longitudinal member has a part that extends at an angle to such longitudinal direction. A transverse member extends transversely of the longitudinally direction and includes a straight central part and an end part extending at an angle to the straight central part and at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the frame that is substantially equal to the angle of the part of the longitudinal member. The part of the longitudinal member and the end part of the transverse member are aligned and joined to form a nested joint that extends at the angle to the longitudinal direction of the frame. A side member extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame, and the nested joint is joined to the side member, thus forming a triple joint connection between the longitudinal, transverse and side members.

Abstract: A frame forming member includes a member body formed from an extrudate having a closed sectional structure portion, and a junction for another member, which is integral with the member body and formed by expanding a portion of a peripheral wall of the closed sectional structure portion.

Abstract: A body structure of a motor vehicle includes a roof side rail, a side sill, a center pillar, a floor, a center tunnel, and a doubler provided between the side sill and the center tunnel. The doubler has a flat closed cross section formed by the floor and a plurality of U-shaped channels and its lengthwise width is longer than that of the lower end of the center pillar. At the outer end of the doubler there are provided a pillar mating section and a side sill mating section. The doubler is connected by welds at the pillar mating section with the center pillar at the side sill mating section with the side sill. The center pillar has a yieldable portion thereon and it can absorb an impact energy by bending with respect to itself. The center tunnel has a reinforcement panel reinforced from underneath.

Abstract: A side body structure of a motor vehicle includes a first and second crash boxes at the connecting portion of a side sill and a rear wheel arch. The first crash box is provided outside of a side sill reinforcement and the second crash box is inside the side sill reinforcement. The second crash box is connected with a cross member extended in a transversal direction of the vehicle. In the event of a side impact, first the first crash box collapses and then the second crash box does. Finally, the impact energy is transferred to and absorbed by other body structures through the cross member. The side sill portion and the rear wheel arch portion can be prevented from intruding into a rear compartment so as to save passengers from serious injury.

Abstract: An overfender, which is formed on a rear door of a vehicle adjacent to a rocker molding, extends at its lower end downward along a rear end of the rocker molding to cover the rear end of the rocker molding.

Abstract: In a space frame type vehicle body structure, a floor member has a side sill inner half securely attached along each side edge thereof, and a side frame has a side sill outer half securely attached along a lower edge thereof, and these two halves are provided with mutually cooperating snap fit arrangement. Because the floor member and the side frame are individually provided with a sufficient rigidity, and they can be temporarily secured each other simply by pushing them against each other, they can be welded together with a high dimensional precision without requiring any massive or complex clamping fixture.

Abstract: A body stopper for a vehicle includes stopper members secured to frame members of the vehicle, and gussets secured to a floor panel at the bottom of the vehicle cabin. Each gusset has its upper surface secured to the floor panel at a position corresponding to a seat cross member and its side surface secured to a side sill under a door of the body. Each gusset is formed to provide a closed cross section in cooperation with the floor panel. Stopper members are welded to the frame members at positions in front of the gussets, and each stopper member is formed to provide a closed cross section in cooperation with the associated frame member. A rearward impact to the front face of the vehicle is quickly transmitted from the frame members to the body due to reliable engagement between the gussets and the stopper members. The gussets used as elements of the body stopper also increase the rigidity of the body.

Abstract: A sill cover article for automobiles and other vehicles which has a first, relatively rigid sill cover portion and a second, relatively flexible lower door sealing portion that is manufactured as a single component and can be attached to a vehicle in a single mounting operation. The sill cover article is preferably manufactured of two materials of different durometer which are coextruded to form a single component. The sill cover article or a portion thereof may be provided with various coatings and/or additives to provide the article with desired properties. For example, the lower door sealing portion may be provided with an ice-release agent to prevent ice from forming on a surface thereof. The sill cover article of the present invention provides a reduction in assembly time, inventory requirements and overall manufacturing costs of a vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a continuous closed cross sectional structure therearound. The vehicle includes a center pillar and a side sill, both of which are connected with a doubler extended transversely. A center roof brace is connected with the upper end of the center pillar through a joint member. The outside end of the doubler is connected with the center pillar in such a manner that it laps the lower end of the center pillar. Further, the doubler is connected with a center tunnel which is reinforced from underneath. The center pillar, the doubler and the center roof brace have a closed cross section respectively. The center pillar includes a strength discontinuity portion at the lower portion thereof. In the event of a side impact, the center pillar yields toward the inside direction of the vehicle at the strength discontinuity portion without bending the upper portion thereof and the amount of deformation of the center pillar is controlled.

Abstract: An extra U-shaped pressed plate profile (20) is arranged at the connection (13) between the A-pillar (3) and sill (5), inside a closed hollow beam running around the door aperture, which plate profile runs from the front lateral wall of the A-pillar obliquely rearwards to the lower lateral wall of the sill beam, thereby providing a double wall with spaced plates (26, 27). The double wall enables a local plastic deformation zone to be provided for impact of the wheel against the door aperture frame, and enables the wheel to be locked so that it does not migrate up the A-pillar, thereby providing controlled deformation and absorption of crash forces without the entire door aperture frame collapsing. The rear plate (27) forms a secondary closed hollow beam inside the door aperture frame which, during the deformation of the front plate (26), retains a closed stable door aperture frame with adjoining sections of the A-pillar (3) and sill (5).

Abstract: A rear support structure for the coachwork of a passenger vehicle having closed loop interconnected frame members including a longitudinally extending bottom sill connected at its rearward portion to the forward portion of a rear wheel housing carrier member. The rearward portion of the rear wheel housing carrier member is connected to at least one roof support post which in turn is connected to the roof structure. The connection of the sill to the rear wheel housing carrier member is at a low angle, providing resistance to mechanical fatigue due to flexing and vibration, while at the same time providing a rear passenger door cutout of sufficient size to permit easy entry and egress of rear passengers. The rear wheel housing carrier member has at least two, approximately linear regions, one arcuately flowing into the other for connection of the vehicle's floor structure and two roof support posts of the vehicle bodywork.

Abstract: A side body structure of a motor vehicle includes a first and second crash boxes at the connecting portion of a side sill and a rear wheel arch. The first crash box is provided outside of a side sill reinforcement and the second crash box is inside the side sill reinforcement. The second crash box is connected with a cross member extended in a transversal direction of the vehicle. In the event of a side impact, first the first crash box collapses and then the second crash box does. Finally, the impact energy is transferred to and absorbed by other body structures through the cross member. The side sill portion and the rear wheel arch portion can be prevented from intruding into a rear compartment so as to save passengers from serious injury.

Abstract: A vehicle assembling method includes the steps of assembling a lower body shell a including underbody portion having a front floor and front body portion, assembling an upper body shell, including a roof member and right and left body side panels, and assembling the upper body shell and the lower body shell, moving rearward the lower body shell relative to the upper body shell, and engaging transverse opposite side ends of the lower body shell with lower end portions of the upper body shell to join the lower body shell with the upper body shell. The under body portion can be readily joined with the upper body shell, improving the workability of the joining operation. The structure of joint portion thereof can be simplified with a desirable sealing.

Abstract: A door sill garnish trim piece for concealing and protecting a vehicle door or hatch opening flange is described that has a cross-section featuring a seating member opposite a pair of curved projects. As the door sill garnish trim piece is snapped onto the flange, the curved projection deflect around and provide clearance for a line of rivet heads on the flange allowing it to seat snugly within the door sill garnish trim. A closed cell structure attached to the seating member provides support for the occupant as he or she enters or exits the vehicle. A narrow U-shaped channel looping behind the seating member establishes a rigid surface for a vehicle door seal. A piece of carpeting is affixed to the outside and tucked into the U-shaped channel. Prior to installation, the door sill garnish trim piece is trimmed to a predetermined length.

Abstract: In a body of a motor vehicle a cross member, provided on a floor panel of the body, elongating widthwise of the motor vehicle is connected to each side sill in a position which is offset from each center pillar. The side sill is provided therein with a reinforcing beam of closed cross section. The reinforcing beam extends in a range at least between a connecting portion of the cross member and a crossing portion of the center pillar and crosses the cross section of the side sill. The reinforcing beam is welded to the side sill over the entire length of the reinforcing beam.

Abstract: A side structure of a floor of an automobile can improve the balance of the stiffness and prevent generation of noise in a room of the automobile. A rear floor side member 26 is disposed along an inner panel 24 of a side sill 21 and a rear floor cross member 27 is disposed along a depending wall 23a of a rear floor panel 23. Both end portions of the rear floor cross member go over the rear floor side member 26 and are fixed to the side sill inner panel 24.

Abstract: A car frame consisting of right and left side members which are disposed in a longitudinal direction of a car body work and a cross member which is spanned between the side members in a breadth direction of the body work; and a bracket secured to the joint sections of the side members and the cross member. The bracket is connected to the side members and the cross member, and a sub-frame, to which suspensions and others are fitted, is connected to the bracket. A fitting position of the sub-frame is arbitrarily selected for securing the suspensions. Therefore, the position of a nut member for supporting the sub-frame by a rear frame including the cross member can be adjusted and changed. As a result, when different models are produced using the same car body frame, the positions of the suspensions can be changed easily, the same frame can be used for different models, and different types of suspensions can be used while using the same frame.

Abstract: A side impact protection system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a side impact zone and further comprises laterally spaced apart sills extending longitudinally of the vehicle. The laterally spaced apart sills have sill sealing flanges projecting vertically therefrom. The side impact protection system includes a continuous, linearly extending cross member disposed laterally in the vehicle for transferring load and redistributing energy away from an impact side of the vehicle. The linearly extending cross member extends between, and is in abutment with, the laterally spaced apart sills and the corresponding sill sealing flanges thereby allowing the linearly extending cross member to transfer load and redistribute energy immediately upon side impact of the vehicle.