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: The pillar structure to which the passenger cabin end of the hood ridge panel is connected, is arranged have different localized structural deformation resistances which buckle/deform in a manner which causes the hood ridge panel to reorient in response to a vehicle structure deforming force being applied to the front of the vehicle during a collision, and results in the force, which passes through the hood ridge panel, being redirected by a load-converting and transmitting member included in the pillar, up and along an upper rearwardly angled upper portion of the pillar. This force redirection produces sufficient resistance to induce compressive bucking in the structure forward of the passenger cabin and thus attenuate damage to the cabin structure.

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 construction for mounting a subframe 1 to a vehicle body 5 includes a hollow collar 2 inserted into a pipe P constructing the subframe, the pipe being provided with an insertion hole 1a at a certain position along its thickness direction; a pair of substantially U-shaped brackets 3, 3 fixed to the pipe in such a manner that the hollow collar inserted through the insertion hole is held between the brackets; and a bolt 4 connecting the subframe to the vehicle body. The subframe may be mounted to the vehicle body at inclined angles. The brackets are mounted on the pipe such that a base portion 3a of each bracket is parallel in side view to a subframe mounting surface 5a of the vehicle body and allows the insertion of the bolt. The brackets are then fixed to the pipe at its side projecting portions 3b, 3b. One bracket adjacent to the vehicle body has a mounting surface 3d which allows surface contact with the subframe mounting surface of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A front pillar arrangement for a motor vehicle body frame includes a front pillar with an outer part and an inner part and a door hinge attached to the outer part of the front pillar with one or more fastening elements along with at least one reinforcing element for mounting the door hinge on the outer part of the front pillar. A rigid connecting element extends between the outer part and the inner part of the front pillar and is attached to the reinforcing element by at least one fastening elements for the door hinge.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a unitized body of a motor vehicle is located in a transverse plane of the vehicle that lies between lateral wheel housings and has a transverse beam that connects the wheel housings with one another in the upper area. The transverse beam is located in an overlapping area with a supporting plate of a parcel shelf at the rear wheel housings and is connected in a reinforcing manner with the supporting plate.

Abstract: A hollow reinforced structural member has a bulkhead having a layer of thermally expanded resin disposed between opposed side walls. A sleeve is retained within the resin layer and is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reinforce structural member. The sleeve is an alignment with bolt holes in opposite sides of the reinforced structure such that a bolt can be inserted there through. A component can then be bolted to the reinforced structural member at the site of the reinforcement. The invention not only increases the strength of the part, but also reduces vibration and noise transmission.

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 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 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 reinforcing construction for rear wheel housings in automobiles, provided on the right and left sides of a car body, which comprises a connection member (24) having engagement portions at two axial ends thereof, respectively, and extending between right and left suspension towers, a first restraint device (26) mounted on one of the right and left rear wheel housings for restraining one of the two engagement portions on the connection member, and structures mounted on the other of the right and left rear where housings for restraining the other of the two engagement portions. The first restraint device comprises two lock levers (32, 34) supported independently of each other and swingably on the rear where housings to be capable of releasing and restraining one of the two engagement portions on the connection member, each of the lock levers having an inclined surface (33, 35) which is adapted to come into frictional contact with one of the engagement portions.

Abstract: A body side joint structure for an automotive vehicle has a support member extending longitudinally rearward from a front end member with a distal end secured in overlapping relationship laterally inward of a hinge pillar of an adjacent body side member. A hinge reinforcement member is attached on a laterally inner surface of the distal end of the support member and door hinge brackets are attached on an outer surface of the hinge pillar which together provide a clamping load to the joint layering of the body side and front end, thus resulting in an improved lateral load path.

Abstract: A box-shaped structure is defined by an inner projection of a rear inner panel forming a side portion of a vehicle body and a roof rail outer member of a roof rail extending transversely of the vehicle body at an upper portion of a rear part of the roof rail. The box-shaped structure includes as bracing an outer projection of a rear pillar stiffener for reinforcing the rear inner panel and a stiffener projection of a hinge stiffener for reinforcing the roof rail outer member, which extend diagonally within the box-shaped structure to thereby divide the structure into a plurality of closed sections. A rear portion of the rear inner panel and the rear panel stiffener joint comprise a rear pillar. With the structure thus constructed, the connection between the rear pillar and the roof rail will be imparted increased stiffness against a twisting stress and against external stresses applied from the directions of the corners of the closed sections.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a pin connection is applied between the side rail and the vertical post to reduce or eliminate the large lading load moment. In one embodiment the pin connection may comprise a first plate integrally connected by welding or rugged mechanical fasteners to the side rail at one end. A second plate is integrally connected by welding or rugged mechanical fasteners to the vertical post. The first and second plates are transversely spaced and abut. Rugged transversely extending mechanical fasteners, such as a shoulder bolt, extend between the plates. The fastening means can be tightened to a desired torque, of for example 50 to 100 foot pounds. The fastening means are provided to reduce or eliminate the lading load moment. The roof load applied to the corner posts is taken in transversely extending end and front skirts, which also support the truck body.

Abstract: In a body structure for a motor vehicle of a space frame type in which a rear pillar made of an extruded aluminum alloy member and joining a roof side member and a floor side member includes an inwardly curved section to avoid an interference with a rear wheel, a damper mounting base is welded to a part of the rear pillar adjoining the part having the smallest curvature or where the stress tends to concentrate so that the mechanical strength of this part may be reinforced without requiring any special reinforcing member. Thus, both an increase in the rigidity and a reduction in the weight of a vehicle body can be achieved in an efficient manner.

Abstract: The joint reinforcement member for a hollow structure of an automotive vehicle has a carrier portion with an outer surface. The carrier portion has a base portion with a first extension having a first longitudinal axis and a second extension having a second longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis and second longitudinal axis correspond to the hollow structure. A thermally expandable adhesive layer is disposed on the outer surface of the carrier portion and substantially covers the outer surface. A method for forming the joint member includes providing a carrier having a plurality extensions extending from a base portion that correspond to the hollow structure a layer of thermally expandable adhesive materials applied to the carrier portion. The carrier portion is heated to activate the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is cooled so that the adhesive layer is bonded to the structural member.

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 vehicle body construction of a door opening flange portion and a front pillar including a reinforcement, an inner panel, and an outer panel. One flange of the reinforcement is positioned between flanges of the inner and outer panels wherein the three flanges form a joint. Another flange of each of the inner and outer panels form a second joint. The inner and outer panel define a closed cross section shape portion and another flange of the reinforcement is joined to the inner or outer panel within the closed cross section shape portion.

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: The invention concerns a stress-bearing structure of a motor-vehicle body made with hollow section beams, having at least at one structural member junction point (1) at which a first hollow section beam (2) is joined with a second hollow section beam (3) and a third hollow section beam (4), which are opposite each other on either side of the first hollow section beam. The second and third hollow section beams (3, 4) are attached to the respective opposite sides of the first hollow section beam (2) by a butt joint. The junction point (1) is reinforced by a junction point reinforcement element in the form of a hollow section extrusion (6). In accordance with the invention, a hollow section extrusion (6) is positioned beneath the structural-member junction point (1) on the inside of the vehicle body and fixed in place. The longitudinal axis of the hollow section extrusion (6) runs in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the first hollow section beam (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an item to a floor comprising an anchor bolt, an anchor nut, and an annular collar comprising an upper annular outer ring, a lower annular ring, and an annular side wall connecting the rings, the annular collar held in place over the anchor nut below the floor by a retaining nut.

Abstract: A structural member having a closed section of vehicle formed by plate members of light alloy, such as a front pillar of vehicle formed by an outer panel, pillar stiffener and inner pillar made of light alloy, is reinforced by a reinforcing member made of extruded light alloy material which has a substantially same outer shape as an inner shape of the closed section of the structural member and is fitted into the closed section portion.

Abstract: A floor structure for a self-supporting motor vehicle body is provided which has a down and up open central tunnel and a power unit crossmember extending under the central tunnel. Two mutually opposite supporting profiles are secured in a force-transmitting manner on the power-unit crossmember. Each supporting profile has a dimensionally rigid supporting leg which extends along a lateral tunnel wall of the tunnel arrangement and is arranged parallel to said tunnel wall at a small distance therefrom. In relation to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle the supporting profiles extend at least over part of the length of the power-unit crossmember.

Abstract: A joint member is used for positioning a first square tubular section made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and a second square tubular section made of aluminum or aluminum alloy with the sections' end portions butting against each other so as to weld the butt end portions together. The joint member includes an angle retainment portion and first and second anchorage portions. The angle retainment portion is applied onto the outer or inner surfaces of walls of the first and second square tubular sections, the walls intersecting each other with an angle equal to or smaller than 180.degree. when the first and second tubular sections are caused to butt against each other. The first and second anchorage portions branch off and extend from the angle retainment portion so as to fixedly hold the walls of the first and second square tubular sections, respectively, in cooperation with the angle retainment portion.

Abstract: An automobile front body structure which having a cranked front side frame disposed at a lower portion of a front body of an automobile and having an L-shaped portion, a dashboard lower with a lower part placed upon the L-shaped portion, and a gusset connected to the L-shaped portion of the front side frame by means of the lower part of the dashboard lower. By the reinforcing action of the gusset, the rear end of the front side frame is retained firmly, whereby the structure is strengthened against an external force applied thereto and undesired local deformation of the dashboard lower may be suppressed.

Abstract: An upper body section of a vehicle body of the type having a generally U-shaped roof side gutter, interposed between a roof and a body side frame and stretching the full length of the roof, has a structure comprising a gutter rail formed by an inside half of the gutter rail integrally formed with a roof panel and an outside half of the gutter rail integrally formed with a side frame panel. A roof reinforcement beam is laid so as to extend between center pillars and is secured to the roof panel. A corner gusset extends across the gutter rail, overlaps both the center pillar and the roof reinforcement beam, and is secured to both the center pillar and the roof reinforcement beam.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a pair of floor frames, a pair of auxiliary frames, and a pair of side sills disposed in juxtaposition about a longitudinal central axis of a vehicle body and arranged in the order named in a transversely outward direction of the vehicle body wherein the auxiliary frames have front ends spaced rearwardly, by a predetermined distance, from rear end portions of a pair of side outriggers. A front portion of the vehicle body located forwardly of the front ends of the auxiliary frames has less rigidity than a rear portion located rearwardly of the rear ends of the auxiliary frames. The vehicle body structure thus constructed can effectively absorb the energy of a crush or collision while maintaining a certain degree of rigidity. The side sills are each composed of a box-shaped hollow member containing therein an elongated reinforcing member.

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: The invention discloses a front fender reinforcing structure for automobiles. A fitting part for a clip member is formed between a body work outside panel and a plate disposed outside of the outside panel, one end of the clip member for engaging a front fender with the outside panel is fitted into the fitting part, and an opposite end of the clip member is placed and disposed at a window frame section at the rear upper part of the front fender so that the window frame section of the front fender is engaged with and held by the outside panel. Thus, the clip member is positioned between the easily deformable window frame section of the front fender and the outside panel to support the back of the easily flexible window frame section of the front fender. Consequently, the window frame section of the front fender can be prevented securely and effectively from being deformed.

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 body structure of an automobile having a door in its rear portion comprises a side panel forming a side surface of an automobile body and a rear panel connected to the side panel and forming a rear surface, the side panel being comprised of an outer side panel and an inner side panel. On an outer surface of a rear part of the inner side panel, there is provided a reinforcing member extending vertically of the body, to which an auxiliary reinforcing member, extending between the inner and outer side panels rearwardly of the body, is connected. The auxiliary reinforcing member is connected at its rear portion to an inner end of the rear panel by means of the corner member. As a result, improved rigidity is provided at the rear panel and connection between the same and the side panel without providing any other member which projects into the inside of the automobile.

Abstract: A structure of a frame connecting portion capable of firmly connecting a floor frame member to a side frame member in an automobile is provided. An end portion of the floor frame member provided on the floor panel, having an approximately U-shaped cross section and reinforced by the frame stiffener, is connected to an end portion of the side frame member having an approximately U-shaped cross section. At the connecting portion, the frame stiffener, floor frame member and side frame member are stacked on each other and tied integrally by tightening means penetrating them.

Abstract: Push-fit connecting joints comprising a node and at least one hollow section, where the node contains attachment parts and the attachment parts feature openings to accommodate connecting elements, and the hollow section features at least one hollow chamber and at least one opening for the connecting element. The openings in the hollow section are oversized with respect to the corresponding openings in the attachment part and the region of the opening on the outside of the hollow section is covered over by a cover sheet. The cover sheet features for each connecting element an opening having the dimensions of the opening in the attachment part, and an adhesive is provide between the cover sheet and the hollow section. The push-fit connecting joints may be employed in the construction of Space-frame parts.

Abstract: An upper body structure for a car body includes a hollow front pillar, which includes inner and outer front pillar panels shaped so as to form a column space in the front pillar. The front pillar is connected to an upper portion of a dash panel by a gusset configuration.

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 body structure of a passenger car comprises a front wall arranged between the forward car section and the passenger compartment, two mutually spaced side rails which are each connected to a floor support which is situated behind and extends as an extension of the side rail, exterior side members, upright hinge pillars and a floor.

Abstract: The invention provides both a partial and a full vehicle body frame. In both of the frames, a front unit is connected at its lower portion to a floor unit at its front portion. A connection line of both the units tapers inward transversely as it progresses toward a front end of the floor unit.

Abstract: A structure of a side portion of a vehicle body having a side outer panel in which a side sill outer member and a pillar outer member are integrally formed. A first enclosed cross-sectional member is formed by a connecting of a side sill inner member and a side sill reinforcing member. Further, the first enclosed cross-sectional member has first connecting members which are formed by a connecting of the side sill reinforcing member and the side sill inner member. A second enclosed cross-sectional member is formed by a connecting of the side sill outer member and the side sill reinforcing member. Moreover, the second enclosed cross-sectional member has second connecting members which are formed by a connecting of the side sill outer member and the side sill reinforcing member. The second connecting members are located outwardly of the first connecting members in the transverse direction of the vehicle body and are apart from the first connecting members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcement assembly for a sheet metal component in a vehicle bodywork by a second reinforcement piece formed as an extruded light metal section which is additionally secured thereto. The sheet metal component to be reinforced runs straight in a first spatial direction and is curved only in the other two spatial directions. According to the invention, the extruded light metal reinforcement piece is shaped to conformingly fit the curved surfaces of the sheet metal component. The sheet metal component and the reinforcement piece are preferably adhesively secured together. A preferred use of the invention is for reinforcing the sheet metal vehicle floor tub in the high peak stress region of the rear safety belt anchor points. The arrangement of the invention provides an effective reinforcement for heavy loads with good force transmission.

Abstract: A structural brace for a unibody chassis is disclosed for minimizing deflections of upper strut mounting points of a strut suspension. The strut brace includes attachments that efficiently transfers uniaxial, bending and torsional loads into the structural brace, thereby improving the control of the suspension geometry during vehicle cornering maneuvers.

Abstract: In a light-metal vehicle body, a girder assembly joins a first longitudinal girder member located in a forecarriage region of the vehicle body to a second, laterally offset, and generally longitudinally oriented side sill member. The girder assembly includes a pair of open shell-shaped, light-metal castings which form a single, hollow section enclosure when brought together along their mutual open face regions. The concave interior surfaces of the shell-shaped casting are provided with a plurality of spaced integrally formed stiffening rib members. The stiffening ribs are oriented transverse to the curving longitudinal center axis of the girder assembly which curves in conformance with the Z-shape configuration. The stiffening ribs of each shell-shaped castings are arranged in coordinate pairs such that they formed a series of substantially continuous webs along an interior cross section of said girder assembly.

Abstract: A front side member of an automobile has a rigid portion formed in a closed cross section by an inner panel and an outer panel and extending in the longitudinal direction of a car body, and a base portion extending inwards and downwards in the lateral direction of the car body from the rigid portion. The rigid portion is provided with a reinforcement arranged in the closed cross section and extending in the longitudinal direction of the car body. The reinforcement is shortened less than the inner panel at a top portion thereof and provided with a linear corner portion. As a result, an axis, which is one of rectangular coordinate axes as principal axes of the closed cross section and which maximizes a moment of inertia with respect to the axis, is formed so as to direct downwards from the outside to the inside in the lateral direction of the car body.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes at least one longitudinally extending structural member and at least one rocker including a structure forming channels on at least two sides, one of the channels receiving the structural member and an adhesive and/or sleeve for securing the structural member to the rocker.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a railroad car is constructed by connecting together side and roof blocks, each equipped with interior components, in a manner to improve the outer appearance of the connections between the side and roof blocks. Longitudinal beams of the side blocks are in contact with the under surfaces of gutters formed by the outer plate of the roof block. The side and roof blocks, equipped with the interior components, are connected together at the gutter portions by a welding which can be conducted solely from an exterior side of the vehicle. In the interior of the vehicle, the longitudinal beams and joints secured to the side blocks are connected to lateral beams of the roof block by rivets. Thereafter, a third interior plate is provided between interior plates of the side and roof blocks. Since the connections are formed at the gutter portions, the connecting operations can easily be conducted outside the vehicle and in a manner to assure a good from an exterior of appearance.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of hoop-shaped structural members and a structure disposed on adjacent portions of the structural members for allowing nesting engagement therebetween to form a substantially flush outer surface between the structural members. The structure includes at least one shoulder portion and at least one extension portion on one of the structural members.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of structural members. Each of the structural members has a channel. The space frame also includes a connector disposed in the channel of each of the structural members and a joint structure and/or adhesive for joining the connector and the structural members together.

Abstract: An add-on structural support arrangement for a convertible-type vehicle rear passenger shoulder belt system comprising a pair of mirror image composite pillars fixedly disposed at each rear corner of the rear seat compartment. Each pillar includes three vertically elongated sheet metal members, i.e. a forward seat attaching panel member, an intermediate anchor panel member, and an aft channel member, substantially coextensive in length and welded in flatwise abutment. A horizontal tie bar interconnects the upper ends of the forward panel members, while lower oblique wing of each anchor panel member is bolted to an associated portion of the body floor pan. A shoulder belt retractor is mounted on a lower rear face of each pillar while each aft channel member provides a vertically extending guideway for passage for its associated shoulder belt. The anchor panel is formed with a U-section in cross-sectional view defining a pair of side flanges each provided with a midpoint attachment ear.

Abstract: A joint structure includes a sandwiched structural body comprising a core layer having opposite surfaces and a pair of first and second outer skin layers covering the opposite surfaces, respectively, and a substantially concave joint region defined in the first outer skin layer and comprising a side wall and a bottom wall contiguous to the side wall, the bottom wall being joined to the second outer skin layer. The side wall of the joint region is of a tapered shape. The sandwiched structural body is formed primarily of synthetic resins, and may additionally include reinforcing fibers.