Patent ID: 8651564

Claim:
A polygonal cross-sectional frame for a vehicle, said polygonal cross-sectional frame having a hexagonal closed cross-sectional shape, the hexagonal closed cross-sectional shape of the frame being an L closed cross-sectional shape such that the frame has an inwardly recessed section in a corner portion between two leg portions of the L closed cross-sectional shape; said polygonal cross-sectional frame extending in a length direction of the vehicle so as to extend generally parallel to, but inwardly and rearwardly spaced from, side sills of the vehicle; wherein the inwardly recessed portion of said polygonal cross-sectional frame faces inwardly in a vehicle width-direction and downwardly relative to the vehicle; wherein the inwardly recessed section is defined by first and second side portions; a first central supporting side portion extending continuously from the first side portion to an inner end disposed generally midway along a line interconnecting opposite corners of said first and second side portions; and a second central supporting side portion extending continuously from the second side portion to an inner end of the first central supporting side portion; wherein a forward end of said polygonal cross-sectional frame extends to a front side frame extending forward from a floor of a passenger compartment of a vehicle, said polygonal cross-sectional frame being part of a rear frame extending rearward from the floor of the passenger compartment.