Patent ID: 7222913

Claim:
A continuous, hydroformed tubular member, comprising: a horizontal member having a first end and a second end, and a first bracket and stiffening member assembly therebetween; a first vertical member having a first lower end coupled to said first end of said horizontal member, said first vertical member also having a first upper pillar-free end to form a first pillar configured to form a terminal end of an upwardly-open rear bed of a motor vehicle; and a second vertical member having a second lower end coupled to said second end of said horizontal member, said second vertical member also having a second upper pillar-free end to form a second pillar configured to form the terminal end of the upwardly-open rear bed of a motor vehicle, said first and second vertical members, each having a second bracket and stiffening member assembly; said horizontal member, said first vertical member, and said second vertical member together forming a one-piece, unitary U-shaped member.