US Patent 7677643 Body framework construction

A body framework construction, includes: a rear seat cross member, extending in a transverse direction of a vehicle, in a rear part of a body in a lower part of a passenger compartment; a dash cross member upper, extending in the transverse direction, in a front part of the passenger compartment; and a backbone, configured into a thin, long shape having a closed cross section, and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A front end portion of the backbone is connected to the dash cross member upper via a gusset, and a rear end portion of the backbone is joined to the rear seat cross member. The gusset is deformed more easily than the backbone relative to a force from a front.