Abstract: An independent add-on automated vehicle lift gate system utilizing existing key fob authentication circuits in combination with an independent voice control system. The system uses microphones in connection with audio acquisition hardware and voice recognition hardware that actively listen for one or more voiced commands from a user outside of a vehicle. Before activating the mechanical system, which is for example the actuator of the lift gate and lock mechanism for the lift gate, the system will wait for confirmation from a separate vehicle system that monitors and notifies the vehicle lift gate system when an identification code is received from a key fob transponder located in a predetermined proximity of the vehicle, thereby authenticating the one or more voiced commands detected by the microphones.

Abstract: An adjustable position automated running board step for a vehicle. A step member is attached to a linkage. The linkage is operable for moving the step from a deployed to a stowed position. An adjustable lead screw linkage is provided, which allows adjustable stop points between the stowed and the deployed positions. A typical stow position stows the step in a suitable position at the rocker interface and also provides a more easily tunable lowest position. The invention includes a method whereby the step can be infinitely positioned in a predetermined range between the lowest step position and the stow position by means of electronic control. The electronic control of the “mid variable position” could be programmable by either the customer or the manufacturer. For example, there exists the opportunity to have a “his and hers” selection by a number of methods such a key fob or instrument panel selection.

Abstract: A mounting system for a step of a vehicle. A step portion having a connecting flange. A load bearing adapter connected to the connecting flange via a lost motion connecting assembly for allowing substantially rigid connection when the step portion has a normal stepping load and allows tilting of the step when an obstacle is encountered which provides a load on the step in an upward direction. Wherein an upward force on the step portion allows upward movement of the step and returning it to the step position.

Abstract: A method of masking and pretreating a plastic part prior to being spray-painted including the steps of providing a plastic part having one or more adhesive bond lines. The plastic part is typically an exterior automotive component having a painted show surface. Examples of plastic parts include but are not limited to lift gates, running boards, door trim pieces, spoilers, tail gates, front fascias and rear fascias. The method can also be used in connection with metal parts or any other application where a surface of the part will be painted and other surfaces on the part need to be protected from direct paint spray or paint overspray.

Abstract: The rivet nut (22) includes: the threaded attachment to replace the weld nut, the collar to spread the load interface to plastic panel (14) and to the attached component, room for a sleeve type compression limiter (24), or a collar that would be an integrated compression limiter.

Abstract: Impregnated veil and compression molding process of reinforcing fiber pre-impregnated continuous and discontinuous thermoset and thermoplastic materials. Veils are incorporated within the process, filming or laminating stages of the pre-pregging, either hotmelt or solvent based processes, in a variety of chosen resins. The veils help to improve visual part quality, reduce fiber splitting, and provide an isolating material in applications where incompatible materials must exist.

Abstract: An air dam for a vehicle having a front panel with a downward facing surface at a lateral front edge. At least one air curtain such as an air jet forces air downward toward the ground for creating an aerodynamic barrier of air which reduces turbulence caused by the underbody of a vehicle while the vehicle is underway.

Abstract: A modular gate combined with multiple functions which can be easily employed with existing tailgates without any hardware or mounting modifications to existing truck beds. There is provided a modular tailgate system having a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality of functions. The modular tailgate system integrates any combinations of at least two of the plurality of features without affecting existing body sides and/or existing truck beds. Integrated features include a multi-functional gate (e.g., swing, drop, etc), storage (e.g., normal, sealed, refrigerated, heated, etc), step(s), lighting (e.g., ingress/egress, bed interior, removable, trailer hitch, parking, etc), bed extension(s), power (e.g., 12 v and/or 110 v), tie downs (e.g., ratchets, anchors, etc), sawhorse, magnet(s), table(s), bench(es), seat(s), net(s), any other predetermined desired function, etc., and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A liftgate (28) formed with a thermoplastic which is overmolded around preselected reinforcements at stress points, such as a corner area, which includes a pair of separate reinforcement plates (14,18) and wherein a 3-dimensional reinforcement plate (12) is connected between the pair of separate reinforcements (14,18). Preferably the 3-dimensional reinforcement plate is connected to three reinforcements.

Abstract: Provided is a removable cover (10) for the trailer hitch area of a vehicle such as an SUV, pickup truck or other vehicle (11). A fascia (12) having an opening (14) for allowing access for a trailer hitch area of a vehicle is provided. A cover member (16) for removably covering the opening (14) is operative for being secured in the opening (14). The cover member includes a lock mechanism for being received in the fascia, said lock mechanism including a depressible button release mechanism (18).

Abstract: An active side panel assembly having at least one deployable panel (22) and at least one actuator (30). The deployable panel deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements and provides valuable reduction in vehicle drag, thereby reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. Additionally, it allows for the system to retract so the vehicle can still meet ground clearances, ramp angles, off-road requirements, etc. The active side panel provides a fully deployable system with object detection, declutching of the actuator to help prevent damage, and communication with the vehicle to determine proper deployment and function.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a 4-bar kinematic link component and method for forming the 4-bar kinematic link using a single rotary molding tool. The invention eliminates the need to form individual components of the bracket from several different tools, which will then requires additional assembly steps. The 4-bar kinematic link is formed from two different materials each having a different in mold shrinkage value. This allows for hinge pins to be formed through a base component in a way that will prevent sticking of the components together thereby allowing the parts to have it relative to one another using the hinge pin. The final component is a 4-bar kinematic link that can be used as a 4 bar link mechanism for providing motion.

Abstract: An active aero panel assembly including at least one deployable panel, at least one drive mechanism, and at least one actuator. The active aero panel assembly improves aerodynamics.

Abstract: A multi-way liftgate assembly providing a plurality of dividers dividing the rear cargo area of a passenger vehicle into a plurality of secure areas assessable from a plurality of panels forming a liftgate to provide controlled access to one or more of those compartments. The vehicle operator has secure control of which portions of the cargo area can be selectively accessed. The multi-way liftgate assembly provides multiple secure openings to the cargo area of a vehicle that typically has only one secure opening to the cargo area.

Abstract: A process for joining polymer molded parts. Providing a first part made from a first material and a second part made from a same or different first material. Attaching an infrared or other thermal bonding material to at least one of the parts in a place for the parts to be joined. Thereafter, heating the at least on infrared bonding material with an infrared heating element and pressing the first part into contact with the second part wherein a bond is formed.

Abstract: A box step (12) for allowing a user to access the rear bed or box of a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The pivotable box step includes a housing that is mounted to the underside of the vehicle. The box step moves between a stowed position (34) tucked underneath the vehicle, a rear position (40) at the rear of the vehicle, a corner position (38) at the rear corner of the vehicle and a side entry position (36) at the side of the vehicle, forward from the corner entry position. The motor (23) drives the drive assembly (20) in opposing first and second directions to move the box step between the stowed position, the rear position, the corner position and the box side entry position.

Abstract: A lift gate door having hinges installed for predetermined positioning into a vehicle. And a method of attaching a lift gate door to a vehicle while maintain proper tolerances. A first fixture holds a set of hinges in predetermined locations which correspond to assembly locations on a vehicle body. Hinges are temporarily attached to the fixture corresponding to the proper vehicle location. A second fixture holds the lift gate in a position which is a final installation position for attaching the lift gate to a vehicle. Self-adjusting moveable fastening nuts are provided in a set of holes in a hinge plate fastening area of the lift gate. The first fixture is moved into aligned orientation with the second feature and the hinges are attached to the lift gate with the fastener. The hinge is aligned in the proper installation orientation for maintaining the lift gate to vehicle gap in proper tolerances when the lift gate door with hinges is installed on the final vehicle.

Abstract: A method of injection molding of a class A surface part comprising the steps of first providing a first injections mold cavity for forming a part geometry and a second injection mold cavity for molding of a final class A surface around the part geometry with a second material. Then a fiber reinforced polyamide with an effective amount of an ABS material is compounded and the first injection mold cavity is used to form a part geometry. Thereafter, a colored polyurethane material is injected around the part geometry in the second injection molded cavity for providing a class A surface coating on the part.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly including at least two tailgate panels that both move between a closed position, a plurality of intermediate open positions, and a fully open position, where the tailgate panels selectively separate and articulate from the back of the cargo bed to the sides of the cargo bed. The tailgate panels move out of the way to provide direct access to the cargo area floor. The tailgate panels articulate in a small envelope of space, improving access to the rear in a confined space at the rear of the vehicle and reducing the risk of contacting objects that may be behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A deployable applique assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a housing having a wall with at least one through opening extending through the wall and a panel configured to overlie at least a portion of the wall when in a stowed position, with an outer surface of the panel being configured to form a smooth surface with a body panel of the motor vehicle. The assembly includes a drive link extending through the at least one through opening and having a first end operatively coupled to the inner surface of the panel and a second end. An actuator has a drive member operably coupled with the second end of the drive link, wherein the actuator is operable to selectively pivot the drive link to move the panel between the stowed position and a deployed position.