Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door structure and a movable door handle that is connected to a latch mechanism by a cable. A rotatably biased stop member is connected to the cable. The vehicle door further includes a housing having a channel that receives portion of the stop member. The channel includes first and second linear portions and a transverse stop portion that is engaged by the follower to prevent further lengthwise movement of the lock member and cable if a speed of the cable exceeds an allowable value.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door assembly includes a door having an internal compartment and a door latch mechanism within that internal compartment. The motor vehicle door assembly also includes a window subassembly. That window subassembly includes a window body and water management feature carried on the window body whereby water is diverted from the door latch mechanism. A related method of diverting water from a door latch mechanism in a motor vehicle door assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door assembly includes a door having an internal compartment and a door latch mechanism within that internal compartment. The motor vehicle door assembly also includes a window subassembly. That window subassembly includes a window body and water management feature carried on the window body whereby water is diverted from the door latch mechanism. A related method of diverting water from a door latch mechanism in a motor vehicle door assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate assembly includes a tailgate adapted to pivotally latch to a vehicle cargo box. A hinge pivot is coupled to the tailgate and includes an electromagnetic cylinder and a vane hub positioned within the cylinder and coupled to at least one of the tailgate and the cargo box. The vane hub is configured to rotate within the cylinder. A vane is coupled to the vane hub. A magnetorheological fluid is positioned around the vane.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door structure and a movable door handle that is connected to a latch mechanism by a cable. A rotatably biased stop member is connected to the cable. The vehicle door further includes a housing having a channel that receives portion of the stop member. The channel includes first and second linear portions and a transverse stop portion that is engaged by the follower to prevent further lengthwise movement of the lock member and cable if a speed of the cable exceeds an allowable value.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door structure and a movable door handle that is connected to a latch mechanism by a cable. A rotatably biased stop member is connected to the cable. The vehicle door further includes a housing having a channel that receives portion of the stop member. The channel includes first and second linear portions and a transverse stop portion that is engaged by the follower to prevent further lengthwise movement of the lock member and cable if a speed of the cable exceeds an allowable value.

Abstract: Striker cover for use with a vehicle closure. The striker cover having two cover pieces with coaxial pivot edges, that when contacted by a latch, pivot into a cam and separate to provide access of the latch to the striker. When the vehicle closure is open, springs bias the cover pieces toward each other and into the cam, rotating the cover pieces back into a first position. In the first position the cover pieces cover the striker and obstruct the striker from view.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door structure and a movable door handle that is connected to a latch mechanism by a cable. A rotatably biased stop member is connected to the cable. The vehicle door further includes a housing having a channel that receives portion of the stop member. The channel includes first and second linear portions and a transverse stop portion that is engaged by the follower to prevent further lengthwise movement of the lock member and cable if a speed of the cable exceeds an allowable value.

Abstract: An adjustable striker assembly for a vehicle closure. The striker assembly employs at least one threaded connector that when rotated moves a striker relative the vehicle in an axial direction of the threaded connector. A latch in combination with the striker define a gap between the closure and vehicle part proximate the two. Adjustment of the striker via the threaded connector allows for changing the distance of the gap between the closure and vehicle part.

Abstract: An adjustable striker assembly for a vehicle closure. The striker assembly employs at least one threaded connector that when rotated moves a striker relative the vehicle in an axial direction of the threaded connector. A latch in combination with the striker define a gap between the closure and vehicle part proximate the two. Adjustment of the striker via the threaded connector allows for changing the distance of the gap between the closure and vehicle part.

Abstract: Striker cover for use with a vehicle closure. The striker cover having two cover pieces with coaxial pivot edges, that when contacted by a latch, pivot into a cam and separate to provide access of the latch to the striker. When the vehicle closure is open, springs bias the cover pieces toward each other and into the cam, rotating the cover pieces back into a first position. In the first position the cover pieces cover the striker and obstruct the striker from view.

Abstract: A method of setting a gap or margin between an edge of a decklid and a vehicle surface includes providing a powered cinching latch assembly including a powered actuator that moves a striker member between a presented position and a fully cinched position. The cinched position of the striker is adjusted to provide an acceptable gap or margin between an edge of the decklid and an adjacent vehicle surface.

Abstract: A deployable step and handle system for a tailgate. The handle is used to secure the deployable step in the stowed position that eliminates the need for a separate release system. The handle is placed adjacent a top edge of the tailgate to prevent debris from being trapped under the handle when the handle is closed. The ladder has a step surface disposed opposite and at an angle relative to a top surface of a spoiler that provides a step surface. The ladder rails are guided by rail guides as the ladder is moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. A unitary support bracket is used to connect both the handle and a ladder rail to the tailgate.

Abstract: A pickup truck includes a tailgate that is movable between open and closed positions. A powered latch provides for remote release of the latches of the tailgate. The tailgate is biased from the closed position towards the open position such that release of the latch causes the tailgate to shift automatically from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A deployable step and handle system for a tailgate. The handle is used to secure the deployable step in the stowed position that eliminates the need for a separate release system. The handle is placed adjacent a top edge of the tailgate to prevent debris from being trapped under the handle when the handle is closed. The ladder has a step surface disposed opposite and at an angle relative to a top surface of a spoiler that provides a step surface. The ladder rails are guided by rail guides as the ladder is moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. A unitary support bracket is used to connect both the handle and a ladder rail to the tailgate.

Abstract: A pickup truck includes a tailgate that is movable between open and closed positions. A powered latch provides for remote release of the latches of the tailgate. The tailgate is biased from the closed position towards the open position such that release of the latch causes the tailgate to shift automatically from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A pickup truck includes a tailgate that is movable between open and closed positions. A powered latch provides for remote release of the latches of the tailgate. The tailgate is biased from the closed position towards the open position such that release of the latch causes the tailgate to shift automatically from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A door chucking system includes a slidable door movable within a door opening and having a distal edge, the door being operable between opened and closed positions. A vertical column is proximate the distal edge of the door when the door is in the closed position. A chucking wedge is disposed on one of the vertical column and the distal edge, the chucking wedge including a retaining slot and a retaining flange. A receiver is disposed on the other of the vertical column and the distal edge, the receiver including a rigid tab, wherein the receiver receives a portion of the chucking wedge therein when the door is in the closed position, and wherein application of a force that is at least partially transverse to the planar extent of the door causes the rigid tab and the retaining slot to engage thereby preventing the door from leaving the closed position.

Abstract: A door chucking system includes a slidable door movable within a door opening and having a distal edge, the door being operable between opened and closed positions. A vertical column is proximate the distal edge of the door when the door is in the closed position. A chucking wedge is disposed on one of the vertical column and the distal edge, the chucking wedge including a retaining slot and a retaining flange. A receiver is disposed on the other of the vertical column and the distal edge, the receiver including a rigid tab, wherein the receiver receives a portion of the chucking wedge therein when the door is in the closed position, and wherein application of a force that is at least partially transverse to the planar extent of the door causes the rigid tab and the retaining slot to engage thereby preventing the door from leaving the closed position.