Abstract: A composite liftgate including an inner panel construction having strengthening channel structure in combination with a ribbing. Structural steel reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed. Where the extra structure is needed, a minimum amount of steel is used and the structural reinforcement is bonded in place using adhesive. A plurality of access doors are provided that are removable for easier maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A closure panel for a vehicle having an anti-pinch sensor attached at an outer peripheral area of the closure panel. A closure panel including an outwardly extending flange portion. An anti-pinch sensor mount including a U-shaped cross section which is adapted to fit over and secure to the outwardly extending flange portion. An anti-pinch sensor attached to the mount for sensing an interference in opening or closing of the closure panel and reversing the opening or closing of the closure panel.

Abstract: A liftgate (10) for a vehicle having at least one overmolding bracket (28) with at least one open mounting surface on the bracket for liftgate hardware attachments. In addition, overmolding the bracket (28) and maintaining at least one hole (26) for tether routing. The liftgate allows the overmolding of the bracket (28) and maintains a lower cost fastener joint that does not require extra components or special components such a compression limiters and rivet nuts or brackets that cannot be overmolded.

Abstract: A liftgate for a vehicle having an anti-pinch sensor attached at an outer peripheral area of the liftgate. A liftgate including an outwardly extending flange portion. An anti-pinch sensor mount including a U-shaped cross section which is adapted to fit over and secure to the outwardly extending flange portion. An anti-pinch sensor attached to the mount for sensing an interference in opening or closing of the liftgate and reversing the opening or closing of the liftgate.

Abstract: A composite liftgate system with an inner panel construction having a strengthening channel structure. Structural composite reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed to meet predetermined performance requirements. Where the extra structure is needed, no steel or a minimum amounts of steel is used and the structural reinforcements are bonded in place using adhesive prior to application of additional fasteners.

Abstract: A composite liftgate system with an inner panel construction having a strengthening channel structure. Structural composite reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed to meet predetermined performance requirements. Where the extra structure is needed, no steel or a minimum amounts of steel is used and the structural reinforcements are bonded in place using adhesive prior to application of additional fasteners.

Abstract: A liftgate integrating bulkhead reinforcements into an inner panel and/or outer panel of the liftgate or closure creating an efficient design that adds mold-in reinforcement structure and eliminates the need to add steel or plastic parts to meet performance requirements.

Abstract: A three-dimensional overmolding and process for manufacturing same. The three-dimensional overmolding has a three-dimensional structure with overmolding, which gives significant performance benefits. Assembly and joining of reinforcements is done before the overmolding or in the injection molding tool. The three-dimensional overmolding meets predetermined structural requirements without requiring secondary operations and at a lower mass and cost. The structural benefits are due to the three dimensional shape in combination with the benefit of the overmolding process.

Abstract: A liftgate having an overmolded hinge point comprising a metal reinforcement overmolded with a polymer and having a compression limiter portion molded in. The compression limiter portion including a tubular portion for receiving a fastener encapsulated during overmolding and having overmolded gusset ribs extending therefrom during the overmolding process.

Abstract: A composite liftgate including an inner panel construction having strengthening channel structure in combination with a ribbing. Structural steel reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed. Where the extra structure is needed, a minimum amount of steel is used and the structural reinforcement is bonded in place using adhesive. A plurality of access doors are provided that are removable for easier maintenance and repair.

Abstract: Metal rib overmolding joining including creating geometrical features in reinforcements for interconnecting a three-dimensional metal reinforcement to a metal base plate of an overmolding part in order to transfer load forces. Interlocked reinforcement is pre-assembled or assembled in an injection molding tool. Geometric features are positioned and joined creating a connection geometry that is overmolded. The joints created between the metal reinforcements are done without a welding process.

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: 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: A composite liftgate including an inner panel construction having strengthening channel structure in combination with a ribbing. Structural steel reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed. Where the extra structure is needed, a minimum amount of steel is used and the structural reinforcement is bonded in place using adhesive. A plurality of access doors are provided that are removable for easier maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A composite liftgate system with an inner panel construction having a strengthening channel structure. Structural composite reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed to meet predetermined performance requirements. Where the extra structure is needed, no steel or a minimum amounts of steel is used and the structural reinforcements are bonded in place using adhesive prior to application of additional fasteners.

Abstract: A composite liftgate including an inner panel construction having strengthening channel structure in combination with a ribbing. Structural steel reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed. Where the extra structure is needed, a minimum amount of steel is used and the structural reinforcement is bonded in place using adhesive. A plurality of access doors are provided that are removable for easier maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A composite liftgate system with an inner panel construction having a strengthening channel structure. Structural composite reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed to meet predetermined performance requirements. Where the extra structure is needed, no steel or a minimum amounts of steel is used and the structural reinforcements are bonded in place using adhesive prior to application of additional fasteners.

Abstract: A composite liftgate including an inner panel construction having strengthening channel structure in combination with a ribbing. Structural steel reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed. Where the extra structure is needed, a minimum amount of steel is used and the structural reinforcement is bonded in place using adhesive. A plurality of access doors are provided that are removable for easier maintenance and repair.

Abstract: An exterior body panel assembly having a Class A painted surface, mold-in color or non-Class A surface, and process of infrared welding components of the assembly. Panels of the assembly are placed on a nesting structure and the inside half of the structures are brought together with the other for a fit check. Panels are separated and an infrared heating fixture then heats the various areas to be heated on the panels. The areas on the panels are heated depending on the thicknesses of the parts at each area and surface geometries to be welded. The parts are immediately clamped back together under pressure for joining and cooling of the joined surfaces in the clamped arrangement.

Abstract: A composite liftgate system with an inner panel construction having a strengthening channel structure. Structural composite reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed to meet predetermined performance requirements. Where the extra structure is needed, no steel or a minimum amounts of steel is used and the structural reinforcements are bonded in place using adhesive prior to application of additional fasteners.