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: Reinforced composite structural members and methods of forming thereof. The method includes providing one or more reinforcements, one or more adhesives, a mold with a mold cavity and resin. The one or more reinforcements are coated with the one or more adhesives and then are placed within the mold cavity. Next the mold cavity is closed and a step of overmolding the one or more reinforcements by injecting molten resin into the mold cavity, then curing the molten resin to form the structural member. The one or more adhesives coated onto the one or more reinforcements facilitates the bonding of the resin of material to the one or more reinforcements.

Abstract: The present invention is a moveable connector for connecting two components on a vehicle. The connector has a body portion, and a first end formed as part of the body portion. The connector is movable about at least one axis located at the first end of the body portion. The connector is also connected to a first vehicle component, such as a carrier, using the first end of the body portion. There is also a second end formed as part of the body portion. The second end is operable for being connected to a second vehicle component, such as a fender. During assembly, the first vehicle component is positioned relative to the second vehicle component, and the connector is pivoted about the axis to allow the second end of the body portion to be connected to the second vehicle component.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a locating pin and a retention clip. The locating pin and the retention clip allow alignment of the front end module with the body structure and the retention clip secures the two assemblies in place which allows alignment of fastener holes. This conserves time in the assembly line and allows more accurate and rapid assembly of the front end module on the body structure reducing the time necessary for assembly.

Abstract: A rigid sliding window is provided for the soft tops of soft topped vehicles such as soft topped cars and boats or even tent trailers. It may be attached directly into the soft top side curtain or into a rigid side frame or inner structural frame. The window module comprises a fixed window panel, a sliding window panel and a slim line frame for the panels. The fixed window panel and an outer flange of the frame are fixed directly to the soft fabric of the soft top, the outer flange of the frame being sandwiched between an outer margin of the fixed panel and the fabric of the soft top. The frame also provides a channel in which the sliding panel runs. In the region of the sliding panel in its closed position the outer flange of the frame is fastened directly to the fabric of the soft top.