Abstract: A core component includes a natural fiber portion and a binder portion. The natural fiber portion and the binder portion are combined together, either partially or fully, so as to form a substantially homogenous material. Natural fibers can include: (1) bast fibers such as hemp, flax, kenaf, ramie, jute, and/or the like; (2) leaf fibers such as henequen, abaca, and/or the like; and (3) seed fibers such as cotton and/or the like. The core component can be used in conjunction with a composite structure, e.g., after formation of the core component, a reinforcing material (e.g., glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers and/or the like) can be placed on either side of the core component and injected with a resin material to form the composite structure. The resin material can be comprised of any number of polymeric materials, such as but not limited to thermoplastics, thermosets, and/or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite tailgate providing a one piece structural member that has an integrated storage space. The tailgate is made of a structural member which has a skin attached to its exterior side and a hinged access panel that is attached to its interior side. A cap is used to secure the skin and hinged access panel to the structural member. The hinged access panel can be opened when the tailgate is in a flat position in order to create storage space. The size of the storage space depends on the size of the structural member. The tailgate and the components are made of composite materials in order to minimize the weight of the tailgate.

Abstract: A composite sandwich structure is provided. The composite includes a first thermoplastic layer, such as a thermoplastic polyolefin, having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the first thermoplastic layer does not include a UV stabilizer. A second thermoplastic layer, such as a thermoplastic polyolefin, is spaced and opposed from the first thermoplastic layer, and includes an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the second thermoplastic layer does not include a UV stabilizer. First and second UV-curable tie layers are disposed on the inner surfaces of the first and second thermoplastic layers. First and second UV-curable adhesive layers are disposed on the first and second tie layers. First and second reinforcement layers, such as fiberglass, are disposed on the first and second adhesive layers. A foam layer, such as polyurethane foam, is disposed between the first and second tie layers.

Abstract: A step tailgate and mounting hardware system is presented where a tailgate can swing down to a position in order to create an intermediate stepping area. The tailgate has a primary hinge that allows the tailgate to swing down from a first position, to a second position. The tailgate has a bracket system that allows the tailgate to swing down to a third position in order to create an intermediate stepping area. The tailgate can move away from the vehicle by an inner arm. When the end of the inner arm reaches the end of the inside swing the inner arm can swing down by the inner and outer swing arms to a point where the swing arms are perpendicular to the main and inner arms. When the tailgate is in the third position the tailgate is below the truck bed, creating a stepping surface.

Abstract: A resin transfer system having an automatic vent system operably associated therewith is provided. The automatic vent system is operable to selectively engage once a predetermined amount of mouldable material has been introduced into the resin transfer system. The automatic vent system can also selectively remove or purge any excess materials, such as excess resin, from the resin transfer system, without having to manually clean any conduits or catch pots.