Abstract: A multifunction tailgate including a first door and a second door that are each selectably pivotable relative to the vehicle between an open position and a closed position along both a horizontal axis and a second vertical axis. At least one of the first door and the second door includes an exterior structure including an exterior panel, an inner panel, and a pair of side panels that collectively define a cavity, a trim panel coupled to the inner panel, and a reinforcement panel is positioned between the inner panel and the trim panel. The reinforcement panel is formed of a polymeric material, and is configured to provide structural support to the trim panel to assist in absorbing static and dynamic loads received by the trim panel.

Abstract: A multifunction tailgate including a first door and a second door that are each selectably pivotable relative to the vehicle between an open position and a closed position along both a horizontal axis and a second vertical axis. At least one of the first door and the second door includes an exterior structure including an exterior panel, an inner panel, and a pair of side panels that collectively define a cavity, a trim panel coupled to the inner panel, and a reinforcement panel is positioned between the inner panel and the trim panel. The reinforcement panel is formed of a polymeric material, and is configured to provide structural support to the trim panel to assist in absorbing static and dynamic loads received by the trim panel.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body, a door and a handle assembly. A door is coupled to the vehicle body and is pivotable about a horizontal axis between a closed position and a horizontal open position. The door is also pivotable about a vertical axis between the closed position and a vertical open position. The handle assembly includes a housing, a first release switch and a second release switch. The housing extends at least partially into a cavity of the door and includes a lower wall and an upper wall that cooperate to define a pocket. The first release switch is disposed along the upper wall of the housing and is configured to be actuated to pivot the door about the horizontal axis. The second release switch is disposed along the lower wall of the housing and is configured to be actuated to pivot the door about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate (30) has a frame (40) with a cross beam (42) and a pair of side beams (44, 46). One side beam (44, 46) extends from each end of the cross beam (42). A first metal tapping plate (50, 150) is secured with the cross beam (42). At least one elongated tang (56) is positioned between the body (52) and each tab (54). A clevis bracket (82) is positioned on the side beams (44, 46). An overmolded (108) material is on the shaft (100, 102) and the two heads (96, 98) of the striker (88). The wedges (92, 94), on the clevis bracket (82), aligns the clevis bracket (82) with the striker (84). A second tapping plate (70) is secured to the sheet metal.

Abstract: A pivot bracket assembly having a pivot bracket configured to be fixed between a tailgate and a vehicle body. A pivot pin extends through the through-hole of the pivot bracket, and includes a first end configured to be attached to the tailgate and a second end. A pivot arm includes an aperture configured for receipt of the second end of the pivot pin, and a portion configured to be coupled to the vehicle body. A bushing assembly including a sleeve and at least one bushing positioned within the sleeve is positioned within the through-hole of the pivot bracket and the pivot pin extends through the sleeve and the bushing, wherein a debris mitigation cover is positioned between the pivot arm and the pivot bracket that is configured to minimize dust and/or debris from entering the bushing assembly.

Abstract: A pivot bracket assembly having a pivot bracket configured to be fixed between a tailgate and a vehicle body. A pivot pin extends through the through-hole of the pivot bracket, and includes a first end configured to be attached to the tailgate and a second end. A pivot arm includes an aperture configured for receipt of the second end of the pivot pin, and a portion configured to be coupled to the vehicle body. A bushing assembly including a sleeve and at least one bushing positioned within the sleeve is positioned within the through-hole of the pivot bracket and the pivot pin extends through the sleeve and the bushing, wherein a debris mitigation cover is positioned between the pivot arm and the pivot bracket that is configured to minimize dust and/or debris from entering the bushing assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body, a door and a handle assembly. A door is coupled to the vehicle body and is pivotable about a horizontal axis between a closed position and a horizontal open position. The door is also pivotable about a vertical axis between the closed position and a vertical open position. The handle assembly includes a housing, a first release switch and a second release switch. The housing extends at least partially into a cavity of the door and includes a lower wall and an upper wall that cooperate to define a pocket. The first release switch is disposed along the upper wall of the housing and is configured to be actuated to pivot the door about the horizontal axis. The second release switch is disposed along the lower wall of the housing and is configured to be actuated to pivot the door about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate (30) has a frame (40) with a cross beam (42) and a pair of side beams (44, 46). One side beam (44, 46) extends from each end of the cross beam (42). A first metal tapping plate (50, 150) is secured with the cross beam (42). At least one elongated tang (56) is positioned between the body (52) and each tab (54). A clevis bracket (82) is positioned on the side beams (44, 46). An overmolded (108) material is on the shaft (100, 102) and the two heads (96, 98) of the striker (88). The wedges (92, 94), on the clevis bracket (82), aligns the clevis bracket (82) with the striker (84). A second tapping plate (70) is secured to the sheet metal.

Abstract: A peelable foil packaging system for absorbable or pre-moistened nylon sutures which may be used to transfer the sutures into a sterile field. In a preferred embodiment, the foil package comprises two foil sections each with a polymer inner coating. The sections are sealed together enclosing a suture holding mechanism which presents a needle with attached suture for arming a needle holder.

Abstract: An oval wrap suture package that permits sutures to be dispensed with less likelihood of suture binding is provided. In one embodiment, the package has a suture winding channel with semicircular end sections whose radii are unequal. In another embodiment of the invention, the suture package is molded from a polymeric resin mixture that includes at least 4% oleamide.