Abstract: A vehicle tailgate lift assist system comprises a vehicle tailgate adapted to open and close by rotating about a tailgate pivot axis in relation to a vehicle body, coupling means to releasably connect the vehicle tailgate and the vehicle body, an energy storage device located within the vehicle body and adapted to be pivotally anchored to the vehicle body at one end, a crank arm pivotally attached to the energy storage device at a second end of the energy storage device and rigidly attached to an actuation shaft that is coaxially aligned with the tailgate pivot axis, and a pivot bracket assembly comprising a mounting bracket fixed to the vehicle body and holding a pivot bearing arrangement to facilitate a rotary joint about the tailgate pivot axis.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate lift assist system comprises a vehicle tailgate adapted to open and close by rotating about a tailgate pivot axis in relation to a vehicle body, coupling means to releasably connect the vehicle tailgate and the vehicle body, an energy storage device located within the vehicle body and adapted to be pivotally anchored to the vehicle body at one end, a crank arm pivotally attached to the energy storage device at a second end of the energy storage device and rigidly attached to an actuation shaft that is coaxially aligned with the tailgate pivot axis, and a pivot bracket assembly comprising a mounting bracket fixed to the vehicle body and holding a pivot bearing arrangement to facilitate a robust rotary joint about the tailgate pivot axis.

Abstract: A rim assembly for receiving a tire includes a rim having an outer ring-shaped member defining an outer surface, and a rim liner having a ring-shaped body formed to generally match the contours of the outer surface of the rim. The rim liner is positioned within a recess formed in at least a portion of the outer surface of the rim so as to maintain an intended industry standard sizing for rims and tires.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to composite materials and to methods of manufacturing the composite materials. In particular, the composite material of the present invention utilizes combinations of continuous fibers in the form of loops, chopped fibers, woven fibers and foams.

Abstract: A composite torsional vibration damper is disclosed. The torsional vibration damper has a first central hub region and a plurality of radially disposed composite arms. A cylindrical mass is coupled to and annularly disposed about the composite arms. The composite arms are tuned to form composite springs having specific radial stiffness and damping properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to composite materials and to methods of manufacturing the composite materials. In particular, the composite material of the present invention utilizes combinations of continuous fibers in the form of loops, chopped fibers, woven fibers and foams.