Abstract:
An inner fender panel for a structural fender of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The panel includes an outer surface configured for attachment to the inner surface of an outer panel of the fender and an inner surface; the inner panel comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different. A structural fender for an automotive vehicle is also disclosed. The fender includes a formed outer panel having a viewable outer surface and an inner surface. The fender also includes a formed inner fender panel as described comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different.
Abstract:
A selectively detachable fender brace system includes a structural fender assembly comprising an outer fender panel comprising an outer upper attachment flange having a brace bore disposed therein and an inner fender panel comprising an inner upper attachment flange having a first blind slot extending inwardly toward an engine compartment and rearwardly to a first slot opening, the inner fender panel attached to the outer fender panel with the inner upper attachment flange disposed below the outer upper attachment flange and brace bore proximate the first blind slot; a brace comprising a fender end having a fender bore extending therethrough and an opposed wall end that is detachably attached to a cross-vehicle wall of the engine compartment; and a threaded fastener that is disposed through the brace bore, first blind slot and fender bore configured to apply a predetermined clamping force and forming a selectively detachable fender attachment joint.
Abstract:
A tailgate assembly includes a structure, and a handle assembly attached to the structure. The handle assembly is moveable relative to the structure between a stowed position, an intermediate position, and a deployed position. The handle assembly includes a connecting member that is attached to the structure. The connecting member is rotatable about a first axis relative to the structure. A handle portion is attached to the connecting member, and is rotatable about a second axis relative to the connecting member. The handle portion and the connecting member rotate in unison relative to the structure about the first axis, between the stowed position and the intermediate position, to position the handle portion outside an interior space of the structure. The handle portion rotates relative to the connecting member about the second axis, between the intermediate position and the deployed position, whereby a user may grasp the handle portion.
Abstract:
A selectively detachable fender brace system includes a structural fender assembly comprising an outer fender panel comprising an outer upper attachment flange having a brace bore disposed therein and an inner fender panel comprising an inner upper attachment flange having a first blind slot extending inwardly toward an engine compartment and rearwardly to a first slot opening, the inner fender panel attached to the outer fender panel with the inner upper attachment flange disposed below the outer upper attachment flange and brace bore proximate the first blind slot; a brace comprising a fender end having a fender bore extending therethrough and an opposed wall end that is detachably attached to a cross-vehicle wall of the engine compartment; and a threaded fastener that is disposed through the brace bore, first blind slot and fender bore configured to apply a predetermined clamping force and forming a selectively detachable fender attachment joint.
Abstract:
An inner fender panel for a structural fender of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The panel includes an outer surface configured for attachment to the inner surface of an outer panel of the fender and an inner surface; the inner panel comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different. A structural fender for an automotive vehicle is also disclosed. The fender includes a formed outer panel having a viewable outer surface and an inner surface. The fender also includes a formed inner fender panel as described comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different.
Abstract:
A tailgate assembly includes a structure, and a handle assembly attached to the structure. The handle assembly is moveable relative to the structure between a stowed position, an intermediate position, and a deployed position. The handle assembly includes a connecting member that is attached to the structure. The connecting member is rotatable about a first axis relative to the structure. A handle portion is attached to the connecting member, and is rotatable about a second axis relative to the connecting member. The handle portion and the connecting member rotate in unison relative to the structure about the first axis, between the stowed position and the intermediate position, to position the handle portion outside an interior space of the structure. The handle portion rotates relative to the connecting member about the second axis, between the intermediate position and the deployed position, whereby a user may grasp the handle portion.