Patent ID: 6988757
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A liftgate for an automotive vehicle, comprising: (a) an inner panel portion formed of a material selected from metal and a polymeric material, the inner panel portion having an outer perimeter portion; (b) an outer panel portion formed of a material selected from metal and a polymeric material, the outer panel portion having an outer perimeter portion wherein the outer perimeter portion of the outer panel portion is attached to the outer perimeter portion of the inner panel portion; and (c) a polymeric intermediate material positioned between the inner panel portion and the outer panel portion, the polymeric intermediate material substantially contacting both the inner panel portion and the outer panel portion for transmitting loads therebetween, wherein the intermediate material is a rigid structural reinforcement foam that extends to adjacent the perimeter portions; wherein the liftgate is pivotable relative to the automotive vehicle from a substantially vertical orientation in a closed position to a substantially horizontal position in an open position and wherein the automotive vehicle is selected from a pickup truck or an SUV.