Patent ID: 6227594
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
A tailgate adapted to be mounted in the rear of a motor vehicle for pivoting movement about a horizontal axis proximate the bottom edge of the tailgate; said tailgate being pivotable about said axis between a generally upright closed position in which the tailgate prohibits access to the vehicle interior, and a generally horizontal open position in which the tailgate provides access to the vehicle interior; the tailgate comprising an appearance-defining outer panel of a thermoplastic material; and a structural inner panel of polypropylene mixed with glass fibers or of a thermosetting plastics material;the inner panel is shaped to include ribs and forms a rigidified structure;a metal reinforcement is disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel, said metal reinforcement absorbing a portion of the forces exerted on the tailgate; andthe inner panel having module housings for receiving function-performing modules, said modules being received at least in part in the thickness of the tailgate.