US 12,134,309 B2
Composite liftgate
Christopher J. Kuntze, Goodrich, MI (US); Stephen R. Roddy, Harrison Township, MI (US); and Eric R. Langley, Howell, MI (US)
Assigned to Magna Exteriors Inc., Aurora (CA)
Filed by Magna Exteriors Inc., Concord (CA)
Filed on Dec. 21, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/086,210.
Application 18/086,210 is a continuation of application No. 17/140,675, filed on Jan. 4, 2021, granted, now 11,560,045.
Application 17/140,675 is a continuation of application No. 16/502,525, filed on Jul. 3, 2019, granted, now 10,913,335, issued on Feb. 9, 2021.
Application 16/502,525 is a continuation of application No. 15/234,735, filed on Aug. 11, 2016, granted, now 10,384,520, issued on Aug. 20, 2019.
Application 15/234,735 is a continuation in part of application No. PCT/US2015/015413, filed on Feb. 11, 2015.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/938,452, filed on Feb. 11, 2014.
Prior Publication US 2023/0125488 A1, Apr. 27, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B60J 5/10 (2006.01); B62D 29/04 (2006.01)
CPC B60J 5/107 (2013.01) [B60J 5/101 (2013.01); B62D 29/043 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A composite liftgate system, comprising:
an inner panel;
a plurality of structural channels molded into the inner panel to manage loading paths applied to the inner panel;
a plurality of composite preforms structurally bonded in place or insert molded to the inner panel to add structure and strength where needed in predetermined locations;
a plurality of reinforcement brackets operable to adhere to the plurality of composite preforms; and
at least two outer panels connected with adhesive to the inner panel.