Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Magna International Inc.

Chrysler Group LLC

Jason Fulcher

Del C Schroeder

Timothy Frances O'Brien

Christopher John Kuntze

Daniel Vern Beckley

David G Speth

Mariana G Forrest

John G Argeropoulos

Ida M Baier

Ben Reginella

Janice M Makarewicz

Steve Giles

Joseph G Salmonowicz

Jeremy A Panasiewicz

Gerard Olszewski

Patrick J O'Mahony

A THIXOMOLDING&#x2122; process and a die are utilized to fabricate a hinge assembly for moving a step on a motor vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position. The hinge assembly includes a rail bracket fixedly secured to the vehicle and including inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. A step bracket includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. The step is fixedly secured to the step bracket. An inner arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the inner arm and are pivotally disposed in the inner bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively. An outer arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the outer arm and are pivotally disposed in the outer bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively.

Method of manufacturing a hinge assembly utilizing a metal injection molding process and a die

A hinge assembly is provided for moving a step on a motor vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position. A rail bracket is fixedly secured to the vehicle and includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. A step bracket includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. The step is fixedly secured to the step bracket. An inner arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the inner arm and are pivotally disposed in the inner bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively. An outer arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the outer arm and are pivotally disposed in the outer bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively.

Thixomold hinge assembly

A composite wheel and a method of manufacture is provided for a vehicle wherein the composite wheel has a first and second section mounted to an annular mount. At least one of the first wheel section and second wheel section is composed of a resin having at least one braided polymeric fiber. The first and second sections are each formed by folding the braided fiber into a preform and then injecting resin into a mold containing the preform. The first and second sections are then bonded to each other and the annular mount.

Composite wheel and method for manufacturing the same

A removable, bag-like protective liner is provided for the interior of a motor vehicle with a rear opening. The liner defines an internal compartment for storage of cargo in the rear of the vehicle while protecting the interior of the vehicle from damage by the cargo. The liner is supported by a plurality of attachments which secure the liner to the interior of the motor vehicle. In addition, a sidewall portion and the forward end portion are configured such that the height of the liner can be selectively adjusted based upon the interior height of the vehicle.

Multi-purpose liner for vehicle compartment

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Royal Oak, MI, United States of America

Jason Fulcher