Tailgate support cable assembly with touch sensor activation feature
US12128960B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 2022 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/544
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tailgate support cable assembly includes a cable and a retainer portion attached to an end of the cable. The retainer portion rotatably attaches the end of the cable assembly to a vehicle tailgate. The retainer portion includes a tailgate retention portion, an object contact portion extending from the tailgate retention portion, and a sensor engagement portion extending from the object contact portion. The retainer portion is structured to rotate with respect to the tailgate responsive to contact between the object contact portion and a foreign object positioned in a seam between the tailgate and another portion of the vehicle, during a closing movement of the tailgate. Rotation of the retainer portion brings the sensor engagement portion into contact with (and activates) a touch sensor mounted on the tailgate. Activation of the touch sensor causes a stoppage and/or reversal of tailgate movement, thereby preventing “pinching” of the foreign object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.