Retractable tailgate assembly
US6276738A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D33/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A retractable tailgate assembly includes a release mechanism embedded within a conventional pickup truck tailgate and a support frame attached to the underside of the bed for slidably retracting and holding the tailgate inbetween the pickup truck bed and the frame. The retractable tailgate assembly can be incorporated into new pickup trucks or adapted to existing vehicles. The retractable tailgate does not extend beyond the bed of the truck a distance greater than a traditional original equipment manufacturer's tailgate and utilizes the conventional lock and pivot points of the pickup truck tailgate. Other than being retractable the present invention generally looks and performs as a conventional tailgate so that it can be sat upon, support a load, and be used in the conventional manner; however, the lowering and retraction of the tailgate permits use of the vehicle with a gooseneck trailer attached to the fifth wheel of the pickup without the tailgate extending outwardly or upwardly interfering with the turning radius or being damaged by the gooseneck trailer extension.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.