Patent · US Expired

Vehicle tailgate with supplemental tailgate having a flip out step

US6918624B2 · kind B2 · utility

141Cited by
22References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 20, 2004
Grant dateJul 19, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 20, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D33/037
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide multiple assist functions. The supplemental tailgate includes a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, and a latching assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. When the movable frame portion is in an essentially fully extended position, it can be rotated downward relative to the tailgate and a flip step pivoted to a use position in order to provide an assist step function.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.