Vehicle tailgate structure

US9789912B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Jack Marchlewski · Saline, US
• Jeffrey Gray · Dearborn, US
• Michael William Danyo · Trenton, US
• David Hamilton · Troy, US
• Joshua Robert Hemphill · White Lake, US
• John Comiez · Novi, US
• Colleen Marie Hoffman · Canton, US
• Scott Huneau · Pontiac, US
• Bradley Brandt · Canton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 3, 2016
• Grant date: Oct 17, 2017
• Expiry date: Aug 3, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D33/03
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle tailgate includes an upper panel, lower panel, internal panel, external panel and brace. The upper and lower panels are spaced apart relative to each other. The internal and external panels are each secured to the upper and lower panels. A cavity is defined between the upper, lower, internal, and external panels. The brace is disposed within the cavity. The brace includes first and second flanges extending outward from a central plate. The first and second flanges are secured to the internal panel while the central plate is secured to the external panel.