Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and at least one tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The at least one tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side, a second end connected to tailgate, and an adjustor positioned between the first and second ends. The method may further include actuating or manipulating the adjustor to change the length under tension of at least one tailgate support. By changing this length, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted.

Abstract: A method for lowering a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and a first tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The first tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side and a second end connected to tailgate. The method may further include detaching the first end of the first tailgate support from first side of the vehicle. Once a first extension link is selected, the first end of the first tailgate support may be connected to the first extension link. The first extension link may be connected to the first side. Once installed, the extension link may effectively lengthen the tailgate support, permitting the tailgate to hang lower than ninety degrees from its closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and at least one tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The at least one tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side, a second end connected to tailgate, and an adjustor positioned between the first and second ends. The method may further include actuating the adjustor to change the length under tension of at least one tailgate support. By changing this length, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, a tailgate support, and an adjustor. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The adjustor may include a base and a traveler configured to move with respect to the base. The base may be positioned on, and fixed with respect to, one of the tailgate and a first side of the vehicle. When the base is positioned on the tailgate, the tailgate support may extend to connect the traveler to the first side of the vehicle. Alternatively, when the base is position on the first side of the vehicle, the tailgate support may extend to connect the traveler to the tailgate. In either configuration, by manipulating the position of the traveler with respect to the base, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising first and second sides, a tailgate, and at least one tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The at least one tailgate support may have a base and an array pivotably connected to the base. The base may engage the tailgate. The array may engage the first side and comprise first and second engagement mechanisms. The method may further include disengaging the first engagement mechanism from the first side, pivoting the array with respect to the base, and effecting an engagement between the second engagement mechanism and the first side. By switching from the first engagement mechanism to the second engagement mechanism, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, a tailgate support, and an adjustor. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The adjustor may include a base and a traveler configured to move with respect to the base. The base may be positioned on, and fixed with respect to, one of the tailgate and a first side of the vehicle. When the base is positioned on the tailgate, the tailgate support may extend to connect the traveler to the first side of the vehicle. Alternatively, when the base is position on the first side of the vehicle, the tailgate support may extend to connect the traveler to the tailgate. In either configuration, by manipulating the position of the traveler with respect to the base, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and at least one tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The at least one tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side, a second end connected to tailgate, and an adjustor positioned between the first and second ends. The method may further include actuating or manipulating the adjustor to change the length under tension of at least one tailgate support. By changing this length, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and at least one tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The at least one tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side, a second end connected to tailgate, and an adjustor positioned between the first and second ends. The method may further include actuating the adjustor to change the length under tension of at least one tailgate support. By changing this length, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted.

Abstract: A method for lowering a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and a first tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The first tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side and a second end connected to tailgate. The method may further include detaching the first end of the first tailgate support from first side of the vehicle. Once a first extension link is selected, the first end of the first tailgate support may be connected to the first extension link. The first extension link may be connected to the first side. Once installed, the extension link may effectively lengthen the tailgate support, permitting the tailgate to hang lower than ninety degrees from its closed position.

Abstract: A multi-position tailgate retaining and counterbalancing apparatus and method is disclosed. The apparatus maintains the look and functionality of a conventional tailgate for a pickup truck. The apparatus and methods may include a counterbalance reducing the effort required to lift or lower the tailgate. The apparatus and methods may allow the counterbalanced tailgate to be lowered to, and automatically stop at the standard open position like a conventional tailgate. Moreover, by pulling and releasing the tailgate release latch handle, the tailgate may be lowered further to a fully open position. Upon reaching this lower, fully open position, the tailgate may automatically stop. The apparatus and methods may also provide a counterbalanced tailgate that secures at multiple predetermined positions between the closed and fully open positions, each such position retaining the tailgate's full load carrying capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating strands of floss, string, thread or yarn from a bundle. One embodiment of an apparatus for separating strands of floss, string, thread or yarn from a bundle that consists of an attachment device (12) with low mass, low moment of inertia and low rotational air resistance that attaches to one end of the bundle (10). The opposing end of the attachment device (12) is connected to a swivel assembly (14). The opposing end of the swivel assembly (14) is attached to a rotational energy absorption device (16) with higher mass, higher moment of inertia and higher rotational air resistance. The rotational energy absorption device (16) is depicted in one embodiment as a bob. Other embodiments are described and shown.