Abstract: A lock assembly for selectively locking to a striker on a vehicle includes a lock body defining a lock body recess for receiving the striker therein. A latch is rotatably mounted to the lock body for selectively locking the striker in the lock body recess. The latch is moveable between a latched position wherein the striker is locked in the lock body recess and an unlatched position wherein the striker is removable from the lock body recess. A ratchet is rotatably mounted to the lock body adjacent the latch for selectively locking the latch in the latched position. The ratchet is moveable between an engaged position wherein the ratchet locks the latch in the latched position and a disengaged position wherein the latch is moveable between the latched position and the unlatched position.

Abstract: A tailgate synchronizer for coordinating mechanical communication between first and second handles mounted to a tailgate and first and second lock assemblies that selectively lock the tailgate to a vehicle body includes a first lock assembly actuator lever rotatably mounted to the tailgate. The first lock assembly actuator lever is selectively movable by the first handle. The first lock assembly actuator lever is connected to the first lock assembly so that the first lock assembly actuator lever unlocks the first lock assembly when sufficiently moved by the first handle. A second lock assembly actuator lever is rotatably mounted to the tailgate and selectively movable by the second handle. The second lock assembly actuator lever is connected to the second lock assembly so that the second lock assembly actuator lever unlocks the second lock assembly when sufficiently moved by the second handle.

Abstract: A vehicle load-carrying bed includes a generally rectangular bed floor. A front wall extends upwardly adjacent a front edge of the bed floor. A first side wall extends upwardly adjacent a first side edge of the bed floor. A second side wall extends upwardly adjacent a second, opposite side edge of the bed floor. A tailgate is positioned along a rear edge of the bed floor and extends between the first and second sidewalls. A dual axis hinge pivotally connects the tailgate to the first side wall for movement about a first axis generally parallel with the rear edge of the bed floor and alternative movement about a second axis generally parallel with a vertical bed edge of the first side wall. The hinge includes a checker for urging the tailgate into preselected positions when the tailgate is moved about the second axis.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly adapted to be mounted along an open edge of a vehicle's load-carrying bed is provided. The tailgate is able to alternatively pivot about (1) an axis generally parallel with a bottom edge of the tailgate for movement between a closed position and a folded-open position and (2) an axis generally parallel with a lateral edge of the tailgate for movement between the closed position and a swing-open position. The tailgate assembly includes a stamped sheet metal frame having a reinforced cross-sectional shape with an inner side facing an associated vehicle's load-carrying bed and an outer side opposite the inner side. The tailgate assembly further includes a skin attached to the outer side of the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle load-carrying bed having a generally rectangular bed floor is provided. A front wall extends upwardly adjacent a front edge of the bed floor. A first side wall extends upwardly adjacent a first side edge of the bed floor. A second side wall extends upwardly adjacent a second, opposite side edge of the bed floor. A tailgate is positioned along a rear edge of the bed floor and extends between the first and second sidewalls. A dual axis hinge pivotally connects the tailgate to the first side wall for movement about a first axis generally parallel with the rear edge of the bed floor and alternative movement about a second axis generally parallel with a vertical bed edge of the first side wall. The hinge includes a checker for urging the tailgate into preselected positions when the tailgate is moved about the second axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a roof rack for mounting to a vehicle. The roof rack includes a rail secured between first and second stanchions. The first stanchion includes a cover and a base. The cover is releasably secured to the base by a plurality of fastener assemblies. One of the fastener assemblies is formed by a tongue of the base being disposed in a loop of the cover.

Abstract: A fluid storage container provides a visual display of a fluid level therein. The container has a plurality of capillary tubes attached thereto, correlating to predetermined fluid levels within the container, and which may be visually observed upon inspection of the capillary tubes. Each of the capillary tubes has an inlet at a lower end thereof, and the inlets are located at different vertical levels from one another. When fluid in the container is at a level above an inlet of a given capillary tube, the capillary tube automatically fills with fluid, providing a visual signal of the fluid level.