Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed that includes: a vehicle body having an outer body panel; a tailgate that is movable in relation to the vehicle body via a tailgate actuation system between a closed position and an open position; and a bracket that is configured to receive the tailgate actuation system. The bracket includes a main body portion and an appendage that extends transversely from the main body portion such that the appendage engages the vehicle body to inhibit rotational deflection of the tailgate actuation system and, thus, lateral flexure of the outer body panel during movement of the tailgate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a motor unit for an overhead door opener. The motor unit comprises a motor and transmission components configured to transmit power from the motor to a shaft of an overhead door opener. The motor unit also includes a case having one or more vertical panels. The case houses the motor and the transmission components. The motor unit also includes guide bearings on an edge of the vertical panels that accommodate a shaft of an overhead door with the case supported by the shaft. The transmission components comprise a shaft-engaging member configured to be secured around the shaft by affixing the shaft-engaging member to the shaft. The transmission components transmit power from the motor to the shaft of the overhead door.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system for controlling a vehicle power tailgate are described. The system includes a motor operably connectible to a tailgate to open and close the tailgate, a processor, and a memory communicably coupled to the processor. The memory stores a tailgate control module including instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to, responsive to a value of a motor speed parameter being above a predetermined motor speed threshold and a value of a motor acceleration parameter being above a predetermined motor acceleration threshold during opening of a tailgate, control operation of the motor to apply a braking force to the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate assembly comprises a frame with a transverse base and support arms extending perpendicularly therefrom adjacent distal ends of the base, a central section also extending perpendicularly from the base but to a lesser extent than the support arms, a door rotationally mounted to the frame between the support arms, the door being profiled with a central opening matching the central section and aligned therewith in a co-planar manner when the door is in a fully closed position, a mating portion comprising an indentation in the door adapted to mate with the central section when the door is rotated 180 degrees from the fully closed position to a working position to expose the central opening with the door co-planar with the frame.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative telescoping tailgate systems for an automotive vehicle and illustrative automotive vehicles with a telescoping tailgate system for carrying cargo or passengers. In an illustrative embodiment, a telescoping tailgate system for an automotive vehicle includes: a primary tailgate configured to be movably attached to a body of an automotive vehicle, the primary tailgate defining an opening therethrough; a secondary tailgate movably attached to the primary tailgate; and a telescoping mechanism configured to move the secondary tailgate between a retracted position and an extended position, the secondary tailgate being configured to close the opening in the primary tailgate when the secondary tailgate is in an extended position.

Abstract: An illustrative folding tailgate for an automotive vehicle includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion that are rotatably connected to one another. A first latch may be attached to the first wall portion and configured to engage with a complementary latch part at a first portion of a vehicle to lock the tailgate in a closed position. A guide member may be attached to the first wall portion and configured to move along a rail disposed at a rear of the automotive vehicle, the guide member configured to move along the rail in a manner constrained by the rail. A rotatable connection mechanism may be attached to the second wall portion and configured to attach to a second portion of a vehicle. The tailgate may be configured to open and close via folding movement of the first and second wall portions relative to one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for providing substantially 180 degrees, or more, of rotation between a sheet metal door mounted on a sheet metal sidewall of a chassis, relative to the chassis. The system includes a first and a second shaft passing through a module positioned between the door and the sidewall, whereby the door rotates about the two shafts, where the two shafts are not axially aligned. The chassis may hold sleds of a server, and the door may further comprise multiple linking modules, such that the sleds are coupled to the linking modules when the door is in a closed position, and the sleds are slid home within the chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle container has a vehicle container body, a door pivotally connected to the vehicle container body, the door defining at least one recess, and a door latch system for locking the door in a closed position. The door latch system has an extendible and retractable actuator pivotally connected to the vehicle container body, a linkage assembly operatively connected to the actuator, a rod operatively connected to the linkage assembly, the rod being pivotable about an axis upon extension and retraction of the actuator, at least one hook connected to the rod, the at least one hook being received and withdrawn from the at least one recess of the door by pivoting the rod about the axis, and at least one pin removably fastened to the door and extending in the at least one recess, the at least one pin being selectively movable relative to the door.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a motor vehicle door latch, in particular a motor vehicle tailgate latch. In its basic construction, this comprises a plastic base plate (3) having a recess (13) and a drive unit (11, 12) arranged in the recess (13) Furthermore, a lever arrangement (4, 5, 6) acted on by the drive unit (11, 12) consisting of two or more levers (4, 5, 6) mounted on the base plate (3) is provided for. According to the invention, the levers (4, 5, 6) are detachably connected by means of a ratchet rotational connection (15, 16) and additionally axially secured by an individual attachment element (14).

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a vehicle includes hinge and track assemblies that enable opening of the tailgate from a closed position to a horizontal open position and further to a vertical open position to enable comfortable access to items within the cargo bed.

Abstract: The air guiding device for a motor vehicle, having a fixed part intended to be fixed to the motor vehicle, and at least one moveable part mounted on the fixed part, the moveable part being rotatably moveable relative to the fixed part between a rest position and an extended position, the moveable part comprising a first air guiding surface and a second air guiding surface, approximately opposite to the first air guiding surface, the first air guiding surface guiding the airflow when the moveable part is in the rest position. The second air guiding surface guides the airflow when the moveable part is in the extended position.

Abstract: A hinge to removably mount a tailgate to a vehicle is provided. The hinge comprises a tailgate leaf connected to a tailgate and a body leaf connected to the box of the vehicle. The tailgate leaf is attached to the slider through a hinge pivot. The body leaf has a first chamber in which a slider can be locked and unlocked through a locking mechanism in the second chamber. The locking mechanism comprises a locking wedge, a threaded shaft, and a cam lever to operate the locking wedge without the requirement of a tool.

Abstract: A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a telescoping torque rod having a solid inner rod with a first end concentrically disposed in a tubular outer rod, wherein the tubular outer rod includes a first end fixed relative to a storage area, and wherein the solid inner rod includes a second end secured in a slider block relative to the panel. The telescoping torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area, and wherein the slider block is operative to adjust an overall length and cross-sectional area of the telescoping torque rod when the slider block is moved from a fully extended position to at least one other position that is less than the fully extended position.

Abstract: A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a torque rod having a first fixed end relative to a storage area and a second fixed end relative to a panel, wherein the torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. A slider block is disposed on the torque rod between the first fixed end and the second fixed end wherein the slider block is free to be moved along an axis of the torque rod when a set screw is loosened from the torque rod, and wherein the slider block profiles against a portion of the panel to prevent rotation about the torque rod when the set screw is tightened.

Abstract: An improved vehicle cargo tailgate enclosure particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. The tailgate enclosure comprises two side walls and a rear wall. The rear wall is configured to slope upwardly and rearwardly to provide additional storage space to a cargo bed of a vehicle. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises tubular members which comprise a non-circular cross section which provide exceptional strength a structural stability to the cargo tailgate enclosure. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises a plurality of upright members. Some of the upright members are configured to attach the cargo tailgate enclosure to a vehicle and to cap the tubular members. Other upright members are configured to support the tailgate enclosure against the surface cargo bed or a tailgate of a vehicle.

Abstract: An auxiliary brake light system has a middle light bar, a left light module, and a right light module for being mounted on a back of the vehicle. The left light module has a right part extending upwards and a left part. The right light module has a left part extending upwards and a right part. The middle light bar is above the left light module and the right light module and has a left part extending downwards and a right part extending downwards. The left part of the middle light bar and the right part of the left light module are separated from each other and opposite to each other. The right part of the middle light bar and the left part of the right light module are separated from each other and opposite to each other.

Abstract: Vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which is equipped with a tailgate which can be pivoted on the rear of the vehicle. The tailgate can be pivoted by way of a pivoting device, around a pivoting axis between a closed position, in which a loading surface of the rear of the vehicle is defined, and an open position in which the loading surface of the rear side is open. In order to pivot the tailgate, the pivoting apparatus includes at least one pivoting arm on which the tailgate can be moved in a translatory manner and can be detachably held in place.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed structure includes a tailgate and a tailgate gap cover. The tailgate gap cover has a first attachment structure fixedly attached to a bed floor of the vehicle cargo bed structure, a second attachment structure fixedly attached to the bed floor at a location spaced apart from the first attachment structure, and a biasing structure. The tailgate gap cover is pivotal between a horizontal orientation with the tailgate in an open position, and an upright orientation with the tailgate in a closed position. The tailgate gap cover covers a gap between the tailgate and the bed floor with the tailgate in the open position. The biasing structure extends from the first attachment structure to the second attachment structure and biases the tailgate gap cover into contact with the tailgate in both the horizontal orientation and the upright orientation.

Abstract: A control device is used to move a pick-up truck tailgate. The control device comprises a first gear arrangement connected to a drive cup and a second gear arrangement that is connected to a motor for driving the second gear arrangement. The control device also includes a clutch arrangement positioned between the first and second gear arrangements. When the clutch arrangement is in an engaged position, it couples the first gear arrangement and the second gear arrangement to transmit torque to the first gear arrangement and the drive cup. When the clutch arrangement is in the disengaged position, the first and second gear arrangements are not coupled. Optionally, the control device comprises a brake unit to slow or stop movement of the tailgate. The control device can be positioned within the pick-up truck tailgate.

Abstract: A reinforcement plate is assembled inside a D-pillar of a pick-up truck to prevent twisting or matchbox deflection of the D-pillar when an accessory, such as a hydraulic lift gate, is assembled inside the tailgate opening of the pick-up truck. The plate includes a horizontal planar portion that is attached by a front flange to a front wall of the D-pillar. An outer flange connects the plate to an outer wall of the D-pillar. An offset flange is secured to a rear cross member by fasteners inside the D-pillar.

Abstract: A bypass feeder, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes an opening/closing unit opening and closing with respect to an apparatus body between a unit closed state and a unit open state, a bypass tray opening and closing with respect to the opening/closing unit between a tray closed state and a tray open state, a linkage including a flexible-member fixing member and connecting the opening/closing unit to the apparatus body, and a flexible member having one end fixed to the fixing member and the other end fixed to the bypass tray. When the opening/closing unit is changed to the unit open state while the bypass tray is rotated away from the opening/closing unit to the tray open state, the fixing member of the linkage shifts by pulling the flexible member to hold the bypass tray at a substantially horizontal line with respect to a sheet loading surface.

Abstract: A tailgate striker support bracket assembly for a pickup truck box. The assembly having a bracket with a striker support section sandwiched between a striker and a floating striker nut. The bracket having a web extending from the striker support section to a flange. The flange being affixed to a D-pillar of the truck box. The D-pillar being disposed between a side panel of the truck box and an outer panel of the pickup. The D-pillar also being disposed longitudinally forward from the striker. The pickup truck box being made from mostly aluminum alloy components.

Abstract: A vehicle includes sidewalls, a tailgate located proximate to rear ends of the sidewalls, and a tailgate energy management system. The tailgate energy management system includes a governor coupled to one of the sidewalls and to the tailgate. The governor selectively applies a governing force to the tailgate to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate. The tailgate energy management system also includes a speed sensor sensing an opening speed of the tailgate and an electronic control unit electronically coupled to the governor and the speed sensor. The electronic control unit includes a processor and memory storing an instruction set. The electronic control unit receives a speed signal indicative of the opening speed of the tailgate and the processor executes the instruction set to cause the electronic control unit to transmit a control signal to the governor to slow the opening speed of the tailgate based on the speed signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle generally has a front wall, two side walls, a truck bed, and a tailgate that altogether define a tonneau. The apparatus includes a tonneau cover that has a front panel and a rear panel. The tonneau cover is slidable along the side walls of the vehicle to move between a closed position and an extended position. In the closed position, the tonneau cover substantially covers the tonneau. In the extended position, at least a portion of the rear panel overhangs the tailgate exterior to the tonneau. The tonneau cover is securable in at least one of the closed position and the extended position.

Abstract: A rotary damper has a cylindrical housing. A rotor is rotatably supported inside the housing for rotation with respect to the housing by a first bearing and a second bearing. The second bearing has a greater length in the axial direction of the rotor than the first bearing. The rotary damper can be employed in an opening and closing mechanism for a vehicle door.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including an extruded support beam constructed and arranged to be used as an inner support for a vehicle end gate.

Abstract: A locking assembly and method of securing a dump truck tailgate to a sidewall of the dump truck, and a truck incorporating the same. The locking assembly includes a pressurized pin mechanism mounted on one of tailgate and the sidewall; and a spool mounted on the other of the tailgate and the sidewall. The spool is engageable with the pin mechanism to lock the locking assembly and secure the tailgate to the sidewall, and is disengageable from the pin mechanism to unlock the locking assembly and release the tailgate from its securement to the sidewall. A hinge assembly is provided on an opposite side of the tailgate from the locking assembly. The tailgate is selectively pivotable relative to the truck bed about a vertical axis extending through the hinge assembly or about a horizontal axis extending through both of the locking assembly and the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A utility vehicle according to the invention includes a cargo bed having a panel locking mechanism. The panel locking mechanism includes a locking lever pivotably supported on a gate-type panel, a substantially U-shaped movable hook made of a spring steel and coupled to a middle of the locking lever, and a stationary hook provided on a panel adjacent to the gate-type panel and with which the movable hook is engageable. When seen from above, the middle portion of the movable hook is pressed onto a surface of the gate-type panel so as to press the gate-type panel inward of the cargo bed by a resilient force upon locking. For example, the movable hook can be formed with a straight portion.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including an extruded support beam constructed and arranged to be used as an inner support for a vehicle end gate.

Abstract: A seal is provided for a body shell opening of a flap, particularly a tailgate of a motor vehicle. The flap has an exterior flap wall with at least two exterior wall parts, which, on facing circumferential wall areas, each have one edge area angled inwardly, which are mutually connected. The flap has an interior flap wall with at least one interior wall part. The interior wall part is connected at a distance from the angled edge areas of the exterior wall parts with at least one circumferential area of the exterior flap wall and, in the area of the angled edge areas of the exterior wall parts, forms a gap together with the exterior flap wall. Before connecting the exterior flap wall with the interior flap wall, a gap filler piece is moved into a closed position, which, after the connection alone or together with a gap sealant, seals off the gap.

Abstract: A vehicle includes sidewalls, a tailgate located proximate to rear ends of the sidewalls, and a tailgate energy management system. The tailgate energy management system includes a governor coupled to one of the sidewalls and to the tailgate. The governor selectively applies a governing force to the tailgate to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate. The tailgate energy management system also includes a speed sensor sensing an opening speed of the tailgate and an electronic control unit electronically coupled to the governor and the speed sensor. The electronic control unit includes a processor and memory storing an instruction set. The electronic control unit receives a speed signal indicative of the opening speed of the tailgate and the processor executes the instruction set to cause the electronic control unit to transmit a control signal to the governor to slow the opening speed of the tailgate based on the speed signal.

Abstract: A vehicle having a tailgate attached by hinge assemblies. The hinge assemblies have a pair of first hinge halves secured to a rear sill with a hinge leaf extending rearwardly, and a pair of second hinge halves, each secured to the tailgate with a pair of double hinge plates extending therefrom. Each of the second hinge halves include a hinge pin mounted thereto that is selectively slidable between a removal position, a locked position where each of the hinge pins extends into hinge pin holes in the second hinge halves and hinge pin holes of the first hinge halves to pivotally secure the tailgate to the vehicle, and an install position where a tapered end of each of the hinge pins is located in a gap. A latch secures the tailgate in a closed position and releases the tailgate for pivoting about the hinge pins.

Abstract: A tailgate outside handle assembly may include a housing installed in an outer panel of a tailgate, an actuator unit, a manipulating handle installed in the housing and having a manipulation portion in a front surface thereof, and a hinge shaft that may be coupled to a top end portion of a rear surface of the manipulation portion, wherein a bottom end portion of the manipulation portion may be engaged with the actuator unit and selectively rotated about the hinge shaft such that after the manipulation portion may be withdrawn to the outside of the housing by a driving force of the actuator unit when the tailgate may be to be opened, the manipulating handle works as a handle.

Abstract: A tailgate hinge retaining mechanism for a truck bed. The retaining mechanism can have a post bracket and a tailgate bracket. A retaining bracket is also included and attached to the tailgate bracket, the retaining bracket having a sleeve with an offset slot that prevents the tailgate bracket from being undesirably removed from the post bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle includes sidewalls, a tailgate located proximate to rear ends of the sidewalls, and a tailgate energy management system. The tailgate energy management system includes a governor coupled to one of the sidewalls and to the tailgate. The governor selectively applies a governing force to the tailgate to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate. The tailgate energy management system also includes a speed sensor sensing an opening speed of the tailgate and an electronic control unit electronically coupled to the governor and the speed sensor. The electronic control unit includes a processor and memory storing an instruction set. The electronic control unit receives a speed signal indicative of the opening speed of the tailgate and the processor executes the instruction set to cause the electronic control unit to transmit a control signal to the governor to slow the opening speed of the tailgate based on the speed signal.

Abstract: A rotary damper has a cylindrical housing. A rotor is rotatably supported inside the housing for rotation with respect to the housing by a first bearing and a second bearing. The second bearing has a greater length in the axial direction of the rotor than the first bearing. The rotary damper can be employed in an opening and closing mechanism for a vehicle door.

Abstract: A hinge assembly that includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member for mounting to an external vehicle closure member and a vehicle body, a pivot pin, a first clamp member with a first clamp surface, and a second clamp member having a second clamp surface is provided. The pivot pin is pivotally connected to the first hinge member to provide pivotal movement of an external vehicle closure member about a horizontal pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The first and second clamp members are configured to clamp a mounting portion of the second hinge member between the first and the second clamp surfaces. The mounting portion of the second hinge member has an opening therethrough for receiving the pivot pin and is oversized relative to the pivot pin to accommodate relative radial adjusting movement during installation.

Abstract: A combination trailer is provided that includes a rear self-discharge trailer having a bottom surface, a front portion, a back portion, and two opposing side panels. The side panels of the combination trailer have a height that is less than the height of the front portion. An enclosure system is also included in the combination trailer and selectively covers an open top of the rear self-discharge trailer. One or more one locking pin assemblies are also included in the combination trailer and are attached to at least one of the side panels of the rear self-discharge trailer such that the locking pin assemblies can be used to secure the enclosure system in a desired position.

Abstract: A panel that may be raised and lowered in the rear area of a vehicle to provide added headroom. The panel may be secured to an opening defined by a roof of the vehicle. The panel may be secured to an opening defined in a tailgate of the vehicle. Side walls and a real wall may be provided that extend between the opening and the panel.

Abstract: A tailgate damping system for controlling movement of a tailgate assembly of a vehicle includes a speed sensor that provides rotational speed information of the tailgate assembly. A controller receives the rotational speed information from the speed sensor. A damping control assembly receives a tailgate shaft of the tailgate assembly. The damping control assembly includes a housing comprising a rotor chamber including a rotor member located therein. The rotor member is connected to a rotor shaft that is coupled to the tailgate shaft. A valve chamber includes a control valve located therein. The controller closes the control valve to inhibit exit of a damping fluid from the rotor chamber based on the speed information received from the speed sensor.

Abstract: A trailer has a rear gate that is closeable in a generally vertical orientation and openable in one of three orientations: the gate swings downwardly open to be used as a ramp; swings open to the left side, rotating around left hinges; and swings open to the right side, rotating around right hinges. Removal of pins from an upper left and upper right set of hinges enables rotation of the gate in the downward position. Removal of pins from the upper left and lower left set of hinges enables rotation of the gate in the right position. Removal of pins from the upper right and lower right set of hinges enables rotation of the gate in the left position. Removal of all of the pins allows the gate to be completely removed from the trailer.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle, comprising a hydraulic actuation device for moving one or more moveable components of the vehicle. The actuation device comprises a hydraulic pump with an associated drive means, a reservoir for hydraulic fluid as well as one or more hydraulic actuators connected to the pump through hydraulic hoses. The hydraulic actuators act on the one or more moveable components. The pump is designed to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the one or more hydraulic actuators. A pressure ripple reduction device for reducing pressure ripples in the hydraulic fluid originating from the hydraulic pump is provided, having an expansion chamber.

Abstract: A removable tailgate gap cover for preventing ingress of debris in a tailgate gap. The gap cover comprises an elongated cover plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, two longitudinal edges and an elongated support bar having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is fixedly attached to and substantially centrally aligned with the lengthwise direction of the bottom surface. The elongated support bar comprises a magnetic attaching means disposed along the lower end of the elongated support bar for attaching the gap cover to the floor of the end portion of the truck bed.

Abstract: A tailgate control mechanism used to exert a force on a pivot. The tailgate may include a pivoting main body and a pivot fixed to a truck bed, where the main body may move about the pivot. The tailgate may also include a piston element including a first end connected to the pivot and a second end connected to the main body. The second end may be positioned above the first end when the main body is in a closed position. The piston element may also be configured to provide a counter force to balance the weight of the tailgate. The piston element may also be retrofitted.

Abstract: A tail gate step for mounting on a tailgate of a pickup truck comprising: i) a base having a downwardly folded rear side portion adapted seat on, the tailgate on the pickup truck; ii) spaced apart parallel slides positioned within a track mounted on the base; iii) step carrying side fold down members each having a top end portion pivoted adjacent to an inner side portion of a rear end portion of a parallel slide; iv) a fold down foot step member having an inner end portion pivoted to bottom end portions of the fold down members; v) folding step stops; and, vi) slide stops limiting forward and rearward movement of the slide within the track, so that the rear position defines an operative position wherein the step side fold down members rotate into a downwardly extending position adjacent to the folded rear side portion of the base.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a removable bed liner. In one embodiment, the bed liner is comprised of a flexible material, such as polyethylene, nylon, or canvas. These embodiments may be used as a supplement to a rigid bed liner. Side curtains prevent loose material from spilling over the edge of the truck tailgate.

Abstract: A door handle apparatus includes first and second handle cases constituting a door handle, a rotational-portion extending portion, an operational-portion extending portion, and a lock detection electrode of an electrostatic capacity sensor detecting that a door lock command is inputted, on the basis of a fluctuation of electrostatic capacity. The lock detection electrode includes an upper lock detection electrode and a lower lock detection electrode arranged to face an inner surface of an upper wall and an inner surface of a lower wall, respectively. A first electrode end surface of the upper lock detection electrode and a second electrode end surface of the lower lock detection electrode are formed into different shapes, so that a level of capacitive coupling between the lower lock detection electrode and the outer panel is set to be smaller than a level of capacitive coupling between the upper lock detection electrode and the outer panel.

Abstract: A tailgate accessory drill-less adapter for connecting a tailgate accessory to a tailgate portion of a pick-up truck includes an elongated body having a first side, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the first side edge having a tailgate latch bolt slot transverse to the first side edge and through the elongated body, the slot positioned a predefined distance from the bottom edge, and an offset hook anchor having a hook portion and a hook body portion, the offset hook anchor connected to the first side adjacent to but spaced from the second side edge where the hook portion is adjustably extendable.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a utility vehicle that includes a cargo bed area, an adjustable seat assembly, a tailgate, and a latch. The adjustable seat assembly includes a seat portion and a backrest assembly. The adjustable seat assembly is selectively movable between seating and expanded cargo bed configurations. The seat portion is pivotally movable between the cargo bed area and a stowed position below the cargo bed area. The backrest assembly is pivotally movable from the cargo bed area to a stowed position adjacent the cargo bed area. The tailgate is pivotally attached to the backrest assembly. The latch on the tailgate is configured to selectively engage cargo bed area to hold the backrest assembly in the seating configuration and engage at least one coupling at the end of at least one of the cargo bed area at the rear bed opening.

Abstract: A pickup truck bed having a tailgate operable to slidably stow underneath the floor of the pickup truck bed. The pickup truck bed further includes a first channel and a second channel integrally formed into the bed to facilitate the positioning of the tailgate such that the tailgate can be stowed underneath the floor of the bed. The tailgate further includes a plurality of wheels operable to engage the first channel and the second channel so as to slidably move the tailgate such that the tailgate is substantially underneath the floor of the pickup truck bed. The tailgate further includes a first attachment pin and a second attachment pin that are operable to pivotally transition the tailgate from a closed position to an open position. The first attachment pin and second attachment pin are further configured to be retractable so as to facilitate the tailgate being slidably transitioned such that the tailgate is underneath the floor of the pickup truck bed.