Abstract: A viscous rotary damping device for a vehicle end gate assembly is provided. The damping device includes a housing member configured to operatively attach to the vehicle body or the end gate assembly. The housing member defines a fluid chamber having viscous fluid therein. The damping device also includes an impeller member having a mast with a first end configured to operatively attach to the other of the vehicle body and the end gate assembly, and a second end having one or more blades projecting outward therefrom. The second end of the mast is rotatably received in the fluid chamber such that the impeller member dissipates kinetic energy generated by the end gate assembly when transitioning between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A cover plate member is preferably coupled to the housing member, and configured to fluidly seal the fluid chamber.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into the body of a motor vehicle includes a post secured to the body at a lateral side of the passageway, an endgate for opening and closing the passageway, and a hinge secured to the endgate and the post. The hinge defines a lateral axis and supports the endgate for pivoting about the lateral axis relative to the post, and the hinge defines an upright axis and supports the endgate for pivoting about the upright axis relative to the post.

Abstract: An endgate assembly connectable to a vehicle body for opening and closing a vehicle bed formed by the body includes an endgate supportable by the vehicle body at a pivot connection and openable and closable by pivoting about the pivot connection. A keyed support member is securable to the vehicle body. A damper and a cable are connected to the endgate. Both the damper and the cable have ends that are configured to be retained by the keyed support member when the endgate is pivoted between the open and closed position. The cable and damper ends can be removed from the keyed support member without tools when the cable end is rotated relative to the keyed support member. A method of modifying the vehicle bed by detaching or reattaching the endgate assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for synchronous extension and retraction of two wire segments that are wound onto a storage spool in such a way that upon a rotary motion of the storage spool in one rotation direction, both wire segments are synchronously unwound, and upon a rotary motion of the storage spool in the other rotation direction they are synchronously rewound, the wire segments being separated from one another and being fastened at their storage-spool ends to the storage spool, the storage spool comprising a catch that is effective in that rotation direction in which the wire segments are unwound from the storage spool, and is releasable via an actuation device. The invention furthermore relates to a motor vehicle using such a unit.

Abstract: An assembly to pivotally connect an external vehicle closure panel to a vehicle body includes a first hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to one of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a second hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to the other of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a shaft that is constructed to pivotally connect the first hinge member to the second hinge member, and a viscous rotary damper. The damper includes a cover, a rotor, and a viscous material. The shaft connects to the rotor such that rotation of the external vehicle closure panel between a closing position and an opening position causes relative motion between the rotor and the cover of the viscous damper to provide a resistance for controlling the velocity of the external vehicle closure member.

Abstract: An endgate assembly connectable to a vehicle body for opening and closing a vehicle bed formed by the body includes an endgate supportable by the vehicle body at a pivot connection and openable and closable by pivoting about the pivot connection. A keyed support member is securable to the vehicle body. A damper and a cable are connected to the endgate. Both the damper and the cable have ends that are configured to be retained by the keyed support member when the endgate is pivoted between the open and closed position. The cable and damper ends can be removed from the keyed support member without tools when the cable end is rotated relative to the keyed support member. A method of modifying the vehicle bed by detaching or reattaching the endgate assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes a lower section carrying pivots adapted to be mounted to a vehicle bed; an upper section slidingly mounted to the lower section, so as to be able to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the lower section; and a biasing device which urges the upper section towards the extended position. The biasing device is selected so as to permit the upper section to move towards the retracted position when a predetermined force is applied.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism including a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions, and a tailgate lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A drive lever may be pivotally connected to the lever arm and to a bell crank at opposite ends thereof. The bell crank may be connected to a shaft of a rotary gear pivotally anchored to a vehicle body. A rotary damper may be anchored to the vehicle body and include a damper gear connected to a shaft thereof. The damper gear may be rotatably meshed with the rotary gear. Rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the lever arm to move the drive lever and the bell crank to thereby rotate the rotary gear which rotates the damper gear to actuate the rotary damper to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.

Abstract: An improved truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. In one embodiment, the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member. The first interlocking member and a first mounting station on the vehicle and the second interlocking member and a second mounting station on the vehicle cooperate to secure the truck bed extender to the vehicle.

Abstract: An extender device having a base frame with two ends. There is at least one extendable arm that extends from one of the ends of the base frame that allows the bed extender to move from a retracted to an extended position. The length of the bed extender can be set by a locking mechanism located on the base frame that can be used to lock the extendable arm in position. The bed extender can be used to divide a storage compartment or it can be used to extend the length of the pick-up truck bed by using the extendable arms and a pivot mechanism connected to the extendable arms.

Abstract: A cargo hauling system is dimensioned to fit within a bed of a light truck. The bin moves forwardly and rearwardly relative to the truck bed along rollers provided on a tailgate of the truck. The tailgate is modified by reinforcing a perimeter of the tailgate, adding rollers to the tailgate, substituting reinforced linkages and hinges for factory originals, and adding a support member that extends between the trailer hitch and tailgate.

Abstract: An anti-chucking device (14) for a tailgate assembly (12) for a vehicle (10), includes a bracket member (36) and a striker member (38). The striker member (38) engages the bracket member (36) and prevents the tailgate assembly (12) from moving in a lateral direction on the vehicle (10) when the tailgate assembly (12) is moved to an open position and a closed position. The bracket member (36) includes a first pair of tabs (50) and a second pair of tabs (52). The first pair of tabs (50) extends from the second pair of tabs (52) by a predetermined angle. The first pair of tabs (50) defines a first slot (60), and the second pair of tabs (52) defines a second slot (62). The striker member (38) pivots between the first slot (60) and the second slot (62), with the tailgate assembly (12) moving between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A tailgate constructed such that it can be lowered from the vertical to a position inside the cargo box of the pickup truck. The tailgate, when stowed, will lie horizontally, flush with the bed of the cargo box. The tailgate is thus no longer acting as an air dam but is easily accessible when needed.

Abstract: A lift and secure latch assembly for a vehicle tailgate includes a pair of cables capable of applying upward force to the tailgate and a tensioning mechanism positioned within the tailgate and connected to the support members to apply tension thereto. One of the cables extends from a first lateral end of the tailgate and the other of the cables extends from a second lateral end of the tailgate. The tensioning mechanism is operable between a first position wherein the cables are retracted with the tailgate closed and a second position wherein the cables are extended with the tailgate open. The tensioning mechanism includes a spring member biasing the tensioning mechanism toward the first position. A latch selectively engages the tensioning mechanism to releasably secure the tensioning mechanism in the first position with the tailgate closed. Preferably, the latch is centrally positioned between lateral ends of the tailgate.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping the motion of a tailgate attached to a truck bed comprising a damper having a truck bed attachment point at one end and a tailgate attachment point at the other end. The truck bed attachment point is secured to said truck bed, while the tailgate attachment point is secured to the tailgate.

Abstract: A tailgate dampening system for a vehicle including a tailgate lift assist system including a torque rod rotationally grounded between the tailgate at a first end and a first side of the vehicle's frame at a second end is disclosed. The dampening system includes a coupling shaft attached to one end of the torque rod, a bell crank arm attached to the coupling shaft, and a dampening strut attached between the vehicle's frame and the bell crank arm. The crank arm compresses the dampening strut as the crank arm is rotated by the torque rod through the coupling shaft as the torque rod is twisted in response to the tailgate being opened, so as to reduce the rate at which the tailgate falls.

Abstract: A truck tailgate extension is constructed of a truck tailgate that has a first cavity therein and pivotally engaging a truck bed; a first extension that has a second cavity therein slidingly engaging the first in a transverse direction of the tailgate and concealable by the truck tailgate when retracted; at least one second extension slidingly engaging the second cavity in a longitudinal direction of the tailgate and concealable by the first extension when retracted into the second cavity; a pair of support legs pivotingly engaging a bottom surface of the at least one second extension and stows into a corresponding pair of recessed slots in the bottom surface; and a third extension hingedly connected to a rear edge of the first extension such that the third extension pivotingly engaging an interior surface of the truck tailgate when in a stowed away position.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a selectively detachable tailgate cable assembly comprises a tailgate cable having first and second ends and a wiring harness having first and second ends. One of the first and second ends of the tailgate cable is connected to a portion of a vehicle and the other of the first and second ends of the tailgate cable is connected to a portion of a tailgate. At least one of the first and second ends of the tailgate cable may be selectively detached from either the vehicle or the tailgate. One of the first and second ends of the wiring harness is operatively connected to a power source and the other of the first and second ends of the wiring harness is connected to an electrical connection positioned on a portion of the tailgate. At least one of the first and second ends of the wiring harness may be selectively detached from either the vehicle or the tailgate.

Abstract: A tailgate of a motor vehicle has an extensible wind-deflecting device which, in its non-use position, is preferably arranged, so as to lie within an outer contour, in a stowage space. Here, the tailgate is formed substantially from an inner and an outer panel, with a collecting device, which is connected to the inner and to the outer panel and which is arranged in the region of the stowage space, being provided for collecting water which has infiltrated into the stowage space.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting with the handling of a door of a tailgate cart features two springs that are strung in seriatim. The first spring is connected at one end to the tailgate door, and connects to the second spring at its other end. The second spring is anchored at a distal end to the frame of the tailgate cart. The first spring has a shorter length than the second spring. As the tailgate door is pivotally lowered from its upright position, the shorter spring moves in tension providing a matching small force. As the tailgate door reaches the end of its travel, the second spring adds its compressive force to the first spring, and a greater force is provided to counterbalance the door.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a cargo opening of a motor vehicle includes first and second posts located at opposite lateral sides of the cargo opening, the second post being spaced laterally from the first post, an endgate able to open and close the cargo opening, and first, second and third brackets, each bracket secured to one of the posts and the endgate, and defining a lateral axis and an upright axis. The first bracket is secured to the first post. The second bracket is secured to the second post such that the lateral axis of the second bracket is aligned with the lateral axis of the first bracket. The third bracket is secured to the first post at an elevation higher than an elevation of the first bracket such that the upright axis of the third bracket is aligned with the upright axis of the first bracket.

Abstract: A deployable storage system for a vehicle bed is provided. The vehicle bed is partly defined by a tailgate, first and second opposing side walls and a floor. The deployable storage system includes a panel assembly secured to and that may be nested within at least one of the tailgate, the side walls and the floor of the vehicle, and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The panel assembly does not enclose the bed when in the stowed position and generally defines along with the tailgate, the walls and the floor, an enclosure of a portion of the bed adjacent the tailgate when in the deployed position. Because the deployable storage system encloses a rear portion of the vehicle bed, air drag on the vehicle is reduced.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into a motor vehicle includes an endgate for opening and closing the passageway. First, second and third brackets are secured to the endgate, each bracket including a socket, a ball retained in the socket and a rod secured to the ball, the rod being able to pivot about an upright axis into alignment with a lateral axis, the first bracket being secured to the body at a first lateral side of the passageway, the second bracket being secured to the body at a second lateral side of the passageway opposite the first side, and the third bracket being secured to the body at the first lateral side and at an elevation such that the upright axis of the third bracket is aligned with the upright axis of the first bracket.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle trunk structure is provided with a trunk lid, a vehicle body, a hinge arrangement and a tool free hinge release mechanism. The vehicle body defines an interior cargo area with an exterior trunk access opening. The hinge arrangement is pivotally coupling the trunk lid to the vehicle body with the trunk lid being movable between a closed position that covers the exterior trunk access opening and an open position that exposes the exterior trunk access opening to provide access to the interior cargo area through the exterior trunk access opening. The tool free hinge release mechanism is operatively coupled to the hinge arrangement to release the trunk lid from the vehicle body.

Abstract: The invention provides a cargo bed structure comprising a sub-floor assembly comprising a plurality of cross members in spaced relation and a cargo bed defined by a longitudinally extending load-bearing deck overlying the sub-floor assembly and comprising a plurality of interlocking fiber reinforced polymer decking planks extending in a direction perpendicular to the cross members; an upwardly extending bulkhead assembly comprising at least one fiber reinforced polymer panel; a tailboard opposing the bulkhead and spaced apart therefrom; and two opposing upwardly-extending sidewalls, wherein each of the sidewalls and the tailboard comprise at least one fiber reinforced polymer panel pivotally mounted to the load-bearing deck.

Abstract: The present invention extends the truck bed, thus increasing cargo space by the length of the truck tailgate. One embodiment of the invention comprises rotatably attaching an end panel to the tailgate, with rotatable and storable support members. Another embodiment comprises right and left side panels rotatably attached to the end panel. When the assembly is stored, either the support members or the side panels are rotated inward to rest against the inner surface of the end panel and the end panel is rotated downwardly and secured against the upper surface of the tailgate. When the assembly is deployed, the end panel is unsecured from the tailgate and is rotated upwardly until approximately perpendicular with the tailgate and the cargo space bed. The support members or side panels are rotated outwardly and secured to complete deployment.

Abstract: A tailgate lift assistor that provides for a reduced force required to rotate or pivot a tailgate of a pickup truck or the like upwardly from a generally horizontal open position to a generally vertical closed position and in one embodiment the lift assistor is combined with a dampening mechanism that dampens the opening of the tailgate.

Abstract: A cargo support apparatus is attached to a tailgate of a vehicle and includes a platform unit suitably adapted to be connected to the bottom of the tailgate, platform-to-tailgate orientation and support members connected between the platform unit and the tailgate for orienting and supporting the platform unit with respect to the tailgate, and a platform-to-tailgate locking assembly connected to the platform unit for locking the platform unit in a raised condition with respect to the tailgate. The subject tailgate-attached cargo support apparatus is suitably adapted to be raised up and locked in position in the “up” condition when not in use and subsequently “unlocked” so as to be lowered to a horizontal orientation for receipt of cargo to be supported thereon.

Abstract: A vehicle endgate hinge assembly is disclosed. The hinge assembly has a bodyside hinge strap including a hinge support boss extending through the endgate opening shut-face and having a central hole that is coaxial with the endgate pivot axis, a mounting plate located outboard of the shut-face, and a threaded portion extending from the mounting plate through the shut-face. The hinge assembly may have a crank including a hinge key pivotally coupled to a member mounted on the endgate, a pivot shaft extending from the hinge key through the central hole, a lever arm extending from the pivot shaft normal to the endgate pivot axis, and a ball extending from the lever arm spaced from the endgate pivot axis. A nut is located inboard of the endgate opening shut-face and threadably received on the threaded portion, and an energy storage mechanism is coupled to the ball.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism may include a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions, and a tailgate cam lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A bell crank may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to a vehicle body, and a strut may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to the vehicle body and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to the bell crank. With the tailgate cam lever arm, bell crank and strut configured as discussed, rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the tailgate cam lever arm to contact and rotate the bell crank to actuate the strut to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism including a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions and a tailgate lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A drive lever may be pivotally connected at one end thereof to the tailgate lever arm and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to a bell crank. The bell crank may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to a vehicle body, and a plunger damper may be anchored to the vehicle body adjacent the bell crank. With the mechanism configured as discussed above, rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the tailgate lever arm to impart movement to the drive lever and the bell crank to thereby contact and actuate a plunger of the plunger damper to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.

Abstract: An end gates which provides access to a cargo area of an automotive vehicle has a pair of outwardly opening cups which receive a pair of opposed pins directed inwardly from the cargo area. The end gate is rotatable from a closed vertical position through substantially 90° to provide horizontal access to the cargo area. The pins on the cargo area are aligned with notches in the cups when the end gate is in an intermediate position so that the end gate may be removed from the cargo area. In order to prevent the end gate from becoming inadvertently detached from the cargo area, resilient retainer clips are provided that overlie the notches so as to lock the pins in the cups and retain the end gate on the vehicle. The resilient retainer clips are rotated out of alignment with the notches when it is desired to remove the end gate from the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a swing and fold down tailgate mechanism which includes an inner panel, a first handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with a first latch and a second latch, a second handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with the first handle and a third latch. The present invention also includes a hinge member operably associated with the first handle and the second handle for providing hinged support of the tailgate such that the tailgate pivots in a drop down direction and alternatively in a swing open direction. When the first handle is actuated, the first and second latch will release and the second handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot using the third latch and hinge. When the second handle is actuated, the second and latch will release and the first handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot about the first latch and hinge.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism including a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions and a tailgate lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A drive lever may be pivotally connected at one end thereof to the tailgate lever arm and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to a bell crank. The bell crank may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to a vehicle body. A strut may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to the vehicle body and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to the bell crank. With the mechanism configured as discussed above, rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the tailgate lever arm to impart movement to the drive lever and the bell crank to thereby actuate the strut to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle having an endgate counter balance for use with an endgate of the vehicle, and a method of operating, is disclosed. The endgate counterbalance may include a hinge arm extending from the hinge, an energy storage device and a crank mechanism connected between the hinge arm and the energy storage device. The endgate counterbalance is configured to create a cross-over position for the endgate between closed and fully open where the endgate counterbalance does not exert a rotational bias on the endgate.

Abstract: A selectively detachable tailgate hinge assembly connects a tailgate to a vehicle. The hinge assembly has a hinge mechanism, a first wiring harness, and a second wiring harness. At least a first portion of the hinge mechanism may be selectively detached from a second portion of the hinge. The first wiring harness operatively connects to at least one component within a tailgate and further has a first electrical contact that is positioned within the first portion of the hinge mechanism. The second wiring harness operatively connects to a power source positioned in the vehicle and further has a second electrical contact that is positioned within the second portion of the hinge mechanism. The electrical contacts are electrically engaged with one another when the hinge mechanism is assembled and electrically disengaged when the first portion of the hinge mechanism is detached from the second portion of the hinge mechanism.

Abstract: An improved extendable tailgate for a vehicle with a cargo bed has an upright position and a horizontal position. With the tailgate in the upright position there is a hinged lower edge and an upper edge. The tailgate has a tailgate frame that has a substantially rectangular shape, a width and a height similar to a factory supplied tailgate. There is at least one hollow vertical member extending from the lower edge to the upper edge of the tailgate frame, and an extendable portion approximately the width and the height of the tailgate frame that has at least one vertical member that telescopes from within the hollow vertical member between a retracted position and an extended position. With the extendable tailgate in the extended position, the extendable portion essentially doubles the height of the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle having an endgate counter balance for use with an endgate of the vehicle, and a method of operating, is disclosed. The endgate counterbalance may include a hinge arm extending from the hinge, an energy storage device and a crank mechanism connected between the hinge arm and the energy storage device. The endgate counterbalance is configured to create a cross-over position for the endgate between closed and fully open where the endgate counterbalance does not exert a rotational bias on the endgate.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes a lower section carrying pivots adapted to be mounted to a vehicle bed; an upper section slidingly mounted to the lower section, so as to be able to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the lower section; and a biasing device which urges the upper section towards the extended position. The biasing device is selected so as to permit the upper section to move towards the retracted position when a predetermined force is applied.

Abstract: An accessory for use for the inside surface and the upper edge surface of a pickup truck tailgate. The accessory comprises a unitary member of plastic sheet material including a generally planar base portion, configured to overly and cover the inside surface of the tailgate and defining at least one upwardly opening seating surface configured to accommodate a human posterior, and a lip portion contiguous with an edge of and extending at an angle with respect to the base portion and configured to overlie and protect the upper edge surface of the tailgate with the base portion installed on the inside surface of the tailgate. A backrest is associated with the seating surface and is pivotally moveable between an upright position providing back support for a person sitting on the seating surface and a lowered stowed position within the concavity of the seating surface. The seating and protector accessory is secured to the tailgate using suitable fasteners coacting with the tailgate.

Abstract: A spring assist raising assembly includes a pivot pin with a noncircular cross section which is mounted to either a pivoted panel, such as a tailgate, or a stationary member, such as a vehicle body adjacent the tailgate. A spring-loaded rotatable socket is rotatably mounted to the other of the panel or member section and is keyed to receive the pivot pin and rotate with the rotation of the tailgate by such interconnection. The socket is coupled to a spiral torsion spring, in one embodiment of the invention, such that, as the panel or tailgate is lowered, the spiral torsion spring is loaded to provide a restorative force for assisting in the raising of the panel or tailgate.

Abstract: A counterbalancing system is provided that can be easily installed to an exterior of a tailgate and provides a mechanism for arresting the tailgate in an open position. The system includes a stop assembly coupled to the vehicle and a counterbalance assembly adapted to be coupled in a pretensioned position to an outer periphery of the tailgate, the counterbalance assembly providing a counterbalance force when engaged with the stop assembly while the tailgate is opened or closed.

Abstract: A pivoting cage cargo is formed of opposing gate assemblies mounted on the rearwardmost D-pillar of a pick-up truck and movable from a folded, collapsed storage position against the respective side walls of the cargo box into multiple selectable operative configurations. The pivoting cage cargo retainer can be positioned in two different transversely extending positions that span the cargo bed when the gate assemblies are connected together. In one transverse position, the coupled gate assemblies cooperate with a lowered tailgate to provide a bed extension function. The other transverse position spans across the cargo bed to provide a divider function. Each gate assembly is also positionable into a storage container configuration that defines a small cargo retention area adjacent the side wall for the retention of small objects, such as grocery bags. A latching mechanism retains the gate assembly next to the side wall.

Abstract: A selectively detachable tailgate assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The tailgate assembly includes a tailgate, a hinge mechanism, and a power assembly. The hinge mechanism connects the tailgate to a portion of a vehicle. A portion of the hinge mechanism may be selectively disassembled to permit the tailgate to be removed from the vehicle. The power assembly is operatively connected to the tailgate to provide power to the tailgate to selectively move the tailgate at least partially between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: An improved extendable tailgate for a vehicle with a cargo bed has an upright position and a horizontal position. With the tailgate in the upright position there is a hinged lower edge and an upper edge. The tailgate has a tailgate frame that has a substantially rectangular shape, a width and a height similar to a factory supplied tailgate. There is at least one hollow vertical member extending from the lower edge to the upper edge of the tailgate frame, and an extendable portion approximately the width and the height of the tailgate frame that has at least one vertical member that telescopes from within the hollow vertical member between a retracted position and an extended position. With the extendable tailgate in the extended position, the extendable portion essentially doubles the height of the tailgate.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into a motor vehicle includes a post secured to the body at a lateral side of the passageway, an endgate for opening and closing the passageway, a hinge-striker that includes a first plate secured to the post and including mutually spaced first lugs, with each first lug being formed with a hole; a second plate including mutually spaced second lugs, with each second lug being formed with a hole, the holes of the first plate being aligned with the holes of the second plate; a hinge pin located in the holes and aligned with an upright axis; and a striker, secured to and extending from one of said plates, and a latch secured to the post for releasably engaging the hinge-striker, where the engagement secures the endgate in a position that closes the passageway and prevents pivoting about a lateral axis.

Abstract: A vehicle gate assembly for a vehicle that includes a first coupling member that is movably coupled to the vehicle. The vehicle gate assembly also includes a second coupling member and a gate that is movably coupled to the vehicle via the first coupling member so as to move between a raised position and a lowered position. The gate moves away from the vehicle when moving from the raised position to the lowered position. The gate assembly also includes a tray assembly that is movably supported by the vehicle, so as to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The tray assembly is coupled to the gate via the second coupling member such that movement of the gate between the raised and towered position coincidentally moves the tray assembly between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A tailgate structural configuration accommodates the housing of a supplemental tailgate internally within the tailgate. The tailgate is formed with an outer panel and an inner panel to define an internal cavity. The upper portion of the tailgate includes a C-channel frame member connected to both the inner and outer panels to support guide tubes telescopically housing the supplemental tailgate. To enhance structural stability, the tailgate further includes one or two transversely oriented strainers having formed therein flanged depressions or openings for the passage of the guide tubes vertically therethrough. Each guide tube is affixed to a mounting bracket that is detachably connected to the C-channel to support the guide tube within the tailgate. Positioning pins mounted on the mounting bracket affixed to the guide tubes engage locator holes in the C-channel for positioning the supplemental tailgate.

Abstract: A tailgate topper for a pickup truck tailgate has a transverse horizontally extending cross-bar supported by a pair of vertically movable support members which allow positioning of the cross-bar at a desired height above the tailgate. A plurality of upwardly biased popup blocks are disposed below said cross-bar within the tailgate so exert pressure upwardly against cargo extending between the cross-bar and the popup block.

Abstract: A cargo support apparatus is attached to a tailgate and includes a platform unit, platform-to-tailgate attachment means connected between the platform unit and the tailgate at the bottom of the tailgate for attaching the platform unit to the tailgate, platform-to-tailgate orientation and support means connected between the platform unit and the tailgate for orienting and supporting the platform unit with respect to the tailgate, and platform-to-tailgate locking means connected to the platform unit for locking the platform unit in a raised condition with respect to the tailgate. The subject tailgate-attached cargo support apparatus permits the platform unit to be raised up when not in use and lowered to a horizontal orientation for receipt of cargo to be supported thereon.