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 as the main body is lowered. The piston element may also be retrofitted.

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: 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 seating accessory for use in combination with the inside surface of the tailgate of a pickup truck. The accessory includes a generally rectangular sheet sized to be positioned over the lowered tailgate surface and defining two side-by-side upwardly opening concave seating surfaces to accommodate side-by-side seated persons. A backrest is associated with each seating surface and is pivotally moveable between an upright position providing back support for a person sitting on the respective seating surface, and a lowered, stowed position within the concavity of the respective seating surface. The seating access 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 tailgate lifting assembly. The assembly comprises two components housed in separate enclosures. A first component includes a pair of vertically arranged pulleys and is secured proximate a top edge of the tailgate. A second component is laterally disposed adjacent a side edge of the vehicle, which in the case of a trailer or pickup is a sidewall of the bed. A cable is threaded over the pulleys, which are secured in journaled relation to an interior wall of the housing for the first component. The second component has an interior void through which the cable is threaded, the cable being secured to a spring loaded attachment, the opposing sd secured to the top edge of the tailgate. The two enclosures may be removably mounted to allow for easy transfer to another vehicle.

Abstract: A power operated retractable tailgate assembly for a vehicle that includes a tailgate with opposite end edges thereof connected via sliding pivots to a respective one of a pair of elongate slide rails. The slide rails mount in lateral spaced apart relation on the underside of the floor of the cargo carrying box on the vehicle. A first extendible and retractable assembly, having relatively movable respective first and second portions, has the first portion anchored to the vehicle and a second portion that is hingedly connected to the tailgate proximate a lower marginal edge thereof. A power means is operatively connected to the extendible and retractable assembly and is operable from within the cab of the vehicle selectively to extend and retract the tailgate by moving the tailgate along the slide members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tailgate, especially for a vehicle, comprising a platform (1) which is joined to a lifting/lowering mechanism (11) via at least one arm (2.1, 2.2). The platform (1) forms a rotary shaft (A) along with the support arm (2.1, 2.2) while the support arm (2.1, 2.2) forms a swiveling shaft (S) along with the lifting/lowering mechanism (11). A motor (3, 13) is to be allocated to the rotary shaft (A) and/or the swiveling shaft (S).

Abstract: The powered ramp door lift is used in cargo trailers and other ramp door applications and includes a powered winch assembly, a pair of wire cables or nylon straps connecting the winch assembly to the ramp door, and a “pusher” mechanism. The winch assembly mounted to the trailer header winds and unwinds the cables onto a pair of spools mounted to a drive shaft, which is driven by an electric motor. The “pusher” mechanism prevents the “unspooling” problems that effect the operation of winches in automated ramp door applications. The pusher mechanism engages the ramp door in the closed position and applies an outward force to the ramp door over a small portion of its travel to assist in the initial lowering of the ramp door from the closed position. The winch assembly also includes a cable tension winch shut off mechanism, which deactivates the winch motor in the absence of any tension on cables.

Abstract: A cover for a truck tailgate has a top panel for spanning the top edge of the tailgate, an inner panel joined with the top panel for spanning the inner side of the tailgate, an outer panel joined with the top panel for spanning the outer side of the tailgate, a bottom panel joined with the outer panel for spanning the bottom edge of the tailgate, and an overlap panel joined with the bottom panel for connection with the bottom of the inner panel. Mating hook and loop fasteners are arranged to connect the interior of the inner panel to the exterior of the overlap panel such that the overlap panel is overlapped by the inner panel. End panels join the inner and outer panels at opposing ends of the top panel so as to form a pocket that receives the top edge of the tailgate therein.

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: 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: 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 cargo bed management system for dividing or extending a bed of a motor vehicle. The cargo bed management system includes a main panel having a length approximately equal to a width of the bed, and a pair of side panels hingedly connected to the main panel so that the side panels may rotate relative to the main panel from a stowed position where the side panels are directed toward the main panel to an extended position where the side panels extend outward from the main panel. At least one bumper is affixed to an end of each of the side panels that are hingedly connected to the main panel such that the bumper increases a length of the main panel when said the panels are in the stowed position. The bumpers compress to secure the main panel and the side panels to the bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tailgate (9) of a vehicle, particularly a limousine or station wagon, which is moveably mounted on the vehicle by means of a bearing device for closing and opening a rear-sided loading opening (14) of the vehicle. According to the invention, the tailgate (9) is arranged on a pivoting bearing carriage (21) by means a pivoting bearing (22), said pivoting bearing carriage being displaceably mounted on a first vehicle-sided vertical guide (17) for a lifting or lowering movement. The tailgate (9) has a pivoting arm (25), whereby the control end (24) thereof is displaceably mounted on a pivoting connecting member (23) which is displaceably mounted on a second vehicle-sided vertical guide (18).

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate lift assist support structure is provided with a rear end structure, a tailgate pivotally coupled to the rear end structure, and a lift assist device connected between the rear end structure and the tailgate. The rear end structure includes a first wall, a hinge plate having a plate portion disposed on an inboard side of the first wall portion and a pivot bearing sleeve extending from the plate portion through an opening of the first wall, and a nut plate disposed on an outboard side of the first wall and coupled to the hinge plate. A bellcrank arm is provided that has a first end attached to the tailgate and a second end offset from a tailgate pivot axis. The first end extends through the pivot bearing sleeve. The lift assist device dampens the tailgate during opening and applies a closing torque to the tailgate during closing.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus of a vehicle includes, an opening and closing member for opening and closing an opening portion of a vehicle body; a lower hinge for pivotably supporting the opening and closing member from below; and a cover member disposed below the opening and closing member placed in a closed state for covering a pivot support portion of the lower hinge from behind, wherein when the opening and closing member is in an open state, a pivoting portion pivotably supported by the pivot support portion straddles the cover member, the opening and closing member is located rearwardly of the cover member, and an uppermost site of the pivoting portion is located at a position not higher than an upper surface of the opening and closing member.

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 generally U-shape 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.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a closure panel movable between an open position and a closed position and a fascia disposed adjacent to the closure panel and movable between a closed position and an open position. The fascia is articulated into the open position prior to the closure panel being moved from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of utility trailers and more specifically, to a covered utility trailer and a kit for assembling same. The covered utility trailer includes a trailer bed for supporting cargo. The trailer bed has a leading edge, an opposed trailing edge spaced apart from the leading edge and a pair of first and second, spaced apart, side edges joining the leading edge to the trailing edge. A pair of first and second, spaced apart, sidewalls and a leading wall are also provided. Each sidewall extends upright from a respective side edge of the trailer bed. The leading wall is mounted between the first and second sidewalls and extends upright from the leading edge of the trailer bed. A rear cargo access door assembly is disposed opposite the leading wall and between the first and second sidewalls. The rear cargo access door assembly extends upright from the trailing edge of the trailer bed.

Abstract: A selectively detachable tailgate hinge assembly for connecting a tailgate to a vehicle is disclosed. The hinge assembly comprises a hinge mechanism, a first wiring harness, and a second wiring harness. The hinge mechanism connects a portion of the tailgate to a portion of a vehicle. 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 comprises 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 comprises a second electrical contact that is positioned within the second portion of the hinge mechanism.

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 structure of an auxiliary tail gate, to open and close a main cargo area when it is impossible to provide enough space to move a main tail gate because another vehicle or obstacle is parked or placed near, and to store small cargo separately from the main cargo area. The auxiliary tail gate is rotatably disposed to the main tail gate by a hinge so as to open and close the main cargo area, an upper trim and a lower trim are attached to an inner panel of the main tail gate, and a trim door, disposed between the upper trim and the lower trim, defines an auxiliary cargo area between the trim door and an inner panel of the auxiliary tail gate, the trim door being detachably engaged with the upper trim and the lower trim.

Abstract: Disclosed herein an automotive vehicle anti-theft system for guarding against unauthorized opening of a door of the vehicle is provided, including means for selectively biasing the door of the vehicle toward a closed position, a sensor for detecting operation of the door, and a control module operably connected to the biasing means and the sensor. The control module is configured to cause the biasing means to exert a biasing force for urging the door of the vehicle toward the closed position upon receiving a signal from the sensor indicating an attempt to move the door away from the closed position toward the open position while the anti-theft system is activated.

Abstract: A tailgate adaptation for motor vehicles, preferably pick-up trucks, with at least two flat panels that are constructed of aluminum, molded fiberglass, plastic, or other suitable materials, and which convert an ordinary tailgate into a surface that provides a number of useful purposes, including but not limited to, work bench, picnic table, and bed extension. It is completely self-supporting and mounted on the tailgate using simple hand tools. In the closed position it uses a minimum of the available truck box space. In the open position it provides a large flat surface with a small number of moving parts. Because of its self-supporting design element, any dependency on mechanical supports, such as attached legs or braces, positioned between the panels and the ground or other surface supporting the motor vehicle is eliminated. This versatile tailgate adaptation device can be installed during truck manufacture or utilized in after market applications.

Abstract: A rear structure of a vehicle body in which a tailgate is mounted on a rear part of the vehicle body so as to be openable and closable includes a hinge member having a hinge base fixed into a groove extending in the length of the vehicle body and a gate hinge rotatably connected to the hinge base and fixed to the tailgate; a hinge cover having a rear wall to cover an upper portion and a rear portion of the hinge base by closing a rear end of the groove, the rear wall covering the rear portion of the hinge base and having: a notch allowing the gate hinge to pass therethrough, and a rear shielding member fixed to the tailgate to cover an upper portion of the gate hinge, wherein the notch is covered with the rear shielding member in a state where the tailgate is closed.

Abstract: A ramp door suited to pivot about an axis that extends substantially horizontally along the bottom of a cargo compartment opening has features of lightweight construction that may be used separately or in combination with features of a frame assembly having an upright configured to extend substantially vertically along one side of the opening to provide an interior space that may be used to house components of a ramp door lift assist system and/or components of a ramp door latching system. In some embodiments, the extent to which a lift assist cable is exposed when the ramp door is open is minimized by connecting the cable to the ramp door, and by guiding the cable into the interior space of the upright, at locations relatively near to the pivot axis.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a supplemental tailgate assembly, which includes a tailgate extender that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom and right and left hand gate assemblies. The supplemental tailgate assembly is able to provide bed extender, box extender, step assist, roof rack, cargo storage area, and box divider functions. The supplemental tailgate assembly is stowable to minimize interference in cargo space when not in use.

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: A tailgate and hinge assembly for a pickup truck includes a pair of L-shaped hinge brackets secured to opposite sides of the truck body of the pickup truck. Each hinge bracket has an inverted U-shaped cam track therein for receiving the hinge cam pins on the tailgate. This hinge assembly allows the tailgate to be readily moved between a vertical closed position, a horizontal position and a depending vertical position. The novel hinge assembly enables the tailgate to be maintained in the open horizontal position without the need of chains or linkages.

Abstract: A tailgate and hinge assembly for a pickup truck includes a pair of L-shaped hinge brackets secured to opposite sides of the truck body of the pickup truck. Each hinge bracket has an inverted U-shaped cam track therein for receiving the hinge cam pins on the tailgate. This hinge assembly allows the tailgate to be readily moved between a vertical closed position, a horizontal position and a depending vertical position. The novel hinge assembly enables the tailgate to be maintained in the open horizontal position without the need of chains or linkages.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate lift assist support structure is disclosed that includes a vehicle rear end structure, a vehicle tailgate and a lift assist device. The vehicle rear end structure includes first and second walls that extend generally perpendicular to one another. A hinge reinforcement bracket has first and second reinforcing parts. The first reinforcing part is fastened on the first wall and the second reinforcing part is fastened on the second wall. A vehicle tailgate is pivotally coupled to the hinge reinforcement bracket and the rear end structure to open and close by rotation about a tailgate pivot axis. A lift assist device is operably connected to the tailgate hinge and the vehicle rear end structure to dampen opening movement and to apply a closing torque to tailgate hinge during closing movement of the vehicle tailgate.

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling movement of a vehicle gate between a first and a second position comprises a dampener assembly and a lift assembly that are incorporated within the gate. The dampener assembly has a first component mountable to a vehicle structure and a second component supportable by the vehicle gate mounted for pivotal movement relative to the vehicle structure. The first and second components cooperate to control vehicle gate speed as the vehicle gate is moved from the second position to the first position. The lift assembly includes a spring operatively coupled to the dampener assembly to reduce lifting effort as the vehicle gate is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A lift assembly assists in raising or lowering a tailgate, such as one found on a utility trailer. In one embodiment, a housing extends in a longitudinal direction with an end wall having an opening adjacent the tailgate. A spring is positioned within the housing. A cable extends between the spring and the tailgate, including through the opening in the end wall. An insert receives the cable passing through the opening, and is securely retained by the end wall and prevented from moving freely in the longitudinal direction as the cable moves to and fro during raising and lowering of the tailgate.

Abstract: A system for facilitating loading and placement of materials onto a truck bed is disclosed. The system includes a hollow planar element disposed on a truck bed. The system further includes a hollow tail gate element having a first end and a second end, wherein the hollow tail gate element is hingably coupled on the first end to the hollow planar element. The system further includes an inner planar element positioned within the hollow planar element. The system further includes an inner tail gate element positioned within the hollow tail gate element, wherein the inner tail gate element is hingably coupled to the inner planar element. The inner tail gate element may be slid partially out of the second end of the hollow tail gate element so as to extend the truck bed when the hollow tail gate element is coplanar with the hollow planar element.

Abstract: An airflow control tailgate to be substituted for the original solid tailgate that is typically found at the rear of the body of a pick-up truck to enclose the flat bed thereof. The tailgate includes a plurality of motor controlled panels that are rotated on a respective plurality of pivot rods between a closed orientation in side-by-side alignment with one another to an open orientation in spaced, parallel alignment with one another by which to control the stream of air rushing over the cab and across the bed when the truck is in motion. A motor is coupled to the pivot rods by way of a clutch assembly and a gear rack, such that a rotation of the motor causes a linear displacement of the gear rack and a corresponding rotation of the pivot rods for rotating the panels between the closed and open orientations.

Abstract: A power operated retractable tailgate assembly for a vehicle that includes a tailgate with opposite end edges thereof connected via sliding pivots to a respective one of a pair of elongate slide rails. The slide rails mount in lateral spaced apart relation on the underside of the floor of the cargo carrying box on the vehicle. A first extendible and retractable assembly, having relatively movable respective first and second portions, has the first portion anchored to the vehicle and a second portion that is hingedly connected to the tailgate proximate a lower marginal edge thereof. A power means is operatively connected to the extendible and retractable assembly and is operable from within the cab of the vehicle selectively to extend and retract the tailgate by moving the tailgate along the slide members.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly and method of operating the same. The assembly includes a door portion movable between a closed position and an open position. An extendable spoiler is operably attached to the door portion. An extendable floorbed is operably attached to the door portion. The floorbed may be extended when the door portion is in the open position and the spoiler is extended. The method includes moving a door portion between a closed position and an open position. A spoiler operably attached to the door portion is extended. A floorbed operably attached to the door portion is extended when the door portion is in the open position and the spoiler is extended.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. A first end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. A second end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The first end assembly includes a bushing and split pivot body rotatably mounted within the bushing that creates increasing friction between the split pivot body and the bushing as the torque rod is twisted due to the tailgate being opened. The increasing friction creates a progressively increasing braking or dampening effect, which slows the free fall of the tailgate as it is opened.

Abstract: A power actuator for moving automotive closure panels between opened and closed positions. The actuator is particularly adapted for actuating the rear tailgate of a pickup truck type vehicle and includes an electric drive motor, a flexible cable assembly, and a strut assembly coupled to the hinge of the tailgate. Electrical control signals are applied to cause the opening and closing motion upon appropriate input electrical signals from vehicle mounted switches. The actuator assembly provides controlled opening rotational rate of the tailgate against the force of gravity through the application of a reduced electrical power level applied to the motor by a separate power source or by shunting the motor to an electrodynamic braking effect. Closing of the tailgate is caused by applying full power to the electric motor. The invention also involves the design of a hinge assembly which efficiently transfers torque between the vehicle body and closure panel, while allowing serviceability of the closure panel.

Abstract: A tailgate for a pickup truck or other vehicle. The tailgate is convertible to a loading ramp to facilitate access to the cargo-holding area of the vehicle. The tailgate includes at least one extensible hook member on one side edge of the tailgate and a panel extensible from the other side edge of the tailgate. In use, the tailgate is removed from the truck, the hook member is extended, the panel is extended, and the hook member is engaged with a rear edge of the cargo-holding area with the tailgate and extended panel extending rearwardly to define the ramp.

Abstract: A torque rod-based counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a first assembly for securing the torque rod to one side of vehicle's body and supporting the tailgate to the same side of the vehicle's body, and a second assembly for supporting the other end of the tailgate to the other side of the vehicle's body. The first assembly includes a body bracket with an elongated key slot that receives an elongated key of a pivot coupling having an opening for receiving a first end of the torque rod. A retainer assembly including a one-piece construction retainer block receives and secures to the tailgate a second end of the torque rod, so that it twists as the tailgate is rotated. The retainer block has the structural strength necessary to restrain without failing the torque rod as it is twisted and subjected to a torsional force in response to the rotation of the tailgate.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle by means of brackets secured to the tailgate. The first end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The first assembly includes a body bracket with an elongated key slot that receives an elongated key of a pivot coupling having an opening for receiving a first end of the torque rod. The second end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The second assembly includes a vehicle body hinge pin, and combines bushings with an aligned, elongated key to simplify installation and removal of the counterbalancing hinge assembly.

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: A bed extender, having a base frame made of a hollow portion, a first open end, and a second open end. The bed extender also includes a first extending frame received by the first open end of the base frame, and a second extending frame received by the second open end of the base frame. The first extending frame and the second extending frame can either extend or retract into the hollow portion of the base frame, and when the first extending frame and the second extending frame are in an extended position, the bed extender will divide the bed of a pickup into two sections, or extend the overall length of the pickup bed.

Abstract: A supplemental tailgate extends from the tailgate frame of a pickup truck and is positionable in multiple orientations to provide a variety of uses, including as an extension of the pickup truck bed. The supplemental tailgate includes a cross member connected between two telescoping supports, which forms a part of the tailgate molding when stored within the main tailgate structure. A lock rod assembly interconnects the supplemental tailgate and the body of the pickup truck to stabilize the position of the extended supplemental tailgate when positioned perpendicular to the opened main tailgate. The lock rod assembly can be formed as flexible cables that can be housed within the cross member for easy deployment when needed. The lock rod assembly can also be formed as fixed length rods that are pivotally mounted on the cross member and stored within the cross member for easy deployment.

Abstract: A cargo bed extender in accordance with one embodiment comprises a housing; a first roller channel formed within the housing; a second roller channel formed within the housing; a first roller positioned within the first roller channel; a second roller positioned within the second roller channel; an end panel coupled to the first roller and the second roller; a first side panel hingedly coupled to the end panel; and a second side panel hingedly coupled to the end panel.

Abstract: A tailgate ladder apparatus wherein an articulated step ladder is attached to a vehicle tailgate in such a way that it may be stored on a ladder housing within the interior of the tailgate. When the tailgate is open, the ladder may be slid out and opened so that a user may walk up the ladder and step onto the open tailgate.

Abstract: A closure assembly is mounted on a vehicle and moveable between a closed position and at least one open position. The closure assembly includes a closure structure mounted to an associated vehicle for movement between the closed position and the at least one open position. A first lock assembly is selectively locking the closure structure to the associated vehicle. A second lock assembly is selectively locking the closure structure to the associated vehicle. One of the first and second lock assemblies includes a latch that requires overstroking to lock the latch in a latched position.

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.