Patents Represented by Attorney Miiler Lawgroup
  • Patent number: 7070222
    Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide bed extender, box extender and step assist functions. The supplemental tailgate includes a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, and a latching assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. When the supplemental tailgate is in its stowed position, the pivotable molding may be aligned with the top surface of the tailgate in order to provide an esthetically pleasing appearance and provide paint scratch resistance. When the movable frame portion is in an essentially fully extended position, it may be rotated relative to the tailgate in order to provide the box extender and assist step functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Multimatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Bruford, Kian-Huat Tan, Herbert Gruber