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.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle with side walls and a bed has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within a tailgate frame and is extendable therefrom. The supplemental tailgate may include a guide system secured generally between the rear panel and the front panel of the tailgate frame, a movable frame assembly having two telescoping supports extendable from, pivotable relative to and retained by the guide system. The supplemental tailgate may also include a cross member connected to the two telescoping supports and extending therebetween. A lock rod assembly telescopically extends from and is pivotable relative to the cross member, with the lock rod assembly including a lock rod bar having a lock rod latch affixed thereto that is adapted to releasably latch to one of the vehicle side walls to thereby support the movable frame portion relative to the guide system when the tailgate frame is in the generally horizontal open position and the movable frame assembly is pivoted upward relative to the tailgate frame.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide different assist functions. The supplemental tailgate may include a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, a latching assembly, and a gravity latch assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. The gravity latch assembly engages the pivotable molding to prevent the pivotable molding from being pivoted when the tailgate is in the generally vertical closed position, and disengages the pivotable molding to allow for pivoting when the tailgate is in the generally horizontal open position.

Abstract: The invention provides a tailgate lift assist system and associated methods and apparatus that provide controlled force at various points as a tailgate is pivoted between open and closed position to assist the operator in both opening and closing the tailgate. The system is suitable for commercial mass production, and is preferably suitable for customer, dealer, or OEM installation.