Abstract: A lift gate assembly for a vehicle that includes a platform assembly with a platform member. The assembly also includes a linkage assembly pivotally connected to the platform member and operably coupled to a vehicle, such that the platform member is pivotally moveable between a storage position and an in-use position. The assembly further includes a pedal opener coupled to the platform member at a location above the first pivot point when the platform member is in the storage position. The pedal opener also has a rearwardly disposed, upwardly facing surface configured to receive a generally downward applied force that assists pivotal movement of the platform member from the storage position to the in-use position.

Abstract: A lift gate assembly for a vehicle that includes a platform assembly with a platform member. The assembly also includes a linkage assembly pivotally connected to the platform member and operably coupled to a vehicle, such that the platform member is pivotally moveable between a storage position and an in-use position. The assembly further includes a pedal opener coupled to the platform member at a location above the first pivot point when the platform member is in the storage position. The pedal opener also has a rearwardly disposed, upwardly facing surface configured to receive a generally downward applied force that assists pivotal movement of the platform member from the storage position to the in-use position.

Abstract: The present invention is an intervertebral disc replacement for replacing a disc between a first vertebra and a second vertebra including an upper containment structure adapted to contact a lower surface of a first vertebra, a lower containment structure adapted to contact an upper surface of a second vertebra, where the upper and lower containment structures are adapted to centrally contain a deformable support body positioned between the upper and lower containment structures.