Abstract: A power train and related vehicle are described for multi-mode power transmission. A first continuously variable power source (“CVP”) may convert rotational power received by the engine for transmission to a second CVP. A variator assembly may receive rotational power from the second CVP at a first input and directly from the engine at a second input. A control assembly may allow the power train to shift between multiple modes, such as a series mode, a split-path mode, and a direct mode. The control assembly may provide seamless shifting between at least two of these modes.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a frame-like assembly carrier as a component of a bodywork in the front end region of the motor vehicle which is driven by means of an internal combustion engine. The assembly carrier has an inner side and an outer side and includes a plurality of web-like carriers. In the installation position of the assembly carrier, two lateral carriers spaced apart from each other are connected by an upper carrier with a frame being formed. The upper web-like carrier has at least one air passage defined by the upper carrier which leads from the outer side to the inner side of the assembly carrier. A suction system is arranged on the inner side of the assembly carrier for supplying the internal combustion engine with air. At least one air inlet opening of the suction system adjoins at least one air passage of the upper carrier.

Abstract: A valve device forming a ventilation flow channel of a fuel tank includes a float valve; an inside case including a valve opening relative to the float valve at an upper portion, and housing the float valve; an outside case receiving the inside case from an upper open end, and provided with a bottom portion; and an attachment portion relative to a tank side. A flow channel which becomes one portion of the ventilation flow channel is formed between a side portion of the inside case and a side portion of the outside case, and a through hole is provided in the side portion of the inside case. Furthermore, an engagement claw relative to the outside case is provided directly above the through hole.

Abstract: A capless refueling port attached to a fuel tank of a vehicle is presented. In one example, the capless refueling port includes a main opening, an articulating unitary plug mounted within a nozzle chamber of the fuel port, and a drain tube. The articulating plug is configured to partially or fully close an inlet of the drain tube connected to the fuel port during refueling; the articulating plug is further adjusted to open after refueling, allowing the fuel port to dissipate any residual pressure in the nozzle chamber to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel door assembly includes a cover comprising a plurality of alignment features fixedly disposed relative to the cover, the plurality of alignment features formed of an elastically deformable material. The assembly also includes a hinge comprising a plurality of alignment elements fixedly disposed relative to the hinge, each of the alignment features interferingly, deformably and matingly engageable with a respective alignment element, the alignment features elastically deforming to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the cover relative to the hinge in six planar orthogonal directions by averaging the elastic deformation of the respective alignment features.

Abstract: The fuel tank of a vehicle has a wail (26) and filling pipe (10) for adding fuel. The filling pipe has a mouth, through which there opens a connection into the fuel tank, The fuel tank comprises a protective cover (16) installed movably to the wall, the protective cover being movable to a first position in front of the mouth of the filling pipe and to a second position away from the front of the mouth of the filling pipe. The mouth of the filling pipe is usually covered by a releasable cap (14). When the protective cover is in front of the mouth, the cap in the mouth cannot be accessed and it cannot be removed from the end of the filling pipe. Respectively, when the protective cover is in the second position, it does not prevent or hinder the handling of the cap at the end of the filling pipe. The fuel tank can further comprise a locking element for locking the protective cover in place to the said first position. Preferably the locking element can be opened from the cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: An upper half body flange is disposed over a whole circumference of a lower end portion of an upper half body along a plane and a lower half body flange is disposed over a whole circumference of an upper end portion of a lower half body along the plane. The upper half body and the lower half body are made of titanium material, and the upper half body flange and the lower half body flange have linear outer edges as straight line portions. The upper half body has a side surface, the lower half body has a side surface, and the side surface and the side surface include recesses and convex portions. The recesses and the convex portions are disposed within a range of lengths of the straight line portions when viewed from above in the direction perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission housing having an output shaft flange including a central passage. An output shaft extends through the central passage. The output shaft defines a shaft axis and including an axial end portion. A vibration dampener is mounted to the axial end portion of the output shaft, and a mechanical fastener is received by the axial end portion of the output shaft. The mechanical fastener operatively connects the vibration dampener to the output shaft.

Abstract: A transaxle is designed to accommodate a power take-off unit (PTU). The transaxle utilizes a chain to transmit power from the engine axis to the differential axis and utilizes planetary final drive gearing on the differential axis. The transaxle includes layshaft gearing to transfer power from the driven sprocket to a PTU axis, bypassing the planetary final drive gearing. The PTU may be fixedly driveably connected to the driven sprocket or selectively driveably connected via a dog clutch.

Abstract: A method for operating a drive train for a motor vehicle, with at least one primary drive axle and at least one secondary drive axle, which are operatively connected to each other via a clutch to an adjustable transmission torque. At the same time it is provided that a vibration amplitude of a vibration of the drive train is determined and in a damping operation type of the drive train, the transmission torque is determined from the vibration amplitude and adjusted on the clutch.

Abstract: A differential unit includes: a differential case; a differential mechanism; a connecting-disconnecting member that connects the differential case to the differential mechanism; an actuator that generates a moving force for moving the connecting-disconnecting member; a moving-force transmitting member that transmits the moving force generated by the actuator to the connecting-disconnecting member; and a wave washer that urges the connecting-disconnecting member in a direction opposite to a direction in which the connecting-disconnecting member is moved by the actuator. The actuator includes a plunger that moves while compressing the wave washer in the axial direction from a first prescribed length using a magnetic force of an electromagnet. A movement of the plunger in a direction away from the connecting-disconnecting member is restricted by a contacting portion of a restricting member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an external power control system. This external power control system enables a user to shut off the power immediately from outside position. The external power control system allows the user to quickly shut off the power in the case of an emergency. This external power control system comprises a controller which is located outside of the vehicle to give easy access to the user from the exterior position.

Abstract: A breathalyzer system includes a vehicle that has an ignition. A receiver is concealed within the vehicle and the receiver is electrically coupled to the ignition. The receiver selectively actuates the ignition. A breathalyzer unit is provided. The breathalyzer unit is in electrical communication with the receiver. The breathalyzer unit may be breathed through thereby facilitating the breathalyzer unit to determine a blood alcohol concentration. The receiver actuates the ignition when the breathalyzer unit determines the blood alcohol concentration is below a legal limit. Thus, the vehicle may be driven. The receiver inhibits the ignition from being actuated when the breathalyzer unit determines the blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit. Thus, the vehicle is inhibited from being driven.

Abstract: An in-vehicle equipment control system includes a ceiling side controller installed in a ceiling of a vehicle and configured to control equipment installed at least in the ceiling; and a vehicle internal communication device configured to enable the ceiling side controller and a lower side controller to transmit and receive information signals to and from each other, the lower side controller having been installed in a part lower than the ceiling. The ceiling side controller is capable of receiving ceiling side detection signals regarding pieces of ceiling side detection information detected by at least one ceiling side detection device in the ceiling, as ceiling side information signals regarding pieces of ceiling side information, from the at least one ceiling side detection device.

Abstract: Electrochemical cell diagnostic systems and methods are described. Examples include systems having a signal generator configured to apply a stimulus having a stimulus frequency to at least one electrochemical cell. The stimulus may be configured to excite at least one non-linear mode of the at least one electrochemical cell. Systems may include measurement circuitry configured to detect a response of the at least one electrochemical cell to the stimulus. The response may include a second or greater harmonic component. Systems may include a display device configured to display an indication of an internal state of the at least one electrochemical cell based, at least in part of the second or greater harmonic component of the response.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor, a first battery, a smoothing condenser, a discharge circuit, a controller, and a collision detector. The controller allows the discharge circuit to perform high-speed discharge on at least a second condition out of a first condition and the second condition. The controller allows the discharge circuit to perform low-speed discharge on a third condition other than the first and the second conditions. The high-speed discharge includes discharging the charged charges of the smoothing condenser at a higher speed than a speed of the low-speed discharge. The first condition is a condition on which the controller senses the detection of the collision of the object by the collision detector. The second condition is a condition on which the controller senses an occurrence of abnormality that keeps the controller from sensing the detection of the collision of the object by the collision detector.

Abstract: A method for processing a throttle control signal includes monitoring a signal transmission state of a throttle signal interface of an electronic speed regulator, determining that the signal transmission state is abnormal, and receiving the throttle control signal via a communication interface of the electronic speed regulator if the signal transmission state is determined to be abnormal.

Abstract: Cell voltage measurement is executed immediately after termination of diagnosis on a cell voltage detection function. In a battery managing device 10, a voltage detecting unit 140 detects a terminal voltage of each of battery cells 21 and 22. An RC filter 110 is electrically connected to voltage detecting lines L1, L2, and L3, and a status variation causing unit 130 causes an electrical status variation with respect to the voltage detecting lines L1, L2, and L3. A voltage fluctuating unit 120 fluctuates the terminal voltage of the battery cells 21 and 22 in response to the electrical status variation that is caused by the status variation causing unit 130. A microcomputer 150 diagnoses the voltage detecting unit 140 on the basis of a detection result of the terminal voltage of the battery cells 21 and 22 by the voltage detecting unit 140 when the terminal voltage of the battery cells 21 and 22 is fluctuated by the voltage fluctuating unit 120.

Abstract: The mobile vehicle charging system is applied to a mobile vehicle and includes a docking platform and a charging device. The docking platform provides parking to the mobile vehicle. The charging device includes an electricity transmission interface and an electricity measurement module. When the mobile vehicle is parked on the docking platform, the electricity transmission interface charges a battery module through an electricity reception interface of the mobile vehicle. As such, when an operator of the mobile vehicle parks the mobile vehicle onto the docking platform, the mobile vehicle can be automatically charged by the mobile vehicle charging system.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a relay and coil of a contactor. The relay is configured to transfer current between a traction battery and an electrical load when closed. The system also includes a controller configured to operate a switch such that current flow from the traction battery through the coil and switch, and bypassing the relay, causes the relay to close to permit pre-charging of the load.

Abstract: A power system includes an input node connected to a power source of a vehicle, an output node connected to a load of the vehicle, a super capacitor connected to the output node, a battery connected to a first node, and a contactor coupled between the battery and the super capacitor. The contactor is configured to be turned on to charge the super capacitor with power from the battery in a fast charge mode.

Abstract: A battery selection device has a preparation amount information acquisition component, a supply amount information acquisition component, a battery candidate extraction component, and a determination processor. The preparation amount information acquisition component acquires preparation amount information indicating the scheduled date and time of a loan and the required charge amount. The supply amount information acquisition component acquires supply amount information indicating the full charge power capacity and the current charge amount of each battery. On the basis of the preparation amount information and the supply amount information, the battery candidate extraction component selects loaner battery candidates, which are batteries that can be charged to the required charge amount by the scheduled date and time of the loan. The determination processor picks out a loaner battery on the basis of the predicted progress of deterioration of batteries.

Abstract: A charge demand controller device for electric vehicles or the like, preferably for installation with an existing residential electrical control panel, connects between a main switch and the electrical control panel made to operate at a maximum amperage value. The device includes a controller unit that constantly monitors an actual total load current at the input line connector from the main switch, and selectively operates a load switch controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) upon the actual total load current being above or below a trip value being a predetermined safety ratio of the maximum amperage value.

Abstract: A method of docking an electric vehicle with a charging station includes periodically transmitting data from the vehicle to the charging station. The transmitted data may include a distance travelled by the vehicle location towards the charging station and its speed. An incremental distance travelled by the vehicle in a time interval between when the data is collected and received is calculated, and the distance corrected based on this calculated value. The relative position of the vehicle with respect to the charging station is determined based on the corrected distance, and a charge head of the charging station is automatically connected with the charging interface of the vehicle based on the determined relative position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is configured to include a first battery; a second battery; a first converter configured to step-down an electric power of the first power line and supply the stepped-down electric power to a second power line with which the second battery is connected; a third battery; a solar charging device configured to generate electric power using sunlight and supply the generated electric power to the third battery; and a second converter configured to transmit electric power accompanied with a change in a voltage between the second power line and a third power line with which the third battery is connected. The motor vehicle of this configuration is configured to provide permission for relief charging that is charging of the third battery using an electric power on a first power line side, when a voltage of the second battery is not lower than a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A traction power source for electric vehicles in a single unit. Specifically, traction power source integrates several functions, such as the battery and inverter. In addition, further functionalities that are traditionally in separate units can be integrated into the system and efficiently performed by the same electronics, such as battery management and thermal management.

Abstract: An active rectifier module includes a matrix converter having a plurality of phase inputs and a plurality of phase outputs, a rectifier including a plurality of inputs, each connected to a corresponding phase output in the plurality of phase outputs, a filter capacitor connected across a DC output of the rectifier, and a DC output configured to provide DC power to a load.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an inverter, a motor, a transmission, and a modulator. The inverter performs pulse width modulation processing at a predetermined carrier frequency. The motor is supplied with electric power from the inverter. The transmission changes the number of revolutions of the motor, and transmits rotary power of the motor to one or more driving wheels. The modulator controls the pulse width modulation processing performed by the inverter, and changes the carrier frequency of the pulse width modulation processing, to offset a change in a frequency of a sideband component out of frequencies of a carrier sound. The carrier sound is generated in the motor or the inverter, or both, accompanying a stepwise change in the number of revolutions of the motor on a condition that the stepwise change is made by the transmission.

Abstract: A control device for electric motor vehicle using the motor as the traveling driving source and configured to decelerate by a regenerative braking force from the motor detects the accelerator operation amount, calculates the disturbance torque estimated value, and detects or estimates the resistance component unrelated to the gradient from the vehicle state. The control device for electric motor vehicle corrects the disturbance torque estimated value according to the detected or estimated resistance component unrelated to the gradient. The motor is controlled on the basis of the motor torque command value. When the accelerator operation amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value and the electric motor vehicle is just before the stop of the vehicle, the motor torque command value converges to the corrected disturbance torque estimated value in conjunction with the reduction of the rotation speed of the motor.

Abstract: A driver assistance system may be a vehicle control system configured to perform a driver assistance operation, such as implementing cruise control or performing an automated driving control operation. The control system may be configured to perform a driver assistance operation which includes at least one step which conserves energy stored in at least one battery. The control system may conserve energy by controlling a speed or following distance of a vehicle based on road parameter, such as an uphill grade or downhill grade.

Abstract: A seating structure includes a base, a seat, a backrest connected to the seat, and an electronic circuit supported by the base. The seat or the backrest includes a carrier and a suspension material secured to the carrier and spanning across an opening formed by the carrier. The suspension material includes a plurality of electrostatic discharge fibers. The electronic circuit is coupled to the electrostatic discharge fibers. The electronic circuit includes an electronic processor and a sensor. The sensor is configured to generate an output signal indicative of an electrical parameter of one of the electrostatic discharge fibers. The electronic processor is configured to apply a drive signal to one of the plurality of electrostatic discharge fibers, receive the output signal from the sensor, and determine a state of the seating structure based on the output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for providing an accurate and convenient weighing of a vehicle occupant using a relocatable/replaceable multi-purpose on-board vehicle occupant weighing (REMBOW) methodology including a REMBOW pad mounted on a REMBOW seat frame in a vehicle to improve safe engagement of an air bag as well as raising and monitoring possible health related issues of the vehicle occupant(s). The occupant weighing can be performed, using, as a non-limiting example, a kemoder elimination of a separate occupant's feet weighing (KEF) technology, where kemoder is a key element for moderating of an accuracy and convenience of an occupant weighing (i.e., a weighing moderator) and for starting a measuring process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a foldable chair is provided that allows easy access to a truck bed, the foldable chair including a ladder and a chair attached to the tailgate of the truck bed, can also be used as a bicycle rack the tail gate is closed.

Abstract: A longitudinal adjustment mechanism (3) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, includes at least one first seat rail (5) and at least one second seat rail (7) that is movable relative to the first seat rail (5). A spindle (11) is associated with the first seat rail (5) and cooperates with a gear mechanism (55) associated with the second seat rail (7). At least one spindle holder (20, 40, 80) secures the spindle (11) relative to the first seat rail (5). At least one floor attachment connects the first seat rail (5) to a vehicle structure. The floor attachment and the at least one spindle holder (20, 40, 80) are separate components.

Abstract: A brake release may comprise a pulley frame including a fixed portion and a pivoting arm. A first pulley may be coupled to the pivoting arm of the pulley frame. A second pulley may be coupled to the fixed portion of the pulley frame. A cable may be disposed around the first pulley and the second pulley and may be coupled to a first brake and a second brake. A main lever arm may be coupled to the pivoting arm of the pulley frame. The main lever arm may be configured to move the first pulley away from the second pulley and to pull the cable to release the first brake and the second brake.

Abstract: A seat back pivot assembly includes a floor mounting bracket and a seat bushing assembly. The floor mounting bracket includes a receiver having an entry end, a locating end and a neck between the entry end and the locating end. The seat bushing assembly includes a shoulder bolt, a bushing and a spring. A shoulder on a head end of the shoulder bolt is received and held in the locating end of the receiver when the seat back pivot assembly is fully assembled.

Abstract: The seat reclining apparatus includes first and second pawls supported by a base member to be movable in radial directions and to be engageable with an internal gear of a ratchet. In the unlocked range, a first pawl-restriction portion of the ratchet and a first limit portion of the first pawl, which are positioned on the radially outer side, radially face, and each pawl is prevented from engaging with the internal gear. In a specific range of the unlocked range, a second pawl-restriction portion of the ratchet and a second limit portion of the second pawl, which are positioned on the radially inner side, radially face. The second pawl-restriction portion or/and the second limit portion includes a pressing portion which moves the second pawl to a disengaged position when the second-pawl restriction portion and the second limit portion mutually contact in the rotational direction of the ratchet.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a motor vehicle door lock, particularly a backrest lock (4), on a motor vehicle seat (1). The basic construction of the motor vehicle door lock includes a locking mechanism (7, 8, 9) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (9), a ratchet pawl (7) and a blocking element (8) for the ratchet pawl (7). In addition, a drive unit (15, 16, 17) that acts on a triggering element (12) is provided. According to the invention, the drive unit (15, 16, 17) is constructed as a linear adjustment drive (15, 16, 17), which acts on the triggering element (12) so that it interacts in succession, first with the blocking element (8) and then with the ratchet pawl (7).

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom having a seat frame. An air bladder is mounted to the frame. A seat cushion is spaced vertically from the seat frame by the air bladder at height-adjustment distance being variable. The cushion defines a seating surface. A height-adjustment distance between the frame and the seating surface is increased as the air bladder is inflated, thereby adjusting a height of the seating surface without adjusting the frame.

Abstract: A headrest includes a headrest body which is tiltably supported by a stay held on a seat back, a lock part which locks the headrest body in a non-tiltable manner, and a lock release part which releases lock of the lock part. The lock release part includes an operation button to be pressed, a biasing member which biases the operation button in an opposite direction to a pressing direction of the operation button, and a bezel which has a cylinder wall and a bottom wall for containing the operation button to be movable back and forth in the pressing direction, and is provided with a locking part which locks the operation button biased by the biasing member to hold the operation button in the cylinder wall. The locking part is provided in the bottom wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a headrest fore-aft position adjuster including a displaceable body which receives load of an occupant's head and which displaces in a fore-aft direction with respect to a headrest pillar and a lock mechanism which locks and unlocks the displaceable body at a plurality of positions along the fore-aft direction, and the lock mechanism includes an engaging part which displaces in the fore-aft direction integrally with the displaceable body, a plurality of engaged part which is provided along a trajectory of the engaging part and which the engaging part is engaged with in a locked state and the engaging part is configured to engage with the engaged parts from a lateral position.

Abstract: A seat includes one or more cushions secured to a shell. The cushions include a 3D printed lattice of repeating cells. The cells may include nodes interconnected by branches. The nodes may be arranged in a cubic, parallelepiped, diamond, or other arrangement. The branches may extend directly between nodes or may be bent. The branches may extend from each node to an adjacent node that is closest to its point of attachment to the each node or the branches may be curved or bent to secure to a different adjacent node. The 3D printed lattice may include 3D printed barbs formed thereon that engage receptacles in the seat shell. The 3D printed lattice may be printed with a groove that engages a fastening structure on a cover or a separate fastening element. The cover may be a perforated sheet of material or fabric.

Abstract: A ventilation system includes a seat bottom blower unit configured to selectively draw an airflow into a seat bottom of the vehicle seat, a seat back blower unit configured to selectively draw an airflow into a seat back of the vehicle seat, and a controller in signal communication with the seat bottom blower unit and the seat back blower unit, the controller configured to generate a common pulse width modulation (PWM) duty cycle signal. The seat bottom blower unit is configured to operate at a first predetermined blower speed based on the common duty cycle signal, and the seat back blower unit is configured to operate at a second different predetermined speed based on the common duty cycle signal. The seat bottom blower unit and the seat back blower units are configured to simultaneously operate at different speeds based on the common duty cycle signal.

Abstract: To make a vehicle seat having functionality for blowing air from the surface of the seat feel comfortable for an occupant to sit on without feeling recesses of opening parts of air-blowing grooves thereon, while ensuring that the efficiency of blowing air to the seat surface is kept high. In the vehicle seat, a urethane pad of a seat cushion and a urethane pad of a seat back have through-holes and groove parts formed thereon, wherein the through-holes are connected to a duct at one end, and the groove parts have openings along a surface covered by a seat cover and are connected to the other ends of the through-holes. Each groove part is formed such that the respective opening has a narrower cross-sectional shape than an internal space of the groove part on the inner side of the urethane pad for the seat cushion/seat back.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat back support member with a primary substrate received upon an upper cross member and a pair of side members of a seat back frame to support a back of an occupant. A pair of receptacles is formed through the primary substrate to receive a pair of posts that extend from the upper cross member of the seat back frame. A secondary substrate extends from the primary substrate to support a head of the occupant. A method of assembling a seat assembly determines whether the seat assembly comprises one of an adjustable head restraint assembly and an integrated head restraint. The adjustable head restraint assembly is assembled upon the pair of posts in response or a seat back support member with a pair of apertures formed therethrough is assembled upon the upper cross member with the pair of posts received in the pair of apertures.

Abstract: A travel tray having a flexible magnetically receptive, dry erase play surface permitting a child user to “stick” magnetic pieces to the play surface as desired as well as write or draw on the play surface using non-toxic dry erase markers is described. Variations include side pockets to store play items, such as markers, magnets, small toys and snacks. The side pockets typically include a mesh outer layer permitting a child or caretaker to see what is contained in the pockets at a glance without having to reach therein. In one variation a side pocket having a solid waterproof fabric outer layer is provided wherein the pocket is sized to receive a beverage container and includes an opening lined with an elastic band to assist in holding the container in place in an upright orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo management system includes a screw drive and lock system that allows the user to extend or retract a loaded tray with ease on un-level ground without the use of a power source (i.e., hydraulic or electrical assistance). The lock prawl system allows for locking positions at very short intervals which are helpful when a vehicle is backed up close to objects or buildings. The screw drive lock prawl system is actuated by a locking handle. Therefore, if the locking handle is locked in place, the tray cannot be extended from the bed, and the tray itself or any toolboxes or items bolted to the tray cannot be stolen from the vehicle (i.e., the bolts holding the frame of the cargo system to the vehicle cannot be accessed for removal).

Abstract: A mobile storage device is disclosed. The mobile storage device comprises a frame, an extension device, a storage bin, and a control system. The extension device is rotatably connected to the frame. The storage bin is secured to the extension device. The control system is rotatably connected to the frame.

Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a translating cargo assembly for a vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may include a translation mechanism, which may be affixed to a cargo frame of the vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may also include a carrier frame that is coupled with the translation mechanism and configured to mate with cargo implements. A drive mechanism, such as a rotary actuator, may be coupled with the translation mechanism. The rotary actuator may be effective to translate the carrier frame through a range of positions including a transport position, in which the carrier frame may be adjacent to the cargo frame, and a loading position, in which the carrier frame may be proximate ground level.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly is provided for a pickup truck tailgate. The tailgate assembly includes a tailgate, a bracket, an L-shaped platform, and a retractable link. The L-shaped platform is pivotally attached to the bracket, which is selectively attachable to the tailgate. The L-shaped platform pivots about a pivot point to assist in loading objects into the truck bed by lifting them into the truck bed and rolling/sliding them into the truck bed. The retractable link facilitates the pivoting of the L-shaped platform and is attached to the bracket and a distal end of the L-shaped platform.