Abstract: A liftgate component module mountable on a pivotal liftgate window provides a unitary mounting platform for a plurality of components including a window wiper drive motor and a window latch. A unitary bracket carries the wiper drive apparatus and the window latch apparatus. A handle, which may include an electrical switch, is also mounted on the window. The electrical connections between the handle switch and a controller carried on the window as part of the motor enables instantaneous response of the latch to activation of the handle switch. The same controller can also control a liftgate latch and a liftgate electrical switch handle.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus for an opening and closing body of a vehicle. The opening and closing apparatus includes a reciprocating member connected at its connecting portion to a motor so as to be moved to reciprocate along a plane perpendicular to a hinge shaft, the reciprocating member having a side surface parallel with the plane perpendicular to the hinge shaft. A connecting member is provided having a first end section pivotally attached to an end portion of the reciprocating member, and a second end section fixed to the opening and closing body. A deflection-suppressing device is provided to a stationary body connected to the vehicle body. A part of the side surface of the reciprocating member is slidably contacted with the deflection-suppressing device and is located between the connecting portion of the reciprocating member and the connecting member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a liftgate panel on a vehicle body for pivotal movement along a path between open and closed positions. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, at least one torsion rod extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with a common torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In a preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf catch that receives an arm throughout a limited portion of the liftgate path between closed and open positions.

Abstract: An electromechanical strut using an inline motor coupled to an inline planetary gear that are both mounted in the lower housing. The motor-gear assembly drives a worm gear and nut screw in the upper housing, extending or retracting an extensible shaft. Additionally, a power spring mounted coaxially around the worm gear provides a mechanical counterbalance to the weight of a lift gate on the shaft. As the shaft extends, the power spring uncoils, assisting the motor-gear assembly in raising the lift gate. Retracting the shaft recoils the spring, storing potential energy. Thus, a lower torque motor-gear assembly can be used, reducing the diameter of the lower housing. Preferably, the power spring can also drive the power screw to extend the strut even when the motor-gear assembly is not engaged.

Abstract: An integrated gas strut actuator strut assembly particularly adapted for providing power actuation of a motor vehicle lift gate or other opening closure. The system integrates the function of a counterbalancing gas spring and that of a electrically powered actuator. The system incorporates a strut assembly including a gas charged cylinder, and internal plunger and a threaded rod. Rotation of the threaded rod through a cable drive system causes the internal plunger to be advanced or retracted within the cylinder. Another feature of the invention are various embodiments of couplers between the gas cylinder plunger and rod and connectors for the assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A light source is incorporated into a weatherstrip or pinch strip assembly mounted on a movable panel or at the opening in a frame or panel which receives the movable panel. The light is illuminated to warn that a movable panel of a vehicle is about to close or open, is closing or opening, or that an obstruction has been encountered. The light can operate intermittently during opening or closing, and continuously when the movable panel is open.

Abstract: An open air system can be utilized on a vehicle with a liftgate configuration. The open air system does not interfere or hinder operation of the liftgate between the open and closed positions. The open air system can include one or more roof panels that are moveable relative to the vehicle roof to provide an open air motoring experience. The moveable panels can be moved to a position above or below the liftgate. The moveable panels can move with the liftgate between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A cargo enclosure including a floor having a plurality of edges including a first edge, a second edge and a third edge. At least two sidewalls, including a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall connected to the first edge of the floor, the second sidewall connected to the second edge of the floor. At least one hinge is connected along the third edge of the floor, the at least one hinge being rotatable about an axis. A composite door is connected to the at least one hinge, the door having a closed position and the hinge having a plurality of torsion springs rotatable about the axis, the plurality of torsion springs biasing the composite door toward the closed position.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the descent of a moveable element pivotally attached to a rigid structure. The moveable element is pivotally attached to the rigid structure, and is then pivotally connected to a compressible strut, which is attached to a linkage pivotally connected to the rigid structure. The descent of the moveable element is pivotally controlled using a microcontroller and a motor attached to the linkage, and the control path for the linkage is selected based on a comparison of the angle between the linkage and the rigid structure and the angle between the moveable element and the rigid structure.

Abstract: A driving device for driving an open/close member that is designed to open and close an open portion of a body includes a driving source generating a driving force, a force transmission mechanism disposed between the driving source and the open/close member and serving for transmitting the driving force thereto, and a load regulator for interrupting the driving force transmission when an excessive force is applied to the force transmission mechanism from the open/close member.

Abstract: A powered tailgate system in which a direct driven rack 44 is connected to one end of a rod 52, one end of a curved arm 54 is connected to the other end of the rod 52, the other end of the curved arm 54 is connected to a tailgate 15, an arm side slider portion 60 which curves concentrically with the curved arm 54 is provided on the curved arm 54, and a plurality of load receiving portions 87 to 90 adapted to be brought into sliding contact with the arm side slider portion 60 so as to receive a load are disposed on a vehicle body side at intervals along a traveling direction of the curved arm 54.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a liftgate panel on a vehicle body for pivotal movement along a path between open and closed positions. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, at least one torsion rod extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with a common torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In a preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf catch that receives an arm throughout a limited portion of the liftgate path between closed and open positions.

Abstract: The door-opening/closing apparatus includes a door, a driving unit that drives the door to close the door, a door movement detection unit that detects a movement of the door, an electrostatic switch that is mounted on the door for detecting a human's touching the door, and a judgment unit that judges whether the door is attempted to be closed. When the door movement detection unit detects a movement of the door, and when the electrostatic switch senses a human's touching the door, the judgment unit judges that the door is attempted to be closed, and then the driving unit drives to close the door.

Abstract: A device having a drive (6) for pivoting a vehicle door or vehicle lid rotationally connected to a hinge bow (1) around a hinge axle (3). In order to build the device (5) in a compact manner, wherein no special reinforcement of the hinges of the vehicle door or vehicle lid is required for utilization of the device (5) in compliance with regulations, a drive (6) is provided with a drive shaft (7) that is arranged in an extension of the hinge axle, the drive shaft (7) being connected to a bow-shaped drive lever (9) that is arranged parallel to the hinge bow (1) and that can be fixed to the hinge bow (1).

Abstract: A unitary vehicle liftgate component module carries a plurality of pre-mounted vehicle liftgate components for one-step mounting on the liftgate when the module is attached to the liftgate. At least two of a liftgate wiper motor, a liftgate window latch, and liftgate window defrost terminal connectors are carried on the module or interact with portions carried on the module. In one aspect, the liftgate window latch striker and an optional electrical contact are carried on a support which is laterally adjustable with respect to a base fixed to the liftgate window for automatic centering of the striker and the optional contact as the liftgate window is moved to a closed position with respect to an opening in the liftgate.

Abstract: A power tailgate apparatus of the present invention includes: a curved arm of which one end side is connected to a tailgate; a rod of which one end side is connected to another end side of the curved arm; a rectilinearly moving rack connected to another end side of the rod; a driving power source arranged at a position adjacent to the rectilinearly moving rack; a driving force transfer part which transfers a driving power of the driving power source to the rectilinearly moving rack; and a guide having a curve that is concentric with the curved arm, which guides the curved arm along the curve.

Abstract: A flap drive for a flap includes two identical lever joint arrangements which are arranged in pairs at a distance from one another. The flap can be moved out of its closing position into its opening position and back by the flap drive. In this case, the lever joint arrangements are articulated pivotably with one of their ends in each case on a side region of the flap and with their other ends at a fixed location on the motor vehicle. The mutually corresponding pivot axes of the articulation points extend coaxially to one another. Movement transmission devices for the pivotable drive of a driven lever of each lever joint arrangement are guided by a common motive drive unit, the driven levers being articulated at a fixed location on the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A hatch back construction (10) for the bed (101) of a pick-up truck (100) equipped with a camper shell (200) wherein, the construction (10) includes a hatch back member (20) provided with a step shouldered continuous peripheral skirt (21) having an outer portion (21?) with a minimum width of 3? and further having an outwardly extending portal sleeve (22) equipped with a door element (30) wherein, the hatch back construction (10) expands the effective length of the bed (101) of the pick-up truck (100) by a minimum of 5?.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a thermal barrier can be removably attached to portals such as trailer doors, partitions, bulkheads, and the like. In one embodiment, a flexible thermal barrier having an associated flexible seal is attached to an interior surface of a roll-up trailer door in a refrigerated trailer to insulate the cargo area from the ambient air. In other embodiments, seals mounted to the trailer wall cooperate with an insulating blanket disposed on a portal such as a roll-up door. In still other embodiments, wall mounted seals are used alone, without a blanket, to provide peripheral thermal sealing.

Abstract: A door driving unit includes a driving mechanism rotatable in a reciprocating manner within a predetermined operational angle range, a body portion fixed to a vehicle body, a first member driven by the driving mechanism, and a second member driven by the first member by being in contact with the first member. The first member and the second member are supported by a common shaft. The door driving unit further includes an engaging mechanism for engaging the first member and the second member with each other so that the first member and the second member rotate as a unit with each other within a first predetermined angle range when the first member drives to rotate the second member.

Abstract: In a pivotable vehicle lid support arrangement including an operating linkage, an operating member for opening and closing the lid and a drive unit for actuating the operating member, the operating linkage and the operating member are mounted with an end to a console and with their other ends to the vehicle lid, to which also the drive unit is mounted so as to form, together with the lid, a preassembled installation module and the operating arms of the linkage and the operating member are so arranged that they are disposed adjacent to, and essentially in parallel alignment with, the lid when the lid is in a closed position.

Abstract: An arrangement structure of a vehicle door open-close device to automatically open and close a vehicle door by a driving force. The arrangement structure comprises of a roof member, a side member, and a gazette member. The roof member is provided on a door-opening area for constituting a ceiling member of a vehicle body. The side member is provided on the door-opening area for constituting a side portion of a vehicle body. The gazette member is provided on the door-opening area for being attached to the roof member and the side member so as to extend over the roof member and the side member. Furthermore, the vehicle door open-close device is ranged in a space surrounded by the roof member, the side member, and the gazette member.

Abstract: A rear pillar structure of a vehicle frame is provided for supporting a dual mode tailgate including a pillar member having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg extends generally vertically along a side wall of the vehicle frame which partially defines a load carrying bed. The second leg extends along a cross member connecting a pair of frame rails of the vehicle frame. A support member is mounted inside the first leg for reinforcing the first leg at a location at which the dual mode tailgate connects to the pillar.

Abstract: An automatically opening/closing apparatus for vehicle of rack-and-pinion type is reduced in size and weight. The automatically opening/closing apparatus for vehicle is automatically opened/closed, by transmitting rotation of an electric motor to a back door through a drive power transmitting mechanism comprising a pinion and a rack. The rack is supported linearly reciprocably by a slide mechanism comprising a slide block and a guide rail. The slide block is formed to be sufficiently short to the entire length of the rack and the guide rail is accordingly formed to be short. Further, the rack is provided with a groove portion, and a holding member contacting with a holding face is disposed in the groove portion. Then, an interval between the rack and the opinion is maintained by the holding member, whereby engagement of the pinion therewith is ensured.

Abstract: A power-operated system for actuating the liftgates of motor vehicles is disclosed. The system includes a controllable strut with internal locking structure that includes a driver and a valve assembly. The controllable strut is typically mounted on one side of the liftgate between the liftgate and the vehicle's frame. Conventional strut may be mounted on the other side of the liftgate. One end of each strut is connected to a powered articulating arm. To move the liftgate between open and closed positions, the articulating arms move the controllable strut and the other strut between positions of greater and lesser mechanical advantage. During the movements, the locking structure in the controllable strut may be activated and deactivated either cyclically or continuously to momentarily to retain the controllable strut as particular lengths.

Abstract: A motor vehicle, especially a passenger utility vehicle, e.g., a station wagon or SUV with a cargo space (3) which is located in the rear (2) of the vehicle, a cargo floor (16) which can be extended rearward, a cargo space door (44) for opening and closing the rear cargo space opening, and at least one roof movable panel for opening and closing a roof opening, in which a continuous opening combining the rear cargo space opening and the roof opening is formed when both the at least one rear roof panel and the cargo space door are in their open positions. In one advantageous embodiment, the cargo space door (44) is mounted to the vehicle body by a four bar mechanism for movement outward and downward from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus including a trapping detection structure which reliably implements detection of trapping of foreign objects, even at a structure at which an outer peripheral edge of a moving body or an inner peripheral edge of an opening includes corner portions with small radii of curvature. A pressure sensor which detects external forces from directions intersecting a length direction thereof is provided at an outer periphery portion of a back door. However, at a corner portion, at a lower end portion of a door side portion or the like, the pressure sensor is provided with a large curvature such that the pressure sensor keeps distant from the corner portion. In place thereof, another pressure sensor, with a facing pair of electrode sheets, is provided along the corner portion. When one or more of these pressure sensors detects an external force, the back door is moved for opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external module for equipping a motor vehicle of the type that includes components to control the locking of the closed position of a movable part, such as a tailgate, with respect to a fixed part of the vehicle structure. The external equipment module includes a sealed external body which is received in a complementary housing in the movable part in which it is mounted from the outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rear part structure of a vehicle is disclosed which includes a groove formed in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle at a junction portion of a roof panel and a side frame of the vehicle and in which a hinge is attached for a tailgate to be installed at a rear part of the vehicle. The hinge includes a hinge base member attached into the groove, a gate hinge member attached to the tailgate which is pivotally attached to the hinge base member, and a cover which is fitted in the groove to conceal the hinge base member from view.

Abstract: An actuating device includes a base part and a part which can be moved and is coupled to the base part in a manner such that it can pivot about a pivot axis. A driving device has a cable which can be wound up on a cable drum to drive the movement of the part which can be moved. The driving device has a pull/push rod which is coupled by its one end to the part which can be moved at a distance from the pivot axis and is guided movably by its second end along a guide path, which extends approximately at right angles to the pivot axis, on the base part. In this case, the second end of the pull/push rod can be pulled by a first cable to a first end of the guide path and by a second cable to a second end of the guide path.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided in which a motor 11 with reduction gears, a clutch 12 and a gas stay are provided between a vehicle body 2 and a tailgate 1 so that a fully opened position of the tailgate can be held by virtue of a thrust of the gas stay only, and in this apparatus, when a closure of the tailgate from its own weight is detected after the motor with reduction gears is disconnected, the motor with reduction gears is connected to the tailgate to drive to forcibly close it after the tailgate is driven to be opened to the fully opened position thereof. By this construction, when the holding force of the opened position is short, since the tailgate is closed after it is opened to the fully opened position once, cargo loading and unloading work can be completed while the tailgate is so closed.

Abstract: A rear gate is constructed to be opened and closed by a driving unit installed on a vehicle body side, and the driving unit is constructed to have a motor which can rotate both in normal and reverse directions, a gearbox to which a pinion is pivotally attached for reducing the rotating speed of the motor for output, and a rack adapted to reciprocate in directions normal to an axial direction of a hinge shaft by virtue of the rotation of the pinion and connected to the rear gate at one end thereof. An electromagnetic clutch for connecting and disconnecting a power transmission path between an output shaft of the motor and the pinion is provided in the interior of the gearbox, so that the rack is disposed above or below the gearbox at a position directly above or below the clutch.

Abstract: The liftgate for a motor vehicle includes a frame member, an inner panel, and an outer panel. The frame member is a U-shaped member formed by a cross member and a pair of spaced apart legs extending from the cross member. The inner panel is connected to the legs and extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The outer panel is connected to the inner panel and is positioned opposite the legs and an inner side of the inner panel. The outer panel also extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The frame member defines a window opening with the inner panel and the outer panel. The frame member forms the entire upper portion of the liftgate.

Abstract: A pinched object detection apparatus includes a couple of pressure sensors arranged at lateral end portions of a backdoor of a vehicle and another couple of pressure sensors arranged at lateral end portions of a rear opening of the vehicle. An object pinched between the lateral end portions of the rear gate and the backdoor can be detected with the corresponding pressure sensor arranged at the backdoor or pressure sensor arranged at the rear opening. Furthermore, an object pinched between the lateral end of the rear opening and an opposing gas damper can be detected with the corresponding pressure sensor arranged at the rear opening.

Abstract: A motor vehicle equipment module includes a lock formed of a bolt received in a housing designed to be mounted on a support part and a striker designed to be mounted on a mobile part along a globally axial direction relative to the support part between an open position and a closed position wherein the bolt cooperates with the striker. When the module is delivered to be installed on the vehicle, the striker and the bolt are linked together by an intermediate plate for temporarily indexing the position of the bolt relative to the position of the striker and to facilitate mounting and fixing of the module on the vehicle.

Abstract: A tailgate handle apparatus is hidden in a tailgate having an upper panel and a lower panel both mounted in a vertical manner to give the tailgate a refined appearance. The tailgate handle apparatus is structured in a simple manner to give reliability in its operation and reduce the manufacturing cost of a vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a closure panel. The panel finds particular utility as a liftgate or endgate for automotive vehicles. Typically, the assembly includes a first panel portion opposite a second panel portion and an intermediate material therebetween. Preferably, one or more of the panel portions is formed of a polymeric material and the intermediate material is preferably a structural foam that can bond to both the first and the second panel portions.

Abstract: A roof frame arrangement of a motor vehicle has a front, a rear and two lateral roof frames, and a supporting device for a motor vehicle tailgate. The supporting device includes a tailgate hinge and at least one gas-filled compression spring. At least the lateral roof frame contains an inner shell and an outer shell connected to the latter. A hollow space is formed between the inner shell and outer shell. In order to provide a roof frame arrangement having increased stiffness, which can be produced in a simple and space-saving manner and with as few manufacturing tolerances as possible and in which a relatively great outlay on leakproofness is not required, it is proposed to form a rear end region of the lateral roof frame as a single-piece, circumferentially closed hollow profile which encloses the hollow space there and forms a receiving housing in which at least one of the hinge and the gas-filled compression spring is fitted.

Abstract: An opening and closing control system for an opening-closing member comprises an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the opening-closing member, an actuator for operating the opening and closing mechanism, an electromagnetic clutch for controlling a torque transmission by connecting and disconnecting the actuator and the mechanism, an opening and closing angle detecting means for detecting an opening and a closing angle of the opening-closing member relative to the vehicle, and a control means for controlling an electric power supplied to the electromagnetic clutch based on a detected result from the opening and closing angle detecting means and controlling an electric power supplied to the actuator, in which a supporting force required for supporting the opening-closing member is increased, and the control means for decreasing the electric power supplied to the electromagnetic clutch in accordance the opening-closing operation from an intermediate position to an opened position or a closed

Abstract: A servo drive for activating a tailgate of a motor vehicle has a drive, a sun wheel driven by the drive and rotatably mounted on a first axle, and a planetary wheel rotatably mounted on a second axle. The sun wheel engages with the planetary wheel. The first and second axles have ends, are movably arranged at their ends facing away from the drive in a common web, and are spaced apart from one another by a constant distance. The planetary wheel engages in a ring gear segment which is fixedly connected to a bodywork, and an end of the web, which faces the ring gear segment, is movably connected to a connecting rod through a third axle. An end of the connecting rod facing away from the third axle is movably connected, via a fourth axle, to an output element which is connected by an end facing away from the fourth axle to the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle body has a first body portion forming an enclosed passenger compartment that includes a roof having a panel opening and a rear window opening. A rear window is fixed in a frame that is hingedly attached to the first body portion. A rigid roof panel is hingedly attached to the frame, forming a roof assembly that is movable between a storage position and a closed position. The roof assembly closes the panel opening and the rear window opening in the closed position. A second body portion forms a storage compartment external to the passenger compartment and is open adjacent the rear window opening. The roof assembly is movable to the storage position in the storage compartment, exposing the passenger compartment to outside air through the panel opening and the rear window opening.

Abstract: A drive system for a hinged gate of a vehicle, which includes: a motor unit, a rack and pinion mechanism, a link member connected to a point of the hinged gate, and a shaft member fixed to the rack, to which the link member is rotatably connected. The motor unit includes a motor, gears, and a casing accomodating the gears. The rack and pinion mechanism includes a pinion driven by the motor unit and the rack movably supported on the casing of the motor unit. The casing has a guide casing, which extends in a longitudinal direction of the rack. The guide casing is formed to have a closed section surrounding the shaft member and is provided therein with a guide member configured for guiding the rack.

Abstract: A module includes a frame having opposed first and second ends. First and second mounts are associated with each of the first and second frame ends for mounting at least one of a plurality of components to the frame. In one aspect, the frame is formed of a flexible material allowing offset of the first and second ends relative to each other during mounting of the frame to a vehicle liftgate. In another aspect, the frame is formed as a rigid member. In one aspect, the mounts are separate mounting brackets or mounting flanges carried on the components, which are separably attachable to the frame. In the rigid frame aspect, the mounts are end portions of the frame.

Abstract: The invention provides to make an automatic opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle to be thin. An outer rack is attached to an outer side of a stay fixed to a vehicle in such a manner as to freely move in an axial direction along the stay. A thickness of the stay is set to be smaller than a width, and a cross sectional shape thereof is formed so as to be in a substantially thin convex shape. A width in a base end wall portion of the outer rack is formed so as to be larger than a width of a side surface wall portion corresponding to a thickness of the outer rack, and the outer rack is formed in a substantially thin C cross sectional shape. It is possible to make a thickness of a slide mechanism about a gear with of rack gears lined up in an axial direction in the side surface wall portion by making the width of the side surface wall portion slightly larger than the gear width of the rack gear.

Abstract: A switch that implements or removes operation restrictions of a keyless entry system for a back door or trunk is easily mounted on a door panel. A finisher for a vehicle includes: an elongated body; a plurality of mounting portions that are formed protruding from a rear surface side of the body, mounting members that are mounted on a vehicle body being either held by or fixed to the mounting portions; and a bracket formed in an elongated shape and having a switch in a vicinity of a center portion in a longitudinal direction thereof. The bracket is aligned along a longitudinal direction of the body, and two end portions of the bracket are each mounted on the mounting portions in such a manner that a bridge is formed between two adjacent mounting portions from among the plurality of mounting portions, and the switch is able to be operated from a vehicle exterior side of the body.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the descent of a moveable element pivotally attached to a rigid structure. The moveable element is pivotally attached to the rigid structure, and is then pivotally connected to a compressible strut, which is pivotally attached to a linkage pivotally connected to the rigid structure. The descent of the moveable element is controlled using a microcontroller and a motor attached to the linkage, and the control path for the linkage is selected based on a comparison of the angle between the linkage and rigid structure and the angle between the moveable element and the rigid structure.

Abstract: An opening and closing mechanism for a cover of a vehicle opening which transmits the actuation force securely and effectively. The opening and closing mechanism for cover of a vehicle opening includes a crank gear being rotatable about a crank axis center for opening and closing the opening and closing mechanism for the cover for a vehicle opening, a slider reciprocating along a guide member, and a cover operation member one end of which is pivoted on a crank pin of the crank gear, the other end of which includes a crank arm pivoted on a slider pin of the slider, and provided between the slider and the cover for a vehicle opening and being swingably relative to the slider for cooperating the slider and the cover of a vehicle opening.

Abstract: A module in the form of an applique is mountable on an exterior surface of a vehicle liftgate and provides a mounting platform for a plurality of components mountable on the liftgate in a single assembly operation. The components include at least two of light sources in the form of LEDs or incandescent bulbs, an actuatable switch, a camera and a wash fluid dispensing nozzle. The components are mounted on a substrate in the form of a printed circuit board or a lead frame attached to a substrate for mounting in a carrier. The carrier is affixed to the module and is alignable with apertures in the applique for transmission of light from the light sources exteriorly of the applique as well as to enable the camera to view a field of view through the lens. The electric switch is actuatable by a resilient membrane mounted on the carrier and actuatable exteriorly of the applique.

Abstract: A compact tailgate accessory for assisting in the one-handed safe raising and lowering of the tailgate and to permit easy removal of the tailgate includes a counterbalance module tucked in-between the tailgate and the truck bed sides in a pocket so as to be hidden from view. The module counterbalances the tailgate so that raising and lowering the tailgate can be controlled easily by one hand, with the linkage sharing one or more common attachment points with the detachable tailgate holding straps to facilitate installation. Sharing the common attachment points with the detachable tailgate holding straps also facilitates removal of the tailgate. The accessory provides the ability to lower or raise a tailgate by a small person or non-muscular individual such as a woman with one hand so that the bed of the truck can be easily and safely loaded or unloaded, the tailgate being maintained in the down position by its own weight.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly having an inner panel and an outer panel which is selectively coupled to the inner panel. The tailgate assembly further includes at least one stiffening member which is selectively and operatively contained between the panels and which increases the strength and durability of the tailgate assembly.