Abstract: A rub rail coupled to a side rail including a first top notch and a first bottom notch, the rub rail including: a top chamfer; a top horizontal face diagonally connected to the top chamfer; a second top notch extending out of the top horizontal face; a side vertical face diagonally connected to the top chamfer; a bottom chamfer; a bottom horizontal face diagonally connected to the bottom chamfer; a second bottom notch extending out of the bottom horizontal face; wherein the second top notch couples to the first top notch, and wherein the second bottom notch couples to the first bottom notch.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a passenger compartment supported by the chassis, and a box supported by the chassis spaced from the passenger compartment. The box including a lower bed fixedly mounted to the chassis, an upper bed, and a tail gate pivotally connected to the upper bed. Each of the upper bed, and the tail gate is shiftable relative to the lower bed.

Abstract: A removable panel retainer includes a flexible substrate having a surface defining a first axis. A clip member is moveably mounted to the flexible substrate in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis. A release member is moveably mounted relative to the flexible substrate along a second axis that is distinct from the first axis. Shifting the release member towards the flexible substrate releases the clip member to shift along the first axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system for controlling a vehicle power tailgate are described. The system includes a motor operably connectible to a tailgate and configured to open the tailgate at any of at least a first opening speed and a second opening speed lower than the first opening speed. The system is operable to, responsive to a determination that an external load is being applied to the tailgate when the tailgate is in a closed condition, control operation of the motor to open the tailgate at the second predetermined tailgate opening speed if an estimated magnitude of the load is below a predetermined threshold load.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a tailgate hinge that is operable to attach a tailgate to a vacuum tank such that the tailgate is movable between an open position and a closed position, the vacuum tank operable to withstand vacuum pressure when the tailgate is in the closed position. A tailgate warming tube loop is operable to circulate a heated fluid through the tailgate, the tailgate warming tube loop attached to an interior surface of the tailgate and a first rear pipe flange that includes a first rear pipe flange warming channel in communication with the tailgate warming tube loop.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cargo carrier system that is modular and can be arranged for a variety of applications, accessories, and cargo. The cargo carrier system has a modular base with a frame and a plurality of receptacles located within the frame configured to receive attachments. The base may have a rectangular frame coupled to a substantially flat top surface. Different components may be coupled to the frame by using standardized coupling attachments, thereby forming a highly customizable and modular system. Removable rails and clamping devices may be coupled to the base in a specific configuration and may be arranged based on the cargo being carried. A latching system couples the rails and other accessories to the base, as well as the cargo within the modular carrier system.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a vehicle body frame and a cargo bed supported by the vehicle body frame, the cargo bed including a side wall unit. The side wall unit includes a side wall, a tail lamp mounted on a rear end portion of the side wall, and a bolt including a shaft portion and a head portion. The tail lamp is secured to the side wall by the bolt oriented in a vehicle width direction. The head portion of the bolt is hidden by a part of the side wall unit when viewed from behind.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate assembly primarily for pick-up trucks comprises a frame with a transverse base and support arms extending perpendicularly therefrom adjacent distal ends of the base. A tailgate door is rotationally mounted to the frame between the support arms. The door comprises a transverse upper section rotationally joined to a transverse lower section at a rotational joint, preferably a hinge. A releasable locking mechanism is located adjacent the rotational joint to releasably hold the upper section in relation to the lower section at selected orientations. An additional locking mechanism may selectively hold the lower section and/or the upper section to the support arms. The tailgate may also be provided with an extendible tailgate which may be rotated interiorly and exteriorly of the plane of the upper section. An extendible handle may also be provided to support user entry and exit from a cargo hold of the truck.

Abstract: A multifunction tailgate including a first door and a second door that are each selectably pivotable relative to the vehicle between an open position and a closed position along both a horizontal axis and a second vertical axis. At least one of the first door and the second door includes an exterior structure including an exterior panel, an inner panel, and a pair of side panels that collectively define a cavity, a trim panel coupled to the inner panel, and a reinforcement panel is positioned between the inner panel and the trim panel. The reinforcement panel is formed of a polymeric material, and is configured to provide structural support to the trim panel to assist in absorbing static and dynamic loads received by the trim panel.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a cargo bed cover that covers a cargo bed of a vehicle when the cargo bed is in a standard bed position. The cargo bed cover is configured to provide an aft wall of the cargo bed when the cargo bed is in an extended bed position. A cargo bed providing method includes transitioning a cargo bed from a standard bed position to an extended bed position, and enclosing an aft end of the cargo bed with a cargo bed cover that covers the cargo bed when the cargo bed is in the standard bed position.

Abstract: A rail assembly for a flatbed trailer, including: a side rail configured generally as C-shaped, the side rail including a first top horizontal face, a first side vertical face, and a first bottom horizontal face; and a rub rail coupled to the side rail, the rub rail configured generally as C-shaped, the rub rail including a second top horizontal face, a second side vertical face, and a second bottom horizontal face, wherein the second top horizontal face is coupled to the second side vertical face by a top chamfer, wherein the top chamfer is diagonally connected to the second top horizontal face and the second side vertical face, wherein the second bottom horizontal face is coupled to the second side vertical face by a bottom chamfer, wherein the bottom chamfer is diagonally connected to the second side vertical face and the second bottom horizontal face.

Abstract: Mounting strategies for locating and securing roof hinge covers to vehicle roofs. An exemplary roof hinge cover may be mounted relative to a roof component (e.g., roof panel, body side panel, bracket, etc.). A locator may be received through the roof hinge cover and into a locating hole of the roof component. One or more clips that are connected to the roof hinge cover may be received within locating openings of a bracket. The bracket supports at least a portion of the roof hinge cover.

Abstract: A maintenance window structure, for a large vehicle configured in a chassis frame that accommodates driving components of a large vehicle, includes: at least one main opening configured to communicate with a receiving space of the chassis frame and formed on a window frame; the window frame mounted on the chassis frame; a pillar frame detachably provided on the window frame and configured to partition the at least one main opening into a plurality of inspection openings, and an inspection cover that is configured to engage with the window frame and the pillar frame and to cover the plurality of inspection openings.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a power tailgate assembly for a vehicle. The system can detect that a tailgate, connected to the vehicle by a pivotal connection and having an open position and a closed position, is in the open position, detect that the vehicle is being driven, detect, by one or more sensors, a movement of the tailgate, and control a motor assembly to restrain movement of the tailgate and return the tailgate to the open position in response to detecting that the tailgate is in the open position, the vehicle is being driven, and the tailgate has moved more than a threshold amount.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a folding tailgate. The system includes a first panel and a second panel forming a tailgate of the vehicle. The vehicle has a first vehicle sidewall and a second vehicle sidewall. The system may include a first hinge coupled between the first panel and the second panel. The first hinge is configured to rotate the second panel toward the first panel, moving the second panel towards the first vehicle sidewall for opening the tailgate sideways.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate with an integrated collapsible door comprises a tailgate having an outer wall, an inner wall and a cavity there between, a door section of the tailgate having an inboard wall and an outboard wall and being moveable between a closed position and an open position substantially within the envelope of the tailgate, the inboard wall and the outboard wall being connected by a linkage to permit relative movement there between, a first track to guide the motion of the inboard wall and a second track to guide the motion of the outboard wall, and a power drive unit to power the motion of the door section, such that in the closed position of the door section the inboard wall is flush with the inner wall of the tailgate and the outboard wall is flush with the outer wall of the tailgate, and in the open position of the door section at least a portion of the inboard wall and at least a portion of the outboard wall lie within the cavity between the outer wall and the inner wall of the tailgate.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle includes a main panel, a step, and a plurality of links that couple the step to the main panel and support the step for movement relative to the main panel between a stowed position and a deployed position. The main panel defines a cutout open through its rearward side. The main panel is mounted to the vehicle's cargo area and movable between a closed position and an open position. The step includes a cargo side and a rearward side. When the step is in the stowed position, the step is received in the cutout and the step's cargo side is substantially parallel to the main panel's cargo side. When the step is in the deployed position, the step is offset from the main panel and the step's cargo side is substantially parallel to the main panel's cargo side.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for adjusting a flap of a motor vehicle about a body including a motor, a drivetrain, and a freewheel mechanism. The drivetrain is disposed between the motor and the flap. The freewheel mechanism provided with a drive component including a transmitting element, and a driven component provided with a receiving element coupled to the transmitting element. During motoric movement of the flap between the closed and the open position over at least a portion of the pivot angle, the motor actuates the drive component and displaces the transmitting element, from a neutral position, conjointly with the receiving element along a displacement path.

Abstract: In a work vehicle of the present invention, a load carrying bed includes a floor panel, a pair of left and right side panels, and a rear gate which is openable and closable. The rear gate includes left and right lock operational portions for maintaining the rear gate under a closing posture through engagement with locking engagement portions formed in the left and right side panels, a single handle disposed at an intermediate position in the left/right direction of the rear gate and supported to be pivotable about a horizontally oriented operational axis X, and left and right operational wires for operating left and right locking members in a direction for pulling these locking members out of the locking engagement portions by an operation of the handle about the operational axis X.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly of a vehicle includes a tailgate configured to provide a boundary of a cargo area, and a hinge assembly coupled to the tailgate and coupled to the vehicle. The hinge assembly is configured to control a trajectory of the tailgate. The tailgate is configured to achieve a vertical closed position, a horizontal open position, and a vertical open position rotated about 180° from the first position. The hinge assembly includes a hinge arm coupled to the vehicle at a first hinge and coupled to the tailgate at a second hinge. In some embodiments, a cable assembly is used to control the position of the tailgate. In the vertical closed position, the cable end is not engaged. In the horizontal open position, the cable end is engaged. In the vertical open position rotated about 180° from the closed position, the cable end is not engaged or under tension.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate configured to secure cargo and methods of using the same. The vehicle tailgate tray have a base portion. The base portion may have a top surface and be attachable to the vehicle. The vehicle tailgate may further have a top portion. The top portion may have a bottom surface and be attachable to the base portion. The top surface and the bottom surface may face each other and be configured to receive and fix the cargo when the top portion and the base portion are attached together. The bottom surface may be configured to adapt to a shape of the cargo.

Abstract: A sensor module for a vehicle includes a housing structured to be mounted along a sidewall of a cargo door, and a pressure-sensitive sensor mounted in the housing so as to be extendible from the housing and retractable into the housing. A sensor deployment mechanism is operatively coupled to the sensor and is structured to be operable to extend the sensor from the housing and to retract the sensor into the housing.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes, among other things, a frame sub-assembly that includes a driver side section, a passenger side section, and a sill coupling the driver side section to the passenger side section. A door sub-assembly is disposed between the driver side section and the passenger side section. The door sub-assembly and the frame sub-assembly are pivotable together about a first axis between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position. The door sub-assembly is pivotable relative to the frame sub-assembly about a first door axis between a door closed position and a door open position. The door sub-assembly is pivotable relative to the frame sub-assembly about a second door axis that is different than the first door axis.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a frame subassembly having a cargo bed access opening disposed between a driver side section and a passenger side section, and a door subassembly that is pivotably coupled to the frame subassembly and is pivotable relative to the frame subassembly back-and-forth between a door open position and a door closed position. The door subassembly closes the cargo bed access opening when the door subassembly is in the door closed position. The assembly further includes a tube of the frame subassembly. The tube extends along an inboard side of the driver side section, along an inboard side of the passenger side section, and along a bottom of the cargo bed access opening.

Abstract: A folding trailer ramp suitable for heavy machinery has powered full extension and soft ground contact. A prime mover such as an air bag and actuator assembly rotates one link of a quadrilateral linkage. When deploying the folding ramp, the quadrilateral linkage fully extends a ramp tip from a main ramp segment before the ramp tip touches down onto the ground. The ramp tip locks into a stable position when fully extended. A push rod that forms a second link of the quadrilateral linkage is in some embodiments adjustable in length, and in further embodiments includes a spring pack that only changes length after the ramp tip is fully extended and locked into a stable position. A pivot arm that forms another link may terminate at an anti-friction roller that presses against and thereby locks the ramp tip. A roller channel may also partially encompass and protect the anti-friction roller.

Abstract: A tailgate system for a vehicle comprises a tailgate and a support system. The tailgate includes a movable tailgate portion movably connected to the tailgate and configured to cover an access opening in the tailgate. The support system is selectively operable between a connected state connected to both the tailgate and the movable tailgate portion and a disconnected state. The support system in the connected state is configured to support the movable tailgate portion in a step position pivoted downwardly from the tailgate in an open position thereof to provide a step. The support system in the disconnected state is configured to allow the movable tailgate portion to pivot downwardly from the tailgate in a closed position to the downwardly extending open position. The angle of pivotal movement of the movable tailgate portion relative to the tailgate is greater in the downwardly extending open position than in the step position.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a first panel portion rotatably couplable to a vehicle body and pivotable between a closed position and an open position, a second panel portion rotatably coupled to the first panel portion and pivotable between a first position and a second position. The second panel portion is extendable relative to the first panel portion between a retracted position and an extended position. The tailgate assembly includes a third panel portion rotatably coupled to the second panel portion and pivotable between a stowed position and a use position. The third panel portion extends generally parallel with the second panel portion when the third panel portion is in the stowed position and the third panel portion extends generally perpendicular to the second panel portion when the third panel portion is in the use position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body, a door and a handle assembly. A door is coupled to the vehicle body and is pivotable about a horizontal axis between a closed position and a horizontal open position. The door is also pivotable about a vertical axis between the closed position and a vertical open position. The handle assembly includes a housing, a first release switch and a second release switch. The housing extends at least partially into a cavity of the door and includes a lower wall and an upper wall that cooperate to define a pocket. The first release switch is disposed along the upper wall of the housing and is configured to be actuated to pivot the door about the horizontal axis. The second release switch is disposed along the lower wall of the housing and is configured to be actuated to pivot the door about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a vehicle includes, among other things, a frame sub-assembly that includes a driver side section, a passenger side section, and a connection member coupling the driver side section to the passenger side section. The assembly further includes a door sub-assembly disposed between the driver side section and the passenger side section. The door sub-assembly and the frame sub-assembly are pivotable together about a first axis between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position. The door sub-assembly is pivotable relative to the frame sub-assembly about a second axis between a door closed position and a door open position. The door sub-assembly in the door open position provides a cargo bed access opening that extends vertically downward at least as far as a floor of the cargo bed.

Abstract: A tailgate system for a vehicle comprises a tailgate pivotally mounted to a vehicle body for movement about a generally horizontal pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The tailgate has an access opening configured to provide access to a vehicle bed area when the tailgate is in the closed position. The tailgate also has a movable tailgate portion movably connected to the tailgate. The movable tailgate portion is configured to cover the access opening in the tailgate when in a closed position of the movable tailgate portion. The tailgate also has a pocket opening for receiving the movable tailgate portion therein. The movable tailgate portion is slideably mounted to the tailgate for movement to an open position in which the movable tailgate portion is received in the pocket opening in the tailgate to uncover the access opening in the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle including a bed, a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bed in a transversely spaced relationship, and a tailgate member. The bed and the plurality of sidewalls define a cargo space and an end opening into the cargo space. The tailgate member extends across the end opening between the plurality of sidewalls and is pivotally coupled to the plurality of sidewalls via a plurality of hinges. The plurality of hinges provide rotational movement of the power tailgate member from a vehicle inward position to a vehicle outward position such that the power tailgate member has a range of motion of up to 270°. The power tailgate member includes one or more sensors positioned to capture one or more of information pertaining to one or more objects on the bed of the vehicle and information pertaining to a rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body, a door and a hinge assembly. The door is coupled to the vehicle body and is pivotable about a horizontal axis between a closed position and a horizontal open position. The door is also pivotable about a vertical axis between the closed position and a vertical open position. The hinge assembly pivotably couples the door to the vehicle body and includes a first hinge and a second hinge. The first hinge includes a first hinge plate and at least one first hinge barrel extending from the first hinge plate. The second hinge includes a second hinge plate, an extension section and at least one second hinge barrel. The extension section positions the vertical axis laterally outwardly relative to a mounting location of the hinge assembly to the vehicle body. The vertical axis also being positioned inwardly relative to the door.

Abstract: A tailgate control system for a vehicle includes a spindle and a coupling member fixedly coupled to a tailgate of the vehicle, the coupling member having a slot formed therein. A portion of the spindle is coupled to the coupling member via the slot so as to enable relative movement between the portion of the spindle and the coupling member along the slot, and such that extension of the spindle causes a force on the coupling member which causes a closing motion of the tailgate. The portion of the spindle is also coupled to the coupling member such that a manually-generated closing motion of the tailgate causes a change in a position of the portion of the spindle along the slot.

Abstract: A vehicle bed extender for increasing cargo capacity of a storage area is presented. The vehicle bed extender includes a flexible member, a bracket, and at least one stiffener. The flexible member defines a back wall disposed between a pair of extension walls. The back wall and the extension walls have an upper end and a lower end. Each extension wall is separately and removably attachable to a side wall of a vehicle. The bracket is secured to a top end of a tailgate at two or more mount points. The bracket and the tailgate define a slot between each adjacent pair of mount points. At least one tab extends at the lower end along the back wall. The tab slidingly engages the slot to secure the flexible member to the tailgate. The stiffener is removably attached to the flexible member at the upper end.

Abstract: A storage rack assembly including a tailgate having a recess formed on an interior surface thereof, and a storage rack. The storage rack includes a crossbar, and a pair of support arms having a first end attached to the crossbar and an opposite second end pivotally attached to the interior surface of the tailgate. The pair of support arms are provided on opposite ends of the crossbar. The storage rack is positionable between a stowed position in which the crossbar and the pair of support arms are positioned within the recess of the tailgate, and a use position in which the crossbar and the pair of support arms are positioned out of the recess of the tailgate.

Abstract: A cargo assembly is provided for use with a vehicle or trailer including a cargo area having a bed floor and a pair of sidewalls on opposite sides of the bed floor. The cargo area including an open end along an edge of the bed floor. A tailgate panel is disposed in the open end and includes first and second side edges having an upper connection mechanism and a lower connection mechanism that are each releasably and pivotally engaged with the pair of sidewalls.

Abstract: A tailgate integrated toolbox for efficiently storing tools within a truck tailgate includes a tailgate having at least one storage compartment defined by at least one depression extending from an inner side towards an outer side. A bottom side is configured to be swingingly coupled to a bed of a pickup truck. A lid has a hinged bottom edge coupled to the inner side of the tailgate adjacent the bottom side and extends to a top side and from a left side to a right side. The lid swings from a closed position covering the inner side of the tailgate to an alternate open position perpendicular with the tailgate. A plurality of electrical outlets is coupled within one of the storage compartments and is configured to draw power from an electrical system of the pickup truck to power electronic devices and tools.

Abstract: A tailgate opening assembly includes a tailgate that is hingedly coupled to a trailer. The tailgate is positionable between a closed position and an open position. A pair of biasing members is each coupled to the trailer. Each of the biasing members is biased into a compressed position and each of the biasing members is stretchable into a stretched position. A plurality of pulleys is each coupled to a respective one of the biasing members and the trailer. A pair of cables is each of the cables is routed through respective ones of the pulleys and the tailgate such that the tailgate is in mechanical communication with each of the biasing members. Each of the biasing members assists a user with opening and closing the tailgate.

Abstract: A tailgate extension system is provided. The system includes a tailgate housing having a pair of channels therein. A pair of openings are disposed on an upper edge of the tailgate housing, wherein the pair of openings provide access to the pair of channels. A pair of rods are slidably disposed within the pair of channels. In some embodiments, the pair of rods each include a plurality of telescopic sections. An end bar is affixed to a distal end of each of the pair of rods, wherein the end bar is parallel to the upper edge of the tailgate housing. A slot disposed within each of the pair of rods engages a pin extending into each channel. The pair of rods selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the retracted position, the end bar rests flush against the upper edge of the tailgate housing.

Abstract: A deflector mounts to a pickup truck. The deflector may include a mounting flange, mounted to and pivot with a bottom of a tailgate, and spaced from a rear bumper, and a louver extending downward from the mounting flange into a gap between the tailgate and the bumper, with the louver including a portion curving rearward as the louver extends downward such that air flow around the bumper from under the pickup truck is redirected upward along an outer panel of the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle including a bed, and a tailgate, pivotally attached to the vehicle to close off a rear end of the bed, the tailgate having a front surface and a side with a pull tab recess. A check strap has a forward end attached to the bed and a rearward end; and an extension bracket has an extension plate pivotally connecting at a forward end to the rearward end of the check strap, a rear fastener pivotally securing the extension plate to the side of the tailgate, a pull tab extending through the extension plate and laterally slidable out of the pull tab recess, the extension plate extending essentially parallel to the front surface when the pull tab is received in the pull tab recess.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a vehicle includes a tailgate configured to rotatably couple to a main body of the vehicle, and an overrotation mechanism coupled to a sidewall of the tailgate. The overrotation mechanism is configured to be disposed between the tailgate and the main body, and to enable the tailgate to move between a closed position and a horizontal open position, and between the horizontal open position and an overrotation position where the tailgate is disposed toward the ground at an angle relative to a horizontal.

Abstract: A shroud for a truck bed tailgate may have a set of platens adapted for engagement with a pick-up truck having truck bed, and a tailgate pivotable about a tailgate pivot axis. The set of platens may have a first platen adapted to be fixedly engaged with the truck bed, the first platen defining a hinge cover pivot axis parallel to the tailgate pivot axis. The shroud may further have a hinge cover, the hinge cover being rotatably engaged with the first platen to rotate about the hinge cover pivot axis between a first orientation wherein it extends over the elongated tailgate clearance gap, and a second orientation wherein it is clear of the tailgate when the tailgate is in the closed position.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle having a closure panel is disclosed. The assembly includes a sensor, a housing supporting the sensor within the closure panel between a first deployed position and a second deployed position, a link rotatably attached to the housing and a plunger coupled to the link. The sensor is operable to sense an area proximate to the closure panel in the first deployed position and in the second deployed position. The plunger is operable to selectively engage a surface of the vehicle to move the housing between the first deployed position and the second deployed position via the link.

Abstract: A folding truck bed bench includes: an elongate bench portion hingedly attached along a length of a bed rail of the truck bed such that the elongate bench portion is substantially parallel to the bed rail of the truck bed; one or more foldable supports attached to the elongate bench portion for supporting the elongate bench portion. In a deployed position, the elongate bench portion is substantially parallel to a floor of the truck bed to such that the elongate bench portion provides a support surface. In a stowed position, the elongate bench portion is folded downward such that the elongate bench portion is adjacent a side of the truck bed.

Abstract: A shroud for a truck bed tailgate may comprise a set of platens adapted for engagement with a pick-up truck having a truck bed, and a tailgate pivotable about a tailgate pivot axis. The set of platens may comprise multiple platens pivotably engaged to one another by multiple pivot shafts in order to form a four-bar linkage when assemble with a truck bed, and a tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate assembly includes a tailgate adapted to pivotally latch to a vehicle cargo box. A hinge pivot is coupled to the tailgate and includes an electromagnetic cylinder and a vane hub positioned within the cylinder and coupled to at least one of the tailgate and the cargo box. The vane hub is configured to rotate within the cylinder. A vane is coupled to the vane hub. A magnetorheological fluid is positioned around the vane.

Abstract: A tailgate pivotally mountable to a vehicle includes a tailgate body comprising first and second sidewalls, and a strainer disposed between the first and second walls and extending in a longitudinal orientation. The tailgate further includes a stake pocket disposed between the first and second sidewalls and extending substantially orthogonal to the strainer. The stake pocket includes a channel body defining an interior channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle including a vehicle tailgate having a recess formed therein. A sawhorse is adapted for positioning in the recess in a stowed position and for being removed for use apart from the vehicle. The sawhorse may include a projecting handle for use in lifting the sawhorse from the recess. The tailgate may also include a retractable ladder or step, which may be arranged for forming an extended bed. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hatch actuation unit of a motor vehicle for a drive based opening and closing of a hatch leaf comprising a hatch drive arrangement for moving the hatch leaf in an opening sequence from a closed hatch position into an open hatch position and in a closing sequence from an open hatch position into a closed hatch position, a first closing element for engaging a second closing element for closing of the hatch leaf in a cinching subsequence of the closing sequence, wherein the first closing element is driven by the hatch drive arrangement in the cinching subsequence of the closing sequence.