Abstract: A pickup-truck box includes a pair of opposing sidewalls each having a first latching component. A tailgate is attached between the sidewalls and includes an outer panel, an inner panel, and opposing side panels each facing one of the sidewalls and interconnecting the inner and outer panels to define a body defining an interior space. A pair of hinges pivotally attach the tailgate to the sidewalls such that the tailgate is pivotal about the hinges between an open position and a closed position. A pair of second latching components are engageable with a corresponding one of the first latching components to hold the tailgate closed. A storage compartment is disposed in the interior space and defines a cargo area accessible through the opening defined in one of the side panels. A corresponding one of the sidewalls blocks access to the opening when the tailgate is in the closed position.

Abstract: A tailgate of a vehicle including a back portion and a seat portion, a telescopic mechanism including a first link, a second link, and a slotted link with a slot connected to the back portion of the tailgate allowing the tailgate to slide and pivot, and a four-bar mechanism including a third link and a fourth link hingedly connected to the back portion and the seat portion of the tailgate, wherein the telescopic mechanism and the four-bar mechanism allow the tailgate to transition between a first position, a second position, and a third position.

Abstract: A slope having a main plate for changing position between a low position and a high position, and a control unit for controlling position change of the slope, are included. The control unit includes: a first mounting detection means which detects a state of being mounted or a state of not being mounted by a wheelchair with regard to the main plate; a second mounting detection means which detects a state of being mounted or a state of not being mounted by a wheelchair with regard to a ground side plate; a third mounting detection means which detects a state of being mounted or a state of not being mounted by a wheelchair with regard to a vehicle side plate; and a ground detection means which detects whether the end of the ground side plate at the rear side of a vehicle is in contact with a ground surface.

Abstract: A mounting device includes: a main plate on which a wheelchair is to be mounted; a vehicle side plate provided between one end of the main plate and a vehicle body; a ground side plate provided between another end of the main plate and a ground surface; and first to third rotating shafts provided between the vehicle body and the vehicle side plate, and between each of the plates. A slope is configured to include the main plate, the vehicle side plate, the ground side plate and the first to third rotating shafts. The slope is provided so that the main plate is displaced between a low position and a high position by rotating the first to third rotating shafts using a drive mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing seamlessly manufactured vehicle components, in particular vehicle flaps, having a continuous support of a thermoplastic plastics material, which vehicle components have at least one transparent region that is an integral part of the support.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat base and a seatback disposed proximal to the seat base. The seatback includes a seatback body and an armrest movably coupled to the seatback body. As such, the armrest can move relative to the seatback body among a closed position, a release position, and an open position. The armrest is removably coupled to the seatback body. Therefore, the armrest can be removed from the seatback body only when the armrest is in the release position.

Abstract: A structure of a tail gate guide bumper using magnetic force may include one or more tail gate guide bumpers configured to be provided at a tail gate, and a vehicle body-side guide bumper provided at a vehicle body side at a position corresponding to the tail gate guide bumper, in which the tail gate guide bumper includes a permanent magnet, and the vehicle body-side guide bumper includes an electromagnet, and a polarity of the electromagnet may be controlled, so that the electromagnet exerts repulsive force and gravitation force with respect to the permanent magnet of the tail gate guide bumper in response to opening and closing of the tail gate.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a structural reinforcement system. The system reinforces hollow cavities within various products to increase the structural rigidity of the product. The system generally includes a rigid carrier, a bonding material, and an insert. The rigid carrier provides the primary structural reinforcement within the cavity, and also serves as a substrate to carry the bonding material. The insert is provided to increase the structural rigidity of the reinforcement system.

Abstract: A helicopter dolly includes a platform defining a helicopter landing area, a plurality of rollers connected to the platform such that a vertical clearance is defined between the platform and the ground and a plurality of safety panels movably connected to edges of the platform so as to be movable relative thereto between raised and lowered positions. The safety panels cover the vertical clearance in the lowered position. A method of using a helicopter dolly includes arranging a helicopter dolly for a helicopter landing, moving a plurality of safety panels and a plurality of corner members to cover a vertical clearance defined between a platform and the ground and moving the plurality of safety panels and the plurality of corner members to uncover the vertical clearance after the helicopter landing.

Abstract: An improved shaker screen filter for a well fluid shale shaker includes a main frame arranged for being arranged in the well fluid shale shaker for screening, preferably under vibration, of drilling mud, wherein the mainframe is subdivided into a plurality of smaller cell frames, one or more cell plug filters with one or more layers of screen cloths on top of at least one support cloth or support layer, wherein each of the cell plug filter includes a cell plug filter frame arranged to be held in each of the cell corresponding frames of the main frame, wherein at least one of the cell plug filter frame includes a locking mechanism arranged for locking the cell plug filter frame, upon desire, in a preferred position in the cell frame, correspondingly releasing the cell plug filter frame from the cell frame.

Abstract: An endgate system providing multiple positions or angles of the endgate relative to the cargo box is disclosed. An end piece for attaching a cable to an anchor point includes a fixed link attached to the cable and a rotating link operatively attached to the fixed link. The rotating link is rotatable about a pivot point between a first position and a second position relative to the fixed link. The second position of the rotatable link is more proximal to the cable than the first position. A primary keyway is formed in the rotating link and is configured to selectively mate with the anchor point in the first position.

Abstract: A vehicle having a tailgate attached by hinge assemblies. The hinge assemblies have a pair of first hinge halves secured to a rear sill with a hinge leaf extending rearwardly, and a pair of second hinge halves, each secured to the tailgate with a pair of double hinge plates extending therefrom. Each of the second hinge halves include a hinge pin mounted thereto that is selectively slidable between a removal position, a locked position where each of the hinge pins extends into hinge pin holes in the second hinge halves and hinge pin holes of the first hinge halves to pivotally secure the tailgate to the vehicle, and an install position where a tapered end of each of the hinge pins is located in a gap. A latch secures the tailgate in a closed position and releases the tailgate for pivoting about the hinge pins.

Abstract: A liftgate apparatus may include a plurality of vertical tracks attached to a rear of a trailer, each of the plurality of vertical tracks including a vertical roller chain. Tops of the plurality of vertical tracks intersect horizontal hollow structural tubes which include hydraulic cylinders. The apparatus may also include at least one bar attached to a bottom of each vertical roller chain and attached to sets of rolling wheels configured to move the at least one bar vertically inside the plurality of vertical tracks and a plurality of hinges attached to a lower end of the at least one bar and attached to a base of a liftgate, wherein the vertical roller chain lifts the at least one bar and the liftgate at hinged points.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting opening/closing of a gate for a truck may include a housing mounted onto a lower side of the floor panel, a lifter having a first end pivotally coupled to the floor, wherein the lifter generates elastic repulsive force when being compressed while a length of the lifter is decreased, a first arm having a first end pivotally connected to a second end of the lifter, a second arm having a first end pivotally mounted on the housing and a second end pivotally connected to a second end of the first arm, and a third arm having a first end pivotally connected to a third end of the second arm and a second end pivotally connected to the gate, wherein when the gate rotates downwardly and is opened, the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm are moved to compress the lifter.

Abstract: An endgate system providing multiple positions or angles of the endgate relative to the cargo box is disclosed. An end piece for attaching a cable to an anchor point includes a fixed link attached to the cable and a rotating link operatively attached to the fixed link. The rotating link is rotatable about a pivot point between a first position and a second position relative to the fixed link. The second position of the rotatable link is more proximal to the cable than the first position. A primary keyway is formed in the rotating link and is configured to selectively mate with the anchor point in the first position.

Abstract: A tailgate gap cover is mountable to a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, so as to cover the gap between a truck bed and a tailgate surface. One edge of the gap cover is confined within an elongate mounting rail wherein the mounting rail is crimped at the opposite ends so as to prevent lateral movement of the cover. This mounting rail is secured directly to the truck bed to provide a rigid mount on the truck bed side of the gap. The opposite free edge of the cover overlies the tailgate includes connector formations or fastener structures which releasably snap onto corresponding connector formations or fastener structures on the tailgate.

Abstract: A tailgate gap cover is mountable to a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, so as to cover the gap between a truck bed and a tailgate surface. One edge of the gap cover is confined within an elongate mounting rail wherein the mounting rail is crimped at the opposite ends so as to prevent lateral movement of the cover. This mounting rail is secured directly to the truck bed to provide a rigid mount on the truck bed side of the gap. The opposite free edge of the cover overlies the tailgate includes connector formations or fastener structures which releasably snap onto corresponding connector formations or fastener structures on the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo bed accessory includes a vehicle cargo area with a bed floor, an accessory attachment track attached to the bed floor, a tailgate and a tailgate gap cover. The tailgate has a first end pivotally attached to a rear of the vehicle cargo area for pivoting movement between a closed position covering the tailgate opening and an open position exposing the tailgate opening. A gap is defined between a rear end of the bed floor and the first end of the tailgate. The tailgate gap cover is coupled to the accessory attachment track proximate the rear end and is movable to pivot between a horizontal orientation with the tailgate in the open position and an upright orientation with the tailgate in the closed position. The tailgate gap cover covers the gap.

Abstract: A pick-up truck cargo bed material transport support system for the transportation of large panel material and the like within the cargo bed of a pick-up truck. An adjustable support rack is removably positioned within the cargo bed of a pick-up truck rearwardly of the rear wheel wells having multiple pivoted linkage arm support assembly extending onto the lowered tailgate of the cargo bed when in use. The support rack is collapsible when not in deployed use and combined with a secondary cross bed support beam positioned forward of the rear wheel wells provides a unique support material engagement system within the cargo bed for large panel-like or associated loads.

Abstract: A power tailgate system for a vehicle includes an actuator for moving a tailgate of the vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The power tailgate system also includes a spring spaced apart from the actuator for counter-balancing a weight of the tailgate and a coupler assembly for removably coupling the tailgate to the power tailgate system.

Abstract: In the case of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger motorcar, with a body in which at least one opening, such as a door opening, a trunk opening or the like is provided, which can be closed off by a pivotably articulated covering element, such as a door, a tail gate, a trunk lid or the like, which has an outer skin and a support structure and at least one function element arranged in between, which is connected to the outer skin, the function element is provided to stiffening structures and directly connected to the support structure.

Abstract: A utility vehicle according to the invention includes a cargo bed having a panel locking mechanism. The panel locking mechanism includes a locking lever pivotably supported on a gate-type panel, a substantially U-shaped movable hook made of a spring steel and coupled to a middle of the locking lever, and a stationary hook provided on a panel adjacent to the gate-type panel and with which the movable hook is engageable. When seen from above, the middle portion of the movable hook is pressed onto a surface of the gate-type panel so as to press the gate-type panel inward of the cargo bed by a resilient force upon locking. For example, the movable hook can be formed with a straight portion.

Abstract: A vehicle having an extendable bed assembly includes a loading bed and a tailgate pivotally connected to, and positioned upright over the loading bed. A sliding member is retained within the tailgate. To extend the bed assembly, the tailgate is laid down, and the sliding member is extended out rearwards from the tailgate, by unlocking the locking mechanism. The tailgate and the sliding member append the loading bed, to form primary and secondary extensions, respectively, constituting a fully extended bed. A bed grille is slid to the rearmost portion of the extended bed, and fixedly positioned there. The bed grille includes a central member, and a left flap and a right flap pivotally connected to it. The flaps are rotated outwards, to an orientation perpendicular to the central member, forming a U-shaped structure, which acts as a support for the items loaded over the extended portion of the bed assembly.

Abstract: A power, split tailgate system is provided that allows each of an upper and a lower tailgate door to be simultaneously or independently driven between open and closed positions. The tailgate system may be operated in a chauffer mode where the lower tailgate door is opened to allow for the storage of luggage and other materials and in a manner that limits exposure of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A system is provided for storing items in the bed of a pickup truck. The system includes storage bins, storage bin covers, storage bin dividers, and a removable cover. The storage bins may be divided by the storage bin dividers, and items within the storage bins may be protected from the elements, and from theft, by the storage bin covers. The removable cover may fit in between the storage bin covers and provide a flat storage surface in conjunction with the storage bin covers, that provides the full truck bed area for additional storage of larger items. The removable cover also provides for storage underneath the removable cover such that long, irregularly shaped, or valuable items may be stored securely and be protected from the elements, and from theft.

Abstract: A vehicle includes sidewalls, a tailgate located proximate to rear ends of the sidewalls, and a tailgate energy management system. The tailgate energy management system includes a governor coupled to one of the sidewalls and to the tailgate. The governor selectively applies a governing force to the tailgate to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate. The tailgate energy management system also includes a speed sensor sensing an opening speed of the tailgate and an electronic control unit electronically coupled to the governor and the speed sensor. The electronic control unit includes a processor and memory storing an instruction set. The electronic control unit receives a speed signal indicative of the opening speed of the tailgate and the processor executes the instruction set to cause the electronic control unit to transmit a control signal to the governor to slow the opening speed of the tailgate based on the speed signal.

Abstract: A truck bed extension includes two portions of a base pivotally attached to each other and a side wall pivotally attached to one of each base portion. An attachment combines the base portions to truck bed and a tailgate attachment pivotally combines the tail gate to the base portions. I this manner, a removable truck bed extension is provided that can be collapsed and stored in the truck bed for selective use.

Abstract: A tailgate can include first and second frames, doors and sets of touchpads. The frames can be coupled to the vehicle to selectively pivot about a first axis, and can be selectively coupled to the vehicle via respective frame latches. The doors can be coupled to the respective frames to selectively pivot about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and relative to the frames, and can be selectively coupled to the frames via respective door latches. The sets of touchpads can be operably connected with the respective doors and frame and door latches. Actuation of one or both sets of touchpads in different configurations can facilitate opening one or both of the doors independent of or with each other in a first configuration pivoting about the first axis with the respective frames, or in a second configuration pivoting about the second axis relative to the respective frames.

Abstract: A tailgate hinge retaining mechanism for a truck bed. The retaining mechanism can have a post bracket and a tailgate bracket. A retaining bracket is also included and attached to the tailgate bracket, the retaining bracket having a sleeve with an offset slot that prevents the tailgate bracket from being undesirably removed from the post bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle includes sidewalls, a tailgate located proximate to rear ends of the sidewalls, and a tailgate energy management system. The tailgate energy management system includes a governor coupled to one of the sidewalls and to the tailgate. The governor selectively applies a governing force to the tailgate to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate. The tailgate energy management system also includes a speed sensor sensing an opening speed of the tailgate and an electronic control unit electronically coupled to the governor and the speed sensor. The electronic control unit includes a processor and memory storing an instruction set. The electronic control unit receives a speed signal indicative of the opening speed of the tailgate and the processor executes the instruction set to cause the electronic control unit to transmit a control signal to the governor to slow the opening speed of the tailgate based on the speed signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle gap cover, such as a tailgate gap cover, for covering a gap defined between two moving components of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the gap cover is a tailgate gap cover for covering the tailgate gap defined between a truck bed and a gate of a truck. The tailgate gap cover includes a cover having a first edge portion, a second edge portion and an exposed portion therebetween. The first edge portion is connected to one of the gate and the truck bed while the second edge portion is slideably received at the other of the gate and the truck bed so that the exposed portion covers the tailgate gap.

Abstract: The Tailgate Adjustable EX Support and Stable Cable Systems, will provide the pickup truck owner extra tailgate support while loading and unloading cargo. (examples are lawn and landscape equipment, construction material and recreational vehicles, such as motorcycles, ATV'S, UTV'S and more.) The Tailgate Adjustable EX Support and Stable Sable Systems is easy to install by simply using the latching system already in place on your pickup truck tailgate. Once the Tailgate Adjustable EX Support and Stable Cable Systems is in place you can use the adjustable ratchet to tighten the straps in the position needed. With a variety of makes and models we have assorted styles to fit every need for the pickup truck owner. The Stable Cable is used for those who need to hold the tailgate in the full open only position only for extra support.

Abstract: A device for assisting access to motor vehicles having a grip handle moveable between at least one stored position and a deployed position for assisting a user to climb up onto the tailgate and bed of a pickup truck is disclosed. A handle arm having the grip handle at one end thereof is pivotally mounted at the other end thereof onto a mounting bracket which itself is installed at the rear and on one side of a pickup truck bed. The handle arm is pivotally moveable between a deployed position extending rearwardly over the tailgate of the pickup truck and at least one stored position within the bed of the pickup truck.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate is provided with a rack having a transverse cross-member extendable vertically between raised and lowered positions with telescoping supports. A powered cable-drive is connected to the supports move the cross-member between the raised and lowered positions. When the rack is in the lowered position, the cable-drive and supports are concealed within the tailgate and the cross-member forms at least a portion of a top surface of the tailgate.

Abstract: A drag reducing tailgate with decorative attachments. The tailgate may include a frame with an upper board, a lower board, a first side board, and a second side board. An opening may be formed in between the boards. A decorative attachment, such as an antler, may be attached to the lower board and extend passed the opening and up to the upper board.

Abstract: A tailgate hinge retaining mechanism for a truck bed. The retaining mechanism can have a post bracket and a tailgate bracket. A retaining bracket is also included and attached to the tailgate bracket, the retaining bracket having a sleeve with an offset slot that prevents the tailgate bracket from being undesirably removed from the post bracket.

Abstract: A tailgate damping system for controlling movement of a tailgate assembly of a vehicle includes a speed sensor that provides rotational speed information of the tailgate assembly. A controller receives the rotational speed information from the speed sensor. A damping control assembly receives a tailgate shaft of the tailgate assembly. The damping control assembly includes a housing comprising a rotor chamber including a rotor member located therein. The rotor member is connected to a rotor shaft that is coupled to the tailgate shaft. A valve chamber includes a control valve located therein. The controller closes the control valve to inhibit exit of a damping fluid from the rotor chamber based on the speed information received from the speed sensor.

Abstract: A detachable, foldable seat specially designed to attach to the tailgate of a pickup truck or sport utility vehicle. The device comprises a bench seat, having a bottom seat cushion and a back support cushion attached to a hinge mechanism with a tailgate jamb post. The seat can fold in half at the hinge between the bottom and back support cushion of the device. During installation, the jamb post of the hinge inserts into the jamb between the open tailgate and the truck bed, securing the seat in position. A dual purpose strap attaches to either side of the bottom cushion such that the strap wraps around the open tailgate and further secures the seat in place. When the device is uninstalled and in a closed configuration, the strap serves as a fastening strap to keep the device in a stowed position.

Abstract: A tailgate damping system for controlling movement of a tailgate assembly of a vehicle includes a speed sensor that provides rotational speed information of the tailgate assembly. A controller receives the rotational speed information from the speed sensor. A damping control assembly receives a tailgate shaft of the tailgate assembly. The damping control assembly includes a housing comprising a rotor chamber including a rotor member located therein. The rotor member is connected to a rotor shaft that is coupled to the tailgate shaft. A valve chamber includes a control valve located therein. The controller closes the control valve to inhibit exit of a damping fluid from the rotor chamber based on the speed information received from the speed sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a work platform assembly (5) for a container (1) with an adjustable work platform (6), which can be adjusted between a horizontal operational position and a rest position. The work platform (5) is configured and positioned such that in its rest position it extends completely within the external contours of the container assembly (1), and in its operational position it forms a horizontal platform. The invention also relates to a container assembly (1) with such a work platform assembly (5).

Abstract: A removable tailgate gap cover for preventing ingress of debris in a tailgate gap. The gap cover comprises an elongated cover plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, two longitudinal edges and an elongated support bar having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is fixedly attached to and substantially centrally aligned with the lengthwise direction of the bottom surface. The elongated support bar comprises a magnetic attaching means disposed along the lower end of the elongated support bar for attaching the gap cover to the floor of the end portion of the truck bed.

Abstract: A tailgate control mechanism used to exert a force on a pivot. The tailgate may include a pivoting main body and a pivot fixed to a truck bed, where the main body may move about the pivot. The tailgate may also include a piston element including a first end connected to the pivot and a second end connected to the main body. The second end may be positioned above the first end when the main body is in a closed position. The piston element may also be configured to provide a counter force to balance the weight of the tailgate. The piston element may also be retrofitted.

Abstract: An aerodynamic stowable bed extender for pickup trucks meant to be mounted upon the lowered tailgate of the truck bed and utilized in conjunction with either an aerodynamic truck bed cap or tonneau cover. The aerodynamic bed extender is positioned in either a deployed configuration, upon the lowered tailgate, or a stowed configuration within the bed of the pickup truck. Deployed, the bed extender increases the fuel efficiency of the truck while also increasing usable cargo space within the truck bed. The aerodynamic bed extender comprises a cover and two side panels. The cover can be raised to an open position allowing access to the truck bed or detached from the side panels and stowed within the truck bed. The side panels can be repositioned from a deployed position to a stowed position within the bed of the pickup truck.

Abstract: A vehicle includes sidewalls, a tailgate located proximate to rear ends of the sidewalls, and a tailgate energy management system. The tailgate energy management system includes a governor coupled to one of the sidewalls and to the tailgate. The governor selectively applies a governing force to the tailgate to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate. The tailgate energy management system also includes a speed sensor sensing an opening speed of the tailgate and an electronic control unit electronically coupled to the governor and the speed sensor. The electronic control unit includes a processor and memory storing an instruction set. The electronic control unit receives a speed signal indicative of the opening speed of the tailgate and the processor executes the instruction set to cause the electronic control unit to transmit a control signal to the governor to slow the opening speed of the tailgate based on the speed signal.

Abstract: A pickup truck bed having a tailgate operable to slidably stow underneath the floor of the pickup truck bed. The pickup truck bed further includes a first channel and a second channel integrally formed into the bed to facilitate the positioning of the tailgate such that the tailgate can be stowed underneath the floor of the bed. The tailgate further includes a plurality of wheels operable to engage the first channel and the second channel so as to slidably move the tailgate such that the tailgate is substantially underneath the floor of the pickup truck bed. The tailgate further includes a first attachment pin and a second attachment pin that are operable to pivotally transition the tailgate from a closed position to an open position. The first attachment pin and second attachment pin are further configured to be retractable so as to facilitate the tailgate being slidably transitioned such that the tailgate is underneath the floor of the pickup truck bed.

Abstract: A convertible cargo bed for a utility vehicle can be easily converted, without tools, between passenger-seating, cargo-storage, and cargo-loading configurations. The hinged cargo bed floor and tailgate convert to a folding seat assembly that can be latched and carry passengers when not hauling cargo. A seat cushion is secured to the seating surface of the hinged floor panel and is not cargo-facing when the bed is storing cargo. The fully-functioning tailgate secures cargo in the interior of the cargo bed and can be unlatched to provide an open-bed. The convertible cargo bed can be tilted to dump cargo.

Abstract: A tailgate gap cover releasably engages a vehicle body having a gap disposed between a back end and tailgate of the vehicle body. The tailgate gap cover includes a plate that extends between a plate leading edge and a plate trailing edge and a flap that extends between a flap leading edge and a flap trailing edge. The flap leading edge is pivotally connected to the plate trailing edge to allow rotation of the flap relative to the plate between an open substantially parallel position and a closed substantially perpendicular position. A fastener releasably secures the plate to the vehicle body. The fastener includes a base that is secured to the plate and a latch plate that is secured to the vehicle body and is moveable between a locked position for securing the tailgate gap cover to the vehicle body and an unlocked position for removing the tailgate gap cover.

Abstract: A tailgate for the bed of a pickup truck has a generally U-shaped tailgate frame that is adapted to be coupled to the bed of the pickup truck and is pivotable about a first axis between a generally vertical closed position and a generally horizontal open position. A door assembly is coupled to the tailgate frame and is pivotable about a second axis generally normal relative to the first axis for movement between a closed position proximate the tailgate frame and an open position away from the tailgate frame.

Abstract: A tailgate damping and detent system is disclosed for a vehicle, including a tailgate lift assist system with a torque rod rotationally grounded between the tailgate at a first end and a first side of the vehicle's frame at a second end. “Damping” is achieved by increasing the diameter of the torque rod. The increased torque rod diameter overcompensates for the weight of the tailgate, so that this increased load decelerates the tailgate starting from the neutral balance point to the fully open position. The speed of the tailgate approaches zero at the end of the travel of the tailgate to the fully open position, which greatly reduces the “slam” at the end of travel. The tailgate is held in the open position by a link detent system. There is a slot in the gate side of the link that a spring loaded pin latches into.