Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing sawhorses attached to a pickup truck tailgate uses brackets that fold up and down are attached to the top surface of the tailgate when the tailgate is open. The foldable portion of each bracket is raised and a 2×4 or appropriately dimensioned rail is inserted into the bracket. A portion of the rail extends beyond the back of the tailgate so boards and other construction paraphernalia may be placed on the rails.

Abstract: A tailgate has a least one step held in a working position between tailgate level and ground level by one or more supports. Each support is attached at its upper end to a hinge. Each hinge is attached to or integral with an end of a support channel embedded in the upper surface of a lowered tailgate. Each support member channel is normal to and communicates with a step channel embedded at or near the bottom edge of the tailgate. The step and supports are sized and configured to pivot on the hinges and be stored within the corresponding channels, so that the upper surface of the tailgate is flat when the tailgate step is stored. The channels may be formed into or affixed to the tailgate by methods that prevent the entry of contaminants into the interior of the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle load-carrying bed includes a generally rectangular bed floor. A front wall extends upwardly adjacent a front edge of the bed floor. A first side wall extends upwardly adjacent a first side edge of the bed floor. A second side wall extends upwardly adjacent a second, opposite side edge of the bed floor. A tailgate is positioned along a rear edge of the bed floor and extends between the first and second sidewalls. A dual axis hinge pivotally connects the tailgate to the first side wall for movement about a first axis generally parallel with the rear edge of the bed floor and alternative movement about a second axis generally parallel with a vertical bed edge of the first side wall. The hinge includes a checker for urging the tailgate into preselected positions when the tailgate is moved about the second axis.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide different assist functions. The supplemental tailgate may include a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, a latching assembly, and a gravity latch assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. The gravity latch assembly engages the pivotable molding to prevent the pivotable molding from being pivoted when the tailgate is in the generally vertical closed position, and disengages the pivotable molding to allow for pivoting when the tailgate is in the generally horizontal open position.

Abstract: This Retractable Auxiliary Tailgate relates to a new and useful tailgate design for trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles, station wagons, and the like, and may be used to effectively extend the length of a vehicle's payload section.

Abstract: In a rear bumper structure for a vehicle including a rear opening of a load compartment formed at a rear portion of a vehicle body, there are provided a bumper reinforcement fixed to a rear end of a vehicle body so as to define its fixed position with respect to the vehicle body and extend in a vehicle width direction, and a main body of bumper opening-and-closing portion located in front of the bumper reinforcement to selectively open or close a lower part of the rear opening, and a bumper facer attached to the main body to cover the bumper reinforcement from a vehicle rear side, wherein the main body is moved between the vehicle body and the bumper reinforcement such that the bumper reinforcement is always located between the main body and the bumper facer.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide bed extender, box extender and step assist functions. The supplemental tailgate includes a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, and a latching assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. When the supplemental tailgate is in its stowed position, the pivotable molding may be aligned with the top surface of the tailgate in order to provide an esthetically pleasing appearance and provide paint scratch resistance. When the movable frame portion is in an essentially fully extended position, it may be rotated relative to the tailgate in order to provide the box extender and assist step functions.

Abstract: A cargo bed extender extends the useful length of a cargo bed when the tailgate is open and has an outer shell that is attached to inner side of the tailgate. An end panel slides between the tailgate and outer shell when in a stowed position and is secured on catch hinges when in a deployed position. Side panels are attached to the end panel on hinges that allow the side panels to fold against the end panel and slide as a unit with the end panel between the tailgate and the outer shell. Outer shell end caps slide over the ends of the outer shell adding support and strengthen to the outer shell. Retainers 38 are fastened to the upper rear of the inner side of the pickup truck bed sidewalls to secure the side panel when in a deployed position.

Abstract: An automotive closure panel which is rotatable about a pivot axis has an axial locator insert situated within a pivot bearing insert bore to set a margin extending between the closure panel and a vehicle body. This system is particularly useful for closure panels such as tailgates having torsion bar or motorized lift assist, because such systems are not easily disassembled for the purpose of setting the closure panel margins.

Abstract: An endgate for a pickup truck includes a lower portion movably mountable with respect to the body of the pickup truck. An upper portion of the endgate is movably mounted with respect to the lower portion to selectively alter the height of the endgate for improving access to the cargo bed of the pickup truck. The endgate preferably includes gooseneck hinges to pivotably interconnect the lower portion and the upper portion, and an electric latch and striker to selectively prevent their relative movement.

Abstract: A power assisted cargo area extender is provided that consists of a top panel, a bottom panel, and two side panels. The bottom panel is part of or is attached to the tailgate of a truck or SUV and has channels in which the side panels slide. Once the tailgate is lowered, the top panel, which is adjacent to the bottom panel and connected to the bottom panel with hinges, is rotated upward and outward around the,hinges under control of a motorized actuator. In addition or separately, the side panels are extended and locked into an open position under control of a motorized actuator, and/or the top panel is closed to form a temporary tailgate. The top panel is latched to the side panels and the cargo area extender is fully deployed. These operations may be performed manually or via powered actuators or motors. The top panel may be equipped with an extension to increase the height of or modify the contour of the temporary tailgate.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle with a tailgate, which can be provided in a variety of vehicles without being restricted by e.g., the sizes of the vehicles, thus considerably improving usability. The tailgate is comprised of a first tailgate having one end thereof mounted on the rear end of a bed, and a second tailgate extending from the other end of the first tailgate. A tailgate telescoping device drives the second tailgate to move in a direction toward the one end of the first tailgate.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded to the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with a bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. At least a portion of the torsion bar extends along an external recess defined by the door's inner and outer panels.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo bed having a floor, side walls and a rear end opening with an endgate pivotally connected at the rear end opening. The endgate is pivotable between a vertical position covering the rear end opening and a horizontal position exposing the rear end opening for cargo loading and unloading. The endgate has a pass-through opening formed therein and includes a door integrally contained within the endgate. The door is pivotable with respect to the endgate between a closed position covering the pass-through opening and an open position to allow loading and unloading of cargo through the pass-through opening when the endgate is in the vertical position.

Abstract: A device for selectively adjusting and maintaining the angular position of a truck's tailgate relative to the truck's bed. The device generally includes an elongated threaded rod, a clamp attached to one end of the rod and adapted for engagement with a pin on the truck's bed, and a clevis attached to the opposite end of the rod and adapted for engagement with the tailgate's latching mechanism. A roller interconnected to the clevis permits smooth, pivotal movement of the tailgate between its modified (partially) open position and its fully closed position, and also permits attachment to various truck models.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the one-handed safe raising and lowering off a tailgate pivotally attached to a bed of a truck. The apparatus having a module which is positioned to be hidden when the tailgate is in an up position. The module having a spring attached to the tailgate and a side of the bed of the truck for providing a counterbalancing force operating against the weight of the tailgate. The tailgate counterbalance employs lost motion and pretension of a torsion bar to achieve both a safety stop position that arrests the tailgate at about 15 degrees as well as reducing the effort required to lift and lower the tailgate beyond that point.

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling movement of a vehicle gate between a first and a second position comprises a dampener assembly and a lift assembly that are incorporated within the gate. The dampener assembly has a first component mountable to a vehicle structure and a second component supportable by the vehicle gate mounted for pivotal movement relative to the vehicle structure. The first and second components cooperate to control vehicle gate speed as the vehicle gate is moved from the second position to the first position. The lift assembly includes a spring operatively coupled to the dampener assembly to reduce lifting effort as the vehicle gate is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Presented is a retractable substantially full passenger cab height cover for vehicle rear portions that renders the vehicle's rear portion open to transport cargo when the full cab height cover is retracted and covered at a full, or nearly so, passenger cab height when the full cab height cover is extended. It has application to all manner of vehicles such as pickup trucks or sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and may be designed in and sold as original factory equipment or sold as an aftermarket product. It is possible, by use of a fold down first tailgate disposed between the passenger cab and the rear portion of the vehicle and fold down rear passenger seat elements to have a very lengthy distance, from a second tailgate at the rear of the vehicle to just behind the driver's seat, for extra passenger seating, storage of cargo, carrying of small boats, or the like. A further refinement includes a multi-system sealing system disposed between elements of the retractable cargo bed cover.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings located at each end of the door. A torsion bar lift assist is provided with a vibration and noise isolator and damper, which is engaged about a central portion of the torsion bar. The damper prevents objectionable noise which could otherwise result in the event that the torsion bar strikes the shell of the door because of road-induced vibration.

Abstract: A tailgate (1) for a vehicle cargo box has top (5) and bottom (3) aluminum structural members held in spaced relationship from one another by rigid end members. The aluminum structural members are preferably made from an extrusion process making the tailgate light and strong as well as cost effective.

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: The present invention provides a power assisted cover actuator for operating a tonneau cover for an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck. The cover is hingably coupled to a distal end of the truck bed adjacent the truck cab. The power assisted cover actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a track upon which a trolley is guided by a linear actuator. An end of an arm is pivotally coupled to the trolley and the cover. The linear actuator comprises a motor driven drive rod coupled to the trolley that extends to advance the trolley along the track from a lower position to a higher position which raises the arm to push the cover open. Retracting the drive rod reverses the direction of travel of the trolley from a higher position to a lower position lowering the arm and closing the cover.

Abstract: A cargo area extender is provided that consists of a top panel, a bottom panel and two side panels. When the tailgate of a truck or SUV is opened, hinged pins in the side panels pull the side panels into channels on the bottom panel. Once the tailgate is lowered, the top panel, which is adjacent to the bottom panel and connected to the bottom panel with hinges, is rotated upward and outward around the hinges. A latch on the bottom panel is then deployed to extend and lock the side panels into an open position. The top panel is closed to form a temporary tailgate. A handle on the top panel latches the top panel to the cargo area extender sliding side panels and the cargo area extender is fully deployed.

Abstract: A panel or cutting table which is preferably substituted for the tailgate for holding a cuttable item to be worked on and for mounting a tool having a blade and for supporting a cuttable item said device being attachable to a vehicle resting on the ground with an extendable central frame which may be reduced in size to be approximately the size of the panel or tailgate replaced and defining a holding mechanism for holding a saw and other tools so that the tools may be rotated to give the proper cut and also having an aligning rule to control the angle of the blade relative to a second aligning rule which holds the item to be cut square. In addition, the panel has a pair of legs capable of receiving two by fours so that a saw horse is provided. Finally, a scaffolding framework is described so that the panel may be used on hot days with a covering.

Abstract: The invention provides a tailgate lift assist system and associated methods and apparatus that provide controlled force at various points as a tailgate is pivoted between open and closed position to assist the operator in both opening and closing the tailgate. The system is suitable for commercial mass production, and is preferably suitable for customer, dealer, or OEM installation.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate extension apparatus and method of using the same. The tailgate extension apparatus generally comprises a U-frame member, a plurality of hinge elements, and a plurality of side braces. The U-frame member may be locked into a plurality of operative positions optionally including a backstop position, an extension position, and a step position. The extension apparatus is stored within the interior of the tailgate until needed, and the extension may be pulled out of the tailgate via a plurality of storage channels. The side braces directly connect the U-frame member to the vehicle tailgate and may be stored within the arms of the U-frame when the extension apparatus is stowed in the tailgate.

Abstract: A self-camming torque rod assembly for an endgate of a vehicle includes a dual-pivot hinge assembly connected to the endgate and a vehicle body of the vehicle and having a dual pivot to allow the endgate to pivot to a first open position and a second open position and to a closed position relative to the vehicle body. The self-camming torque rod assembly also includes a roller rotatably connected to the dual-pivot hinge assembly. The self-camming torque rod assembly further includes a self-camming torque rod to interface with the roller having a first portion for connection to the endgate and a second portion extending from the first portion and spaced from the roller when the endgate is in the closed position and cooperating with the roller when the endgate is moved between the closed position and the first open position and the second open position to counterbalance a weight of the endgate.

Abstract: A vehicle for storing and transporting cargo comprises a cargo box for supporting and storing the cargo in the vehicle. The cargo box includes a planar cargo floor extending between a front end and a rear open end and laterally between a pair of spaced apart and parallel side walls of the cargo boy. A tailgate (12) is pivotally connected to the cargo box and pivotal between an open position extending from the cargo floor for providing access to the cargo box and a generally upright closed position for closing the cargo boy. The tailgate includes a cavity (24) recessed in the tailgate and a door (18) for closing the cavity in the tailgate. Items such as ramps which are usable, with the tailgate in the open position, to load cargo into the box, are stowable within the tailgate cavity. Such ramps can also be arranged in a fence like manner to form a cargo box extender.

Abstract: A control mechanism for controlling movement of a vehicle gate between a first and a second position comprises a dampener assembly and a lift assembly that are incorporated within the gate. The dampener assembly has a first component mountable to a vehicle structure and a second component supportable by the vehicle gate mounted for pivotal movement relative to the vehicle structure. The first and second components cooperate to control vehicle gate speed as the vehicle gate is moved from the second position to the first position. The lift assembly includes a spring operatively coupled to the dampener assembly to reduce lifting effort as the vehicle gate is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A generally square cross section support is configured to be received within the receptacle of a conventional trailer hitch of a vehicle. A step plate having a generally planar shape is pivotally secured to the outer end of the support and is pivotable between a raised or vertical orientation and a lowered or horizontal step providing orientation. An over-center spring mechanism is operative upon the step plate to provide stable step plate positioning in either of its two positions. In an alternate embodiment, a source of illumination which is operative in the lowered step providing position of the step plate is utilized.

Abstract: An improved truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. In one embodiment, the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a generally U-shape frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member.

Abstract: A vehicle end gate assembly is adapted to be attached to a vehicle body and includes an end gate body having an interior surface extending between an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge of the end gate body is adapted to be hingedly attached to the vehicle body and the interior surface includes at least one recess formed therein at the upper edge. An attachment member is positioned in the at least one recess and is attached to the end gate body for releasably securing items to the end gate body.

Abstract: A tailgate lift assist arrangement for a utility trailer having a low siderail extending upwardly from at least one side of a flatbed, and a tailgate being hingedly attached to a rear end of the flatbed. The lift assist arrangement comprises an elongated housing arranged on an upper portion of the siderail. A spring is attached to a forward end of the housing, the spring having a rearward end attached to a forward end of a flexible cable. The flexible cable has a rearward end movably secured to a side of the tailgate. The cable is supported in a rearward end of the housing by a stationary cable guide member captured in or comprises the back wall of the elongated housing.

Abstract: A reduced-drag gate includes an interior surface and an exterior surface, both of which are affixed to a frame assembly. A pivot assembly allows the reduced-drag gate to pivot about a fixed pivot point of a truck. One or more closable passages, which connect the interior surface to the exterior surface, allow for the passage of air from the area proximate the interior surface to the area proximate the exterior surface. Each closable passage includes an airflow gate assembly, positioned between the interior surface and the exterior surface, that allows for the opening and closing of the closable passage.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly. One end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate while permitting the torque rod to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The other end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate and permits the end of the torque rod to be rigidly retained with respect to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle using brackets that are secured to the tailgate and a vehicle body hinge pin to simplify installation and repair of the assembly.

Abstract: Closing device, in particular for a body part on a motor vehicle, the body part being mounted pivotably on a base part, includes a spring element having a piston rod which is axially moveable within a cylinder to exert a closing force on the body part via a cable device, which engages on the body part. The spring element has, on its piston rod, a deflection pulley over which the cable device is guided, the end of the cable device being fixed with respect to the cylinder.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle, such as a pickup truck, has a tailgate including a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings mounted upon bearing retainers located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded within the interior space of the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with one of the bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. Because of the full floating feature, the hinge function of the tailgate will not be impaired in the event that the torsion bar becomes fractured.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. One end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about the pivot axis. The other end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate and permits the end of the torque rod to be rigidly retained with respect to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle by means of brackets secured to the tailgate and a vehicle body hinge pin to simplify installation and repair of the counterbalancing hinge assembly.

Abstract: A tailgate advertising assembly includes a tailgate and a billboard. The tailgate is for attachment to a rear of a vehicle so as to be moved between a closed position and an open position as for loading and unloading, and has an upper extremity, a lower extremity, opposing side extremities, an inner face, and an outer face. The billboard is engaged to the tailgate, and overlies the outer face of the tailgate. The billboard supports advertising indicia.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo bed having a floor, side walls and a rear end opening with an endgate pivotally connected at the rear end opening. The endgate is pivotable between a vertical position covering the rear end opening and a horizontal position exposing the rear end opening for cargo loading and unloading. The endgate has a pass-through opening formed therein and includes a door integrally contained within the endgate. The door is pivotable with respect to the endgate between a closed position covering the pass-through opening and an open position to allow loading and unloading of cargo through the pass-through opening when the endgate is in the vertical position.

Abstract: A dump trailer gate for trucks having a gate door movably positioned within a dump door opening of a dump door. A first lever is securely attached to the gate door extending downwardly therefrom. When a front end of a scoop of a bucket loader applies pressure onto the first lever, the gate door opens and the contents of the dump truck spill into the scoop. A second lever is securely attached to an opposite side of the gate door extending outwardly therefrom. At least one biasing means is attached at a bottom distal end to the second lever and attached at a top distal end to the dump door. When pressure is released from the first lever, the gate door automatically closes.

Abstract: A cargo tray and table assembly for a motor vehicle having an enclosed rear cargo area including a floor portion and an opening. The assembly includes a main body coupled to a pivot system. The pivot system is further coupled to the rear cargo area of the vehicle. The pivot system is operable to move the main body between a stowed position within the rear cargo area and a use position.

Abstract: A tailgate apparatus on vehicle bodies mounted so that the tailgate opens by pivoting about a horizontal axis or rotates about either one or both of the outer vertical axes as desired for unloading of the content of the vehicle body or container. The tailgate may be split and hinged in barn door fashion or it may be one-piece and hinged on a single side, while simultaneously hinged in dump fashion at the top. The hardware design of the apparatus allows dual rotatable opening of the tailgate or overhead dump opening of the tailgate.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate lift system comprises an energy storage device located within a vehicle body and adapted to be pivotally anchored to the vehicle body at one end, a bellcrank arm that is pivotally attached to the energy storage device and rigidly attached to an actuation shaft that is coaxially aligned with a tailgate pivot axis, a pivot bracket assembly that incorporates a pivot bearing arrangement to facilitate a robust rotary joint about the tailgate pivot axis, and comprising a coupling arrangement between the tailgate and the actuation shaft, such that relative rotary motion of the tailgate and vehicle body results in linear movement of the energy storage device and maximum energy storage at the tailgate fully open position.

Abstract: An automotive tailgate includes a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining an interior space. The door is pivoted upon bearings mounted upon bearing retainers located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded within the interior of the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with one of the bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. Because the torsion bar is full floating, the operation of the tailgate hinges will not be impaired even if the torsion bar were to become fractured.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for use with a raisable and lowerable folding ramp having a bridge section and a toe section, such ramp being carried on one end of a railway car. The latching mechanism comprises an arm-like member pivotally connected at one end thereof to a predetermined structure of such railway car and a latch means attached to and extending outwardly from one of the bridge section and toe section of such folding ramp. A latching head portion is disposed at a radially opposed end of such arm-like member, and the latching head portion including a means for securing the latch means. A rotatable latching member is disposed in the latching head portion to engage and lock such latch means when such folding ramp reaches a fully raised position.

Abstract: A tailgate for a load carrying body, such as a dump trailer, is selectively openable to various positions, including left opening, right opening, swing up and swing down. Variable opening positions maximize flexibility for the owner/operator. A left or right swing opening is enable by removeable and storable hinge pins. An up or down opening is enable by latches, which are openable and operate as hinges when closed.

Abstract: A hinge cup is adapted to be installed on an outer surface of a vehicle end gate. The hinge cup includes a hinge cup body constructed of a polymer material. The hinge cup body is attached to a surface of the vehicle end gate and has an outer surface that is operable to cooperate with a trunnion member extending outwardly from an end gate mounting location on a vehicle body. The hinge cup body cooperates with the trunnion member when the end gate is placed adjacent the end gate mounting location on the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle end gate assembly is adapted to be attached to a vehicle body and includes an end gate body having an interior surface extending between an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge of the end gate body is adapted to be hingedly attached to the vehicle body and the interior surface includes at least one recess formed therein at the upper edge. An attachment member is positioned in the at least one recess and is attached to the end gate body for releasably securing items to the end gate body.

Abstract: A tailgate cover includes a flexible panel having a first side, a second side, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge. The first and second edges are positioned opposite of each other. A bisecting line extends through the first and second edges and divides the panel into a first portion and a second portion. Each of a first elongated strap and a second elongated strap is attached to and extends along a length of a respective one of the first and second edges such that a respective first portion and a second portion of the first and second straps is defined. The first side of the panel is positionable on a tailgate. A securing assembly releasably secures the first and second portions of the first strap together and the first and second portions of the second strap together.