Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Joseph J Alongi

John E Schambre

David L Garber

Michael D Tesauro

The present invention relates to a drop-down gate assembly of a cargo box for a vehicle. The drop-down gate assembly includes a gate operably coupled to the cargo box by an upper connection assembly and a lower connection assembly, each assembly including a kickout link mechanism for laterally positioning the gate with respect to the cargo box and a roller mechanism for vertically positioning the gate with respect to the cargo box. In this manner, the gate is positioned laterally outwardly to provide clearance from the vehicle and vertically downwardly to facilitate access to the interior volume of the cargo box.

Cargo box drop-down gate assembly

A cargo support system for a motor vehicle includes a `U`-shaped bar rotatable from a stowed position to an operable position. The `U`-shaped bar preferably has a pair of end members rotatably coupled to the dropgate of the motor vehicle and a cross member interconnecting the pair of end members. A locking hinge mechanism is operable to secure the U-shaped bar in either the stowed or operable position.

Dropgate cargo support system

A cargo load support system for a motor vehicle having a bed defined by a pair of sidewalls and a swing gate includes a guide mechanism having a plurality of guide apertures. The guide mechanism is adapted for attachment to the bed. The cargo load support system further includes a rail assembly translatable from a stowed position to an operable position. The rail assembly has a plurality of parallel rails and an orthogonally oriented end rail interconnecting the plurality of parallel rails. The parallel rails are slidingly engaged with the guide apertures. The guide mechanism is adapted for attachment to the motor vehicle. The rail assembly is adapted to be detachably coupled to the swing panel when the rail assembly is in the operable position.

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New Baltimore, MI, United States of America

Joseph J Alongi