Magna International Inc.

Decoma Exterior Trim, Inc.

Kurt Katterloher

Lassi Mauno Ojanen

Brad Armstrong

Willi Sitkei

Frank Shelton

A step tailgate and mounting hardware system is presented where a tailgate can swing down to a position in order to create an intermediate stepping area. The tailgate has a primary hinge that allows the tailgate to swing down from a first position, to a second position. The tailgate has a bracket system that allows the tailgate to swing down to a third position in order to create an intermediate stepping area. The tailgate can move away from the vehicle by an inner arm. When the end of the inner arm reaches the end of the inside swing the inner arm can swing down by the inner and outer swing arms to a point where the swing arms are perpendicular to the main and inner arms. When the tailgate is in the third position the tailgate is below the truck bed, creating a stepping surface.

Step tailgate and mounting hardware

A hinge assembly mounts a hard tonneau cover on a vehicle having a storage area. The assembly has a moveable hinge portion adapted for mounting on the tonneau cover and a stationary hinge portion adapted for mounting to the vehicle. A guided member co-acts with a guiding member for pivotally mounting the tonneau cover to the vehicle about an axis of rotation between a closed position. The guiding member positions the axis of rotation of the tonneau cover forwardly of an upper edge of the storage area allowing the forward edge of the tonneau cover to lift thereby minimizing damage to the peripheral seal.

Growing community of inventors

Mississauga, Canada

Kurt Katterloher