The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 07, 2006
Filed:
Apr. 08, 2004
Dinesh Seksaria, Novi, MI (US);
John W. Cobes, Lower Burrell, PA (US);
Dinesh Seksaria, Novi, MI (US);
John W. Cobes, Lower Burrell, PA (US);
Alcoa Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
A vehicle tailgate extension apparatus and method of using the same. The tailgate extension apparatus generally includes 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.