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:
Sep. 11, 2007
Filed:
Sep. 20, 2005
Steve Bruford, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Scott Miller, Canton, MI (US);
Kian-huat Tan, Westland, MI (US);
Herbert Gruber, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
David Tuck, Saline, MI (US);
Steve Bruford, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Scott Miller, Canton, MI (US);
Kian-Huat Tan, Westland, MI (US);
Herbert Gruber, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
David Tuck, Saline, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A supplemental tailgate extends from the tailgate frame of a pickup truck and is positionable in multiple orientations to provide a variety of uses, including as an extension of the pickup truck bed. The supplemental tailgate includes a cross member connected between two telescoping supports, which forms a part of the tailgate molding when stored within the main tailgate structure. A lock rod assembly interconnects the supplemental tailgate and the body of the pickup truck to stabilize the position of the extended supplemental tailgate when positioned perpendicular to the opened main tailgate. The lock rod assembly can be formed as flexible cables that can be housed within the cross member for easy deployment when needed. The lock rod assembly can also be formed as fixed length rods that are pivotally mounted on the cross member and stored within the cross member for easy deployment.