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:
Jan. 06, 2009
Filed:
May. 17, 2007
Jeff Firzlaff, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Duane Koehler, Livonia, MI (US);
Kian-huat Tan, Westland, MI (US);
Jeff Firzlaff, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Duane Koehler, Livonia, MI (US);
Kian-Huat Tan, Westland, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A tailgate structural configuration accommodates the housing of a supplemental tailgate internally within the tailgate. The tailgate is formed with an outer panel and an inner panel to define an internal cavity. The upper portion of the tailgate includes a C-channel frame member connected to both the inner and outer panels to support guide tubes telescopically housing the supplemental tailgate. To enhance structural stability, the tailgate further includes one or two transversely oriented strainers having formed therein flanged depressions or openings for the passage of the guide tubes vertically therethrough. Each guide tube is affixed to a mounting bracket that is detachably connected to the C-channel to support the guide tube within the tailgate. Positioning pins mounted on the mounting bracket affixed to the guide tubes engage locator holes in the C-channel for positioning the supplemental tailgate.