Patent ID: 11926370
Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Field: Transport (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 13:
14. A cargo bed extension system of a pickup truck, the system comprising:
a cargo bed;
a tailgate configured to pivot to a down position via one or more first hinges,
wherein the tailgate includes:
an outer portion having first lateral sides and one or more second hinges;
an inner portion having second lateral sides that are disposed adjacent to the first lateral sides when the tailgate is in the down position,
wherein the inner portion is configured to rotate to a vertical position via the one or more second hinges,
wherein the vertical position is approximately perpendicular to the down position;

at least one first extension panel configured to move rearwardly and directly contact the inner portion when the inner portion is in the vertical position; and
at least one second extension panel configured to move rearwardly and to directly contact the inner portion when the inner portion is in the vertical position,
wherein the inner portion further includes:
a first latch configured to latch to a first catch of the at least one first extension panel; and
a second latch configured to latch to a second catch of the at least one second extension panel,

wherein:
the first catch includes a first aperture through the at least one first extension panel; and
the second catch includes a second aperture through the at least one second extension panel, and

wherein:
the first latch includes a first c-shaped portion configured to engage the first aperture; and
the second latch includes a second c-shaped portion configured to engage the second aperture.