Patent ID: 7530619
Filing Date: 2009-05-12
Classification: B60R,B62D

Abstract:
1. In a pick-up truck having a cargo bed defined by opposing lateral upright side walls and a floor extending transversely between the side walls, and a main tailgate structure pivotally supported between said side walls for movement between an upright closed position and a lowered open position, said main tailgate structure having a top surface that is generally planar with said cargo bed when said tailgate is in said lowered open position, the improvement comprising: a supplemental tailgate assembly housed within said main tailgate structure and being extendable from said main tailgate structure and positionable for use as a step to facilitate access onto said main tailgate structure when in said lowered open position; a grab handle mounted on said main tailgate in proximity to said supplemental tailgate assembly and being movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; and a latch mechanism cooperable with said grab handle to selectively lock said grab handle in said deployed position.