Patent ID: 6126222
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: E05C,Y10T

Abstract:
An automotive liftgate assembly, for limiting movement of a pivoting liftgate along a predetermined direction to alternately cover and uncover an automotive vehicle entryway, comprising:a liftgate pivotally hinged to the automotive to vehicle entryway about a pivotal axis; anda liftgate limiter which comprises:a housing mounted to the automotive vehicle entryway adjacent to the liftgate;a primary axle rigidly extending from an interior surface of the housing;a spool rotatably mounted within the housing about the primary axle;a cable wound about the spool when stored within the housing, the cable having: an extractable predetermined cable length; an extractable cable end; anda spool end firmly secured to the spool and;a cable guide secured to the housing, the cable extending from the housing and being couplable to the liftgate, whereby opening of the liftgate effects extension of the cable from the housing, with the extractable cable length determining a full open position of the liftgate when uncovering the entryway, with closing of the liftgate resulting in a resilient retraction of the cable into the housing.