Patent ID: 6367864
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
A vehicle having a power operated liftgate that is pivotally attached to an aft end of a vehicle roof for pivotal movement about a hinge axis between a generally horizontal open position and a closed generally vertical position comprising:a fixed linear guide channel, a follower that moves in the guide channel, the follower having a universal connector, a rod having a mating universal connector at one end that is universally connected to the universal connector of the follower, the rod having a second universal connector at an opposite end that is universally connected to the vehicle liftgate, a first pulley at one end of the guide channel, a second pulley at an opposite end of the guide channel, a flexible drive loop attached to the follower, the flexible drive loop wrapping around part of the first pulley and part of the second pulley, and a bi-directional drive unit engaging the flexible drive loop for driving the flexible drive loop in one direction to move the lift gate to the open position and in an opposite direction to move the lift gate to the closed position.