Patent ID: 8613475
Filing Date: 2013-12-24
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A deployable grab handle for assisting an individual to climb onto a tailgate of a pickup truck having a bed with sidewalls, the grab handle comprising: a mounting bracket that is arranged and configured for mounting to a sidewall of the pickup truck bed near a rear end thereof; a handle arm that is arranged and configured for pivotable mounting at a first end thereof onto the mounting bracket such that the handle arm pivots in a horizontal plane between a deployed position extending to the rear of the truck over the tailgate when the tailgate is in an open position and at least one stowed position in a space defined within the bed of the pickup truck when the tailgate is in a closed position; a handle grip located at a second end of the handle arm opposite the first end thereof; and a latching mechanism that is arranged and configured to releasably lock the handle arm in either the deployed position or in the at least one stowed position.