Patent ID: 6966595
Filing Date: 2005-11-22
Classification: B60P,B60R,B62D

Abstract:
1. A tailgate assembly for use with a motor vehicle having a pair of spaced, generally vertical side walls and a generally horizontal bed extending therebetween, the tailgate assembly comprising: a tailgate frame, including a rear panel and a front panel, and adapted to pivotally mount generally between the side walls and being operable in a generally horizontal open position; and a supplemental tailgate including a guide system secured generally between the rear panel and the front panel, a movable frame assembly having two telescoping supports extendable from, pivotable relative to and retained by the guide system, a cross member connected to the two telescoping supports and extending generally therebetween and including a first end and an opposed second end, and a lock rod assembly telescopically extendable from and pivotable relative to the first end of the cross member, with the lock rod assembly including a lock rod bar having a lock rod latch affixed thereto that is adapted to releasably latch to one of the pair of side walls to thereby support the movable frame portion relative to the guide system when the tailgate frame is in the generally horizontal open position and the movable frame assembly is pivoted upward relative to the tailgate frame.