Patent ID: 6209366
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: B62D,E05B,E05C,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A tailgate security device for a tailgate having a front panel and a rear panel, said front panel facing outwardly from a vehicle on which the tailgate is mounted, actuating rods positioned between the panels, axial displacement of the rods in a first direction securing the tailgate in a closed position, and in the opposite direction releasing the tailgate from the closed position, and further having an aperture with perimeter portions in the front panel and a recessed handle accessible through the aperture and linked to the actuating rods, whereby when the handle is pulled outward the handle displaces the rods in the first direction, the security device comprising;A. a bezel plate for mounting on the front panel and, when mounted, covering the perimeter portions of the aperture;B. a rotatable lock extending through the bezel plate and rotatable between locked and unlocked positions;C. an arm attached to the lock and positioned between said panels when the bezel plate is mounted to the front panel, said arm being positioned so that in the locked position of the lock, said arm interferes with the rotation of the handle and thereby prevents release of the tailgate from the closed position thereof, and in the unlocked position of the lock, the arm permits rotation of the handle to release the tailgate; andD. a bolt mechanism actuated by the lock so that when the lock is in the locked position, the bolt mechanism extends behind the front panel and thereby prevents removal of the bezel plate and when the lock is in the unlocked position, the bolt mechanism is retracted and thereby permits removal of the bezel plate.