Patent ID: 7533920
Filing Date: 2009-05-19
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A selectively detachable tailgate hinge assembly for connecting a tailgate to a vehicle, comprising: a hinge mechanism that connects a portion of the tailgate to a portion of the vehicle, wherein at least a first portion of the hinge mechanism may be selectively detached from a second portion of the hinge mechanism; a first wiring harness that operatively connects to at least one component within a tailgate; wherein the first wiring harness includes a first electrical contact; and a second wiring harness operatively connects to a power source in the vehicle; wherein the second wiring harness includes a second electrical contact; wherein the first electrical contact is positioned within the first portion of the hinge mechanism and wherein the second electrical contact is positioned within the second portion of the hinge mechanism; and wherein the first and second electrical contacts are electrically engaged when the hinge mechanism is assembled and electrically disengaged when the first portion of the hinge mechanism is detached from the second portion of the hinge mechanism.