Patent ID: 7303218

Claim:
An apparatus for latching a tailgate to supporting structure of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a latch having a latching surface, the latch capable of being pivotably coupled to supporting structure of a vehicle for pivotable movement between at least a closed position and an opened position, a keeper having a keeper surface configured for engagement with the latching surface, and a member capable of being rotatably supported by a tailgate for rotatable movement between at least a first position and a second position, whereby rotation of the member from the first position towards the second position rotates the keeper such that, when the latching and keeper surfaces are engaged, the keeper causes pivotal movement of the latch from the closed position towards the opened position, thereby disengaging the latching and keeper surfaces, wherein the keeper includes a tang extending in a direction generally outwardly away from the keeper surface, wherein rotation of the member from the first position towards the second position rotates the keeper such that, when the latching and keeper surfaces are engaged, the tang contacts the latch causing pivotal movement of the latch from the closed position towards the opened position, thereby disengaging the latching and keeper surfaces.