Extendable tailgate system for vehicles

Abstract

A vehicle's extendable tailgate system includes a tailgate, a pivot rotating member, and a pair of guide members. The pivot rotating member facilitates the rotation of the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from a closed tailgate position relative to the vehicle body to an open tailgate position. When the tailgate is in the open tailgate position, the tailgate moves between a retracted tailgate position and an extended tailgate position by moving away from the vehicle body relative to the pair of guide members, or by translating longitudinally toward the vehicle body. A locking mechanism locks the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto in both the retracted and extended tailgate positions, and is released to allow the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto to move between the retracted and extended tailgate positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Field of the Invention The present disclosure relates to a cargo compartment and a tailgate of a vehicle, and more particularly to an extendable tailgate system that facilitates the safe transportation of cargo that exceeds the length of such a cargo compartment, and a vehicle incorporating such a system.

[0002] Background Generally, motor vehicles such as pickup trucks include a cargo compartment with a fixed cargo capacity. For example, the cargo capacity of a short box pickup truck is limited by the length of a typical truck bed that is approximately 6 feet with the tailgate closed. Even when the tailgate is open to a horizontal position, the length of the extension provided by the cargo compartment and the lowered tailgate remains less than 8 feet. The extension of the cargo compartment is limited by the longitudinal dimension of the open tailgate. Transporting cargo such as a common 8-foot length sheet of plywood or drywall construction material that exceeds the length of the extension provided by the cargo compartment and the lowered tailgate is difficult. Ropes, straps or other restraint means are required to prevent the cargo from sliding backwards and, in some cases, sliding off the truck bed.

[0003] Some prior art truck bed extension devices include a frame and / or tray that extends rearwardly or integrally from the truck bed of a pickup truck. In some prior art, the tray extends beyond a tailgate that is hinged to the truck body when the tailgate is opened to a horizontal position or folded down so as not to interfere. Many prior art truck bed extension devices require restraint means for the safe transportation of cargo when the tailgate is opened to a horizontal position or folded down so as not to interfere. Accordingly, a pickup truck that can safely transport cargo that exceeds the length of the truck bed of a pickup truck without any additional restraint means would be beneficial.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] overview Aspects of the present invention include a vehicle extendable tailgate system, the extendable tailgate system having: a tailgate; a pivot rotating member mounted to the rear of the vehicle body and positioned between the vehicle body and the tailgate; and a pair of guide members: the ends of a first guide member and the ends of a second guide member are rotatably connected to the first and second ends of the pivot rotating member, respectively; a first side and a second side of the tailgate are slidably connected to the first and second guide members, respectively; the pivot rotating member facilitates the rotation of the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from a closed tailgate position to an open tailgate position relative to the vehicle body; and when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position, it is longitudinally translated away from the vehicle body relative to the pair of guide members, extending from the retracted tailgate position. The tailgate moves to the extended tailgate position; and when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position, it moves from the extended tailgate position to the retracted tailgate position by translating longitudinally toward the vehicle body relative to a pair of guide members; and the extendable tailgate system has a first locking mechanism configured to lock the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto in at least the retracted tailgate position and the extended tailgate position: the first locking mechanism is released when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position to move the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from the retracted tailgate position to the extended tailgate position; and the first locking mechanism is released when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position to move the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0005] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first guide member and the second guide member each have at least one slot; the tailgate further has: a first pin of at least two pins mounted on the first lateral side of the tailgate; and a second pin of at least two pins mounted on the second lateral side of the tailgate; and the first pin and the second pin are slidably connected to at least one slot of the first guide member and at least one slot of the second guide member, respectively. In a further embodiment of the present invention, each guide member has two slots; and the tailgate has two pins mounted on each lateral side of the tailgate that are slidably connected to the two slots of each guide member. In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the at least two pins are mounted on the first and second lateral sides of the tailgate, respectively, using brackets.

[0006] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the extendable tailgate system further comprises a cargo load block member mounted inside the tailgate, adjacent to the trailing edge of the tailgate distal to the pivot rotating member: the cargo load block member is configured to move from a stowed position to an extended position; and the cargo load block member is configured to prevent cargo load from sliding out of the vehicle's cargo compartment when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position and the cargo load block member is in the extended position; and the extendable tailgate system further comprises a second locking mechanism configured to lock the cargo load block member in at least the extended position.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the cargo load block member has a panel; the panel is rotatably mounted inside the tailgate; the panel is flat or coplanar with the inside of the tailgate when the panel is in the stowed position; and the panel is perpendicular to the inside of the tailgate when the panel is in the deployed position. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the panel is rotatable 180 degrees from the stowed position to the open panel position, and the panel is flat or coplanar with the inside of the tailgate in the open panel position.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the extendable tailgate system further comprises a first fixed-length cable connected at one end to a first lateral side of the cargo compartment of the vehicle and connected at the second end to a first guide member; and a second fixed-length cable connected at one end to a second lateral side of the cargo compartment of the vehicle and connected at the second end to a second guide member.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the extendable tailgate system further includes a gap cover configured to cover the gap between the tailgate and the pivot rotating member when the tailgate is in both the open tailgate position and the extended tailgate position. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the gap cover has a gap cover plate slidably connected to and housed within the tailgate: the gap cover plate unfolds by translating longitudinally toward the vehicle body relative to the tailgate when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position; and the gap cover plate retracts into the tailgate by translating longitudinally away from the vehicle body relative to the tailgate when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the gap cover plate is configured to unfold when the tailgate is extended to the extended tailgate position and to retract when the tailgate is retracted to the retracted tailgate position. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the gap cover overlaps with and is attached to the pivot rotating member. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the gap cover is attached to the pivot rotating member using at least one spring-loaded pin.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the pivot rotating member has a tubular hinge. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first locking mechanism has an integrated latching system.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle having at least: a vehicle body; a set of wheels; and the above-described extendable tailgate system, as well as further embodiments thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figures 1A and 1B show extendable tailgates for vehicles according to several embodiments. [Figure 2]Figures 2A–2C show extendable tailgates of vehicles, including panels for blocking cargo, according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] Figures 3A and 3B show an extendable tailgate of a vehicle, including a gap cover plate, according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Detailed explanation A vehicle, typically a pickup truck, comprises a vehicle body and an extendable tailgate system including a tailgate. The tailgate has an inward side that faces forward when the tailgate is closed. The term "inward side" is used herein to describe that side of the tailgate regardless of its orientation. A pivot rotation member is mounted to the rear of the vehicle body and positioned between the vehicle body and the tailgate. In some embodiments, the pivot rotation member includes a tubular hinge. The ends of a first guide member and a second guide member are rotatably connected to the first and second ends of the pivot rotation member, respectively. The first and second lateral sides of the tailgate are slidably connected to the first and second guide members, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second guide members each have at least one slot. At least two pins, the first pin, is mounted on the first side of the tailgate, and at least two pins, the second pin, is mounted on the second side of the tailgate, with the first and second pins slidably connected to at least one slot of the first guide member and at least one slot of the second guide member, respectively. In some embodiments, each guide member includes two slots; and each side of the tailgate is mounted with two pins. The two pins mounted on each side of the tailgate are slidably connected to two slots of each guide member. In some embodiments, at least some pins are mounted on the side of the tailgate using brackets such as metal L-brackets.

[0014] The pivot rotation member facilitates the rotation of a pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from a closed tailgate position relative to the vehicle body to an open tailgate position. First, the tailgate rotates to an open position that is substantially horizontal without any extension of the tailgate. When the tailgate is in the open tailgate position, it moves from a retracted tailgate position to an extended tailgate position by translating longitudinally away from the vehicle body relative to the pair of guide members. Conversely, when the tailgate is still in the open tailgate position, it moves from an extended tailgate position to a retracted tailgate position by translating longitudinally toward the vehicle body relative to the pair of guide members. The driving force for this extension and retraction may be provided by the user pushing or pulling the horizontal tailgate, or by a mechanical linkage mechanism powered by an electric motor performing such an action. To facilitate the opening and closing of the tailgate, a gas strut lifting assist mechanism may be employed to control the speed at which the tailgate opens and to reduce the effort required to close the tailgate.

[0015] A first locking mechanism is configured to lock a pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto in at least a retracted tailgate position and an extended tailgate position. In some embodiments, the first locking mechanism has an integrated latch system or another locking mechanism. When the tailgate is in the open tailgate position, the first locking mechanism is released to move the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from the retracted tailgate position to the extended tailgate position. Conversely, when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position, the first locking mechanism is released to move the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from the extended tailgate position to the retracted tailgate position. In some embodiments, the tailgate partially extends to one or more positions between the retracted tailgate position and the extended tailgate position and is locked in one or more of these positions. In some embodiments, the tailgate extends up to 4 inches from the retracted tailgate position, but shorter or longer extensions may be provided.

[0016] In some embodiments, a cargo load block member is mounted on the inside of the tailgate, adjacent to the rear edge of the tailgate distal to the pivot rotation member. The rear edge of the tailgate faces rearward when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position; it is always distal to the pivot rotation member and is referred to herein as the rear edge regardless of the orientation of the tailgate. The cargo load block member is configured to move from a stowed position to an extended position, and when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position and the cargo load block member is in the extended position, the cargo load block member prevents cargo loads from sliding out of the vehicle's cargo compartment. In some embodiments, the cargo load block member includes a panel, the dimensions of which may vary in different embodiments. The panel may be rotatably mounted inside the tailgate. The panel may be flat, coplanar with the inside of the tailgate when in the stowed position, and perpendicular to the inside of the tailgate when in the extended position. In some embodiments, the panel is rotatable 180 degrees from the stowed position to an open panel position to facilitate loading and unloading cargo. The panel may be flat and may be coplanar with the inside of the tailgate in the open panel position. In some embodiments, a second locking mechanism is configured to lock the cargo load block member in at least the deployed position. The second locking mechanism may also lock the cargo load block member in the stowed position and the open panel position. The second locking mechanism has a latch, a link, a spring or another locking mechanism.

[0017] In some embodiments, a first fixed-length cable is connected at one end to a first side of the cargo compartment of the vehicle and at the second end to a first guide member, and a second fixed-length cable is connected at one end to a second side of the cargo compartment of the vehicle and at the second end to the second guide member.

[0018] In some embodiments, when the tailgate is in the extended tailgate position, a gap cover covers the gap between the tailgate and the vehicle body (including the pivot rotating member). In some embodiments, the gap cover includes a gap cover plate that is slidably connected to and housed within the tailgate. The gap cover plate unfolds by translating longitudinally toward the vehicle body relative to the tailgate when the tailgate moves to the extended tailgate position, and retracts into the tailgate by translating longitudinally away from the vehicle body relative to the tailgate when the tailgate moves to the retracted tailgate position. Alternatively, the gap cover plate may be unfolded and retracted after the tailgate has fully moved to the extended tailgate position and the retracted tailgate position, respectively. In some embodiments, the gap cover plate is attached to the tailgate, for example, on the inside of the tailgate or on the inner edge opposite the rear edge, or is housed within the tailgate between the inside and the outside adjacent to the pivot rotating member. In some embodiments, the gap cover plate unfolds when the tailgate extends to the extended tailgate position and retracts when the tailgate is retracted to the retracted tailgate position. In some embodiments, the gap cover overlaps with and is attached to the pivot rotating member. In some embodiments, the gap cover is attached to the pivot rotating member by spring-loaded pins such as rivets or other suitable means.

[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes the extendable tailgate system and embodiments described herein.

[0020] Figures 1A-1C show an embodiment of an extendable tailgate system for a vehicle. In Figures 1B and 1C, the interior of the tailgate (3) is exposed to better show the hidden components of the extendable tailgate system. A tubular hinge (1) having two lateral ends is attached to the rear of the vehicle body (2) and positioned between the vehicle body (2) and the tailgate (3). The ends of a first guide member (4) and a second guide member (5) are rotatably connected to the first and second ends of the hinge (1), respectively. The first and second lateral sides of the tailgate (3) are slidably connected to the first and second guide members (4 and 5), respectively. The first and second guide members (4 and 5) each contain two slots (6). Two pins (7) are mounted on each side of the tailgate (3) and are slidably connected to two slots (6) of each guide member (4) or (5). At least two of the pins (7) are mounted on the side of the tailgate (3) using L-brackets (8). A first fixed-length cable (9) is connected at one end to the first side of the cargo compartment (10) and at the second end to the first guide member (4), and a second fixed-length cable (11) is connected at one end to the second side of the cargo compartment (10) and at the second end to the second guide member (5).

[0021] In Figure 1A, the tailgate (3) is in the closed tailgate position, while in Figures 1B and 1C, the tailgate (3) is in the open tailgate position. The hinge (1) facilitates the rotation of a pair of guide members (4), (5) and the tailgate (3) connected to them relative to the vehicle body (2) from the closed tailgate position to the open tailgate position. In Figure 1B, the open tailgate (3) is in the retracted tailgate position, while in Figure 1C, the open tailgate (3) is in the extended tailgate position. When the tailgate (3) is in the open tailgate position, it may be extended or retracted. Under a mechanical linkage mechanism controlled by a user pulling the tailgate or by an electric motor, the tailgate (3) moves from the retracted tailgate position to the extended tailgate position by translating longitudinally away from the vehicle body (2) relative to the pair of guide members (4), (5). Conversely, when pushed by a user, or under reverse mechanical control of an electric motor and linkage mechanism, the tailgate (3) is longitudinally translated toward the vehicle body (2) relative to a pair of guide members (4), (5) from an extended tailgate position to a retracted tailgate position. An integrated latch system having latches (12a), (12b), a pin (12c) mounted on the guide member (4), and a release button (12d) locks the pair of guide members (4), (5) and the tailgate (3) connected thereto in both the retracted and extended tailgate positions. From the extended tailgate position, the tailgate (3) is longitudinally translated toward the vehicle body (2) until the latch (12a) engages with the pin (12c) and the pair of guide members (4), (5) and the tailgate (3) connected thereto are locked in the retracted tailgate position. The release button (12d) is pressed to release the latch (12a) or (12b) from the pin (12c), causing a pair of guide members (4), (5) and the tailgate (3) connected thereto to be freely translated longitudinally toward or away from the vehicle body (2).From the retracted tailgate position, the tailgate (3) translates longitudinally away from the vehicle body (2) until the latch (12b) engages with the pin (12c) and locks the pair of guide members (4), (5) and the tailgate (3) connected to them in the extended tailgate position. The integrated latch system is released to move the pair of guide members (4), (5) and the tailgate (3) connected to them from the retracted tailgate position to the extended tailgate position, and vice versa, all while the tailgate (3) is in the open tailgate position.

[0022] Figures 2A-2C show another embodiment of the extendable tailgate system described in Figures 1A-1C, in which a panel (13) is rotatably mounted inside the tailgate (3). In Figure 2A, the panel (13) is in the stowed position, while in Figure 2B, the panel (13) is in the deployed position. When the tailgate (3) is in the open tailgate position and the panel (13) is in the deployed position, the panel (13) prevents the cargo load (14) from sliding out of the cargo compartment (10). Preferably, the panel (13) is coplanar with the inside of the tailgate (3) when the panel (13) is in the stowed position and perpendicular to the inside of the tailgate (3) when the panel (13) is in the deployed position. In Figure 2C, the panel (13) is rotated 180 degrees from the stowed position to the open panel position, where the panel (13) is again preferably coplanar with the inside of the tailgate (3). The panel (13) is hinged to a notch in the tailgate (3), but the panel (13) may also be hinged to the tailgate (3) without any notch in the tailgate (3) by means of a gooseneck hinge or other means. A latch locks the panel (13) in at least the deployed position. To unlock the panel (13) from the deployed position, a latch trigger (15) releases the latch, moving the panel (13) to the stowed or open panel position. The latch may also lock the panel (13) in the stowed and open panel positions.

[0023] Figures 3A and 3B show another embodiment of an extendable tailgate system including a gap cover plate (16) that covers the gap (17) between the tailgate (3) and the hinge (1) when the tailgate (3) is open and in the extended position. The gap cover plate (16) is slidably connected to and housed within the tailgate (3). The gap cover plate (16) overlaps with the hinge (1) and is attached to the hinge (1) using rivets (18), although other fasteners may be used. In Figure 3A, the gap cover plate (16) is retracted into the tailgate (3), while in Figure 3B, the gap cover plate (16) is deployed. When the tailgate (3) is in the open tailgate position, the tailgate (3) may be in either the retracted tailgate position or the extended tailgate position. The gap cover plate (16) deploys when the tailgate (3) extends from the retracted tailgate position to the extended tailgate position, in which case the gap cover plate (16) translates longitudinally toward the vehicle body (2) relative to the tailgate (3). Conversely, starting from the state where the tailgate (3) is in the extended tailgate position, the gap cover plate (16) retracts when the tailgate (3) is retracted to the retracted tailgate position, in which case the gap cover plate (16) retracts into the tailgate (3) by translating longitudinally toward the tailgate (3) toward the vehicle body (2). Alternatively, the gap cover plate (16) may be deployed after the tailgate has entered the fully extended tailgate position.

[0024] Although an embodiment in which the arrangement of specific components is illustrated is disclosed, it should be understood that other arrangements may benefit from the present invention. Other means for achieving the same result within the context of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the gap cover plate may rotate rather than translate longitudinally and may be mounted on the vehicle body rather than the tailgate.

[0025] Although different examples have specific components shown in the figures, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those specific combinations. Components or some of the features from one of the examples can be used in combination with features or components from another of the examples. Although exemplary embodiments are disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain modifications fall within the scope of the claims. For this reason, the following claims should be considered to determine the true scope and content thereof.

Claims

1. An extendable tailgate system for a vehicle, wherein the extendable tailgate system is: Having a tailgate; It has a pivot rotating member that is attached to the rear of the vehicle body and is located between the vehicle body and the tailgate; It has a pair of guide members: The ends of the first guide member and the second guide member are rotatably connected to the first end and the second end of the pivot rotating member, respectively; The first side of the tailgate and the second side of the tailgate are slidably connected to the first guide member and the second guide member, respectively: The pivot rotation member facilitates the rotation of the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from a closed tailgate position to an open tailgate position relative to the vehicle body; When the tailgate is in the open tailgate position, it moves longitudinally away from the vehicle body with respect to the pair of guide members, transitioning from a retracted tailgate position to an extended tailgate position; and, When the tailgate is in the open tailgate position, it moves in the longitudinal direction toward the vehicle body relative to the pair of guide members, transitioning from the extended tailgate position to the retracted tailgate position; and, The tailgate has a first locking mechanism configured to lock the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto in at least the retracted position and the extended tailgate position: The first locking mechanism is released to move the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from the retracted tailgate position to the extended tailgate position; and, The first locking mechanism is released to move the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from the extended tailgate position to the retracted tailgate position. The aforementioned extendable tailgate system.

2. The first guide member and the second guide member each have at least one slot; the tailgate is: The tailgate has a first pin among at least two pins mounted on the first side; and, The tailgate has a second pin among the at least two pins mounted on the second side; The first pin and the second pin are slidably connected to at least one slot of the first guide member and at least one slot of the second guide member, respectively. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 1.

3. Each guide member has two slots; and, The tailgate has two pins mounted on each side of the tailgate, which are slidably connected to the two slots of each guide member. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 2.

4. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 2, wherein at least some of the at least two pins are mounted on the first and second lateral sides of the tailgate, each using a bracket.

5. moreover: The cargo load block member is mounted on the inside of the tailgate, adjacent to the trailing edge of the tailgate distal to the pivot rotating member, and includes: The cargo load block member is configured to move from a stored position to an deployed position; and, The cargo load block member is configured to prevent cargo load from sliding out of the vehicle's cargo compartment when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position and the cargo load block member is in the deployed position; and, A second locking mechanism is provided, configured to lock the cargo load block member in at least the deployed position. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 1.

6. The cargo load block member has a panel; The panel is rotatably mounted on the inside of the tailgate; The panel is flat, or when the panel is in the stowed position, it is coplanar with the inside of the tailgate; and, The panel is perpendicular to the inside of the tailgate when the panel is in the deployed position. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 5.

7. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 6, wherein the panel is rotatable 180 degrees from the stowed position to the open panel position, the panel is flat, or in the open panel position, it is coplanar with the inside of the tailgate.

8. moreover: It has a first fixed-length cable connected at one end to the first side of the cargo compartment of the vehicle and connected at the second end to the first guide member; and, A second fixed-length cable is connected at one end to the second side of the cargo compartment of the vehicle and at the second end to the second guide member, The extendable tailgate system according to claim 1.

9. moreover: The tailgate has a gap cover configured to cover the gap between the tailgate and the pivot rotating member when the tailgate is in both the open tailgate position and the extended tailgate position. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned gap cover: It has a gap cover plate that is slidably connected to the tailgate and housed within the tailgate: The gap cover plate unfolds by translating toward the vehicle body relative to the tailgate in the longitudinal direction when the tailgate moves from the retracted tailgate position to the extended tailgate position; and, The gap cover plate retracts into the tailgate by translating in the longitudinal direction so as to move away from the vehicle body when the tailgate moves from the extended tailgate position to the retracted tailgate position. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 9.

11. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 9, wherein the gap cover overlaps with and is attached to the pivot rotating member.

12. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 11, wherein the gap cover is attached to the pivot rotating member by at least one spring-loaded pin.

13. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 1, wherein the pivot rotating member has a tubular hinge.

14. The extendable tailgate system according to claim 1, wherein the first locking mechanism has an integrated latch system.

15. A vehicle, and the vehicle is at least: Having a vehicle body; Having a set of wheels; and, It has an extendable tailgate system, and the extendable tailgate system is: Having a tailgate; It has a pivot rotating member that is attached to the rear of the vehicle body and is located between the vehicle body and the tailgate; It has a pair of guide members: The ends of the first guide member and the second guide member are rotatably connected to the first end and the second end of the pivot rotating member, respectively; The first side of the tailgate and the second side of the tailgate are slidably connected to the first guide member and the second guide member, respectively: The pivot rotation member facilitates the rotation of the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from a closed tailgate position to an open tailgate position relative to the vehicle body; When the tailgate is in the open tailgate position, it moves longitudinally away from the vehicle body with respect to the pair of guide members, transitioning from a retracted tailgate position to an extended tailgate position; and, When the tailgate is in the open tailgate position, it moves in the longitudinal direction toward the vehicle body relative to the pair of guide members, transitioning from the extended tailgate position to the retracted tailgate position; and, The extendable tailgate system has a first locking mechanism configured to lock the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto in at least the retracted position and the extended tailgate position: The first locking mechanism is released to move the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from the retracted tailgate position to the extended tailgate position; and, The first locking mechanism is released to move the pair of guide members and the tailgate connected thereto from the extended tailgate position to the retracted tailgate position. The aforementioned vehicle.

16. The first guide member and the second guide member each have at least one slot; the tailgate is: The tailgate has a first pin among at least two pins mounted on the first side; The tailgate has a second pin among the at least two pins mounted on the second side, The first pin and the second pin are slidably connected to at least one slot of the first guide member and at least one slot of the second guide member, respectively. The vehicle according to claim 15.

17. moreover: The tailgate has a cargo load block member mounted on it, located near the trailing edge of the tailgate distal to the pivot rotating member: The cargo load block member is configured to move from a stored position to an deployed position; and, The cargo load block member is configured to prevent cargo load from sliding out of the vehicle's cargo compartment when the tailgate is in the open tailgate position and the cargo load block member is in the deployed position; and, A second locking mechanism is provided, configured to lock the cargo load block member in at least the deployed position. The vehicle according to claim 15.

18. The cargo load block member has a panel; The panel is rotatably mounted on the inside of the tailgate; The panel is flat, or when the panel is in the stowed position, it is coplanar with the inside of the tailgate; and, The panel is perpendicular to the inside of the tailgate when the panel is in the deployed position. The vehicle according to claim 17.

19. moreover: It has a first fixed-length cable connected at one end to the first side of the cargo compartment of the vehicle and connected at the second end to the first guide member; and, A second fixed-length cable is connected at one end to the second side of the cargo compartment of the vehicle and at the second end to the second guide member, The vehicle according to claim 15.

20. Furthermore, the vehicle according to claim 15, further comprising a gap cover configured to cover the gap between the tailgate and the pivot rotating member when the tailgate is in the extended tailgate position.

Images