US 12,030,557 B2
Connector for removable tailgate
Richard Sukhdeo, Auburn Hills, MI (US); and Samuel J Matt, Oxford, MI (US)
Assigned to FCA US LLC, Auburn Hills, MI (US)
Filed by Richard Sukhdeo, Auburn Hills, MI (US); and Samuel J Matt, Oxford, MI (US)
Filed on Aug. 17, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/404,274.
Prior Publication US 2023/0055414 A1, Feb. 23, 2023
Int. Cl. B62D 33/027 (2006.01); B62D 33/033 (2006.01); F16B 21/12 (2006.01); F16B 39/04 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 33/0273 (2013.01) [B62D 33/033 (2013.01); F16B 21/125 (2013.01); F16B 39/04 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A connector for a removable tailgate, comprising:
a shank having an exterior with a thread, a passage in the shank and an opening from the exterior of the shank to the passage, wherein the opening is formed in an area of the shank that includes the thread;
an actuator received within the passage and having a stop portion and a void, the actuator being movable relative to the shank from a first position in which the void is aligned with the opening and a second position in which the stop portion is aligned with the opening; and
a retainer received in the opening and movable relative to the shank from an extended position in which the retainer extends outwardly from the exterior of the shank farther than the thread and a retracted position in which the retainer is received at least partially in the void and in which the retainer does not extend from the exterior of the shank beyond the thread.