US 12,365,399 B2
Articulating tailgate
Robert M. Horner, Ferndale, MI (US); Larry R. Erickson, Birmingham, MI (US); Robert A. Selle, Rochester, MI (US); Peter G. DeMarois, Troy, MI (US); Michael S. Spagnuolo, Shelby Township, MI (US); Andrew E. Sicherman, Royal Oak, MI (US); and Brian Staley, Bloomfield, MI (US)
Assigned to Magna Exteriors Inc., Aurora (CA)
Filed by Magna Exteriors Inc., Aurora (CA)
Filed on May 2, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/653,561.
Application 18/653,561 is a continuation of application No. 17/535,041, filed on Nov. 24, 2021, granted, now 12,005,968.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/118,454, filed on Nov. 25, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2024/0278857 A1, Aug. 22, 2024
Int. Cl. B62D 33/027 (2006.01); B60J 1/10 (2006.01); B60J 5/10 (2006.01); B60Q 1/30 (2006.01); B60Q 1/32 (2006.01); B60Q 1/44 (2006.01); B60R 3/02 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 33/0273 (2013.01) [B60J 5/108 (2013.01); B60Q 1/307 (2013.01); B60Q 1/323 (2013.01); B60Q 1/44 (2013.01); B60R 3/02 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An articulating tailgate assembly adapted for a vehicle, comprising:
at least two panels operably adapted to selectively close off a rear opening of a cargo bed of the vehicle and operably adapted to selectively move independently of each other to a plurality of open positions;
a plurality of features operable for selectively articulating the at least two panels between a closed position and the plurality of open positions, said plurality of features adapted to operably connect to the vehicle at the rear opening area, and operably coupled to the at least two panels, respectively, wherein said plurality of features includes at least one pivotal link operably connected to at least one of an additional pivotal linkage arrangement;
wherein said at least two panels operably move from the back of the cargo bed where they close off the opening of the cargo bed area to the sides of the vehicle to open up access into the cargo bed.