# US 12,600,417 B2 · Tailgate accessibility > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,600,417 B2 - Document ID: US12600417B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/732,381 - Filed: 2024-06-03 - Published: 2024-09-26 - Granted: 2026-04-14 - Earliest claimed: 2020-02-18 - Assignees: Magna Exteriors Inc. - Applicants: Magna Exteriors Inc. - Inventors: Robert A. Selle; Robert M. Horner; Larry R. Erickson - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12600417B2 ## CPC - B62D 33/0273: {Movable tailboards for vehicles comprising non-movable sideboards, e.g. pick-up trucks (B62D33/037 takes precedence)} - B60R 3/02: Retractable steps {or ladders, e.g. movable under shock (B60R3/005 takes precedence)} - B62D 33/03: by swinging down {(B62D33/0273 takes precedence)} - B62D: MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for, B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motor-cycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M) - B60R: VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR ## Abstract An articulating tailgate assembly with improved accessibility into a cargo bed of a vehicle, incorporating at least one door. The tailgate system provides a tailgate with a combination of predetermined plurality of functions for accessibility into the cargo bed of the vehicle and to improve functionality of the tailgate assembly. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A tailgate assembly, comprising: at least one tailgate door adapted to operably connect at an opening of a cargo bed of a vehicle, said at least one tailgate door operably selectively moveable between a closed position and a plurality of open positions; and at least one feature incorporated with said at least one tailgate door adapted for improved access to the cargo bed of the vehicle, wherein said at least one feature includes a tailgate track system, and wherein the tailgate assembly is a horizontally split tailgate, wherein said at least one tailgate door includes a first panel adapted to rotatably couple to the vehicle to selectively rotate between an open and a closed position, and a second panel operably selectively coupled to the first panel and adapted to operably couple to the vehicle. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The tailgate assembly of claim 1, wherein the first panel is adapted to operably selectively slide out of the way of the opening into a pocket provided adjacent to the cargo bed. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The tailgate assembly of claim 1, wherein the first panel is adapted to operably selectively move out of the way of the opening into a pocket provided below the cargo bed. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The tailgate assembly of claim 1, wherein the first panel is adapted to rotatably connect to a substantially vertical side of the opening of the vehicle. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The tailgate assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one guide track located adjacent to the opening to selectively operably guide the first panel to at least one open position. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The tailgate assembly of claim 1, wherein the tailgate assembly further comprises at least one accessory including one or more than one of at least one power source, at least one stability handle, at least one lighting source, at least one seat portion, and any combinations thereof. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The tailgate assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second panels are operably latchable together to selectively rotate to an open position together. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The tailgate assembly of claim 1, wherein the first panel operably rotates to an open position and the second panel operably slides up to an open position. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The tailgate assembly of claim 1, wherein the first panel is adapted to operably slide out from the vehicle when in a rotated down/open position to extend a length of the first panel. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The tailgate assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one pair of tracks, said second panel operably adapted to traverse said at least one pair of tracks generally upward and out of the way to improve rear access to the cargo bed of the vehicle.