Vehicle closure member cable devices with integrated features for added functionality
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsNathan Gregory Smith, Matt Dwyer, Anand Singaram
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Vehicle closure members are provided that include integrated features for increasing the functionality of the closure member (e.g., a tailgate). A bottle opener feature or an article hanging feature may be integrated as part of a cable connector assembly that connects the closure member to the vehicle body. The integrated feature(s) is therefore conveniently packaged on the vehicle for use during outdoor social gatherings when the closure member is moved to an open position and when the vehicle is in a stationary, non-moving condition.
Claims20
A tailgate cable connector assembly for a vehicle tailgate, comprising:
- a tailgate pivot connector;
- and
- an accessory bracket secured to the tailgate pivot connector and configured to provide an article hanging feature,
- wherein the article hanging feature is established by a hook of the accessory bracket, and an opening is formed through the accessory bracket, and further wherein a lower edge of the opening includes the hook.
A tailgate cable connector assembly for a vehicle tailgate, comprising:
- a tailgate pivot connector;
- and
- an accessory bracket secured to the tailgate pivot connector and configured to provide a bottle opener feature or an article hanging feature,
- wherein the tailgate pivot connector includes a ferrule portion and a capture portion extending from the ferrule portion,
- wherein the accessory bracket includes a finger, and the ferrule portion includes a projection that is configured to contact the finger to limit a rotational movement of the tailgate pivot connector.
A vehicle, comprising:
- a closure member;
- a cable device including a cable connector assembly mounted to the closure member and a cable connected to the cable connector assembly;
- the cable connector assembly including a pivot connector;
- and an accessory bracket;
- and
- the accessory bracket includes an integrated bottle opener feature, wherein the bottle opener feature includes an opening formed through the accessory bracket, the opening having an upper edge including a tab and a lower edge including a tooth, the tab and tooth defining opposed cap-engaging surfaces separated by a clearance sized to receive a cap of a bottle, the tab and tooth being positioned to apply an opening force to remove the cap as the bottle moves along a swing path relative to the opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.