Multi-functional tailgate for truck-like vehicles
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorNathan A. Everett
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A horizontal hinged tailgate assembly 7 is provided for a vehicle 10. The tailgate assembly 7 includes a frame 20. A seating platform 60 is provided which is connected to frame 20 and has a seating surface 62. A seat back 64 is included with a first position with a lower end 68 connected to frame 20 adjacent seating platform 60 and an upper end 88 oriented generally vertically upwards. The seat back 64 also has a second table position with the lower end 68 being connected to frame 20 and with seat back 64 extending rearwardly from frame 20.
Claims17
A horizontal hinged tailgate assembly for a vehicle having a generally vertical closed position and a generally horizontally extending open position, said tailgate assembly comprising:
- a frame having a lower end for horizontal hinged connection to said vehicle, said frame having an outer wall;
- a seating platform connected with said frame having a seating surface facing opposite said frame outer wall;
- and
- a seat back with a first position with a lower end connected with said frame adjacent said seating platform and an upper end oriented generally vertically upwards, said seat back having a second table position with said lower end being connected to said frame and said seat back extending rearwardly therefrom.
A horizontally hinged tailgate assembly for a vehicle having a bed, said tailgate assembly having a generally vertical closed position and a generally horizontally extending open position, said tailgate assembly comprising:
- a frame having a lower end for horizontal hinged connection to said vehicle, said frame having a nest;
- a module for placement within said frame nest, said module having a panel member which can be pivoted to a position to provide a seat back and said module at a rearward end having an inclined surface to support said panel member in said position to provide a seat back, and said module providing a seating platform.
A horizontally hinged tailgate assembly for a vehicle having a bed, said tailgate assembly having a generally vertical closed position and a generally horizontally extending open position, said tailgate assembly comprising:
- a frame having a lower end for a horizontal hinged connection to a vehicle, said frame having an outer wall and a nest with said frame having a table extendable from said nest for continuous extension rearwardly from a remainder of said tailgate assembly frame.
A horizontal hinged tailgate assembly for a vehicle having a bed, said tailgate assembly having a generally vertical closed position and a generally horizontally extending open position, said tailgate assembly comprising:
- a frame having a lower end for horizontal hinged connection to said vehicle, said frame having an outer wall and at least two nests;
- and
- insert modules for selective connection with said frame into said nest, said insert modules being from a group providing a hinged seat back with a seating surface and an extendable workbench surface continuous with said tailgate frame.
A horizontal hinged tailgate assembly for a vehicle having a bed, said tailgate assembly having a generally vertical closed position and a generally horizontally extending open position, said tailgate assembly comprising:
- a frame having a lower end for horizontal hinged connection to said vehicle, said frame having an outer wall and at least two nests;
- and
- insert modules for selective connection with said frame into said nest, said insert modules being from a group providing a hinged seat back with a seating surface and an extendable workbench surface, said extendable workbench surface having a forward work platform which is spring loaded to be flush with said extendable workbench surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.