David T Flanagan

US Patent:

7281748, Oct 16, 2007

Filed:

Apr 11, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/103417

Inventors:

Gregory Phillip Ruhlander - Rochester Hills MI, US
Patrick Eugene Meysenburg - Hannibal MO, US
David Thomas Flanagan - Columbia MO, US

Assignee:

Dura Global Technologies, Inc. - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B62D 33/00
B62D 33/03

US Classification:

296 571, 296 50, 49394, 292144, 292DIG 42

Abstract:

A lift and secure latch assembly for a vehicle tailgate includes a pair of cables capable of applying upward force to the tailgate and a tensioning mechanism positioned within the tailgate and connected to the support members to apply tension thereto. One of the cables extends from a first lateral end of the tailgate and the other of the cables extends from a second lateral end of the tailgate. The tensioning mechanism is operable between a first position wherein the cables are retracted with the tailgate closed and a second position wherein the cables are extended with the tailgate open. The tensioning mechanism includes a spring member biasing the tensioning mechanism toward the first position. A latch selectively engages the tensioning mechanism to releasably secure the tensioning mechanism in the first position with the tailgate closed. Preferably, the latch is centrally positioned between lateral ends of the tailgate.

US Patent:

7637552, Dec 29, 2009

Filed:

Sep 18, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/856957

Inventors:

Gregory Phillip Ruhlander - Rochester Hills MI, US
Patrick Eugene Meysenburg - Hannibal MO, US
David Thomas Flanagan - Columbia MO, US

Assignee:

Dura GloBal Technologies, Inc. - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

B62D 33/00
B62D 33/03

US Classification:

296 571, 292144, 292DIG 42, 49394, 296 50

Abstract:

A lift and secure latch assembly for a vehicle tailgate includes a pair of cables capable of applying upward force to the tailgate and a tensioning mechanism positioned within the tailgate and connected to the support members to apply tension thereto. One of the cables extends from a first lateral end of the tailgate and the other of the cables extends from a second lateral end of the tailgate. The tensioning mechanism is operable between a first position wherein the cables are retracted with the tailgate closed and a second position wherein the cables are extended with the tailgate open. The tensioning mechanism includes a spring member biasing the tensioning mechanism toward the first position. A latch selectively engages the tensioning mechanism to releasably secure the tensioning mechanism in the first position with the tailgate closed. Preferably, the latch is centrally positioned between lateral ends of the tailgate.