Light weight tailgate structure

摘要

A pick-up truck tailgate is disclosed that is constructed of components made of aluminum alloys. A hinge reinforcement and hinge plate reinforce a lower corner of the tailgate. A transversely extending reinforcement, including a U-shaped body, is provided within the tailgate that reinforces the central portion of the tailgate. An access panel is provided on the inner panel of the tailgate and includes a hem and fasteners that are assembled to the inner panel through holes formed inboard of the hem.

主权项

1. A pick-up truck tailgate comprising:
an outer panel; an inner panel attached to the outer panel; a transversely extending reinforcement including a U-shaped body having a radiused surface between an upper leg having an upper flange and a lower leg having a lower flange, wherein the radiused surface is connected with an adhesive to an inner surface of the outer panel and the upper and lower flanges are connected by fasteners to the inner panel; a lower transversely extending reinforcement assembled between the inner and outer panels and disposed below the transversely extending reinforcement; a latch bracket connected to and extending upwardly from the upper leg of the reinforcement that is adapted to support a latch assembly for latching the tailgate in a closed position; and a handle reinforcement, wherein a lower end of the handle reinforcement is attached to the latch bracket, and the handle reinforcement extends to the outer panel and an upper end of the handle reinforcement is attached to the outer panel.