Multi-functional tailgate for a vehicle

摘要

A tailgate can include first and second frames, doors and sets of touchpads. The frames can be coupled to the vehicle to selectively pivot about a first axis, and can be selectively coupled to the vehicle via respective frame latches. The doors can be coupled to the respective frames to selectively pivot about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and relative to the frames, and can be selectively coupled to the frames via respective door latches. The sets of touchpads can be operably connected with the respective doors and frame and door latches. Actuation of one or both sets of touchpads in different configurations can facilitate opening one or both of the doors independent of or with each other in a first configuration pivoting about the first axis with the respective frames, or in a second configuration pivoting about the second axis relative to the respective frames.

主权项

1. A tailgate for a vehicle, comprising:
a first frame member and a second frame member each pivotably coupled to the vehicle and configured to selectively pivot about a first axis, the first and second frame members selectively coupled to the vehicle via respective first and second frame latches; a first door and a second door pivotably coupled to the respective first and second frame members and configured to selectively pivot about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and relative to the respective frame members, the first and second doors selectively, coupled to the respective frame members via respective first and second door latches; and first and second sets of touchpads associated with the respective first and second doors and operably connected with the respective first and second frame and door latches; wherein actuation of one or both of the first and second sets of touchpads in various different configurations facilitates opening one or both of the first and second doors independent of or with each other in a first configuration pivoting about the first axis with the respective frame members or in a second configuration pivoting about the second axis relative to the respective frame members between open and closed positions.