Tailgate lock and control assembly

摘要

A lock and control assembly for a vehicle tailgate of the type having a pivotal upper window portion and a pivotal lower gate portion which are hinge mounted respectively along a top edge and a bottom edge so that the opposite edges of both meet when in the closed operative position. The assembly includes a pivotal fork bolt supported adjacent the top edge of the gate portion to engage and capture a striker member which is attached to the lower edge of the window when in the closed position. A pivotal detent lever selectively releases the fork bolt and is operatively attached to a first control lever which pivots in one direction to operate the detent lever and release the fork bolt. A second control lever pivots in the opposite direction to release latch mechanisms holding the gate portion in its closed position. A lock cylinder supported in the exterior panel of the gate is aligned with the operating levers and has means to selectively actuate the levers. A tab-like projection on the first lever prevents pivoting of the second lever until release of the fork bolt and window portion to an open position by operation of the first lever. Subsequently, the gate may be opened by pivotal movement of the second lever which releases the latch mechanisms for the gate.