New tailgate pivot feature for new F150?

[Bobert78]

Initially filed in 2018 and assigned US Patent number 10,081,303 B1, Ford’s filing is entitled “Full Size Tailgate Step.” It mentions a latch mechanism with “rails to allow the tailgate to pivot,” and that the user would “selectively pivot the tailgate between a closed position, a tailgate deployed position, and a step position.”


FULL PATENT FILING HERE

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[Cultran]

Does a "step position" means a middle angled position like this?

If so, it'd allow an easy way to haul longer than bed-length items.

 

[MY93SHO]

Does a "step position" means a middle angled position like this?

If so, it'd allow an easy way to haul longer than bed-length items.

No. look at the picture in the article. It is a step similar to the one on the GMC's but it appears to show a slide built into the bed so the pivot point moves toward the rear. Look at #50 and #52 in the drawing.

 

[star reno]

Is #26 in the patent sketch the "step" position? Anyone have link to the USPTO filing? There's probably other sketches that show this better.

 

[MY93SHO]

It looks like #26 is the tailgate in the step position. Is #48 part of the tailgate or part of the mechanism in the bed?

Agree, need more drawings.

 

[TheOne]

Looks like will be stronger and more durable than the funky gmc tailgate

 

[Rtball]

I have heard commentary, but no direct words about the possibility of damage to the tailgate when deploying it to this lower position when a trailer hitch is in place. First saw an observation about the GMC t/g, but then no more input. Murphy's law says if it can, it will, so I wonder how this can be solved/avoided. And just saying "Pay attention" doesn't work when you friend's son drops the gate for you while being helpful.

 

[MickeyAO]

I have heard commentary, but no direct words about the possibility of damage to the tailgate when deploying it to this lower position when a trailer hitch is in place. First saw an observation about the GMC t/g, but then no more input. Murphy's law says if it can, it will, so I wonder how this can be solved/avoided. And just saying "Pay attention" doesn't work when you friend's son drops the gate for you while being helpful.

Yes, you will damage the GMC tailgate if you drop the middle with a trailer hitch in place. I have a flat face insert in mine, and it barely clears. The tailgate commercials got me into a dealership, but all the toys inside made me trade in my 18-month-old Limited for a Denali. I'll trade in the Denali once the F150 all-electric hits the dealerships.

 

[Administrator]

Added the full patent filing link and drawings in the first post

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