Importance

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Abstract

A tailgate assembly for a vehicle having a tailgate structure, a hinge structure, a guide track and a panel structure. The hinge structure couples the tailgate structure to the vehicle body and is operable for rotating the tailgate structure between a generally vertical raised position and a generally horizontal lowered position. The guide track is coupled to at least one of the hinge structure and the tailgate structure. The panel structure is in sliding engagement with the guide track such that the panel structure is movable along the guide track between a retracted position wherein the panel structure is at least partially disposed between the inner member and the outer member and an extended position adapted to substantially close a horizontal gap between the tailgate structure and the body of the vehicle. Placement of the tailgate structure in the raised position causes the panel structure to move along the guide track to the retracted position. Placement of the tailgate structure in the lowered position causes the panel structure to move along the guide track to the extended position.

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First Claim