IP Library Granted Patent US 12686341
Granted Patent B2
US 12686341 · App. 17/854,158 · Granted Jul 21, 2026

Integrated tailgate cargo system for automotive vehicle

Inventor: Lindsey Patrick (Clarkston, MI)
Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
B60R9/10B60P7/0815B60R9/06B62D33/0273
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12686341
App. No.
17/854,158
Granted
Jul 21, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Various disclosed embodiments include systems for securing cargo to a dropdown tailgate of an automotive vehicle, systems for securing a bicycle to a dropdown tailgate of an automotive vehicle, and systems for securing cargo to a tailgate of an automotive vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, a system for securing cargo to a dropdown tailgate of an automotive vehicle includes: a dropdown tailgate including a first elongated groove running along an inner panel of the dropdown tailgate; a first securing member, the first securing member including a first elongated arm; the first securing member being configured to be inserted into the first elongated groove, the received portion of the first securing member being slidingly moveable to a selectable position in the first elongated groove; and a first attachment mechanism, the first attachment mechanism being configured to secure the securing member to the first elongated groove.

Claims (13)

1 . A system for securing a bicycle to an automotive vehicle, the system comprising:

a first securing member for securing a first wheel of the bicycle, the first securing member comprising:

a first wheel receptacle defining a first received portion for the first wheel, wherein the first wheel receptacle is slidably movable in a panel that is movable relative to a rear of the automotive vehicle

a first arm configured to rotate relative to the first wheel receptacle and secure the first wheel, and

a first locking mechanism configured to prevent movement of the first wheel receptacle relative to the panel; and

a second securing member for securing a second wheel of the bicycle, the second securing member separate from the first securing member and comprising:

a second wheel receptacle defining a second received portion for the second wheel, wherein the second wheel receptacle is movable in the panel,

a second arm configured to rotate relative to the second wheel receptacle and secure the second wheel, and

a second locking mechanism configured to prevent movement of the second wheel receptacle relative to the panel.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the first wheel receptacle comprises a first U-shaped structure.

3 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising an attachment mechanism configured to secure the first securing member within the automotive vehicle, wherein the attachment mechanism includes at least one of the following: a fastening pin, a threaded bolt, an expansion clamp, and a compression clamp.

4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the system does not impede horizontal access to a trailer hitch disposed below a dropdown tailgate when the dropdown tailgate is in a horizontal orientation.

5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the first securing member and the second securing member are collinearly configurable to secure the first wheel and the second wheel of the bicycle.