IP Library › Granted Patent US 12703436
Granted Patent B2
US 12703436 · App. 18/522,492 · Granted Aug 11, 2026

Tailgate cable slack pretensioner

Inventors: James A Robertson (White Lake, MI); Ronald Lazarevich (Shelby Township, MI); Gene Compton (Clinton Township, MI)
Assignee: FCA US LLC
B62D33/0273
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12703436
App. No.
18/522,492
Granted
Aug 11, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A tailgate cable pretensioner includes a cable having at least one end having a terminal for securing to a vehicle or a tailgate. A pretensioner is on the other end of the cable. The pretensioner includes a fastener to secure it to the vehicle or the tailgate. The pretensioner takes up cable slack when the pretensioner is secured on the vehicle or the tailgate.

Claims (13)

1 . A tailgate cable pretensioner comprising:

a cable having two ends with at least one end having a terminal for securing to a vehicle or a tailgate; and

a pretensioner on the other end of the cable, the pretensioner including a fastener to secure the cable onto the vehicle or the tailgate, and the pretensioner taking up cable slack when the pretensioner is secured onto the vehicle or the tailgate,

wherein the pretensioner includes a cam coupled with the fastener, the cam receiving the end of the cable, and

wherein the a clutch is coupled with the cam for preventing over torque.

2 . The tailgate cable pretensioner of claim 1 , wherein the cam includes a channel for guiding the cable.

3 . A vehicle with a tailgate cable pretensioner comprising:

a vehicle having a drop down tailgate;

a cable with two ends with at least one end having a terminal for securing to a vehicle or a tailgate; and

a pretensioner on the other end of the cable, the pretensioner including a fastener to secure it to the vehicle or the tailgate, and the pretensioner taking up cable slack when the pretensioner is secured onto the vehicle or the tailgate,

wherein the pretensioner includes a cam coupled with the fastener, the cam receiving the end of the cable, and

wherein the cam includes a channel for guiding the cable.

4 . The vehicle with a tailgate cable pretensioner of claim 3 , further comprising a clutch coupled with the cam for preventing over torque.