IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,686,341
Granted Patent B2
US 12,686,341 · 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 12,686,341
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.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 30, 2022
From: PATRICK, LINDSEY
To: RIVIAN AUTOMOTIVE, LLC
Reel/Frame 060367/0494 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 30, 2022
From: RIVIAN AUTOMOTIVE, LLC
To: RIVIAN IP HOLDINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 060367/0578 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation 16915220 · Jun 29, 2020
Related Publication 20220332241A1 · Oct 20, 2022
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