Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
296570100 | Downwardly swinging | 63 |
20080197652 | VEHICLE TAILGATE MOVEMENT ASSIST MECHANISM USING CAM - A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism may include a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions, and a tailgate cam lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A bell crank may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to a vehicle body, and a strut may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to the vehicle body and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to the bell crank. With the tailgate cam lever arm, bell crank and strut configured as discussed, rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the tailgate cam lever arm to contact and rotate the bell crank to actuate the strut to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate. | 08-21-2008 |
20080203752 | Tailgate Cover - A cover for a truck tailgate has a top panel for spanning the top edge of the tailgate, an inner panel joined with the top panel for spanning the inner side of the tailgate, an outer panel joined with the top panel for spanning the outer side of the tailgate, a bottom panel joined with the outer panel for spanning the bottom edge of the tailgate, and an overlap panel joined with the bottom panel for connection with the bottom of the inner panel. Mating hook and loop fasteners are arranged to connect the interior of the inner panel to the exterior of the overlap panel such that the overlap panel is overlapped by the inner panel. End panels join the inner and outer panels at opposing ends of the top panel so as to form a pocket that receives the top edge of the tailgate therein. | 08-28-2008 |
20080211254 | Tailgate - Disclosed is a tailgate, especially for a vehicle, comprising a platform ( | 09-04-2008 |
20080217948 | Tailgate lift assembly - A tailgate lifting assembly. The assembly comprises two components housed in separate enclosures. A first component includes a pair of vertically arranged pulleys and is secured proximate a top edge of the tailgate. A second component is laterally disposed adjacent a side edge of the vehicle, which in the case of a trailer or pickup is a sidewall of the bed. A cable is threaded over the pulleys, which are secured in journaled relation to an interior wall of the housing for the first component. The second component has an interior void through which the cable is threaded, the cable being secured to a spring loaded attachment, the opposing sd secured to the top edge of the tailgate. The two enclosures may be removably mounted to allow for easy transfer to another vehicle. | 09-11-2008 |
20080224494 | TAILGATE SPRING ASSIST ASSEMBLY - A spring assist raising assembly includes a pivot pin with a noncircular cross section which is mounted to either a pivoted panel, such as a tailgate, or a stationary member, such as a vehicle body adjacent the tailgate. A spring-loaded rotatable socket is rotatably mounted to the other of the panel or member section and is keyed to receive the pivot pin and rotate with the rotation of the tailgate by such interconnection. The socket is coupled to a spiral torsion spring, in one embodiment of the invention, such that, as the panel or tailgate is lowered, the spiral torsion spring is loaded to provide a restorative force for assisting in the raising of the panel or tailgate. | 09-18-2008 |
20080252093 | Tailgate dampening apparatus - An apparatus for damping the motion of a tailgate attached to a truck bed comprising a damper having a truck bed attachment point at one end and a tailgate attachment point at the other end. The truck bed attachment point is secured to said truck bed, while the tailgate attachment point is secured to the tailgate. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252094 | Locking Arrangements for Removable End Gates - An end gates which provides access to a cargo area of an automotive vehicle has a pair of outwardly opening cups which receive a pair of opposed pins directed inwardly from the cargo area. The end gate is rotatable from a closed vertical position through substantially 90° to provide horizontal access to the cargo area. The pins on the cargo area are aligned with notches in the cups when the end gate is in an intermediate position so that the end gate may be removed from the cargo area. In order to prevent the end gate from becoming inadvertently detached from the cargo area, resilient retainer clips are provided that overlie the notches so as to lock the pins in the cups and retain the end gate on the vehicle. The resilient retainer clips are rotated out of alignment with the notches when it is desired to remove the end gate from the vehicle. | 10-16-2008 |
20080277960 | Truck tailgate with motion control devices - A tailgate control mechanism used to exert a force on a pivot. The tailgate may include a pivoting main body and a pivot fixed to a truck bed, where the main body may move about the pivot. The tailgate may also include a piston element including a first end connected to the pivot and a second end connected to the main body. The second end may be positioned above the first end when the main body is in a closed position. The piston element may also be configured to provide a counter force as the main body is lowered. The piston element may also be retrofitted. | 11-13-2008 |
20080303304 | Tailgate-attached cargo support apparatus - A cargo support apparatus is attached to a tailgate and includes a platform unit, platform-to-tailgate attachment means connected between the platform unit and the tailgate at the bottom of the tailgate for attaching the platform unit to the tailgate, platform-to-tailgate orientation and support means connected between the platform unit and the tailgate for orienting and supporting the platform unit with respect to the tailgate, and platform-to-tailgate locking means connected to the platform unit for locking the platform unit in a raised condition with respect to the tailgate. The subject tailgate-attached cargo support apparatus permits the platform unit to be raised up when not in use and lowered to a horizontal orientation for receipt of cargo to be supported thereon. | 12-11-2008 |
20080309110 | TAILGATE TOPPER - A tailgate topper for a pickup truck tailgate has a transverse horizontally extending cross-bar supported by a pair of vertically movable support members which allow positioning of the cross-bar at a desired height above the tailgate. A plurality of upwardly biased popup blocks are disposed below said cross-bar within the tailgate so exert pressure upwardly against cargo extending between the cross-bar and the popup block. | 12-18-2008 |
20090021039 | VEHICLE GATE ASSEMBLY WITH CARGO TRAY - A vehicle gate assembly for a vehicle that includes a first coupling member that is movably coupled to the vehicle. The vehicle gate assembly also includes a second coupling member and a gate that is movably coupled to the vehicle via the first coupling member so as to move between a raised position and a lowered position. The gate moves away from the vehicle when moving from the raised position to the lowered position. The gate assembly also includes a tray assembly that is movably supported by the vehicle, so as to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The tray assembly is coupled to the gate via the second coupling member such that movement of the gate between the raised and towered position coincidentally moves the tray assembly between the extended position and the retracted position. | 01-22-2009 |
20090026789 | Multifunctional extendable tailgate - An improved extendable tailgate for a vehicle with a cargo bed has an upright position and a horizontal position. With the tailgate in the upright position there is a hinged lower edge and an upper edge. The tailgate has a tailgate frame that has a substantially rectangular shape, a width and a height similar to a factory supplied tailgate. There is at least one hollow vertical member extending from the lower edge to the upper edge of the tailgate frame, and an extendable portion approximately the width and the height of the tailgate frame that has at least one vertical member that telescopes from within the hollow vertical member between a retracted position and an extended position. With the extendable tailgate in the extended position, the extendable portion essentially doubles the height of the tailgate. | 01-29-2009 |
20090108613 | VEHICLE ENDGATE COUNTERBALANCE - A vehicle having an endgate counter balance for use with an endgate of the vehicle, and a method of operating, is disclosed. The endgate counterbalance may include a hinge arm extending from the hinge, an energy storage device and a crank mechanism connected between the hinge arm and the energy storage device. The endgate counterbalance is configured to create a cross-over position for the endgate between closed and fully open where the endgate counterbalance does not exert a rotational bias on the endgate. | 04-30-2009 |
20090184533 | Vehicle Endgate Hinge Assembly - A vehicle endgate hinge assembly is disclosed. The hinge assembly has a bodyside hinge strap including a hinge support boss extending through the endgate opening shut-face and having a central hole that is coaxial with the endgate pivot axis, a mounting plate located outboard of the shut-face, and a threaded portion extending from the mounting plate through the shut-face. The hinge assembly may have a crank including a hinge key pivotally coupled to a member mounted on the endgate, a pivot shaft extending from the hinge key through the central hole, a lever arm extending from the pivot shaft normal to the endgate pivot axis, and a ball extending from the lever arm spaced from the endgate pivot axis. A nut is located inboard of the endgate opening shut-face and threadably received on the threaded portion, and an energy storage mechanism is coupled to the ball. | 07-23-2009 |
20090189406 | TAILGATE LIFT ASSISTOR - A tailgate lift assistor that provides for a reduced force required to rotate or pivot a tailgate of a pickup truck or the like upwardly from a generally horizontal open position to a generally vertical closed position and in one embodiment the lift assistor is combined with a dampening mechanism that dampens the opening of the tailgate. | 07-30-2009 |
20090250961 | Endgate Hinge for Motor Vehicle Having Dual Pivot Axes - An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into a motor vehicle includes an endgate for opening and closing the passageway. First, second and third brackets are secured to the endgate, each bracket including a socket, a ball retained in the socket and a rod secured to the ball, the rod being able to pivot about an upright axis into alignment with a lateral axis, the first bracket being secured to the body at a first lateral side of the passageway, the second bracket being secured to the body at a second lateral side of the passageway opposite the first side, and the third bracket being secured to the body at the first lateral side and at an elevation such that the upright axis of the third bracket is aligned with the upright axis of the first bracket. | 10-08-2009 |
20090250962 | DEPLOYABLE STORAGE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE BED - A deployable storage system for a vehicle bed is provided. The vehicle bed is partly defined by a tailgate, first and second opposing side walls and a floor. The deployable storage system includes a panel assembly secured to and that may be nested within at least one of the tailgate, the side walls and the floor of the vehicle, and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The panel assembly does not enclose the bed when in the stowed position and generally defines along with the tailgate, the walls and the floor, an enclosure of a portion of the bed adjacent the tailgate when in the deployed position. Because the deployable storage system encloses a rear portion of the vehicle bed, air drag on the vehicle is reduced. | 10-08-2009 |
20090289467 | Tailgate and Motor Vehicle - A tailgate of a motor vehicle has an extensible wind-deflecting device which, in its non-use position, is preferably arranged, so as to lie within an outer contour, in a stowage space. Here, the tailgate is formed substantially from an inner and an outer panel, with a collecting device, which is connected to the inner and to the outer panel and which is arranged in the region of the stowage space, being provided for collecting water which has infiltrated into the stowage space. | 11-26-2009 |
20090302630 | Tailgate dampening system - A tailgate dampening system for a vehicle including a tailgate lift assist system including a torque rod rotationally grounded between the tailgate at a first end and a first side of the vehicle's frame at a second end is disclosed. The dampening system includes a coupling shaft attached to one end of the torque rod, a bell crank arm attached to the coupling shaft, and a dampening strut attached between the vehicle's frame and the bell crank arm. The crank arm compresses the dampening strut as the crank arm is rotated by the torque rod through the coupling shaft as the torque rod is twisted in response to the tailgate being opened, so as to reduce the rate at which the tailgate falls. | 12-10-2009 |
20100001544 | Tailgate Storage - A tailgate constructed such that it can be lowered from the vertical to a position inside the cargo box of the pickup truck. The tailgate, when stowed, will lie horizontally, flush with the bed of the cargo box. The tailgate is thus no longer acting as an air dam but is easily accessible when needed. | 01-07-2010 |
20100052355 | ENDGATE ASSEMBLY WITH DAMPER RELEASABLE FROM KEYED STUD - An endgate assembly connectable to a vehicle body for opening and closing a vehicle bed formed by the body includes an endgate supportable by the vehicle body at a pivot connection and openable and closable by pivoting about the pivot connection. A keyed support member is securable to the vehicle body. A damper and a cable are connected to the endgate. Both the damper and the cable have ends that are configured to be retained by the keyed support member when the endgate is pivoted between the open and closed position. The cable and damper ends can be removed from the keyed support member without tools when the cable end is rotated relative to the keyed support member. A method of modifying the vehicle bed by detaching or reattaching the endgate assembly is also provided. | 03-04-2010 |
20100084885 | Viscous Rotary Damper for Vehicle End Gate Assembly - A viscous rotary damping device for a vehicle end gate assembly is provided. The damping device includes a housing member configured to operatively attach to the vehicle body or the end gate assembly. The housing member defines a fluid chamber having viscous fluid therein. The damping device also includes an impeller member having a mast with a first end configured to operatively attach to the other of the vehicle body and the end gate assembly, and a second end having one or more blades projecting outward therefrom. The second end of the mast is rotatably received in the fluid chamber such that the impeller member dissipates kinetic energy generated by the end gate assembly when transitioning between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A cover plate member is preferably coupled to the housing member, and configured to fluidly seal the fluid chamber. | 04-08-2010 |
20100109368 | Power operated retractable tailgate assembly - A power operated retractable tailgate assembly for a vehicle that includes a tailgate with opposite end edges thereof connected via sliding pivots to a respective one of a pair of elongate slide rails. The slide rails mount in lateral spaced apart relation on the underside of the floor of the cargo carrying box on the vehicle. A first extendible and retractable assembly, having relatively movable respective first and second portions, has the first portion anchored to the vehicle and a second portion that is hingedly connected to the tailgate proximate a lower marginal edge thereof. A power means is operatively connected to the extendible and retractable assembly and is operable from within the cab of the vehicle selectively to extend and retract the tailgate by moving the tailgate along the slide members. A second power operated extendible and retractable assembly is connected to the tailgate to move the same from its open position wherein it is horizontally disposed and projects rearwardly from the vehicle to a raised closed position wherein it is disposed vertically. Each of the extendable and retractable assemblies include a hydraulic cylinder unit operatively associated with a motor-driven pump. An alternate method of opening and closing the tailgate uses an electric motor directly driving a cable system which opens and closes the tailgate utilizing for example a winch unit comprising an electric motor driving a cable drum rather than the use of a screw drive or hydraulic means to control the cables. | 05-06-2010 |
20100109369 | LIFT GATE ASSIST MECHANISM - The invention disclosed herein relates to a novel mechanism for assisting in opening and closing the lift gate on a vehicle, namely, a trailer. The lift gate assist mechanism is attached to the back of the closed lift gate and cables extend from the mechanism to a connection point on the trailer itself, allowing ease of installation on a variety of trailers. The mechanism is particularly convenient to attach as an after-market product. The mechanism comprises one or more strong outer casings having one or more concentric springs contained therein, where one end of the springs are attached to one end of the casing and the second end of the springs is attached to the bed or some other portion of the vehicle. The mechanism also provides extra strength to the lift gate to enable it to support additional weight of objects when they are rolled onto or off of the trailer. The invention also relates to the method for adding the novel lift gate assist mechanism to the lift gate on a trailer. | 05-06-2010 |
20100133869 | Tailgate lifter - A pick-up truck tailgate lifter having dual hooks for gripping the bottom of the rear of the tailgate and lifting straps affixed thereto and running to the inside of the tailgate ending in a handle. One embodiment has a roll-up handle so the straps and handle fit through the space between the bed and the tailgate. The other routes the straps over the rear face of the tailgate, through a top cap and around a reversing post in the inside of the tailgate so that when lifting pressure is applied to the handle, the straps tighten the lifting hooks. | 06-03-2010 |
20100225137 | TRANSPORT TRAILER LIFTGATE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A liftgate apparatus may include a plurality of vertical tracks attached to a rear of a trailer, each of the plurality of vertical tracks including a vertical roller chain. Tops of the plurality of vertical tracks intersect horizontal hollow structural tubes which include hydraulic cylinders. The apparatus may also include at least one bar attached to a bottom of each vertical roller chain and attached to sets of rolling wheels configured to move the at least one bar vertically inside the plurality of vertical tracks and a plurality of hinges attached to a lower end of the at least one bar and attached to a base of a liftgate, wherein the vertical roller chain lifts the at least one bar and the liftgate at hinged points. The apparatus may also include a plurality of types of link chains, wherein a first type of the link chains supports the liftgate in a closed position and the first type is affixed to the top of the at least one bar and to the liftgate, and wherein a second type of the link chains is affixed to the top of the vertical roller chain and to mid sections of the liftgate. The apparatus may further include a plurality of sprockets connected via a shaft, wherein the vertical roller chain travels over at least one of plurality of sprockets and connects the hydraulic cylinders to the least one bar, thereby moving the at least one bar and the attached liftgate in a synchronized manner. | 09-09-2010 |
20110012385 | MODULAR TAILGATE PROTECTORS AND LOAD SUPPORT SYSTEMS - A modular tailgate protector that is infinitely adjustable for accommodating vehicle storage beds having different widths includes a horizontal support bar having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, and a pair of vertical support columns adapted for sliding along the longitudinal axis of the horizontal support bar for adjusting the spacing between the vertical support columns. The modular tailgate protector includes locking elements coupled with the vertical support columns for selectively locking the vertical support columns at selected locations along the longitudinal axis of the horizontal support bar. The vertical support columns are insertable into stake post openings located at a rear end of a vehicle storage bed for spacing the horizontal support bar from a tailgate so that items loaded in the vehicle storage bed do not impact against the tailgate. | 01-20-2011 |
20110057469 | Multi-position Tailgate Retaining and Counterbalancing Apparatus and Method - A multi-position tailgate retaining and counterbalancing apparatus and method is disclosed. The apparatus maintains the look and functionality of a conventional tailgate for a pickup truck. The apparatus and methods may include a counterbalance reducing the effort required to lift or lower the tailgate. The apparatus and methods may allow the counterbalanced tailgate to be lowered to, and automatically stop at the standard open position like a conventional tailgate. Moreover, by pulling and releasing the tailgate release latch handle, the tailgate may be lowered further to a fully open position. Upon reaching this lower, fully open position, the tailgate may automatically stop. The apparatus and methods may also provide a counterbalanced tailgate that secures at multiple predetermined positions between the closed and fully open positions, each such position retaining the tailgate's full load carrying capacity. | 03-10-2011 |
20110080017 | TAILGATE GAP COVERING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A tailgate gap cover for covering a gap between two adjacent surfaces includes an elongated top member where the top member has a generally arcuate T-shaped cross-sectional profile. An elongated concave relief central portion extends lengthwise along the center of the top member. An elongated insertion panel is affixed to a central bottom portion of the top member, where the elongated insertion panel extends downwardly substantially perpendicular from the top member. | 04-07-2011 |
20110089711 | Tailgate Lowering Apparatus and Method - A method for lowering a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and a first tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The first tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side and a second end connected to tailgate. The method may further include detaching the first end of the first tailgate support from first side of the vehicle. Once a first extension link is selected, the first end of the first tailgate support may be connected to the first extension link. The first extension link may be connected to the first side. Once installed, the extension link may effectively lengthen the tailgate support, permitting the tailgate to hang lower than ninety degrees from its closed position. | 04-21-2011 |
20110089712 | TAILGATE DAMPING/DETENT SYSTEM - A tailgate damping and detent system is disclosed for a vehicle, including a tailgate lift assist system with a torque rod rotationally grounded between the tailgate at a first end and a first side of the vehicle's frame at a second end. “Damping” is achieved by increasing the diameter of the torque rod. The increased torque rod diameter overcompensates for the weight of the tailgate, so that this increased load decelerates the tailgate starting from the neutral balance point to the fully open position. The speed of the tailgate approaches zero at the end of the travel of the tailgate to the fully open position, which greatly reduces the “slam” at the end of travel. The tailgate is held in the open position by a link detent system. There is a slot in the gate side of the link that a spring loaded pin latches into. | 04-21-2011 |
20110121601 | Multi-position tailgate support Apparatus and Method - A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and at least one tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The at least one tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side, a second end connected to tailgate, and an adjustor positioned between the first and second ends. The method may further include actuating the adjustor to change the length under tension of at least one tailgate support. By changing this length, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted. | 05-26-2011 |
20110121602 | Multi-position tailgate support Apparatus and Method - A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and at least one tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The at least one tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side, a second end connected to tailgate, and an adjustor positioned between the first and second ends. The method may further include actuating or manipulating the adjustor to change the length under tension of at least one tailgate support. By changing this length, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted. | 05-26-2011 |
20110163565 | Multi-position Tailgate Adjustment Apparatus and Method - A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, a tailgate support, and an adjustor. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The adjustor may include a base and a traveler configured to move with respect to the base. The base may be positioned on, and fixed with respect to, one of the tailgate and a first side of the vehicle. When the base is positioned on the tailgate, the tailgate support may extend to connect the traveler to the first side of the vehicle. Alternatively, when the base is position on the first side of the vehicle, the tailgate support may extend to connect the traveler to the tailgate. In either configuration, by manipulating the position of the traveler with respect to the base, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted. | 07-07-2011 |
20110181068 | Multi-position Tailgate Support Apparatus and Method - A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising first and second sides, a tailgate, and at least one tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The at least one tailgate support may have a base and an array pivotably connected to the base. The base may engage the tailgate. The array may engage the first side and comprise first and second engagement mechanisms. The method may further include disengaging the first engagement mechanism from the first side, pivoting the array with respect to the base, and effecting an engagement between the second engagement mechanism and the first side. By switching from the first engagement mechanism to the second engagement mechanism, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted. | 07-28-2011 |
20110215610 | Retrofit Tailgate Damper - A tailgate control mechanism used to exert a force on a pivot. The tailgate may include a pivoting main body and a pivot fixed to a truck bed, where the main body may move about the pivot. The tailgate may also include a piston element including a first end connected to the pivot and a second end connected to the main body. The second end may be positioned above the first end when the main body is in a closed position. The piston element may also be configured to provide a counter force to balance the weight of the tailgate. The piston element may also be retrofitted. | 09-08-2011 |
20110309649 | COVER FOR A TAILGATE ROD PASSAGE - A rear pillar of an automotive vehicle housing a power tailgate assembly and a garnish covering the rear pillar. The garnish includes an opening through which a tailgate rod extends and interconnects the power tailgate assembly and the tailgate of the automobile. A cover closes the opening and comprises an elongated body of a resilient material including an upper region having a passage sized to accommodate the tailgate rod and lower region having a “T” shaped slot intersecting the passage. | 12-22-2011 |
20120187710 | DRIVE DEVICE OF A VEHICLE COMPONENT, IN PARTICULAR A BODY FLAP - The invention relates to a drive device in vehicle component, comprising an electric drive motor, the armature shaft thereof being connected to a gearbox device for driving an output shaft. The gearbox device comprises at least one double gearbox unit, made of two gear stages having two changes in direction. | 07-26-2012 |
20120223541 | TAILGATE GAP COVER - A tailgate gap cover releasably engages a vehicle body having a gap disposed between a back end and tailgate of the vehicle body. The tailgate gap cover includes a plate that extends between a plate leading edge and a plate trailing edge and a flap that extends between a flap leading edge and a flap trailing edge. The flap leading edge is pivotally connected to the plate trailing edge to allow rotation of the flap relative to the plate between an open substantially parallel position and a closed substantially perpendicular position. A fastener releasably secures the plate to the vehicle body. The fastener includes a base that is secured to the plate and a latch plate that is secured to the vehicle body and is moveable between a locked position for securing the tailgate gap cover to the vehicle body and an unlocked position for removing the tailgate gap cover. | 09-06-2012 |
20130038081 | Vehicles Incorporating Tailgate Energy Management Systems - A vehicle includes sidewalls, a tailgate located proximate to rear ends of the sidewalls, and a tailgate energy management system. The tailgate energy management system includes a governor coupled to one of the sidewalls and to the tailgate. The governor selectively applies a governing force to the tailgate to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate. The tailgate energy management system also includes a speed sensor sensing an opening speed of the tailgate and an electronic control unit electronically coupled to the governor and the speed sensor. The electronic control unit includes a processor and memory storing an instruction set. The electronic control unit receives a speed signal indicative of the opening speed of the tailgate and the processor executes the instruction set to cause the electronic control unit to transmit a control signal to the governor to slow the opening speed of the tailgate based on the speed signal. | 02-14-2013 |
20130193709 | Tailgate Damping Systems - A tailgate damping system for controlling movement of a tailgate assembly of a vehicle includes a speed sensor that provides rotational speed information of the tailgate assembly. A controller receives the rotational speed information from the speed sensor. A damping control assembly receives a tailgate shaft of the tailgate assembly. The damping control assembly includes a housing comprising a rotor chamber including a rotor member located therein. The rotor member is connected to a rotor shaft that is coupled to the tailgate shaft. A valve chamber includes a control valve located therein. The controller closes the control valve to inhibit exit of a damping fluid from the rotor chamber based on the speed information received from the speed sensor. | 08-01-2013 |
20130278004 | TAILGATE HINGE RETAINING MECHANISM - A tailgate hinge retaining mechanism for a truck bed. The retaining mechanism can have a post bracket and a tailgate bracket. A retaining bracket is also included and attached to the tailgate bracket, the retaining bracket having a sleeve with an offset slot that prevents the tailgate bracket from being undesirably removed from the post bracket. | 10-24-2013 |
20140028046 | Tailgate adjustable ex support and stable cable systems - The Tailgate Adjustable EX Support and Stable Cable Systems, will provide the pickup truck owner extra tailgate support while loading and unloading cargo. (examples are lawn and landscape equipment, construction material and recreational vehicles, such as motorcycles, ATV'S, UTV'S and more.) The Tailgate Adjustable EX Support and Stable Sable Systems is easy to install by simply using the latching system already in place on your pickup truck tailgate. Once the Tailgate Adjustable EX Support and Stable Cable Systems is in place you can use the adjustable ratchet to tighten the straps in the position needed. With a variety of makes and models we have assorted styles to fit every need for the pickup truck owner. The Stable Cable is used for those who need to hold the tailgate in the full open only position only for extra support. | 01-30-2014 |
20150084361 | TAILGATE GAP COVER - A tailgate gap cover is mountable to a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, so as to cover the gap between a truck bed and a tailgate surface. One edge of the gap cover is confined within an elongate mounting rail wherein the mounting rail is crimped at the opposite ends so as to prevent lateral movement of the cover. This mounting rail is secured directly to the truck bed to provide a rigid mount on the truck bed side of the gap. The opposite free edge of the cover overlies the tailgate includes connector formations or fastener structures which releasably snap onto corresponding connector formations or fastener structures on the tailgate. | 03-26-2015 |
20150115644 | MULTI-POSITION ENDGATE SYSTEM - An endgate system providing multiple positions or angles of the endgate relative to the cargo box is disclosed. An end piece for attaching a cable to an anchor point includes a fixed link attached to the cable and a rotating link operatively attached to the fixed link. The rotating link is rotatable about a pivot point between a first position and a second position relative to the fixed link. The second position of the rotatable link is more proximal to the cable than the first position. A primary keyway is formed in the rotating link and is configured to selectively mate with the anchor point in the first position. A secondary keyway is formed in the rotating link and is configured to selectively mate with the anchor point in the second position | 04-30-2015 |
20150130208 | OPENING/CLOSING ASSISTING APPARATUS OF GATE FOR TRUCK - An apparatus for assisting opening/closing of a gate for a truck may include a housing mounted onto a lower side of the floor panel, a lifter having a first end pivotally coupled to the floor, wherein the lifter generates elastic repulsive force when being compressed while a length of the lifter is decreased, a first arm having a first end pivotally connected to a second end of the lifter, a second arm having a first end pivotally mounted on the housing and a second end pivotally connected to a second end of the first arm, and a third arm having a first end pivotally connected to a third end of the second arm and a second end pivotally connected to the gate, wherein when the gate rotates downwardly and is opened, the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm are moved to compress the lifter. | 05-14-2015 |
20150314813 | MULTI-POSITION ENDGATE CABLE - An endgate cable mechanism includes an outer housing defining a longitudinal tunnel and an inner fitting slidably disposed within the longitudinal tunnel. A first transverse hole is in the outer housing. A second transverse hole, which is spaced longitudinally from the first transverse hole, is also defined in the outer housing. A plunger is selectively extendable from the inner fitting to engage with one of the first transverse hole and the second transverse hole. The endgate cable mechanism has a first effective length when the plunger is engaged with the first transverse hole and has a second effective length when the plunger is engaged with the second transverse hole. | 11-05-2015 |
20160031353 | TAILGATE WITH INTEGRATED LOADING RAMP SYSTEM - A cargo bed tailgate may include an extension configurable between a plurality of positions to enable oversized cargo to be securely carried on a cargo bed as well accommodate a deployable set of loading ramps which are storable within the tailgate and deployable to attach to the cargo bed extension after the cargo bed extension is moved and locked for the loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the cargo bed of the vehicle. | 02-04-2016 |
296061000 | Combined loading chute | 8 |
20080217949 | Powered Tailgate Ramp - A tailgate ramp for a vehicle is driven up and down by a rotary drive system that engages a hinge plate. The prime mover of the system is a two way electric motor that drives the hinge plate through a gear reduction, and can be placed away from the gate using parallel shafts that extend between the motor and the hinge plate. A screw driven latch arm is also driven by a two way electric motor to latch and unlatch the door. | 09-11-2008 |
20080246295 | TRANSFIGURABLE ACCESS SLIDING TRAY - A transfigurable bed liner assembly mountable on a vehicle including a bed. The assembly may include a channel mountable to each side wall of the vehicle, and a transfigurable bed liner including a plurality of rollers disposable in the channels for permitting sliding of the transfigurable bed liner. The transfigurable bed liner may include a leg generally adjacent a first end thereof for supporting the transfigurable bed liner in an extended position, for use of the bed liner, for example, as a workbench and for permitting loading of heavy objects. | 10-09-2008 |
20080284194 | TAILGATE AND RAMP FOR PICKUP TRUCK - This invention is a tailgate for a pickup truck having a unibody frame that is pivotally secured at its lower end proximal the rear end of the truck bed. The frame includes a pair of linear risers that fit into the rear vertical recesses of the sidewalls of the truck when the tailgate is in a closed position. The risers support a plurality of bowed lateral beams that extend outwardly from the rear of the truck to extend the length of its cargo bay when the tailgate is in its closed. The bowed beams support a set of flat angled ramps that are aligned with the truck bed. The tailgate is swung to an open position so that the ramps extend down from the truck bed and are joined by a detachable ramp to form one or more low incline ramps for loading and unloading items into the cargo bay. | 11-20-2008 |
20090079217 | Powered Tailgate Ramp - A tailgate ramp assembly for a vehicle is opened and closed by a linear actuator that engages an arm attached to the tailgate. The linear actuator is attached to a frame that includes guideways to guide a translatable member of the linear actuator. The translatable member of the linear actuator is pivotally connected to the arm of the tailgate through a linkage assembly. | 03-26-2009 |
20090108614 | Ramp assembly for a vehicle tailgate - A compact ramp and tailgate system for a vehicle tailgate includes a tailgate having an interior hollow cavity for collapsible storage therein of a pair of ramps that are also telescopically extendable therefrom for loading and unloading heavy equipment into and off the bed of the vehicle such as a pickup truck with each ramp mounted to a locking hinge that allows the ramps to pivot up to ninety degrees and each ramp composed of at least three ramp members of decreasing size starting from the largest ramp members that are pivotally interconnected to the locking hinges. The ramps are independently pivotable and slidably adjustable left and right relative to the tailgate and the longitudinal extension of the vehicle for properly aligning the ramps with respect to the wheels, rollers, casters, etc., of the equipment to be on loaded and off loaded. | 04-30-2009 |
20100123330 | Recreational vehicle with ramp door - An embodiment of the invention includes a ramp mechanism configured for use in a recreational vehicle including a ramp portion and an actuation mechanism. The ramp portion is movable between a closed position and an open position. The actuation mechanism is configured to move the ramp portion between the closed position and the open position. The actuation mechanism includes a first mounting assembly, a second mounting assembly and an actuator connecting the first mounting assembly to the second mounting assembly. | 05-20-2010 |
20110193366 | Space Saving Automobile Loading Ramp System - A space saving automobile loading ramp system is disclosed. The present invention attaches to the hitch of a truck or similar automobile to allow the user to load cargo. The present invention does not require any alteration of the automobile. Additionally, the present invention does not take up any space in a truck bed or require components be stored in the cab, and can be disassembled for transport while the tailgate of the truck remains down even if cargo has been loaded onto the tailgate using the present invention. | 08-11-2011 |
20120139281 | MODULAR RAMP ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE - A modular ramp assembly is provided for use in connection with a pickup truck cargo box. The ramp assembly has a ramp connector assembly provided on the vehicle tailgate and a ramp having a connector for connecting to the ramp connector to serve as a loading ramp. The ramp connector has a pivoting clevis bracket and tangs that connects into a channel on the tailgate. Additional connectors are provided in the vehicle cargo box for connecting to the ramp such that the ramp is configured to operate as a cross-member such as a shelf or divider in the cargo box. | 06-07-2012 |
296062000 | Combined steps | 7 |
20090072571 | SIDE MOUNTED TAILGATE STEP - A vehicle tailgate side mounted step assist mechanism attachable to a vehicle including a vehicle bed coupled to a pillar and a tailgate pivotally attached to the vehicle bed for providing access to the vehicle bed in a tailgate open position and securing contents of the vehicle bed in a tailgate closed position. The mechanism may include generally parallel supports rotatably mountable to a side of the tailgate, the supports capable of being deployed when the tailgate is in the tailgate open position and stowed when the tailgate is in the tailgate closed position. A tailgate step is disposable between the supports at a predetermined distance from the side of the tailgate, and a lockout device prevents the tailgate from returning to the tailgate closed position when the tailgate step is deployed. | 03-19-2009 |
20100207415 | TAILGATE ASSEMBLIES AND VEHICLES INCLUDING SAME - A tailgate assembly is provided for a cargo bed of a vehicle. The tailgate assembly includes a support panel and a tailgate panel. The support panel is configured for attachment to a vehicle such that the support panel is selectively pivotable between horizontal and vertical positions. The tailgate panel is attached to the support panel. The tailgate panel is configured to selectively define an end wall for the cargo bed when the support panel is in the horizontal position. The tailgate panel is configured to selectively define a step when the support panel is in the vertical position. A vehicle including a cargo bed having such a tailgate assembly is also provided. | 08-19-2010 |
20110233954 | Deployment assembly and a selectively movable assembly - A deployment assembly | 09-29-2011 |
20120126564 | VEHICLE TAILGATE HAVING PIVOTING SECONDARY TAILGATE THEREIN - A pickup truck tailgate assembly is provided that includes a primary tailgate adapted to pivotally latch to a pickup cargo box and has an opening formed in the central portion thereof. The assembly also includes a secondary tailgate pivotally attached to the primary tailgate in the central opening. The assembly further includes a pivoting connection connecting the secondary tailgate to the primary tailgate so that a secondary tailgate may pivot downward relative to the primary tailgate. The secondary tailgate may further be deployed to form a step for access to the cargo box and may provide a gate for retaining items within the cargo box. | 05-24-2012 |
20140203587 | Integrated Step and Grab-Handle System for Tailgates - A deployable step and handle system for a tailgate. The handle is used to secure the deployable step in the stowed position that eliminates the need for a separate release system. The handle is placed adjacent a top edge of the tailgate to prevent debris from being trapped under the handle when the handle is closed. The ladder has a step surface disposed opposite and at an angle relative to a top surface of a spoiler that provides a step surface. The ladder rails are guided by rail guides as the ladder is moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. A unitary support bracket is used to connect both the handle and a ladder rail to the tailgate. | 07-24-2014 |
20160075286 | MULTI-PANEL HINGED ENDGATE ASSEMBLY WITH EDGE SUPPORT FOR STEP PANEL - An endgate assembly includes a first panel that has a first hinge axis, a second panel hinged to the first panel at a second hinge axis that is spaced from and generally parallel with the first hinge axis, and a third panel hinged to the second panel at a third hinge axis and pivotable about the third hinge axis from a stowed position generally parallel with the second panel to a use position generally perpendicular to the second panel. The third panel has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion and the distal portion are divided by the third hinge axis. The second panel has a recess adjacent the third hinge axis that receives the proximal portion and has a first surface at the recess positioned to establish the use position of the third panel by contacting the proximal portion and reacting loading of the distal portion. | 03-17-2016 |
20160101817 | INTEGRATED STEPGATE AND HANDLE ASSEMBLY - An integrated stepgate and handle assembly includes a tailgate, a displaceable ladder carried on the tailgate, a displaceable handle carried on the tailgate and a latch. The latch connects the ladder and the handle whereby the handle is partially deployed with the ladder. This partial deployment of the handle prompts the operator to fully deploy and use the handle. | 04-14-2016 |