Patent · US Expired

Combination loading ramp and tailgate closure device

US4596417A · kind A · utility

86Cited by
5References
14Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 23, 1985
Grant dateJun 24, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 23, 2005

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60P1/435
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A combination loading ramp and tailgate closure device (10) is provided for use in connection with a gated cargo bed (12) of a truck. The device (10) is releasably mounted on the rearward portion of the truck having the tailgate (24) in an extended position. In this mode of operation, the device (10) serves to extend the cargo bed (12) of a truck by a distance approximating the height of the tailgate (24) when the tailgate is in a closed position. The device (10) can ultimately be removed from the rearward portion of a truck and positioned in an on-loading and off-loading ramp mode for moving a wheeled vehicle or the like into the truck cargo bed. Various materials can be used for manufacturing this device, and it is envisioned that the device can be fabricated from a suitable rigid material such as steel, aluminium, or the like, or from suitable plastics having the strength and durability necessary to withstand the wear occasioned by normal usage.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.