Locking device for removable tailgate assembly
US5004287A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 1989 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/1003
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A locking device is provided for a removable tailgate on a conventional pickup truck. The tailgate assembly is supported by a pair of hinges located at the bottom of the tailgate for opening movement about a horizontal axis, one of the hinges comprising an elongated pin member and receiver cup, the pin member extending from the truck body into the receiver cup located in the tailgate. An opening is provided in the side wall of the receiver cup to allow the pin member and consequently the tailgate to be removed when the opening is aligned with the narrow axis of the pin member. A cylinder lock and lock bolt is attached to the tailgate, the lock bolt extending through the end wall of the receiver cup. Upon engaging the lock, the lock bolt projects through the end wall of the receiver cup into an opening provided in the axis of the pin member, thereby allowing the tailgate to be locked to the pickup truck body while concurrently allowing the tailgate to be freely opened and closed along the horizontal axis of the hinges.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.