Lightweight tailgate assembly
US5944373A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D33/0273
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lightweight tailgate assembly for pickup trucks includes several metal panels that are preferably made from a single metal sheet, a plastic reinforcing module between inner and outer metal panels, and fastener means joining the reinforcing module to the inner panel. A preferred assembly also includes hinge means for connection with truck body, and latch means for locking the assembly between opposed rear corner posts in a truck body. A particularly preferred tailgate assembly made with AA 6022 aluminum alloy sheet and a reinforcing module containing nylon and glass fibers weighs about half as much as a conventional steel struck tailgate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.