Pickup truck with lift assisted tailgate system
US6793263B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 11, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/544
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automotive vehicle, such as a pickup truck, has a tailgate including a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings mounted upon bearing retainers located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded within the interior space of the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with one of the bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. Because of the full floating feature, the hinge function of the tailgate will not be impaired in the event that the torsion bar becomes fractured.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.