Vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism using four bar linkage and strut
US7547055B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/544
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism including a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions and a tailgate lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A drive lever may be pivotally connected at one end thereof to the tailgate lever arm and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to a bell crank. The bell crank may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to a vehicle body. 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 mechanism configured as discussed above, rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the tailgate lever arm to impart movement to the drive lever and the bell crank to thereby actuate the strut to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.