Patent · US Active

Locking arrangements for removable end gates

US7549691B2 · kind B2 · utility

9Cited by
10References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 12, 2007
Grant dateJun 23, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 12, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D33/0273
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An end gates which provides access to a cargo area of an automotive vehicle has a pair of outwardly opening cups which receive a pair of opposed pins directed inwardly from the cargo area. The end gate is rotatable from a closed vertical position through substantially 90° to provide horizontal access to the cargo area. The pins on the cargo area are aligned with notches in the cups when the end gate is in an intermediate position so that the end gate may be removed from the cargo area. In order to prevent the end gate from becoming inadvertently detached from the cargo area, resilient retainer clips are provided that overlie the notches so as to lock the pins in the cups and retain the end gate on the vehicle. The resilient retainer clips are rotated out of alignment with the notches when it is desired to remove the end gate from the vehicle.

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