Motion assist mechanism for a vehicle tailgate
US7699378B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/546
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A motion assist hinge mechanism includes a first and second hinge part mounted to the tailgate and vehicle body, respectively. The first hinge part includes a first cam having a sloped engagement surface engaged with a sloped engagement surface of a second cam of the second hinge part, under the bias of a resilient member, for moving axially along a pivot axis. The second cam is fixed to the vehicle body against pivotal movement relative to the pivot axis. When the tailgate is moved from a lowered, open position towards a raised, closed position, the resilient member translates a torque assisting force to the tailgate. The surface of the second cam may also include a detent that mates with the surface of the first cam to lock the tailgate at an angle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.