Abstract: A mechanically fastened outrigger arrangement provides an anchor point for an automatic four bar linkage tailgate. The mechanically fastened outrigger arrangement includes an outrigger arrangement support frame and an outrigger extending outward from the outrigger arrangement support frame to a distal end configured to support a tailgate actuation link. Outrigger braces also extend from the outrigger arrangement support frame to the distal end of the outrigger. A lower clamp is configured to secure the outrigger arrangement support frame to a lateral support of a truck, and a truck frame clamp is configured to secure the outrigger arrangement support frame to a truck frame.

Abstract: A method is provided for loading material into a dump body of a truck using a loading bucket whose volumetric capacity is approximately ? or more than that of the dump body. The loading bucket is filed with an amount of earthen material and centered over the dump body. The bucket is then lowered to a position that: (1) substantially minimizes the clearance between the floor of the dump body and a swinging gate of the loading bucket in its freed position: (2) allows the swinging gate to clear the side wails of the dump body as it swings through an are after it is freed, and (3) allows the material to be discharged substantially in the center of the dump body. After it is positioned, the swinging gate is then freed so as to release the material held in the bucket.

Abstract: A method of loading material into a dump body of a truck using a loading bucket whose volumetric capacity is approximately ? or more than that of the dump body is provided. The dump body having side walls that are spaced relatively wider than conventional dump bodies. The loading bucket having a gate at a lower end thereof that when free swings open and causes the material contained in the loading bucket to drop into the dump body. The method including the steps of filling the loading bucket with an amount of earthen material and centering the loading bucket over the dump body. The bucket is then lowered to a position that: (1) substantially minimizes the clearance between the floor of the dump body and the swinging gate in its freed position; (2) allows the swinging gate to clear the side walls of the dump body as it swings through an arc after it is freed, and (3) allows the material to be discharged substantially in the center of the dump body.

Abstract: A process for designing dump bodies which more accurately takes into account field loading/haulage conditions is provided. The process includes gathering data from actual field environments including material density, front, rear and side angles of material repose and corner void information. From this data, a three dimensional model of the load is generated. This three dimensional load model is then used to design the truck body in an iterative process until the volume of the truck body and the distribution of weight of the three dimensional load model on the truck chassis is substantially the same as the desired volume and the distribution of weight on the truck chassis.

Abstract: An assembly which automatically opens the tailgate of a container when the container is tilted from a transport position to a dump position for rear dumping by a container transport vehicle is provided. The tailgate having a pair of side arms each of which is pivotally connected to a respective one of the side walls of the container such that the tailgate can rotate relative to the container between open and closed positions. The assembly of the present invention includes a counterbalance assembly which is pivotally connected to the frame of a container transport vehicle. The assembly also includes a hook member which is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the side arm of the tailgate and which has a free end. The counterbalance assembly including a hook pin and the free end of hook member being configured to engage the hook pin.

Abstract: In a tailgate assembly, a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the assembly in response to a torque generated by a moment arm of the tailgate assembly and a force resulting from the jolting of the truck as it travels over rough terrain.