Abstract: A dual position endgate cable post assembly for positioning a tailgate of an automotive vehicle at any height between the fully open and closed positions, which includes a first cable attachment member supported by the body of an automotive vehicle, a second cable attachment member coupled to the tailgate of the automotive vehicle, and a third cable attachment member supported by the body of the vehicle, wherein the third cable attachment member is located below the first cable attachment member. The dual position endgate cable post assembly further includes a cable having a first end supported by the first cable attachment member and a second end supported by the second cable attachment member, wherein the cable can be wound one or more times around the third cable attachment member to adjust the length of the cable extending between the first cable attachment member and the second cable attachment member.

Abstract: A vehicle door, in particular a tailgate (1), the door comprising an outside face (2) and an end face (4) opposite from a region where it is hinged to the vehicle. It includes a handle (10) integrated in the end face (4) and an opening (14) in the outside face (2) of the door to give access to said handle when the door is closed.

Abstract: A protective shield for use on skid steer loaders and other construction vehicles. The protective shield is composed of metal and functions to protect the tailgate and rear sides of a skid steer loader from dents and abrasions. More particularly, the protective shield is made of a diamond plate metal tailgate panel, which is rotationally molded to define the lower rear door panel, and two diamond plate metal side panels of substantially equal shape for protecting the left and right vertical upright members of the skid steer loader in the area between the rear door and the wheel wells of the skid steer loader.

Abstract: A slidable tailgate for a vehicle having a cab wall, a first wall, a second wall and a bed is disclosed. The slidable tailgate has four pins adapted for extension beyond said tailgate and for retraction within said tailgate by a plurality of handles. Two sets of rails, each of said set having a continuous groove for receiving the extended pins of the slidable tailgate are either built into the first wall and second wall or are attached to the first wall and second wall. The slidable tailgate may operate as a conventional tailgate or it may be moved to a storage position parallel to the cab wall by retraction and engagement of the pins and slidable movement along the rails.

Abstract: A four bar link is provided between a walled cargo area of a truck and a rigid rear cargo door. The effective length of the lower link of the four bar linkage is longer than that of the upper link such that the motion of the door is generally up and over the top of the truck body. An eccentric cam is joined to the upper link with a tensioned spring extending around the cam such that the spring slackens as the door opens. The cam is configured so that, as the door is opened, the spring slackens more slowly initially then more quickly. This allows the door to be moved initially mostly outwardly before moving significantly upwardly and still be effectively counterbalanced throughout its motion.

Abstract: A manually removable tailgate for a trailer which is to be coupled to the trailer either in a wall-forming configuration or a bed extending configuration. The tailgate is coupled to the trailer bed by a plug-in-socket sliding arrangement with, upon removal, relative rotation of the plug and/or the entire gate 180 degrees about an axis of the socket permitting movement from one orientation to the other.

Abstract: An auxiliary load supporting apparatus for a vehicle having a front and a rear and a left and right sidewall, comprising: a first base mounted to said left sidewall and extending upward therefrom to a desired height, between six inches and 50 inches above said left sidewall; a second base mounted to said right sidewall and extending upward therefrom to a desired height, between six inches and 50 inches above said right sidewall; a first framework mounted to said first base and extending rearward therefrom away from the left sidewall; a second framework mounted to said second base and extending rearward therefrom away from the right sidewall; a transom extending from the first framework to the second framework rearward from the rear. A third support point is defined by the angle between the transom and the truck bed by the tailgate of the truck so that the transom does not need to take all of the support of the load.

Abstract: A tailgate attachment used in combination with a pivoting tailgate of a vehicle, includes a back panel and a pair of side panels having configurations adapted to form a rearward extension of the cargo space. Each of the side panels is pivotally coupled to the back panel. The back panel is attached to the tailgate with a pair of hinge members secured between an inside surface of the tailgate and the back panel. The pair of hinge members are each comprised of first and second securing elements and an intermediate rotating member. The intermediate rotating member rotatably secures the first and second securing elements to each other such that the first panel may be rotated around the pair of hinge members from a stowed position to a loading position, approximately 270 degrees away from the inside surface. The first securing element is preferably attached to the inside surface of the tailgate in proximity to a top edge of the tailgate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle tailgate for mounting pivotally to a vehicle about hinges situated close to one of the edges of the tailgate. In the vicinity of its hinges, the tailgate is constituted by a main panel secured to the hinges and by a secondary panel which is movable relative to the main panel between a closed position in which it is superposed on the main panel so as to reconstitute a tailgate of full thickness, and an open position in which it is separate from the main panel, the main panel then forming a portion of the tailgate of reduced thickness.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a retractable door assembly in a panel van type of vehicle comprising a cargo area having at least one door opening for access thereto. The retractable door assembly is positioned in at least one door opening, with the retractable door assembly comprising a flexible door member slideable between open and closed positions within opposing track assemblies. Access to the cargo area is provided by selectively sliding the flexible door to the open position. The vehicle conversion system comprises a retractable door assembly of predetermined dimensions, and a frame assembly selectively secured in a door opening of a vehicle. The retractable door assembly is mounted to the frame assembly to substantially close the door opening. A method of vehicle conversion is also set forth, comprising the steps of providing a door opening in a vehicle, and securing a frame assembly in association with the door opening.

Abstract: A side gate assembly for use with flatbed article transport vehicles of the character having longitudinally spaced apart stake receiving pockets disposed along the sides of the bed. The side gate assembly comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected gates that can be easily moved from a securely locked position on the truck bed into a folded positioned so as to permit the vehicle to be loaded from the side, as for example, using a conventional forklift truck. The side gate assembly also includes a novel, easy-to-use locking means for releasably locking the assembly securely in position along the side of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with a tailgate (5) or the like, the vehicle being defined in that the tailgate (5) has means for sensing objects at least during the opening operation.

Abstract: A tailgate movable in horizontal and vertical directions and being operative to (1) lock down loads that are too long to be accommodated within the standard length of the bed of a pickup truck or any other vehicle having a cargo bed with sidewalls, or (2) lock down confined moveable loads that are liable to slide or shift within the truck bed. A motorized chain drive produces the forward and backward horizontal movement of the tailgate thereby securing the total cargo and preventing shifting and sliding of the loads within the truck bed. The drive also produces the vertical movement of the tailgate which, together with the plurality of spring-loaded legs and spread pressure pads, provides a pressure locking system thereby holding down long, uneven cargo loads which are eccentrically loaded relative to the length of the truck bed and preventing torsion or slippage of said loads within the truck bed.

Abstract: A stowable cargo restraining gate assembly (10, 10′, 10″, 10′″) for restraining cargo (100) in a cargo space (30) of a transport vehicle (40). The assembly preferably includes a bed liner structure (20, 20′, 20″, 20′″)that may be positioned on the bed of the cargo space (30) and at least one gate member (60, 60′, 60″, 60′″) that may be flexible or rigid. When not deployed to retain cargo, the gate member (60, 60′, 60″, 60′″) is storable in a gate storage cavity (70, 70′, 70″, 70′″)in the bed liner. In one embodiment, a flexible gate member (60) is rolled about an axle (110) and stored in a cavity (70) in the bed liner (20). During use, an end member (50) of the flexible gate member is pulled to unroll a length thereof that may be used to close a side of the cargo space (30), preferably the rear of aft end (31) of the storage space.

Abstract: A retractable tailgate assembly includes a release mechanism embedded within a conventional pickup truck tailgate and a support frame attached to the underside of the bed for slidably retracting and holding the tailgate inbetween the pickup truck bed and the frame. The retractable tailgate assembly can be incorporated into new pickup trucks or adapted to existing vehicles. The retractable tailgate does not extend beyond the bed of the truck a distance greater than a traditional original equipment manufacturer's tailgate and utilizes the conventional lock and pivot points of the pickup truck tailgate.

Abstract: A multi position tailgate assembly (10) includes a tailgate (14), at least one hinge element (16), moveable between a closed position (20), and an opened position (22), and at least one cable element having a first end attached to an automobile and a second end attached to the hinge element (16). The assembly allows the tailgate to be opened to a first position when the hinge element is closed and a second, lower or angled position, when the hinge element is open.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hatchback door (1) motor vehicle with hatchback door parts (5, 5′) displaceably mounted in relation to the hatchback door. The hatchback door parts are lamellas (5, 5′) which are rotatably mounted in relation to the hatch-back opening (3) and which can be pushed together into at least one lamella package in the open position.

Abstract: A truck mounted attenuator includes an adjustable tailgate mount having a frame, and a hanger adjustably mounted to the frame such that the hanger is movable to any of a plurality of vertical positions with respect to the frame to adjust the tailgate mount for a specific truck. The hanger is shaped and configured to support the frame at the rear of the truck. A crash cushion is secured to the frame, and the crash cushion includes at least first and second bays containing respective first and second energy absorbing elements. The first and second energy absorbing elements are shorter than the respective bays by differing amounts.

Abstract: A gate glass opening and closing unit in tailgate adapted to open up or close down only a gate glass mounted at the tailgate of a van-type vehicle, the unit comprising: a glass hinge connecting a gate glass to the tailgate; a glass locking device for maintaining a locked state of the gate glass; and a glass spring for pushing up the gate glass when the locked state of the gate glass is released.

Abstract: An improved tailgate for use on a vehicle and pivotally connected to a cargo area of the vehicle. The tailgate has an inner surface exposed to the cargo area and an outer surface spaced from the inner surface. The tailgate has a center open area defined by an upper edge, a lower edge, and side edges. Tubular bars extend within the center open area and connected to at least two of the edges. The bars are positioned such that an exposed surface of each bar is planar to the inner surface of the tailgate to provide a level surface when the tailgate is in the horizontal position to provide a working surface.

Abstract: A tool holding table mountable onto a car or truck exterior surface frame member, such as the brackets for holding a tailgate is described. Preferably the mounting surface is the tailgate of a truck. The table provides a cutting surface defining an opening for receiving a blade, for example a saw blade so that the blade interrupts the cutting surface so that it may cut material on the cutting surface. The table is also equipped with at least one saw horse. It also provides a power source which allows for it to be operated from a switch on the ground or the side. The saw table is preferably the same size as the vehicle tailgate when folded and unfolds to be large enough to support standard lengths of material to be cut.

Abstract: An auxiliary load supporting apparatus for a vehicle having a front and a rear and a left and right sidewall, comprising: a first base mounted to said left sidewall and extending upward therefrom to a desired height, between six inches and 50 inches above said left sidewall; a second base mounted to said right sidewall and extending upward therefrom to a desired height, between six inches and 50 inches above said right sidewall; a first framework mounted to said first base and extending rearward therefrom away from the left sidewall; a second framework mounted to said second base and extending rearward therefrom away from the right sidewall; a transom extending from the first framework to the second framework rearward from the rear. A third support point is defined by the angle between the transom and the truck bed by the tailgate of the truck so that the transom does not need to take all of the support of the load.

Abstract: A tailgate for an automotive vehicle which defines an insulated liquid storage tank which includes a closeable inlet opening and a dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided which utilize the tailgate of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck, to create an aerodynamic windspoiler for the vehicle. In one form, the apparatus includes a housing is pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a rod having a first end supported within the housing and a second end attached to the tailgate, wherein the rod is capable of being slidably extended and retracted from the housing. Ideally, the positioning of the rod relative to the housing is controlled relative to the speed of the vehicle to adjust the inclination of the tailgate. This may be accomplished utilizing either an electrically driven motor or an hydraulic cylinder. In another form, the apparatus includes a rotatable shaft attached to a sheet of stretch resistant material. Upon extending and attaching the sheet of material to the tailgate, a windspoil is created.

Abstract: A trailer includes a foldable gate mounted for pivotal movement about a gate axis from a transport position wherein the gate is elevated for transporting to an unload position wherein the gate is lowered to permit removal of objects carried on the trailer. An elongated flexible member has its first end connected to the gate and its second end connected to a spring which is anchored to the trailer. The spring resists the force of gravity as the gate moves from its upper travel position to its lower unload position.

Abstract: A pick-up truck with multi-position tailgate including a tailgate is coupled with respect to an open outer end of the bed of the pick-up truck. The tailgate has a pair of protrusions extending outwardly from opposing ends thereof for removably engaging a pair of apertures of the open outer to facilitate a hinged coupling with the pick-up truck. The tailgate has a pair of tabs extending outwardly of the opposing ends. The pair of tabs each have an elongated bracket extending outwardly therefrom. A pair of side tracks are secured to the opposed side walls of the bed of the pick-up truck. The pair of side tracks slidably receive free ends of the elongated brackets of the tailgate whereby the tailgate can be moved into a raised orientation.

Abstract: A tailgate attachment for extending the cargo space of a load bed of a vehicle includes a back panel pivotally coupled to a bottom panel. The bottom panel is designed for resting on a tailgate of a load bed of a vehicle. First and second side panels are pivotally coupled to the back panel. Each of the side panels is designed for detachable attachment to an adjacent side wall of a vehicle when the tailgate of the vehicle is generally horizontal.

Abstract: An accessing step, mounted on a vehicle having a bumper attached to the vehicle frame, comprises a step part and a mount assembly fixedly supported on the bumper and frame, mounting the step part for swinging movement from a first operative position in which the step part extends generally horizontally to a retracted second position pivoted upwardly to lie generally vertically adjacent the bumper. The mount assembly incorporates a lock device automatically operative between the mount assembly and step part for releasably locking the step part in the second position and automatically locking up to block the step part from downwardly swinging beyond a substantially horizontal position, while permitting the step part to be swung upwardly.

Abstract: A stake and rail assembly for increasing the cargo carrying capacity of a pickup truck or the like vehicle comprising: a front wall, a pair of generally parallel side walls, a rear wall and upright stakes for insertion into the cavities in the vehicle or attachment by bolts to the vehicle, wherein the front and side walls comprise a plurality of horizontal rails attached to the stakes to form three sides of an enclosed volume, the rear wall comprises a plurality of horizontal rails, a first pair of angularly mounted members and at least one upright attached to the horizontal rails of the rear wall and capable of engaging a parallel second pair of angularly mounted members and at least one upright on the front wall when the rear wall is vertically juxtaposed with the front wall.

Abstract: A multiple use trailer system for hauling conventional and long loads. The front and rear end gates are closed for normal loads and open to accommodate long loads such as rebar and lengths of pipe. The rear gate has an aerodynamic air wing that holds it in the open position. A dumping mechanism has a platform which is tiltable to dump the trailer and in one embodiment is mounted on a fulcrum which both pivots and moves laterally to maintain a constant dump line.

Abstract: A truck design and load/unload configuration includes a tractor and an enclosed semi-trailer. The enclosed semi-trailer includes front and rear full size cargo doors or openings. The cargo loaded into the semi-trailer first is assured to be the cargo that is unloaded from the semi-trailer first.

Abstract: A cargo load support system for a motor vehicle having a bed defined by a pair of sidewalls and a swing gate includes a guide mechanism having a plurality of guide apertures. The guide mechanism is adapted for attachment to the bed. The cargo load support system further includes a rail assembly translatable from a stowed position to an operable position. The rail assembly has a plurality of parallel rails and an orthogonally oriented end rail interconnecting the plurality of parallel rails. The parallel rails are slidingly engaged with the guide apertures. The guide mechanism is adapted for attachment to the motor vehicle. The rail assembly is adapted to be detachably coupled to the swing panel when the rail assembly is in the operable position.

Abstract: A door for a vehicle includes a structural tubular frame member having side members which terminate in laterally extending foot portions. At least one outer panel is connected to the tubular frame member. The door further includes a hinge assembly for connecting the door to a vehicle such that the door is movable relative to the vehicle. A method of making the door for a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-section vertically retractable and extendable tail gate system that is installable on a pickup truck and that includes a winding shaft housing having a winding shaft rotatably mounted therein, left and right tail gate assemblies each including a guide channel formed in rigid connection with the winding shaft housing, a hingedly connected multi-section tail gate assembly having a bottom end secured to the tail gate assembly winding shaft and being of a width such that the left and right side edges, respectively, of the multi-section tail gate assembly are slidably positioned within respective left and right guide channels, and a winding shaft drive mechanism in connection with the tail gate assembly winding shaft.

Abstract: A truck trailer door safety door stop is provided for preventing a truck trailer door from accidentally falling closed. The door stop may be retrofitted onto a conventional truck trailer door of the roll up type including a plurality of hinged panels which ride along rails by means of roller wheels. The door stop includes a glide member for guiding a bottom panel of the roll up door along the rail without engagement therewith. When the door is in a fully opened position, the disengaged bottom panel is pulled out of alignment with the rail and separated therefrom by means of a spring. In response to a sudden forward movement of the truck, which would normally cause such a door to accidentally close, the door will be forced directly rearward and be prevented from falling down the rail. A guide bar may be provided for supporting the bottom panel in a positive lock open position.

Abstract: Mounting device for a hydraulically actuated tailgate of a truck having a transverse support mountable to the rear of the vehicle frame and provided with support flanges (4) spaced from each other symmetrically relative to the longitudinal center plane of the vehicle and provided with through-channels (5', 5", 5"') for support bolts of lift and pivot devices of the tailgate, the transverse support on the vehicle being formed of an extruded hollow box profile (1) made of aluminum of essentially tetragonal cross-section which at its upper surface (1') and its lower surface (1") is provided with continuous grooves (3', 3") extending over the length of the profile for positively and frictionally snap-receiving the ends of cantilever arms (4", 4"') of the support flanges, the support flanges being formed of sections of an extruded aluminum hollow profile and that at the front surface of the tailgate there are also provided support flanges formed from sections of an extruded hollow profile of aluminum which are pro

Abstract: This invention is a tailgate lift kit which incorporates two pulleys mounted in a housing in the side wall region of a pickup truck, an elongated coiled spring has one end fixedly mounted at one end of the housing on an adjustable bolt for spring tension adjustment. A cable extends from the tailgate of the pick up truck, over the first pulley, around the second pulley which is fastened to the second end of the spring, and the second end of the cable fastens to the housing near the first pulley.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an elevatable cargo box to facilitate cargo loading and unloading. The vehicle includes a U-shaped cargo area within which the cargo box is located by mounted guides. The cargo box is movable between elevated and lowered positions by cables in response to a drive system, the cargo box being laterally secured in the elevated position by cones that engage within corresponding spaces in blocks. In a preferred embodiment, the cargo box is retrofitted to an existing vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate assembly having a transverse beam placed between the inner and outer surfaces of a tailgate. The transverse beam transfers a load placed on the tailgate to side plates secured to the transverse beam. The side plates transfer the load to cables that are attached between the side plates and the pickup sides. The transverse beam is generally positioned at the top of the tailgate. Box-like sections were added to the lower portion of the tailgate aligned between the pivot hinges. The box-like sections are formed into the tailgate by joining the inner and outer walls of the tailgate.

Abstract: A lightweight tailgate assembly for pickup trucks includes several metal panels that are preferably made from a single metal sheet, a plastic reinforcing module between inner and outer metal panels, and fastener means joining the reinforcing module to the inner panel. A preferred assembly also includes hinge means for connection with truck body, and latch means for locking the assembly between opposed rear corner posts in a truck body. A particularly preferred tailgate assembly made with AA 6022 aluminum alloy sheet and a reinforcing module containing nylon and glass fibers weighs about half as much as a conventional steel struck tailgate.

Abstract: A discharge control apparatus for the rear slide gate on the tail gate of a truck box comprises a rod mounted horizontally across the tailgate from a free beyond one side of the tail gate. The rod is formed in two portions which can divided as a coupler between a center section of the tail gate and a side section of the tailgate. The rod portion of the center section is connected by a pair of cranks to the slide gate. A lever on the free end of the rod can be rotated manually and the rod locked at a required position to hold the slide gate at the required opening. The coupling can be disconnected by pulling the side rod portion away from the center rod portion to allow the center section to be opened.

Abstract: A nesting vehicle tailgate assembly comprising a primary leaf with a first and second edge, the first edge pivotally connected to the vehicle, the primary leaf defining a recess, the secondary leaf having a first and second edge, the first edge of the secondary leaf pivotally connected to the second edge of the primary leaf, the secondary leaf shaped to nest within the recess.

Abstract: A net tailgate for providing a flexible ventilated tailgate which allows a fifth-wheel trailer to connected to a pickup without having to remove the tailgate. The inventive device includes a foldable frame having a V-shaped cutout, a netting attached to and enclosing the frame, and four securing straps which are attachable to a box of a pickup. A cutout cover is removably attachable about the V-shaped cutout by a plurality of fasteners. The foldable frame provides structural support around the V-shaped cutout thereby preventing the netting from flapping around when the pickup is traveling at high speeds.

Abstract: A device is provided which significantly deters the theft of tailgates from pickup trucks. The shaft member of a typical tailgate hinge mechanism is secured by a rotatable cup within the cup fixed to the tailgate. The open slotted sectors on both cups are aligned to allow passage of the shaft member. After passage of the shaft member, the rotatable cup is moved until the open slotted sectors are out of alignment, preventing movement of the shaft member out of the cups. A wall sector is also provided which attaches to the exterior surface of the rotatable cup after the shaft member has been positioned within. It is closely received by the open slotted sector of the used cup which prevents further rotation of the rotatable cup within the fixed cup.

Abstract: A vehicle discharge system for a vehicle (1) provided with a rearwardly tippable bed (2) which includes a tailgate (3) is constituted by a housing (5) mounted at the rear of the bed (2) adjacent to the tailgate (3), a discharge auger (4) rotatably supported within the housing (5) and arranged to receive material which passes the tailgate (3) when the bed is tipped, an auger drive (9) to drive the auger and discharge material carried within the vehicle bed (2) to the side of the vehicle (1) as the bed is tipped and flow control structure (1) capable of differentially exposing material held within the vehicle bed (2) to the discharge auger (4). The flow control structure is constituted by a flow control gate (1) which is capable of being moved in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base of the vehicle bed (2) and tilted to form a tapered and adjustable opening which exposes material within the vehicle bed to the auger as the bed is tipped.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for an open top load carrying container includes a tailgate for assuming the traditional closed and open configuration for dumping material from the container. The tailgate includes a venting aperture selectively closeable by a venting door movable between a closed and an open position, such that a substantial portion of the venting door is disposed within the container in the open position.

Abstract: An article storage structure has a wall defining a cavity in an inner lining of a motor vehicle tailgate, and a belt for fastening an article stored in the cavity. The belt extends along an inner surface of the wall and has opposite ends exposed in the cavity. A fastening device is connected to the opposite ends of the belt, for tightening the belt. The article storage structure effectively utilizes the space in the tailgate, and firmly and reliably holds the article in position in the cavity.

Abstract: A side bracket for netting has a top, a bottom, two opposed sides, a plurality of net loops extending along the netting top, bottom and sides, and an elastic cord threaded through at least one of the top and bottom net loops. The bracket comprises a base having two opposed ends and located adjacent at least one of the netting sides. A net loop receiving member is disposed between the two ends. A housing is provided for the elastic cord. The bracket further comprises a mechanism for attaching the cord housing to the base, and a mechanism for attaching the netting to a desired surface. A process for assembling the netting to the bracket comprises the step of placing a row of side net loops over a corresponding number of net loop receiving members.

Abstract: A tailgate barrier to be suspended between the sidewalls of a pickup truck includes a flexible barrier having stiffeners at the side edges. At least two connecting members attach the edge stiffeners to the truck sidewalls, allowing horizontal movement of the barrier. Biasing members attached to the connecting members force the edge stiffeners towards the respective sidewalls. The biasing members are preferably compression springs. The tailgate barrier eliminate out-of-plane sag. The tailgate barrier is also easily installed and removed without being subjected to wear.

Abstract: An snowmobile transport aid including a vertically disposed panel having a series of legs orthogonally disposed thereon is detachably affixed to the bed of a pickup truck for the purpose of securing a snowmobile in the truck bed during transport. The legs of the snowmobile transport aid slidably engage a series of leg engagement members having a series of pins locking the legs to the truck body. An alternate embodiment includes a flexible fabriclike panel affixed to the truck using straps and tensioning devices.