Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a tailgate for a truck that rests at an intermediate level between the ground and the truck bed when the tailgate is disposed in an open/primarily-horizontal position. The inventive tailgate may be hinged below and forward of the rear edge of the bed level such that when opened, it rests at a level below the deck. The tailgate may be hinged with bearings that are constructed to and positioned to reduce the amount of hinge clogging. The inventive tailgate may include a pop-up mini-gate that raises to substantially the same level as the bed for use with transportation of oversized objects. The inventive tailgate may include a foldable or rotatable support structure that may be used to support items that extend beyond the end of the horizontal tailgate. The inventive tailgate may be sealed around three sides of the cargo box to prevent loss of particulate or granular cargo.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating selective delivery of aggregate material in bulk from a back of a dump truck or other truck bed to one or more wheelbarrows in a controlled manner. The disclosed embodiments further provide a system that could be operated by a single individual, including the single individual that is then manually moving the wheelbarrow from the truck to the particular location of the delivery site where the aggregate material is to be finally dispensed. The disclosed systems provide a self-contained mechanical device that is comparatively-easily mountable to the back of a dump truck or other truck bed for use, and is electrically, or electric over hydraulically, powered through the electrical system of the vehicle in order to avoid any need for additional power requirements.

Abstract: A latch system for a vehicle includes a synchronizer and a lock unit. The synchronizer is configured to block and allow release of a number of latches of the vehicle such that some latches are blocked from being released if other latches are already released. The lock unit is configured to block selectively the release of the number of latches.

Abstract: A material type identifier identifies a type of material loaded into a dump truck. When the dump truck is unloaded, a flow rate identification system identifies a flow rate of material exiting the dump truck. A flow rate controller automatically controls the tailgate actuator based on a desired flow rate of material exiting the dump body of the dump truck.

Abstract: A system for assembling a door to a vehicle container having first and second pillars includes a first base adapted for connection to a top portion of the first pillar, a second base adapted for connection to a top portion of the second pillar, and a hinge assembly adapted for pivotally connecting the door to the vehicle container. The hinge assembly is adapted to be removably connected to the first and second bases and to the door. The hinge assembly is selected from first and second hinge assemblies. When the first hinge assembly pivotally connects the door to the vehicle container, the door has a first pivoting configuration. When the second hinge assembly pivotally connects the door to the vehicle container, the door has a second pivoting configuration being different from the first pivoting configuration. A vehicle container and a door for a vehicle container are also encompassed.

Abstract: An integrated hinge and striker assembly is affixed to one of a first and second vertically aligned sidewalls of a motor vehicle for connecting a tailgate to the motor vehicle. The integrated hinge and striker assembly includes a hinge base, the hinge base being vertically aligned with a first end portion, a center portion, and a second end portion, a hinge extending from the first end portion of the hinge base, a striker extending from the second end portion of the hinge base, and wherein a vertical axis is defined parallel to the hinge base and running through the striker and the hinge. Integration ensures proper operation of a bi-directional hinge that allows the tailgate to be opened to one of two different open positions.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly mounted along an open edge of a vehicle's load carrying bed includes a frame having a first or proximal lateral side adapted to be hingedly connected for opening in a swing open mode and a second or distal lateral side oppositely positioned relative to the first lateral side. The tailgate assembly further includes a reinforcement frame component overlaid onto the frame at the first lateral side to increase torsional stiffness at or near the first lateral side.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding a user in raising and lowering of a tailgate includes a handle and a connector for connecting the handle to the tailgate to allow for movement of the handle rearwardly relative to the tailgate as the tailgate is initially lowered by the user and forwardly to a position above the tailgate as the lowering of the tailgate is continued. A tailgate lift assembly includes a housing extending along a predetermined length, a spring anchored at one end at a first end of the housing, a connector having a first end affixed to the opposite end of said spring and extending through said housing, and a first fixed guide around which the connector extends. A bumper for covering a corner of a tailgate is also provided.

Abstract: An ergonomic hose load platform for a fire fighting vehicle is provided. The ergonomic hose load platform includes a platform and at least one pivot mount defining a pivot axis. The platform is pivotable about the pivot axis to open and close the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for partially covering an end of a vehicle bed includes a tailgate comprising a frame adapted for moving between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the vehicle bed. The frame supports at least one member adapted for moving along the frame to at least partially expose the end of the vehicle bed without moving the frame to the lowered position. A plurality of movable members in the form of panels may be provided, along with actuators for rotating and/or moving one or more of the panels between the raised and collapsed configuration. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tailgate ramp for a truck includes an adapter comprising left and right panels with a connector extending therebetween. The connector includes a first end with a slot or opening to engage or slide onto a pivoting receiver located on a truck; and a second opposing end configured to slide into, over, or around a mounting receiver located on the truck. A ramp section includes at least one foldable section that is attachable to the connector.

Abstract: An end gate for a vehicle includes a body having a first surface, a second, opposing surface, a first lateral side, a second opposing lateral side, and a first end. The first end is pivotally mounted to the vehicle and a second end extends between the first and second lateral sides spaced from the first end. A plurality of guide members is secured to the first surface of the body. Each of the plurality of guide members includes a guide passage. A selectively deployable bed extender is integrated into the body. The bed extender includes a plurality of post members slidingly received in the guide passage of corresponding ones of the plurality of guide members. At least two of the plurality of post members is pivotally attached to the body. At least one cross member is connected to each of the plurality of post members.

Abstract: An endgate assembly includes a first panel that has a first hinge axis, a second panel hinged to the first panel at a second hinge axis that is spaced from and generally parallel with the first hinge axis, and a third panel hinged to the second panel at a third hinge axis and pivotable about the third hinge axis from a stowed position generally parallel with the second panel to a use position generally perpendicular to the second panel. The third panel has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion and the distal portion are divided by the third hinge axis. The second panel has a recess adjacent the third hinge axis that receives the proximal portion and has a first surface at the recess positioned to establish the use position of the third panel by contacting the proximal portion and reacting loading of the distal portion.

Abstract: A locking assembly and method of securing a dump truck tailgate to a sidewall of the dump truck, and a truck incorporating the same. The locking assembly includes a pressurized pin mechanism mounted on one of tailgate and the sidewall; and a spool mounted on the other of the tailgate and the sidewall. The spool is engageable with the pin mechanism to lock the locking assembly and secure the tailgate to the sidewall, and is disengageable from the pin mechanism to unlock the locking assembly and release the tailgate from its securement to the sidewall. A hinge assembly is provided on an opposite side of the tailgate from the locking assembly. The tailgate is selectively pivotable relative to the truck bed about a vertical axis extending through the hinge assembly or about a horizontal axis extending through both of the locking assembly and the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A multi-panel cover includes end panels that connect first and second lateral panels. The lateral panels fit against the end and under the bed of a truck body and tailgate and are maintained in position by magnets incorporated into the seams along the edges and between the panels to collect debris that will otherwise escape through or around the tailgate of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tailgate can include first and second frames, doors and sets of touchpads. The frames can be coupled to the vehicle to selectively pivot about a first axis, and can be selectively coupled to the vehicle via respective frame latches. The doors can be coupled to the respective frames to selectively pivot about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and relative to the frames, and can be selectively coupled to the frames via respective door latches. The sets of touchpads can be operably connected with the respective doors and frame and door latches. Actuation of one or both sets of touchpads in different configurations can facilitate opening one or both of the doors independent of or with each other in a first configuration pivoting about the first axis with the respective frames, or in a second configuration pivoting about the second axis relative to the respective frames.

Abstract: A tailgate synchronizer for coordinating mechanical communications between handles and locking assemblies in a vehicle V closure includes a synchronizer locking device moveable to a locked state for preventing the handles from unlatching the locking assemblies. The synchronizer further includes a pair of handle levers corresponding to the handles and a pair of actuator levers corresponding to the locking assemblies. Movement of the handles is selectively translated into unlatching of the lock assemblies based on a state of the locking assemblies. Movement of the handles is prevented from translating into unlatching of the lock assemblies when the synchronizer locking device is in the locked state.

Abstract: A pickup truck tailgate assembly is provided that includes a primary tailgate adapted to pivotally latch to a pickup cargo box and has an opening formed in the central portion thereof. The assembly also includes a secondary tailgate pivotally attached to the primary tailgate in the central opening. The assembly further includes a pivoting connection connecting the secondary tailgate to the primary tailgate so that a secondary tailgate may pivot downward relative to the primary tailgate. The secondary tailgate may further be deployed to form a step for access to the cargo box and may provide a gate for retaining items within the cargo box.

Abstract: A tailgate for the bed of a pickup truck has a generally U-shaped tailgate frame that is adapted to be coupled to the bed of the pickup truck and is pivotable about a first axis between a generally vertical closed position and a generally horizontal open position. A door assembly is coupled to the tailgate frame and is pivotable about a second axis generally normal relative to the first axis for movement between a closed position proximate the tailgate frame and an open position away from the tailgate frame.

Abstract: A power operated retractable tailgate assembly for a vehicle that includes a tailgate with opposite end edges thereof connected via sliding pivots to a respective one of a pair of elongate slide rails. The slide rails mount in lateral spaced apart relation on the underside of the floor of the cargo carrying box on the vehicle. A first extendible and retractable assembly, having relatively movable respective first and second portions, has the first portion anchored to the vehicle and a second portion that is hingedly connected to the tailgate proximate a lower marginal edge thereof. A power means is operatively connected to the extendible and retractable assembly and is operable from within the cab of the vehicle selectively to extend and retract the tailgate by moving the tailgate along the slide members.

Abstract: A trailer has a rear gate that is closeable in a generally vertical orientation and openable in one of three orientations: the gate swings downwardly open to be used as a ramp; swings open to the left side, rotating around left hinges; and swings open to the right side, rotating around right hinges. Removal of pins from an upper left and upper right set of hinges enables rotation of the gate in the downward position. Removal of pins from the upper left and lower left set of hinges enables rotation of the gate in the right position. Removal of pins from the upper right and lower right set of hinges enables rotation of the gate in the left position. Removal of all of the pins allows the gate to be completely removed from the trailer.

Abstract: An entry assembly includes a frame and a gate. The frame has a first side and a second side. The gate is connected to the frame. The gate defines a demarcation between the first side and the second side of the frame. The gate is pivotable about the frame along at least two axes of rotation. Each axis of rotation intersects at least one of the at least two axes of rotation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various cargo management systems that are compatible with vehicles having a cargo bed and tailgate. Systems provide flexible storage space for the vehicle both in the stowed and extended positions. The amount of secure space available in the cargo bed can be increased when the cargo management systems are in the extended position. The systems partially cover the cargo bed and/or tailgate thereby reducing turbulence at an end of the vehicle and improving vehicle fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A holding rack for mounting on truck tailgates is disclosed. The inventive holding rack is used with a truck bed to securely haul loads with a truck. The holding rack broadly includes a rack body for receiving the load, a hold-down mechanism that attaches to the rack body to engage the load, and a support frame. The support frame attaches to the tailgate and shiftably receives the holding rack and thereby permits placement of the rack in a stored position and in a load-supporting position where the load is secured while the tailgate is in its upright, latched position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a trunk, in which the trunk has a body cutout opening which can be closed off by a two-part trunk lid which is composed of an upper trunk lid and a lower trunk lid. The upper trunk lid can be pivoted downward by an angle from, in each case, one closed position into, in each case, one open position. The lower trunk lid has at least one pivot lever, which is arranged such that it can be pivoted by way of a pivot axle formed on a lower body section. In the open position of the lower trunk lid, the pivot lever is in engagement with the lower body section.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into the body of a motor vehicle includes a post secured to the body at a lateral side of the passageway, an endgate for opening and closing the passageway, and a hinge secured to the endgate and the post. The hinge defines a lateral axis and supports the endgate for pivoting about the lateral axis relative to the post, and the hinge defines an upright axis and supports the endgate for pivoting about the upright axis relative to the post.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a cargo opening of a motor vehicle includes first and second posts located at opposite lateral sides of the cargo opening, the second post being spaced laterally from the first post, an endgate able to open and close the cargo opening, and first, second and third brackets, each bracket secured to one of the posts and the endgate, and defining a lateral axis and an upright axis. The first bracket is secured to the first post. The second bracket is secured to the second post such that the lateral axis of the second bracket is aligned with the lateral axis of the first bracket. The third bracket is secured to the first post at an elevation higher than an elevation of the first bracket such that the upright axis of the third bracket is aligned with the upright axis of the first bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes a lower section carrying pivots adapted to be mounted to a vehicle bed; an upper section slidingly mounted to the lower section, so as to be able to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the lower section; and a biasing device which urges the upper section towards the extended position. The biasing device is selected so as to permit the upper section to move towards the retracted position when a predetermined force is applied.

Abstract: A tailgate constructed such that it can be lowered from the vertical to a position inside the cargo box of the pickup truck. The tailgate, when stowed, will lie horizontally, flush with the bed of the cargo box. The tailgate is thus no longer acting as an air dam but is easily accessible when needed.

Abstract: A closure system with a reduced out-swing reach for an opening in a body of a vehicle. The closure system has an upper portion arranged to expose at least a section of the body opening, and a lower portion which is guided by a track to an open position when the upper portion is not in a closed position.

Abstract: A mechanical tailgate (3) for a dump body (1) of an underground truck, the purpose of the mechanical tailgate is to increase the loading capacity of the dump body, which mechanical tailgate is pivotably arranged between an opened and a closed position, comprising a tailgate sheet (4) attached to two lifting arms (5), which are pivotably arranged to the dump body (1), the dump body (1) comprises also a controlled tailgate (2) arranged to be controlled between opened and closed position of the dump body, the opening and closing movement of the controlled tailgate (2) is effected in the form of a circular movement. In the closed position of the mechanical tailgate (3) and the controlled tailgate (2), the tailgate sheet (4) and the controlled tailgate (2) are arranged to be positioned overlapping each other in such a way that a lower edge of the tailgate sheet (4) is placed on the inside of an upper edge of the controlled tailgate (2) for locking the tailgate sheet (4) towards the controlled tailgate (2).

Abstract: A power operated retractable tailgate assembly for a vehicle that includes a tailgate with opposite end edges thereof connected via sliding pivots to a respective one of a pair of elongate slide rails. The slide rails mount in lateral spaced apart relation on the underside of the floor of the cargo carrying box on the vehicle. A first extendible and retractable assembly, having relatively movable respective first and second portions, has the first portion anchored to the vehicle and a second portion that is hingedly connected to the tailgate proximate a lower marginal edge thereof. A power means is operatively connected to the extendible and retractable assembly and is operable from within the cab of the vehicle selectively to extend and retract the tailgate by moving the tailgate along the slide members.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into the body of a vehicle includes a post secured to the body at a lateral side of the passageway, an endgate for opening and closing the passageway and able to swing alternately about a lateral axis and an upright axis, a pivot support secured to the first post and aligned with the lateral axis, and a pivot secured to the endgate and aligned with the lateral axis, for alternately engaging and disengaging the pivot support, with the engagement supporting the endgate for pivoting about the lateral axis, and with the disengagement permitting the endgate to pivot about the upright axis.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into the body of a motor vehicle includes a post secured to the body at a lateral side of the passageway, an endgate for opening and closing the passageway, and a hinge secured to the endgate and the post. The hinge defines a lateral axis and supports the endgate for pivoting about the lateral axis relative to the post, and the hinge defines an upright axis and supports the endgate for pivoting about the upright axis relative to the post.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into the body of a vehicle includes a post secured to the body at a lateral side of the passageway, an endgate for opening and closing the passageway and able to swing alternately about a lateral axis and an upright axis, a pivot support secured to the first post and aligned with the lateral axis, and a pivot secured to the endgate and aligned with the lateral axis, for alternately engaging and disengaging the pivot support, with the engagement supporting the endgate for pivoting about the lateral axis, and with the disengagement permitting the endgate to pivot about the upright axis.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a trunk, in which the trunk has a body cutout opening which can be closed off by a two-part trunk lid which is composed of an upper trunk lid and a lower trunk lid. The upper trunk lid can be pivoted downward by an angle from, in each case, one closed position into, in each case, one open position. The lower trunk lid has at least one pivot lever, which is arranged such that it can be pivoted by way of a pivot axle formed on a lower body section. In the open position of the lower trunk lid, the pivot lever is in engagement with the lower body section.

Abstract: A latch transfer mechanism is provided, including a tailgate having a first handle and a second handle, a lifter connected to a housing, a striker for selectively receiving a cable transfer pin, with the cable transfer pin operably associated with the lifter, and a connector connected to the cable transfer pin, which is also connected to the tailgate. The present invention also includes an actuating rod for actuating the lifter such that when the first handle is actuated, the housing, lifter, and actuating rod, will separate from the striker, and the cable transfer pin will remain received by the striker, allowing the connector to support the tailgate. When the second handle is actuated, the actuating rod will cause the lifter to pivot in relation to the housing, lifting the cable transfer pin out of the striker, allowing the lifter, actuating rod, and cable transfer pin to separate from the striker.

Abstract: A tailgate arrangement which is located in the region of the rear opening (12) of a vehicle and in the closed position borders a cargo space (16), has an upper tailgate part (18) which is coupled in the region of the upper edge (20) of the rear opening (12) and a lower tailgate part (22) which is coupled in the region of the lower edge (24) of the rear opening (12) of the vehicle and is aligned essentially horizontally in the open position. An expansion element (28) is detachably fixed on the inside of the lower tailgate part (22) and in the open position of the lower tailgate part (22) expands the cargo space (16) and closes it relative to the exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes a lower section carrying pivots adapted to be mounted to a vehicle bed; an upper section slidingly mounted to the lower section, so as to be able to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the lower section; and a biasing device which urges the upper section towards the extended position. The biasing device is selected so as to permit the upper section to move towards the retracted position when a predetermined force is applied.

Abstract: A frame (18) for a liftgate (10) of a motor vehicle includes an upper frame member (24) and a generally U-shaped lower frame member (26). The upper frame member is adapted to be pivotally secured (33, 35) to the motor vehicle. The lower frame member (26) is fixedly secured to the upper frame member (24). The lower frame member (26) is integrally formed, and includes spaced apart vertical segments (36, 38) and a horizontal segment (40) extending therebetween for supporting the liftgate as the liftgate opens and closes.

Abstract: A pivoting cage cargo is formed of opposing gate assemblies mounted on the rearwardmost D-pillar of a pick-up truck and movable from a folded, collapsed storage position against the respective side walls of the cargo box into multiple selectable operative configurations. The pivoting cage cargo retainer can be positioned in two different transversely extending positions that span the cargo bed when the gate assemblies are connected together. In one transverse position, the coupled gate assemblies cooperate with a lowered tailgate to provide a bed extension function. The other transverse position spans across the cargo bed to provide a divider function. Each gate assembly is also positionable into a storage container configuration that defines a small cargo retention area adjacent the side wall for the retention of small objects, such as grocery bags. A latching mechanism retains the gate assembly next to the side wall.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into a motor vehicle includes a post secured to the body at a lateral side of the passageway, an endgate for opening and closing the passageway, a hinge-striker that includes a first plate secured to the post and including mutually spaced first lugs, with each first lug being formed with a hole; a second plate including mutually spaced second lugs, with each second lug being formed with a hole, the holes of the first plate being aligned with the holes of the second plate; a hinge pin located in the holes and aligned with an upright axis; and a striker, secured to and extending from one of said plates, and a latch secured to the post for releasably engaging the hinge-striker, where the engagement secures the endgate in a position that closes the passageway and prevents pivoting about a lateral axis.

Abstract: A cargo management device and vehicle including a cargo management device having a base portion having a surface. The device also includes a support portion pivotably mounted to the base portion and being configured to receive cargo. A locking member is pivotably mounted to the support member and in sliding contact with the surface of the base portion. The support member is capable of detachable engagement with a portion of the surface. A bridge portion is associated with the support portion and is capable of being secured at a first position with respect to the support portion. The device is capable of loading and unloading cargo from a cargo compartment by an incline formed by the support portion. A method for unloading cargo is also disclosed.

Abstract: A load-carrying bed system for a vehicle having a cargo bed includes a bed floor defining a cargo receiving area and first and second sidewalls disposed along lateral sides of the bed floor. A forward wall is disposed along a forward side of the bed floor and laterally between the first and second sidewall. A tailgate is disposed along the rearward side of the bed floor and laterally between the first and second sidewalls. A cargo bed divider is movable between a stowed state wherein the cargo bed divider is stowed in a cargo bed divider cavity defined in the tailgate and a dividing state wherein the cargo bed divider has a first end removably secured to the first sidewall and a second end removably secured to second sidewall to divide the bed floor into distinct storage areas.

Abstract: The present invention is a swing and fold down tailgate mechanism which includes an inner panel, a first handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with a first latch and a second latch, a second handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with the first handle and a third latch. The present invention also includes a hinge member operably associated with the first handle and the second handle for providing hinged support of the tailgate such that the tailgate pivots in a drop down direction and alternatively in a swing open direction. When the first handle is actuated, the first and second latch will release and the second handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot using the third latch and hinge. When the second handle is actuated, the second and latch will release and the first handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot about the first latch and hinge.

Abstract: Gates on motorized and non-motorized vehicles such as the tailgate of a truck have started to be used for the attachment of accessories. The accessories on the market often attach directly to the existing gate and may take up significant room from the vehicle cargo space. The accessory may have to be removed from the gate prior to transport. Most often the accessory is used with the gate dropped in the traditional manner. This invention allows for a gate design into which a variety of accessories such as a barbecue, toolbox, storage units, fold-out ladders, bed extension, and a variety of other accessories can easily be interchanged. The gate and accessory may be configured so that it can be used in several different positions including the traditionally open gate position and a position where the gate assumes a swung out table top position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of utility trailers and more specifically, to a covered utility trailer and a kit for assembling same. The covered utility trailer includes a trailer bed for supporting cargo. The trailer bed has a leading edge, an opposed trailing edge spaced apart from the leading edge and a pair of first and second, spaced apart, side edges joining the leading edge to the trailing edge. A pair of first and second, spaced apart, sidewalls and a leading wall are also provided. Each sidewall extends upright from a respective side edge of the trailer bed. The leading wall is mounted between the first and second sidewalls and extends upright from the leading edge of the trailer bed. A rear cargo access door assembly is disposed opposite the leading wall and between the first and second sidewalls. The rear cargo access door assembly extends upright from the trailing edge of the trailer bed.

Abstract: A structure of an auxiliary tail gate, to open and close a main cargo area when it is impossible to provide enough space to move a main tail gate because another vehicle or obstacle is parked or placed near, and to store small cargo separately from the main cargo area. The auxiliary tail gate is rotatably disposed to the main tail gate by a hinge so as to open and close the main cargo area, an upper trim and a lower trim are attached to an inner panel of the main tail gate, and a trim door, disposed between the upper trim and the lower trim, defines an auxiliary cargo area between the trim door and an inner panel of the auxiliary tail gate, the trim door being detachably engaged with the upper trim and the lower trim.

Abstract: A structure of an auxiliary tail gate, to open and close a main cargo area when it is impossible to provide enough space to move a main tail gate because another vehicle or obstacle is parked or placed near, and to store small cargo separately from the main cargo area. The auxiliary tail gate is rotatably disposed to the main tail gate by a hinge so as to open and close the main cargo area, an upper trim and a lower trim are attached to an inner panel of the main tail gate, and a trim door, disposed between the upper trim and the lower trim, defines an auxiliary cargo area between the trim door and an inner panel of the auxiliary tail gate, the trim door being detachably engaged with the upper trim and the lower trim.

Abstract: A lock assembly for selectively locking to a striker on a vehicle includes a lock body defining a lock body recess for receiving the striker therein. A latch is rotatably mounted to the lock body for selectively locking the striker in the lock body recess. The latch is moveable between a latched position wherein the striker is locked in the lock body recess and an unlatched position wherein the striker is removable from the lock body recess. A ratchet is rotatably mounted to the lock body adjacent the latch for selectively locking the latch in the latched position. The ratchet is moveable between an engaged position wherein the ratchet locks the latch in the latched position and a disengaged position wherein the latch is moveable between the latched position and the unlatched position.