Abstract: In view of the foregoing, a tailgate assembly for a dump body of a truck is provided. The tailgate assembly includes an outrigger assembly having an associated mounting assembly that permits the outrigger assembly to be fastened around the frame of the truck. Each mounting assembly includes a mounting member connected to the outrigger assembly for engaging a first surface of the frame, a clamp member for engaging a second surface of the frame and at least one fastener for interconnecting the mounting and clamping plates thereby clamping the frame therebetween.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a flap, which is implemented, for example, as a tail gate, and is swivellably linked by way of a hinge device to the body of the motor vehicle, and opens and closes a flap opening, which hinge device comprises a body-side and a flap-side fitting part, and the two fitting parts are swivellably connected relative to one another by way of at least one multi-control-arm arrangement having at least two control arms. For adjusting the flap relative to the body of the motor vehicle, the flap-side fitting part for the fastening to the flap is provided with at least one oblong hole, and between the flap-side fitting part and the flap, an adjusting slide is arranged which has at least a second oblong hole, in which case a fastening element reaches through the two oblong holes and is fastened to the flap, and the second oblong hole extends at an angle (&agr;) with respect to the first oblong hole, this angle (&agr;) amounting to more than 0° and less than 90°.

Abstract: Trucks and other work machines require strong and easily operated and maintained tailgate assemblies. Often, the operating structure of the tailgate assembly requires precise alignment and relatively large clearance space to operate effectively. The operating structure is also commonly under great stresses from the tension and compression forces that power the operating structure to move the tailgate. A tailgate assembly including a tailgate and an; operating structure is provided. The tailgate is attached to a platform in a hinge d manner and allowed to move pivotally with respect to the platform. The operating structure includes a linear actuator and a linking member. The linear actuator is attached to the platform. The linking member has a first end portion pivotally attached to the linear actuator, a fulcrum pivotally attached to the platform, and a second end portion attached to a tracking member. The tracking member is adapted to contact the tailgate and to move vertically with respect to the tailgate.

Abstract: A power operating system for a vehicle liftgate includes an actuator having a gas strut and a linear electric motor mounted thereto along a common axis. By activating the linear electric motor, a slidable rotor moves along the linear stator to drive the gas spring between an extended position and a retracted position to provide remote operation of the liftgate. When power is unavailable to the linear electric motor, the liftgate may still be manually opened and closed in the conventional manner without the necessity of an override.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a rear body opening that is closed by an upwardly-pivoting liftgate assembly that itself defines, when in a closed position, a secondary opening whose lowermost portion achieves a height on the vehicle significantly below the vehicle's beltline. The liftgate assembly also includes a pivotally mounted liftglass assembly for closing the secondary opening, thereby permitting limited access through the secondary opening into an interior space of the vehicle. When the liftglass assembly is in its closed position, the lowermost edge of the liftglass assembly extends downwardly on the vehicle to a height significantly lower than the vehicle beltline. A raised feature of the liftglass assembly, preferably having a color and surface finish that is coordinated with a painted body surface, defines a step that is substantially aligned with the vehicle beltline to thereby aesthetically substantially continue the vehicle beltline across the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle with a tailgate (5) or the like, the vehicle being defined in that the tailgate (5) has a sensor for sensing objects at least during the opening operation.

Abstract: A power liftgate assembly is disclosed for moving a liftgate between an open position and a closed position. The liftgate is secured to a motor vehicle having a roof. The power liftgate assembly includes an elongated bracket that is fixedly secured to the roof of the motor vehicle. The elongated bracket extends between first and second ends. A motor is fixedly secured to the elongated bracket. A slide operatively engages the motor. The slide moves along the elongated bracket. An articulated bracket is connected to the slide and moves with the slide. The articulated bracket includes a slot that extends therealong to provide lost motion between the articulated bracket and the slide. An arcuate bracket extends between the articulated bracket and the liftgate for receiving the motion of the articulated bracket and for moving the liftgate in response thereto.

Abstract: A tailgate lock-open system is provided in the form of a locking system for each tailgate opening cylinder of a rear discharging refuse collection truck body with a top hinged pivoting tailgate and having fluid-operated cylinders connected between the refuse collection body and the tailgate in which extension of the cylinder rods swings open the tailgate. The locking system includes a locking collar that can be advanced to a locking position in which it fits over a portion of a cylinder rod and has a length that determines a minimum rod extension distance. An operating assembly is provided for advancing and withdrawing the locking collar from the corresponding cylinder rod.

Abstract: A hatchback for an automobile has an essentially peripheral supporting frame (1) designed as a hollow metal section, with a windshield area and a wall area, with a connecting section (2) arranged transversely in the supporting frame (1) at the transition of the windshield area and wall area, with a windshield (3) mounted on the supporting frame (1) in the windshield area and with an outside door panel (4) mounted on the supporting frame (1) in the wall area, whereby hinge brackets (5) that are movable with the supporting frame (1) are mounted on the upper edge of the supporting frame (1) in the windshield area and are pivotably connectable by at least one hinge element (8) each to stationary hinge blocks (7) mounted on a stationary body part (6) when the automobile hatchback is installed.

Abstract: A decklid and luggage compartment system for an automotive vehicle includes a luggage compartment located at one end of a vehicle and a decklid for closing the luggage compartment. A linked hinge moves the decklid translationally from a closed position to a raised position and axially displaced open position. The decklid maintains a common attitude in both the closed and opened positions. A combination load floor and bumper assembly having a load floor for the luggage compartment is mounted upon a sliding carrier for movement between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle hinge and counterbalance assembly (34) for pivotally mounting a lateral end of a vehicle tailgate (26) at a lower extremity thereof for movement of the tailgate on an associated vehicle between an upper closed position and a lower opened position and for also providing counterbalancing of the tailgate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle rear transverse part includes a generally vertically oriented element defining a frame closed by a rear window and an internal support structure and an external fitting panel and also including an equipment module directly mounted on the element and a wiper system for the rear window and a flashing light. The equipment module is received in a housing matching the element wherein it is mounted from outside.

Abstract: A cover and extender unit for the bed of a motor vehicle bounded by a forward wall, opposing side walls and a pivoted rear tailgate comprising a pivoting frame having opposing and laterally spaced sides that in a stowed position lie along the opposing interior surfaces of the side walls of the vehicle bed. Additionally, the frame has a transversely extending closure panel operatively interconnected between the sides at predetermined points adjacent to the forward ends thereof so that it may be used as a swingable tailgate when the unit is in an extended position. The frame has a flexible, sheet—like top cover that rolls up on a cylindrical spring powered roller operatively mounted in cover housing. The cover unrolls on frame deployment to shelter the truck bed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a rear body opening that is closed by an upwardly-pivoting liftgate assembly that itself defines, when in a closed position, a secondary opening whose lowermost portion achieves a height on the vehicle significantly below the vehicle's beltline. The liftgate assembly also includes a pivotally-mounted liftglass assembly for closing the secondary opening, thereby permitting limited access through the secondary opening into an interior space of the vehicle. When the liftglass assembly is in its closed position, the lowermost edge of the liftglass assembly extends downwardly on the vehicle to a height significantly lower than the vehicle beltline. A raised feature of the liftglass assembly, preferably having a color and surface finish that is coordinated with a painted body surface, defines a step that is substantially aligned with the vehicle beltline to thereby aesthetically substantially continue the vehicle beltline across the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A gate assembly for closing an open end of a storage compartment that is defined by a pair of side walls includes an upper member that is mounted on the side walls of the storage compartment so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position. The gate assembly also includes a lower member having a top side and a bottom side. The top side is pivotally attached to the upper member along a generally horizontal axis. The gate assembly also includes a cam that is attached to one of the side walls of the storage compartment and a follower that is adapted to interact with the cam. The cam and follower are mounted and arranged with respect to a side wall of the storage compartment and the lower member so that as the upper member is moved from the open position to the closed position, interaction between the cam and follower will cause the lower member to pivot about the generally horizontal axis so that its bottom side moves toward the open end of the storage compartment.

Abstract: A power closure control apparatus including a power operator for moving a panel along a travel path. There is also included a pinch strip that is in communication with the power operator. The pinch strip includes a lower portion mounted to the vehicle and an upper portion that is movably engaged with the lower portion. A spring mechanism is disposed between the upper and lower portions to maintain a positional relationship between the upper and lower portions. The upper portion has a first extended position and a second retracted position such that when a force is applied to the upper portion it moves to its second retracted position thereby causing the power operator to cease moving the panel along the travel path.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a rear body opening that is closed by an upwardly-pivoting liftgate assembly that itself defines, when in a closed position, a secondary opening whose lowermost portion achieves a height on the vehicle significantly below the vehicle's beltline. The liftgate assembly also includes a pivotally-mounted liftglass assembly for closing the secondary opening, thereby permitting limited access through the secondary opening into an interior space of the vehicle. When the liftglass assembly is in its closed position, the lowermost edge of the liftglass assembly extends downwardly on the vehicle to a height significantly lower than the vehicle beltline. A raised feature of the liftglass assembly, preferably having a color and surface finish that is coordinated with a painted body surface, defines a step that is substantially aligned with the vehicle beltline to thereby aesthetically substantially continue the vehicle beltline across the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a rear body opening that is closed by an upwardly-pivoting liftgate assembly that itself defines, when in a closed position, a secondary opening whose lowermost portion achieves a height on the vehicle significantly below the vehicle's beltline. The liftgate assembly also includes a pivotally-mounted liftglass assembly for closing the secondary opening, thereby permitting limited access through the secondary opening into an interior space of the vehicle. When the liftglass assembly is in its closed position, the lowermost edge of the liftglass assembly extends downwardly on the vehicle to a height significantly lower than the vehicle beltline. A raised feature of the liftglass assembly, preferably having a color and surface finish that is coordinated with a painted body surface, defines a step that is substantially aligned with the vehicle beltline to thereby aesthetically substantially continue the vehicle beltline across the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle pivoting closure assembly has a concealed power actuator remotely operated by a controller to open and close a closure or liftgate. A hinge member of the power actuator is engaged pivotally to a vehicle structure about a hinge axis, and rigidly to the closure. An armature extends pivotally from an elongated linear moving rack about a rack pivot axis and to the hinge member. The armature also pivotally engages the hinge member about a secondary pivot axis disposed parallel to the hinge axis and rack pivot axis. The rack is driven by a pinion gear train powered by a motor through a clutch. The hinge, the rack, the gear train and the motor are all supported by a reinforcement tray forming a modular engaged to the vehicle structure. The tray isolates the extreme dynamic loads placed upon the hinge by the motor, thereby eliminating the need to further reinforce the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A tailgate lock-open system is provided in the form of a locking system for each tailgate opening cylinder of a rear discharging refuse collection truck body with a top hinged pivoting tailgate and having fluid-operated cylinders connected between the refuse collection body and the tailgate in which extension of the cylinder rods swings open the tailgate. The locking system includes a locking collar that can be advanced to a locking position in which it fits over a portion of a cylinder rod and has a length that determines a minimum rod extension distance. An operating assembly is provided for advancing and withdrawing the locking collar from the corresponding cylinder rod.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a dump body is provided. The dump body has a pair of opposing sidewalls and an open rear end. The dump body is movable relative between a lowered transport position and a raised dump position. The tailgate assembly including a pair of opposing sidearms each of which is pivotally connected to a respective sidewall of the dump body and a center-rear portion supported between the sidearms. The sidearms and center-rear portion are movable between a closed position wherein the center-rear portion spans substantially between the opposing sidewalls of the dump body and encloses the open rear end of the dump body and an open position wherein the center-rear portion is positioned away from the open rear end of the dump body. Each of the sidearms includes an extended portion at an end thereof. The extended portions are curved inwardly toward each other in overlapping relation to at least a portion of the center-rear portion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a rear body opening that is closed by an upwardly-pivoting liftgate assembly that itself defines, when in a closed position, a secondary opening whose lowermost portion achieves a height on the vehicle significantly below the vehicle's beltline. The liftgate assembly also includes a pivotally-mounted liftglass assembly for closing the secondary opening, thereby permitting limited access through the secondary opening into an interior space of the vehicle. When the liftglass assembly is in its closed position, the lowermost edge of the liftglass assembly extends downwardly on the vehicle to a height significantly lower than the vehicle beltline. A raised feature of the liftglass assembly, preferably having a color and surface finish that is coordinated with a painted body surface, defines a step that is substantially aligned with the vehicle beltline to thereby aesthetically substantially continue the vehicle beltline across the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sliding door for vehicles including a space frame comprising a U-shaped extruded aluminum tube and a crossbeam to which inner and outer aluminum door panels are attached. Hardware for operation of the door is mounted on the exposed inside surface of the door. The overall weight of the door is about 20 pounds and the door is about 35 mm thick.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a dump body is provided. The dump body has a pair of opposing sidewalls and an open rear end. The dump body is movable relative between a lowered transport position and a raised dump position. The tailgate assembly including a pair of opposing sidearms each of which is pivotally connected to a respective sidewall of the dump body and a center-rear portion supported between the sidearms. The sidearms and center-rear portion are movable between a closed position wherein the center-rear portion spans substantially between the opposing sidewalls of the dump body and encloses the open rear end of the dump body and an open position wherein the center-rear portion is positioned away from the open rear end of the dump body. Each of the sidearms includes an extended portion at an end thereof. The extended portions are curved inwardly toward each other in overlapping relation to at least a portion of the center-rear portion.

Abstract: A tailgate system is disclosed that relates generally to vehicles for collecting, transporting and unloading several sorted classes of materials, that may include recyclable materials, in which the truck body is in the form of a generally hollow container mounted on a truck chassis and having an internal volume partitioned into two or more horizontally extending compartments, each equipped to receive, store and discharge or eject materials. The tailgate system is a split system that enables totally separate operation of a tailgate door for each compartment, but which includes automatic latching and maintains a relatively low center of gravity with reference to the vehicle regardless of the position of the doors.

Abstract: An automatic door operating device drives a door for a pivotal movement in accordance with a switch operation. The automatic door operating device includes a handle disposed on the door; and a controller. The controller allows the door to be manually operable for the pivotal movement when the handle is operated during a time the door is in a process of being driven for the pivotal movement.

Abstract: A rear end closure assembly for selectively opening and closing a rear passageway of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The closure assembly includes a first panel and a second panel attached to each other using rotatable members and a torque bar such that the second panel can be raised to a juxtaposed vertical relation relative to the first panel to partially open the rear passageway. Thereafter, the first and second panels are upwardly rotated together to fully open the rear passageway.

Abstract: A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate has a pair of drive units supported on the respective vehicle pillars at the sides of the liftgate opening. Each drive unit includes a vertically oriented channel and a rack member that moves in the channel. The rack member comprises a rack bar and a plurality of rack links that are pivotally connected end-to-end. A transfer link is universally attached to the rack bar at one end and universally attached to the liftgate at the opposite end. The rack member is raised and lowered by a power unit that has a motor driven pinion gear that meshes with teeth of the rack bar and the rack links in succession. Raising and lowering the rack member opens and closes the liftgate via the transfer link.

Abstract: A lift gate assembly for a vehicle includes a windowpane slidable between an open and a closed position within the lift gate along guide channels. A motor and drive cable move the windowpane between open and closed positions. Another embodiment the lift gate includes upper and lower sections pivotally connected to each other. The lift gate opens by folding the lower section upward relative to the upper section. Guide pins engage a guide track to hold the lift gate in intermediate open positions and also move completely free from the guide track to fully open the lift gate. In another embodiment the upper and lower sections of the lift gate are pivotally attached to the vehicle such that the upper lift gate opens upward, and the lower section opens downward. The windowpane slides open into the lower section along guide channels disposed within both sections of the lift gate.

Abstract: A rear door assembly for a vehicle includes a rear door surround and a door connected thereto by a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage is configured to selectively either retain the door in a closed state relative to the door surround, or to permit opening of the door in a pivoting motion about at least two, and preferably three, hinge axes selected from: a vertical axis adjacent to the right-hand edge; a vertical axis adjacent to the left-hand edge; and a horizontal axis adjacent to the upper edge.

Abstract: A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate has a pair of drive units supported on the vehicle roof and connected to the liftgate for opening and closing the liftgate. Each drive unit includes a housing having a curved track and a curved gear rack that is bodily movable endwise in the housing and guided by the curved track, the rack also serving as the drive link between the housing and the liftgate. The combined rack and drive link is extended and retracted by a pinion gear that is journalled interiorly in the housing and engages the teeth of the curved gear rack. The pinion gear is rotated by the output shaft of the motor, which in turn is fastened to the side of the housing. The motor is a reversible electric motor and is adapted to be operably coupled to the vehicle ECU unit and preferably includes an internal transmission and electrically operated clutch controlled by the ECU unit.

Abstract: A cargo space expanding device of a vehicle is disclosed to prevent any damage from being made by a loaded matter by getting the upper part of glass to be completely inserted into a mid-gate, the device comprising: a piece of glass fixed by holding unit onto a roof panel; and a mid-gate hinged by rotating unit mounted at a body panel with a hollow part filled with a cushioning member like sponge or urethane foam for getting the glass drawn inside, wherein the holding unit comprises pressing unit fixed at the glass and manipulating unit hinged with the pressing unit and coupled with a fixing edge of a grip member mounted at the roof panel to support the upper end of the glass.

Abstract: A tailgate folding device for an automotive vehicle constructed to vertically fold a midsection of the tailgate and thereby to avoid an external lower end thereof from touching a ceiling when the tailgate is opened at a place where the ceiling is low, thus promoting an effective use of the tailgate even at a confined area. The device has a tailgate vertically foldable and dividable via a hinge point into an upper portion and a lower portion thereof, a manipulating unit mounted at a folded site of the tailgate to control folding of the tailgate, and a locking unit for adequately converting a relative rotation of the divided tailgate from a restricted state to a released state according to the operation of the manipulating unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for providing a single module, which has a plurality of integrally-molded features and components. The module is used to provide a support capable of supporting a plurality of tailgate components, such as a windshield wiper motor, electric door latches and illumination system for illuminating a license plate, stop light and even a cargo area of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely operating a heavy duty tailgate on a heavy-duty dump truck body incorporates a power-assisted mechanism to remotely unlatch the tailgate for unloading of the truck body contents and to remotely latch the tailgate during transit. Another power-assisted mechanism remotely positions the tailgate so that it either pivots about either a horizontal axis or rotates about a vertical axis as desired for unloading of the contents of the truck body. The controls for the power-assisted mechanisms are situated in the cab of the truck so that the driver has full control of the tailgate positioning and dump of the load from within the cab of the dump truck.

Abstract: A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate has a pair of drive units supported on the vehicle roof and connected to the liftgate for opening and closing the liftgate. Each drive unit includes a bracket that is secured to the vehicle body for supporting several parts including a reversible electric motor, a gear unit and a track. The electric motor drives a segmented drive linkage inside the track via a gear reduction unit and a sprocket. The segmented drive linkage includes an elongated arcuate link arm that slides in an arcuate track portion of the track and a power roller chain that is stored in a storage track portion when the liftgate is closed. The outboard end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the liftgate to open and close the liftgate as the link arm is extended and retracted by the power roller chain.

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 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 drive assembly for a toothed rack and channel track type of power liftgate attaches the liftgate lift rod to the toothed rack indirectly, through a shoe-yoke assembly that transfers axial loads, but isolates the rack from non axial reactive loads transferred through the lift rod. A rigid yoke fits closely within axially spaced ends of a notch in the rack, but has a clearance elsewhere from the outside of the rack. The outside of the yoke is closely surrounded by a shoe, which provides a close fitting, slidable bearing layer with the inside of the channel track, maintaining the yoke to rack clearance. The maintenance of the yoke-rack clearance prevents the transmission of undesired reactive loads back to the rack through the yoke.

Abstract: An automatic door operating device drives a door for a pivotal movement in accordance with a switch operation. The automatic door operating device includes a handle disposed on the door; and a controller. The controller allows the door to be manually operable for the pivotal movement when the handle is operated during a time the door is in a process of being driven for the pivotal movement.

Abstract: A vehicle has a power operated liftgate and at least one power unit comprising a fixed linear guide channel and a follower that moves in the guide channel. The follower is universally connected to a rod having at one end and the opposite end of the rod is universally connected to the vehicle lift gate. A flexible drive loop which is attached to the follower wraps part way around two pulleys at opposite ends of the guide channel. The flexible drive loop is driven by a bi-directional drive unit that includes a reversible electric motor, an electromagnetic clutch and a drive wheel that engages the flexible drive loop. The flexible drive loop may be a drive cable, a drive tape, or a drive chain or a combination of cable, tape and/or chain.

Abstract: A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate has a pair of drive units supported on the vehicle pillars at the sides of the liftgate opening. Each drive unit includes a vertically oriented channel and a rack bar that moves in the channel. A link is universally attached to the rack bar at one end and universally attached to the liftgate at the opposite end. The rack bar is raised and lowered by a power unit that has a motor driven pinion gear that meshes with the rack bar. Raising and lowering the rack bar opens and closes the liftgate via the link.

Abstract: The pinion pivotally mounted on a vehicle body by the axis parallel to a hinge axis is linked by the motor provided on the vehicle body so as to be rotated in forward and reverse directions, the rack engaging the pinion is provided on the edge of the rack rod having one end portion pivotally secured by a transversely directed axis on the portion spaced from the hinge axis of the opening and closing member, and the guide member which slidably engages the longitudinal guide groove provided on the rack rod and rotatably supports the rack rod around the axis parallel to the axis of the pinion is provided on the partial portion of the vehicle body slightly spaced from the pinion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a landscape truck which hauls equipment in the usual way yet doubles as a dump truck for hauling and dumping landscaping supplies. The truck has a conventional frame and drive train and includes a cab, a truck bed mounted to the frame behind the cab and raisable to a dumping position, and a ramp assembly movably attachable to the rear end of the bed. The ramp assembly is selectively moveable between a lowered position, wherein the ramp extends from the truck bed downwardly to the ground to allow equipment to be driven onto the back of the truck, and a raised position wherein the ramp assembly is raised to a position above the bed of the truck to allow the truck bed to be raised to its dumping position.

Abstract: A vibration protected tailgate structure for an automobile constructed to reduce generation of noise occurring in the opening direction of the tailgate, the structure including first and second guide bumpers, respectively, mounted at the tailgate and a body and contacted when the tailgate is closed thereby restricting vibration of the tailgate, the structure comprising: a hitching groove formed on one of the bumpers; and a hitching unit formed on the other bumper for being hitched by the hitching groove when the tailgate is closed thus restricting vibration of the tailgate and is detached from the hitching groove when the tailgate is opened.

Abstract: A vehicle liftgate has a counterbalance system comprising a first link pivotally connected to the vehicle body. A second link is pivotally connected to the first link at one end and to the liftgate at the opposite end. The counterbalance system includes a compression spring that is attached to the first link via a pulley. The compression spring stores energy when the liftgate is closed to assist in subsequent opening of the tailgate. The liftgate may be closed manually or with power assistance.

Abstract: A vehicle pivoting closure assembly has a concealed power actuator remotely operated by a controller to open and close a closure or liftgate. A hinge member of the power actuator is engaged pivotally to a vehicle structure about a hinge axis, and rigidly to the closure. An armature extends pivotally from an elongated linear moving rack about a rack pivot axis and to the hinge member. The armature also pivotally engages the hinge member about a secondary pivot axis disposed parallel to the hinge axis and rack pivot axis. The rack is driven by a pinion gear train powered by a motor through a clutch. The hinge, the rack, the gear train and the motor are all supported by a reinforcement tray forming a modular engaged to the vehicle structure. The tray isolates the extreme dynamic loads placed upon the hinge by the motor, thereby eliminating the need to further reinforce the vehicle structure.

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 power operating system opens and closes a vehicle liftgate that is pivotally attached to an aft end of a vehicle roof for pivotal movement between and open position and a closed position about a generally horizontal hinge axis. The power operating system has a gas spring strut counterbalance system and at least one drive unit that includes a reversible electric motor, a spool driven by the electric motor, a flexible web that has one end attached to the spool and an opposite end attached to the liftgate, and a pusher member that is driven by the electric motor between a retracted position and an extended position. The pusher member engages the liftgate and rotates the liftgate part way to the open position. The liftgate is closed by winding the flexible web onto the spool.