Abstract: A pull handle mechanism for vehicle caps and the like of the type having an access door with at least one cable actuated closure latch, includes a base, with an exterior portion received through a mounting hole in the access door and an interior portion configured with an axially extending slide cavity. A retainer engages the exterior portion of the base to mount the pull handle mechanism in the access door. A handle having a scoop-shaped exterior portion with a downwardly opening finger recess, includes a rearwardly extending shaft slidingly received in the slide cavity to permit longitudinal reciprocation therebetween. A biasing member is positioned between the base and the handle, and urges the same together. A cable mount connects the actuator cable with the handle, such that pulling the handle outwardly tenses the actuator cable and releases the closure latch to permit the access door to be pivoted to an open position.

Abstract: An operating device for operating an automotive pivotal door has the following elements, which are an electric motor of reversible type; a speed reduction device driven by the motor and having an output part formed into an output gear; a rack member having a toothed side edge meshed with the output gear, so that upon energization of the motor, the rack member is moved axially; a motion transmitting member having one end pivotally connected to one end of the rack member and the other end connected to the pivotal door; and a structure which permits a swing movement of the rack member about an axis of the output gear when an external force is applied to the rack member in a direction to swing the same during the axial movement of the rack member. For appropriately controlling the operating device, a computer-aided control unit is employed.

Abstract: Trim members for tailgate of automobile adapted to enable an overlapped portion among various trim members assembled to an inner panel of a tailgate to be integrally secured to an inner panel to thereby prevent the overlapped portion from being drooped or curled up, the trim members comprising: an upper trim member mounted at a door of the automobile and having a tip end; a lateral trim member mounted at the door and having a tip end overlappingly arranged with the tip end; and coupling unit for coupling the overlapped tip ends to the door, wherein the coupling unit comprises: a flange unit having a through hole formed at any one tip end thereof; a protruder formed at the other tip end so as to be inserted into the through hole; and a spring clip for coupling the protruder to the door.

Abstract: A kinetic conversion mechanism includes a driving pulley pivotally connected to one end portion of a board which is pointed in the direction of substantially crossing the hinge shaft of a door, coupled to the output shaft of a motor and capable of forward and reverse rotation; a driven pulley pivotally connected to the other end of the board; and an endless belt wound on the driving pulley and the driven pulley, the belt being coupled to a part of the belt as the output portion thereof. The kinetic conversion mechanism and the motor are arranged in the shape of substantial L-letter by coupling the motor to one end portion of the kinetic conversion mechanism at substantially right angles. A transmission member is made bendable and also pivotal within a plane substantially perpendicular to a hinge shaft. One end of a coupling member is pivotally connected to an open-close structure, whereas the other end thereof is pivotally connected to the transmission member.

Abstract: A rear gate opening and closing apparatus includes a gas stay for biasing a rear gate in an opening direction, a motor for actuating to open or close the rear gate, a clutch for connecting or disconnecting the motor with the rear gate, an encoder for detecting the position of the rear gate, an operating switch for operating an opening and closing motion of the rear gate, and a control means for controlling the motor and clutch to automatically open and close the rear gate. The opening and closing speed of the rear gate is controlled based on a detection signal of the encoder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for providing a single module which has a plurality of integrally-molded features and components, as well as is capable of receiving a plurality of components required to be mounted on a door of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, 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. The system and method provide a module platform having an integrally-molded handle which permits an operator to pick up the module with its various components integrally-molded in or mounted thereon and situate the module directly onto the door, thereby substantially reducing the number of assembly steps and assembly time required in the past.

Abstract: A tailgate structure for automotive vehicle and manufacturing method thereof adapted to join an inner panel of a tailgate via a plurality of panels each having a different thickness by way of laser welding, thereby ruling out waste of materials, preventing concentration of stress through uniformity of joined areas and promoting a reinforcement of structural strength at respective members, the tailgate having an inner panel centrally forming an opening, an outer panel coupled to the inner panel to centrally form an opening and a door glass installed on the openings of the inner panel and the outer panel, wherein the inner panel comprises lateral members having a relatively heavy thickness and corresponding to left and right portions of the opening; and upper and lower members vertically connecting the lateral members and each having a relatively thinner in thickness thereof than those of the lateral members.

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 articulation device for a hatchback mounted pivoting on a motor vehicle via a swivel rod. A structure is provided for automatically controlling the hatchback pivoting movement by a pivoting movement of a first end of a rod relative to the vehicle body structure. The hatchback pivoting direction, relative to the second end of the rod, is reversed during the first end of the rod pivoting movement between two extreme angular positions associated with extreme closed and opened positions of the hatchback.

Abstract: A wagon has a chassis mounted on wheels. A box-shaped material container body is mounted on the chassis. A cover is hingedly mounted on the container body and is movable by rams between an open position for filling the container body and a closed sealed position on the container body for transport. A rear discharge door is clamped shut by a door locking clamp and by a ram-operated retractable locking beam which is engageable with a lower end of the discharge door.

Abstract: A tailgate of a car, the car for being sequentially mounted by a tailgate inner panel and a tailgate out panel to a tailgate thereof, which the tailgate outer panel is hinged to a tailgate which is vertically openable and closeable, wherein the tailgate comprises a glass plate, a first mounting bracket (or a first mounting pivot) coupled to the tailgate outer panel and a second mounting bracket (or a second mounting pivot) coupled to the glass plate, where the first mounting bracket (or the first mounting pivot) and the second mounting bracket (or the second mounting pivot) are hinged together, such that the tailgate is simple in structure thereof, parts involved are reduced and assembly is easy with manufacturing cost decreased and a beautiful exterior look.

Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle having a body including an integral outwardly arcuate top panel, a bottom panel, and integral outwardly arcuate side panels. The side panels being directly joined to opposing side edges of the top panel, and cooperating together to bound a chamber for carrying refuse.

Abstract: A connection wire is connected to a part of a rear door popped up in a door-opening direction by an urging force. A pulley rotates responsive to a driving motor inside a wire-winding device to wind the connection wire thereon. In this manner, the rear door is automatically closed. The pulley is urged in a connection wire-winding direction by a power spring. A clutch is between the pulley and the driving motor. When the rear door is pressed by an operator's hands in a door-closing direction while the rear door is being closed, the pulley is rotated by the power spring, thus winding the connection wire thereon and preventing the connection wire from becoming loose. At this time, the connection between the pulley and the driving motor is cut off by the clutch. Thus, the pulley is rotated by the power spring freely and rapidly. In this manner, the rear door can be closed manually even while it is being closed automatically.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate comprises an upper section (18) and a lower section (24) which are joined by hinges (26). The hinges (26) include securing parts which lock behind latch pins (58) on the vehicle body, but are released from them when the lower section (24) is raised to an open position. This enables the two sections (18, 24) to be raised together.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for providing a single module which has a plurality of integrally-molded features and components which are mounted on a door of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, 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. The system and method provide a module platform having at least one integrally-molded handle which permits an operator to pick up the module with its various components integrally-molded in or mounted thereon and situate the module directly onto the door, thereby substantially reducing the number of assembly steps and assembly time required in the past.

Abstract: One end of a connection wire is connected to a rear vehicle door which can be popped up by an urging force from a user. An apparatus for maintaining the position of the upwardly swinging rear door once it is opened at a desired angle includes a pulley for receiving the other end of the connection wire wound around it. A power spring urges the pulley in a connection wire-winding direction. A one-way clutch includes a rotatable outer ring with an input shaft at the center thereof. The input shaft is connected to the pulley. The input shaft is also connected to the outer ring through multiple rollers interposed between the outer ring and the input shaft so that the pulley is allowed to rotate in the connection wire-winding direction. In maintaining the upwardly swinging rear door at a desired angle once it is opened, a solenoid is energized to move a stopper into an engaging groove on the periphery of the outer ring. When the stopper engages the engaging groove, the rotation of the outer ring is restricted.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for closing a compartment door of a vehicle that enables individuals of small stature to close the door without difficulty. More specifically, the apparatus includes an extension handle that extends below a lip of the fully opened compartment door, thereby enabling an individual of small stature to reach and pull down on the extension handle to close the compartment door. In a preferred embodiment, the extension handle includes a pivot mounting and an extension arm coupled to the pivot mounting. A latching mechanism latches the extension handle in a stowed position in which the extension handle is preferably flush with an inner surface of the compartment door. The extension handle can also be made to deploy from a lip of the compartment door. Alternatively, the extension handle includes a retractable lanyard coupled to a grip.

Abstract: A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate has a pair of drive units supported on the vehicle frame 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 train, a rack and a cradle that are mounted on the bracket. The electric motor drives the rack via an the output gear of the gear train that has an axis. The rack slides in the cradle which is pivotally mounted on bracket so that cradle pivots about the axis of the output gear to hold the teeth of the rack in engagement with the teeth of the output gear to accommodate rocking movement of rack as it moves from a retracted position to an extended position. An arcuate track that is fixed to the vehicle body, and an arcuate link slides in the arcuate track.

Abstract: An automotive liftgate assembly for limiting movement of a liftgate along a predetermined direction by utilization of a liftgate limiter. This liftgate limiter is secured to the entryway and has a retractable cable which is coupled to the pivoting liftgate. The extractable cable length is adjustable so as to vary the liftgate's open position.

Abstract: A springing up apparatus for the door (especially the rear door of a cargo box) of a van-type truck is constructed by pivotally attaching the second end of an arm A having a first end pivotally attached to a cargo box body and a second end of an arm B having a first end pivotally attached to the door of the cargo box, and loading a tension spring between a prescribed point on the arm B and a prescribed point on the cargo box body or on the door of the cargo box. This makes it easy to open and close the door of the cargo box by human power. Further, use is made of a compression spring, which is provided on the roof of the cargo box, and there are additionally provided a spring cover mounting structure, which is capable of rotating about a horizontal shaft fixed to the roof, as well as a door-opening adjustment mechanism, which comprises a bracket and an adjustment disk, for adjusting initial amount of compression of the compression spring. This makes it easy to bring the door to rest at a desired position.

Abstract: A garbage collection and transport system, in which a garbage vehicle (1) has a horizontal partition (4) for forming two stowage spaces (5, 6) located one above the other, is proposed. So that different types of garbage containers (9) can be emptied, the garbage vehicle (1) has a loading trough (22) which extends the partition (4) and which can be positioned with its end edge (29) in such a way that it is adapted to that chamber (14, 15) of the garbage container (9) which is in each case to be separated off.

Abstract: A motor vehicle shell with a shell body with a body cutout for a hatch or door, especially for a rear hatch (3), and with a completely pre-mountable closing module (6) with a rim (7). The module bearing the hatch or door, especially therefore the rear hatch (3) and the associated assemblies, and for closing the body cutout of the shell body, the shell body and the rim (7) of the closing module (6) has bearing surfaces (9) which engage each other, and which extend roughly parallel to the main plane of the closing module (6). The rim (7) of the closing module (6) is attached to the shell body, with several fastening screws (10) or other mechanical attachment elements.

Abstract: A vehicle power liftgate cable drive has a cable drive housing. An electric motor with a motor housing and an output shaft is secured to the cable drive housing. A clutch pack with a first clutch driven by the output shaft and a second clutch driven by the first clutch, is mounted in the cable drive housing. One of the clutches in the clutch pack is a one way clutch and the other clutch is an electromagnetic clutch. A pinion gear is driven by the second clutch. An output gear is rotatably journaled on a fixed shaft and driven by the pinion gear. The cable drum is attached to the output gear. A coil spring has one end fixed to the fixed shaft and its other end attached to the cable drum. The fixed shaft is rotated to preload the coil spring in a direction that tends to wind a cable on the cable drum and then the fixed shaft is fastened to the cable drive housing. A cable is attached to the cable drum and to the liftgate.

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 sector inside the track via a gear reduction unit. The segmented sector includes an arcuate link that slides in an arcuate track portion of the track and a plurality of short sector links that are stored in a storage track portion when the liftgate is closed. The arcuate link has an outboard end that is pivotally connected to the liftgate to open and close the liftgate as the arcuate link is extended and retracted by the segmented rack.

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

Abstract: A support mechanism for supporting a door of a motor vehicle relative to a body portion of the motor vehicle as the door is rotated between an open position and a closed position about a horizontal axis includes an adjustable pneumatic strut. In a preferred form, the support mechanism includes a pair of substantially identical adjustable pneumatic struts. Each of the adjustable pneumatic struts includes a main body portion and a first end interconnected to the door of the vehicle. A second end of each of the adjustable pneumatic struts is interconnected to the body of the vehicle. In a preferred form, a first ball joint interconnects the first end to the rear hatch and a second ball joint interconnects the second end to the body.

Abstract: An upwardly folding door for a vehicle is disclosed having a lower door section that pivots inwardly and upwardly toward an upper door section. A pair of struts are attached between the vehicle body and the upper section and a link is attached between each strut and the lower door section. In addition, a shield feature is provided between the upper and lower door sections to cover any gaps that may exist when the door is in an open condition. The door sections have frames that are preferably made from a suitable lightweight material to appreciably reduce the overall weight of the door while still providing desired structural rigidity.

Abstract: A liftgate self-closing device for a vehicle includes a power drive unit and a track drive member drivingly interconnected with the power drive unit. The power drive unit selectively drives the track drive member. A pneumatic actuator is pivotally coupled at one end to the liftgate and at the other end to the track drive member. The actuator exerts a force opposing retraction of the liftgate. The power drive unit is operable in a first and a second direction. The first direction of the power drive unit drives the track drive member such that the pneumatic actuator is lowered to a predetermined position to enable the liftgate to automatically close. The second direction of the power drive unit drives the track drive member in an opposite direction such that the pneumatic actuator is raised to a predetermined position to enable the liftgate to be opened by an operator.

Abstract: A power liftgate assembly for a liftgate of a vehicle having a power drive unit and a plurality of driven gears. The plurality of driven gears is selectively driven by the power drive unit. The assembly further includes a first drive arm pivotally coupled to the vehicle and a second drive arm pivotally coupled to the liftgate at a first end and pivotally coupled to the first drive arm at a second end. The liftgate assembly still further includes an engaging device selectively coupled to at least one of the plurality of driven gears. The engaging device engages at least one driven gear with the first drive arm, thereby enabling the driven gear to drive the first drive arm. The engaging device is positionable between an engaged and a disengaged position, wherein the engaging device is operable in the engaged position to engage the driven gear into driving connection with the first drive arm.

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: The counter balance system for a vehicle liftgate includes a pair of gas cylinders in combination with a torsion rod. The gas cylinders urge the liftgate toward an open position but due to a short moment arm do not exert sufficient force to open the liftgate until the liftgate has pivoted about one third of the distance from the closed position toward the open position. The torsion rod also urges the liftgate toward an open position. Maximum force is exerted by the torsion rod when the liftgate is closed. As the liftgate moves toward an open position, the force exerted by the torsion rod decreases until the liftgate is midway between closed and open. The torque rod does not exert any force on the liftgate during the last portion of its movement to an open position.

Abstract: An improved structural liftgate trim module for and a method of assembly a vehicle liftgate assembly of a liftgate for a motor vehicle having a modular structure consisting of an inner liftgate trim panel, an inner liftgate trim panel reinforcement member and an outer liftgate trim panel. The inner liftgate trim panel reinforcement member may include electrical components mounted to the reinforcement prior to assembly on the inner liftgate trim panel. The inner liftgate trim panel and inner liftgate trim panel reinforcement member are connected prior to assembly with an outer liftgate trim panel member by a mounting clip and at least one fastener. The inner liftgate trim panel reinforcement member includes flanged portions which are adapted to interface at accessible locations with flanged portions on the outer liftgate trim panel for easy-on, easy-off assembly.

Abstract: A generally vertical tailgate assembly 16 is disclosed having a first upper tailgate portion 18 and a second lower tailgate portion 24. The first upper tailgate portion 18 is disposed for rotation about a generally horizontal axis extending along an upper edge thereof. The lower tailgate portion 24 is adapted to move from a first closed position in which an upper edge thereof is adjacent a lower edge of the upper tailgate portion 18 to a second open position in which the upper edge thereof is adjacent the upper edge of the upper tailgate portion. Both portions 18,24 of the tailgate assembly 16 may then be moved together about the upper edge of the upper tailgate portion. This construction has the advantage that opening of the tailgate assembly requires a reduced clearance behind the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Tailgate arrangement of a body of a motor vehicle, with a body opening (3), a tailgate (4) which is assigned to the body opening (3) and which closes it, at least one, preferably two rear lamp units (7) assigned to the body opening (3), a peripheral attachment flange (8) being provided bordering the body opening (3) and the attachment flange having a peripheral sealing profile (9), which is optionally composed of several sections, mounted on it for sealing against a sealing flange on the tailgate (4). This tailgate arrangement is simplified in terms of production engineering and installation technique by the edge of the body opening (3) in the area of the rear lamp units (7) being formed by the rear lamp units (7) themselves, specifically the corresponding sections of the attachment flange (8) for the sealing profile (9) being formed on the rear lamp units (7).

Abstract: A swivelling or sliding hatchback of a vehicle is designed using materials of lower weight densities to form the inner and outer skins of the hatch, to reduce the overall weight of the hatch. The hatchback (1) includes a supporting frame (2) formed from an open or closed steel section, an outer skin (3) and an inner skin (4) formed from a light metal or plastic and mounted on the supporting frame (2) The inner skin (4) is essentially formed by reinforcing ribs (14) and by section rails (19). The hatchback of this structure is particularly suited for passenger vehicles.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle includes a door subassembly hinged to the vehicle having a window opening and a window subassembly hinged to the vehicle adapted to cover the window opening; the door subassembly and window subassembly having a common hinge axis and the door assembly operable between a closed position, a window subassembly open and door subassembly closed position, and a window subassembly and door subassembly open position.

Abstract: An all glass slide-over rear door for vehicle and camper shells is provided. The all glass door is pivotally attached to the roof of the vehicle with two hinges that are slidably accommodated in a pair of parallel tracks mounted to the roof of the shell or vehicle. Two gas props connect an inside surface of the door to the opposing sides of the rear opening. The gas props are pivotally connected to the inside surface of the door and each prop is further connected to a bracket mounted on one of the opposing sides of the rear opening by way of an offset link. The offset link provides lateral clearance between the prop and the side of the rear opening and further lowers the overall height of the rear door when the rear door is in the fully open position.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for opening and/or closing the rear lift gate of a vehicle uses a double or single acting gas charged hydraulic cylinder. If double acting, a second piston separates the head side of the cylinder into hydraulic and gas chambers. A unidirectional (for the single acting cylinder) or a bidirectional (for the double acting cylinder) drives a pump to operate the cylinder. A solenoid actuated on-off valve selectively communicates the ports of the cylinder with tank pressure. A gas charge accumulator may also be provided. In the double acting embodiment, a two way ball shuttle valve which is vented in the center provides alternating communication between the two cylinder ports.

Abstract: A vehicle power liftgate cable drive has a cable drive housing. An electric motor with a motor housing and an output shaft is secured to the cable drive housing. A clutch pack with a first clutch driven by the output shaft and a second clutch driven by the first clutch, is mounted in the cable drive housing. One of the clutches in the clutch pack is a one way clutch and the other clutch is an electromechanical clutch. A pinion gear is driven by the second clutch. A driven gear is rotatably journaled on a fixed shaft and driven by the pinion gear. The cable drum is attached to the driven gear. A coil spring has one end fixed to the fixed shaft and its other end attached to the cable drum. The fixed shaft is rotated to preload the coil spring in a direction that tends to wind a cable on the cable drum and then the fixed shaft is fastened to the cable drive housing. A cable is attached to the cable drum and to the liftgate.

Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic closure system for a motor vehicle includes automatic opening and closing, as well as manual closing, of a closure pivotally mounted to an opening frame defining a closure opening in the motor vehicle. The system used in the method includes at least one hydraulic actuator assembly attached at opposite ends thereof to the closure and the opening frame, respectively. A motorized hydraulic pump inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the opened position to the closed position, and a biased energy storage system inputs energy to the actuator to move the closure from the closed position to the opened position. In a preferred embodiment, the pump is activated by relatively slow manually generated movement of the closure from the opened position toward the closed position. Also, an obstacle detection mechanism detects obstacles interfering with closing of the closure based on monitored pressure in the system.

Abstract: A truck for separately storing and discharging recyclable materials includes a chassis, a cab, and a frame pivotably mounted on the chassis rearwardly of the cab and supporting a housing with a platform extending along one side to the cab. Partition walls in the housing divide the interior space into a multiplicity of compartments along the length of the housing and a side wall has openings providing access to the several compartments. The partition walls have gates which are held in closed position by locks which are remotely releasable. An upper compartment is provided on the housing and a chute extends upwardly from an opening in the side wall, and a deflectable closure for the opening permits insertion of recyclable materials thereinto. A diagonally extending door is provided on the rear end of the cab adjacent the platform and is slidable between a closed position closing the cab and an open position extending along the adjacent side wall to permit passage between the cab and the platform.

Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis is disclosed wherein a conventionally hinged door is integrated with and becomes a structural part of the main chassis when the door is closed. Wedge-shaped structural keys located on the forward and rearward edges of the door engage mating receptacles on the door jamb to transmit compressive, tensile, and torsional forces across the door opening when the door is closed. Preferably, the door hinges are separated when the door is closed so that all forces are transmitted through the keys and receptacles without interference from the hinges. The inventive technology can also be used with other vehicle door panels such as sliding side van doors, hoods, trunks, liftgates and tailgates to form a stronger, stiffer vehicle chassis that is less susceptible to deformation during impact.

Abstract: A hood control apparatus comprises at least one counterbalancing spring engaged between a forward tilt hood and a top surface radiator frame mounted under the hood. The spring is chosen to have a spring rate such that, when the hood is opened, the spring supports the hood in an open equilibrium position less than fully open. A locking latch device is provided for latching the hood in the open position against unintended closure thereof.

Abstract: For a vehicle having a rear storage compartment which has side walls and a floor area, and wherein access is gained to the storage compartment via a rear opening across which is mounted an upwardly opening tailgate for selectable closing and opening of the rear opening, an expandable storage system having an extendible storage member which includes a floor portion for supporting luggage thereon, the floor portion having front and rear edges and side edges extending therebetween, and a pair of parallel side wall portions connected to the side edges of the floor portion so as to extend transversely upward therefrom, thereby to prevent undesired lateral movement of luggage supported thereon; the storage system also having apparatus for mounting the extendible storage member within the storage compartment such that the pair of side walls have a generally parallel orientation to the side walls of the storage compartment, including apparatus for permitting selectable movement of the extendible storage member along

Abstract: A multi-purpose door for a service compartment having several locking open positions which protects the contents of the compartment when closed, offers some protection for the person using the compartment from the weather when open, and further allows when open, effective storage use of the overhead roof area of the compartment. Under adverse conditions a waterproof material is attached to further protect the person.

Abstract: A tailgate is attached to a truck bed in a vertical position across the opening. A rear shaft and a front shaft extend across the truck bed, and a pair of chains travel around sprockets near each end of the rear shaft and the front shaft. A motor rotates the front shaft to move the chains, thus moving the tailgate upward and forward through the truck bed. The tailgate can be temporarily attached to the sides of the truck bed in a selected position, or it can be raised into a spoiler position. The tailgate may also be manually operable between positions.

Abstract: A passenger van tailgate hinged for swinging movement about a horizontal axis at its upper edge is forced upward to open by a pair of spring devices under the control of a powered actuator operating through cables. The actuator is mounted on the tailgate and includes an electric motor drivingly connected by a worm shaft and worm gear and additional reduction gearing to a pulley on which the cables are wound. The cables are secured at one end to the vehicle structure, extend along side the respective spring devices, and are wound at their other end in the same direction on the pulley. The tailgate is opened by operating the actuator motor to unwind the cables and allow the spring devices to open the tailgate at a rate determined by the speed of the motor. The tailgate is closed by operating the actuator motor in reverse to rewind the cables and compress the spring devices.

Abstract: An improved tailgate for a recyclable material container mounted on a vehicle chassis includes an upper door normally closing an upper compartment opening and a lower door normally closing a lower compartment opening. The upper door is pivotally connected at an upper portion thereof to an upper portion of the container. The lower door has a pair of support arms extending upwardly therefrom, each of which is movably connected at its upper portion to an upper portion of the container. The upper and lower doors each further includes a lifting mechanism for translating the respective door from a normally closed to an open position.

Abstract: A two-window closure for the rear opening of a van to obviate a spare tire obstruction in which one window is coextensive with the spare tire and remains in place unless the spare tire is traversed out of the way, but the other window being coextensive with the remainder of the window opening can be opened without traversing the spare tire and thus provides the user with access into the rear of the van.

Abstract: A movable body panel for a vehicle is provided. The body panel includes a load bearing frame member made from an elongated hollow beam member. Inner and outer panels are secured to one another with the frame member disposed between the panels and secured to the inner panels. Hinges are secured to the frame member and the vehicle for permitting movement of the body panel relative to the remainder of the vehicle. A method of making the body panel is also provided.