Abstract: A tailgate system for a dump body of a vehicle capable of operation in a plurality of modes includes a tailgate pivotally connected to side walls along an upper tailgate end for operation in a first mode and pivotally connected to one of the side walls along a tailgate side for operation in a second mode. A control assembly including a latching member, arm and handle is at least partially protected by placement within a corner post of the dump body.

Abstract: A pick-up truck box extender flip gate is provided. The truck box extender flip gate of the current application is comprised of; 1) a tail gate attaching frame, 2) two side faces, each of which is comprised of one guide and one metal frame. 3) a first front face that is rotatably connected to the two guides, and 4) a second front face that is rotatably connected to the first front face via hinges. When the pick-up truck box extender flip gate is in retracted position, the two guides are embedded in two rectangular metal frames which are welded to both ends of the tail gate frame. The first front face and the second front face are overlapped with the tailgate-attaching frame when the flip gate is retracted. In extended position, the first front face and second front faces come out of the attaching frame to extend the pick-up truck cargo box space. The first and second front faces have racks for holding bicycle wheel or long ladder's leg.

Abstract: A cargo container attachment for a small vehicle such as a lawn tractor is provided. The container is removably attached to the rear of the vehicle and includes a cargo box storage space with a pivotally mounted swingable tailgate. The container is designed to be used in conjunction with a lawn tractor to perform landscaping and structural maintenance tasks. Materials such as mulch, soil and plantings as well as maintenance materials can be transported in the cargo space. The tailgate can be moved between a first position where it serves to enclose the storage space and a second position where its serves as a workbench surface. Tool receiving recesses are provided in the sidewall edges of the composite container for transporting small tools such as trimmers, shovels, shears and/or rakes.

Abstract: A latch device includes a biaxial hinge, a horizontal hinge latch mechanism, a vertical hinge latch mechanism, a common latch mechanism, a swing actuation handle, and a flap actuation handle is provided on a tailgate for realizing selective movement about both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. A first disengagement detection unit detects disengagement of the horizontal hinge latch mechanism and a second disengagement detection unit that detects disengagement of the vertical hinge latch mechanism. A tailgate release-latch unit disables the actuation of the flap actuation handle upon detection of the disengaged condition of the horizontal hinge latch mechanism by the first disengagement detection unit, and swing actuation handle upon detection of the disengaged condition of the vertical hinge latch mechanism by the second disengagement detection unit.

Abstract: A tailgate synchronizer for coordinating mechanical communication between first and second handles mounted to a tailgate and first and second lock assemblies that selectively lock the tailgate to a vehicle body includes a first lock assembly actuator lever rotatably mounted to the tailgate. The first lock assembly actuator lever is selectively movable by the first handle. The first lock assembly actuator lever is connected to the first lock assembly so that the first lock assembly actuator lever unlocks the first lock assembly when sufficiently moved by the first handle. A second lock assembly actuator lever is rotatably mounted to the tailgate and selectively movable by the second handle. The second lock assembly actuator lever is connected to the second lock assembly so that the second lock assembly actuator lever unlocks the second lock assembly when sufficiently moved by the second handle.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly is adapted to be mounted along an open edge of a vehicle's load-carrying bed for alternatively pivoting about (1) a first axis generally parallel with the open edge of the tailgate for movement between a closed position and a fold-open position and (2) a second axis generally normal relative to the first axis for movement between the closed position and a swing-open position. The tailgate assembly includes a tailgate, a dual-mode hinge assembly, a first hinge/lock assembly and a second hinge/lock assembly. The first hinge/lock assembly is selectively latched to an associated first hinge/lock striker and cooperates with the dual-mode hinge assembly to pivotally support the tailgate about a first pivot axis. The second hinge/lock assembly is selectively latched to an associated second hinge/lock striker and cooperates with the dual-mode hinge assembly to pivotally support the tailgate about a second pivot axis.

Abstract: A latch device includes a biaxial hinge, a horizontal hinge latch mechanism, a vertical hinge latch mechanism, a common latch mechanism, a swing actuation handle, and a flap actuation handle is provided on a tailgate for realizing selective movement about both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. A first disengagement detection unit detects disengagement of the horizontal hinge latch mechanism and a second disengagement detection unit that detects disengagement of the vertical hinge latch mechanism. A tailgate release-latch unit disables the actuation of the flap actuation handle upon detection of the disengaged condition of the horizontal hinge latch mechanism by the first disengagement detection unit, and swing actuation handle upon detection of the disengaged condition of the vertical hinge latch mechanism by the second disengagement detection unit.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly adapted to be mounted along an open edge of a vehicle's load-carrying bed includes a stamped sheet metal frame having a reinforced cross-sectional shape with an inner side facing an associated vehicle's load-carrying bed and an outer side opposite the inner side. The tailgate assembly further includes a skin attached to the outer side of the frame.

Abstract: A tailgate extension system includes a pickup bed having an outer edge. A pair of side walls is attached to the pickup bed. A tailgate housing has a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. The back wall has an elongated opening therein generally extending from the first lateral wall to the second lateral wall. Each of the first and second lateral walls is hingedly coupled to one of the side walls. The housing is selectively positionable in a horizontal position extending away from the pickup bed or in a vertical position extending upwardly from the pickup bed. A panel is positioned within the housing and is selectively positioned in an extended orientation extending outwardly of the opening or in a stored orientation positioned substantially within the housing.

Abstract: A tailgate aileron system is disclosed, in which a tailgate of a pick-up truck, dump truck or portable roll-off contained has a rectangular opening within which is installed an aileron capable of manual or powered operation. The aileron pivots on an axle disposed horizontally through the central axis of the aileron. The aileron axle registers with bushings disposed in the sides of the rectangular opening of the tailgate. One end of the axle protrudes beyond the side of the rectangular opening and conjoins with a means for operating the aileron. A manual means for operating the aileron is comprised of a positioning handle mounted orthogonal to the axle, which is rotated by hand and is fixed in a desired attitude by an index pin which registers with one of a plurality of indices on the positioning handle. A powered means for operating the aileron is comprised of an electric motor which turns the aileron through a system of gears.

Abstract: A tailgate ramp system for providing convenient pickup bed access and safe vehicle loading/unloading includes a main frame with side members and a base member. A pair of ramp units are rotatably coupled to respective side members and are independently operable for convenient truck bed access. Each ramp unit includes a plurality of selectively extendable ramp sections. The ramp units are pivotally coupled to the frame side members for movement between vertical and horizontal configurations. Accordingly, the ramp units operate as tailgate components at the vertical configuration and as ramps at the horizontal configuration. An extension bar mounted on the base member enables slidable positioning of the ramp units at the horizontal configuration.

Abstract: A tailgate system for a dump body of a vehicle capable of operation in a plurality of modes includes a tailgate pivotally connected to side walls along an upper tailgate end for operation in a first mode and pivotally connected to one of the side walls along a tailgate side for operation in a second mode. To convert the tailgate from the first to the second mode of operation, a ball and socket are engaged forming a pivot point around which the tailgate can rotate in the second mode.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo bed having a floor, side walls and a rear end opening with an endgate pivotally connected at the rear end opening. The endgate is pivotable between a vertical position covering the rear end opening and a horizontal position exposing the rear end opening for cargo loading and unloading. The endgate has a pass-through opening formed therein and includes a door integrally contained within the endgate. The door is pivotable with respect to the endgate between a closed position covering the pass-through opening and an open position to allow loading and unloading of cargo through the pass-through opening when the endgate is in the vertical position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle, especially a sedan or a station wagon, with a tailgate (9) which is movably supported on the motor vehicle by a bearing means for closing and for clearing a rear loading opening (14) of the vehicle interior or trunk (3), and the tailgate (9) can be moved by the bearing means (16, 26) in a lowering or raising motion between its closed position and a lowered open position, in which it is located in essentially vertical alignment with the motor vehicle rear end of the motor vehicle (2). The tailgate (9) can be swung out to the rear around its bottom edge (24) in order to form a load-bearing surface. The swung-out tailgate (9) in the essentially horizontal swung-out position can be moved by the bearing means (16, 26) in lowering and raising motions as a means for raising and lowering cargo.

Abstract: A tailgate ramp system for providing a safe and convenient system for loading/unloading all-terrain vehicles. The tailgate ramp system includes a pair of telescoping structures pivotally attached to a pickup box, wherein each telescoping structure is comprised of a frame structure and a plurality of telescoping sections slidably positioned within the frame structure. The telescoping sections have cross members for supporting the wheels of a vehicle during loading/unloading thereof.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly is provided for use with a utility vehicle having a cargo area formed by first and second sidewalls and a bed floor, with a tailgate opening at a rear end of the cargo area. The tailgate assembly includes a tailgate positioned in the tailgate opening. The tailgate is pivotally connected to the sidewalls along upper and lower axes to facilitate pivotal movement about the lower axis to a lowered position extending the bed floor, and pivotal movement about the upper axis to a raised position. At least one load assist mechanism is connected to the tailgate to provide a force to assist pivotal movement to the raised position.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly is provided for use with a utility vehicle having a cargo area formed by first and second sidewalls and a bed floor, with a tailgate opening at a rear end of the cargo area. The tailgate assembly includes a tailgate positioned in the tailgate opening. The tailgate is pivotally connected to the sidewalls along upper and lower axes to facilitate pivotal movement about the lower axis to a lowered position extending the bed floor, and pivotal movement about the upper axis to a raised position. At least one load assist mechanism is connected to the tailgate to provide a force to assist pivotal movement to the raised position.

Abstract: A rear closure assembly for use with a vehicle includes a door having first and second handles for pivoting the door about first and second vertical pivot axes. Latches on the door are engageable with strikers on the vehicle. The latches and strikers form the first and second vertical pivot axes. The latches are disengageable by the handles to selectively pivot the door about one of the vertical pivot axes.

Abstract: A tailgate apparatus on vehicle bodies mounted so that the tailgate opens by pivoting about a horizontal axis or rotates about either one or both of the outer vertical axes as desired for unloading of the content of the vehicle body or container. The tailgate may be split and hinged in barn door fashion or it may be one-piece and hinged on a single side, while simultaneously hinged in dump fashion at the top. The hardware design of the apparatus allows dual rotatable opening of the tailgate or overhead dump opening of the tailgate.

Abstract: A replacement tailgate and ramp includes a first section and an angularly disposed second section. When deployed, the first section aligns substantially parallel to and coplanar with the bed surface of a utility or pick-up truck. The second section is angularly disposed about the first section to provide a ramp, thereby allowing ingress to and egress from the truck bed. The angular disposition between the first and second sections is maintained by a pair of reinforcement members positioned about the lateral margins of the first and second sections. A pair of posts projecting from the first section are inserted into cavities in the bed of the truck, thereby allowing pivoting movement of the tailgate/ramp apparatus. The first and second sections are covered by a lattice covering so as to provide a frictionally enhanced walking surface. A pair of securement mechanism are provided to impinge the movement of the tailgate/ramp apparatus.

Abstract: A five-position tailgate assembly wherein a single user can conveniently configure that tailgate to employ one of five different orientations, including a configuration having a closed door assembly, a configuration having that door assembly rotated up to about 90 degrees downwardly to an open position, a configuration wherein that door assembly is rotated in a first direction up to about 180 degrees around a first vertical axis, a configuration wherein that door assembly is rotated in a second direction up to about 180 degrees around a second vertical axis, and a configuration wherein that door assembly is removed from the tailgate assembly.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has a rear mounted engine and a tailgate that pivots about a vertical axis, and the tailgate in turn carries an engine cover panel that is pivoted to the tailgate about a horizontal axis. When the tailgate is closed, the engine cover panel overlies the loader engine and other components for the skid steer loader, and provides protection and covers such components. The engine cover panel is made so that it will move upwardly for access to the components and swings away with the tailgate for access to the engine compartment.

Abstract: A convertible liftgate assembly for use with pickup trucks. The assembly includes one or more platform components which may serve as sturdy, flat panels for service as ramps, and include legs for use also as work platforms or scaffolds. All components of the liftgate assembly can be secured in a nested configuration resembling a conventional pickup truck liftgate, with each platform component being removable for service as a ramp or work platform.

Abstract: A truck bed extension device (10) for use with a truck (12) having a cargo bed structure, wherein the device (10) allows for carrying items which extend beyond or overhang the bed structure. The device (10) comprises a deck (24); a support structure (26); and a signaling system (28). The deck (24) is horizontally adjustable relative to the bed structure so as to allow for achieving a desired spacing therebetween. The deck (24) is also vertically offset when unloaded so as to be substantially flush when loaded. Because the device (10) or the load carried thereon may obstruct viewing of the truck's existing brake and turn signals, the signaling system (28) repeats these signals where they are more visible. A second embodiment of the device (110) provides a hitch structure (170) for coupling the truck with a trailer via the device (110).

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 five-position tailgate assembly wherein a single user can conveniently configure that tailgate to employ one of five different orientations, including a configuration having a closed door assembly, a configuration having that door assembly rotated up to about 90 downwardly to an open position, a configuration wherein that door assembly is rotated in a first direction up to about 180 degrees around a first vertical axis, a configuration wherein that door assembly is rotated in a second direction up to about 180 degrees around a second vertical axis, and a configuration wherein that door assembly is removed from the tailgate assembly.

Abstract: The volume capacity of a hook lift or roll-off truck container body is increased temporarily by vertical extension of the container body's walls and rear door. The extension includes three walls and another door which are firmly attached to the top edges of the container body's walls and doors. The extension is conveniently secured to the body and the doors of the body and the extension open and latch in concert.

Abstract: A utility transport tractor having a cargo box above the rear axle with the operator's platform forward of the rear axle enabling additional seats to be included. To maintain the functionality of a conventional agricultural tractor, the cargo box tail gate and a portion of the cargo box floor can be raised to positions in which they both extend upwardly and forwardly toward the operator. In these positions, the three point hitch at the rear of the tractor is visible to the operator as is typically the case conventional agricultural tractors. The tail gate is mounted to the cargo box for rotation about multiple axes to pivot the tail gate to multiple open positions.

Abstract: A universal door frame for semitrailers, vans, and other large over the road cargo vehicles, provides a single frame configuration for use with either side hinged doors or an overhead door, as desired. The present door frame does not require the fabrication of different door frame configurations for each type of door, as is the case with prior art door frames. The present universal door frame is also formed of a relatively few components, requiring only a single component for each side post and a single component for the header of the frame. This saves considerable labor, and thus cost, over prior art frames in which the corresponding components are formed of a series of stock metal sections. The present universal door frame may also include a motor and spool installed within the header, for powered lifting of an overhead door installed with the present door frame.

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 vehicle is provided that includes a roof with a roof opening and a rear body portion with a rear opening. Spaced apart guide rails are supported on an exterior surface of the roof. A retractable roof panel is supported on the guide rails by guide members that move along the guide rails along a path. The roof opening and the roof panel extend to the rearward end where the roof panel defines a rear header. The retractable roof panel may be driven from a closed positioned forward to an open position where the roof panel is adjacent to the exterior surface of the roof. The rear gate assembly, which is arranged in the rear opening, may be opened to provide access to the rear cargo area of the vehicle. With the rear gate assembly and retractable roof panel open, large items may be slid into the cargo area and may extend above the plane of the roof.

Abstract: A horizontal hinged tailgate assembly 7 is provided for a vehicle 10. The tailgate assembly 7 includes a frame 20. A seating platform 60 is provided which is connected to frame 20 and has a seating surface 62. A seat back 64 is included with a first position with a lower end 68 connected to frame 20 adjacent seating platform 60 and an upper end 88 oriented generally vertically upwards. The seat back 64 also has a second table position with the lower end 68 being connected to frame 20 and with seat back 64 extending rearwardly from frame 20.

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

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

Abstract: A mining vehicle with an improved tailgate design for raising the tailgate above or lowering the tailgate below the mining vehicle depending on operating conditions. The tailgate is comprised of a tailgate door and at least one side bracket which is coupled to the mining vehicle via a respective pivot point. At least one forward hydraulic cylinder is pivotally coupled at a first end to the at least one side bracket and the second end pivotally coupled to the vehicle at a respective first attachment point. The tailgate is further comprised of at least one pivot point hydraulic cylinder, having a first end pivotally coupled to the tailgate door and a second end coupled to the vehicle, such that the tailgate can be raised above or lowered below the mining vehicle as desired.

Abstract: A closure panel assembly for a motor vehicle includes an upper member and a lower member. In a first mode, the upper and lower members are rigidly interconnected and the closure panel assembly is permitted to pivot about an upper pivot axis adjacent an upper edge of the upper member. In a second mode, the upper and lower members are free to move relative to one another. The upper member is permitted to independently pivot about the upper pivot axis. The lower member is permitted to independently pivot about a lower pivot axis adjacent a lower edge of the lower member.

Abstract: A dump vehicle with a positively controlled opening gate is disclosed. The vehicle includes a frame, a dump bed mounted on the frame and having a floor, front and side walls and a rear opening through which material can be discharged from the bed, and a gate having a pair of lateral edges and a lower edge. The gate is pivotally mounted adjacent the rear opening and has a closed position in which the gate blocks the rear opening to prevent discharge from the bed through the rear opening. The vehicle further includes a gate control mechanism connected to the gate. The gate control mechanism is adapted to selectively raise the gate from the closed position to allow metered discharge of material or to release the gate from the closed position so that the gate may pivot away from the rear opening to allow unmetered discharge of material.

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

Abstract: A tailgate-adapted cutting board for conveniently and easily cleaning fish using the tailgate of a pickup truck. The tail-gate-adapted cutting board and accessories includes a board member having a dimension substantially that of a conventional tailgate of a pickup truck and further having a top side and a groove about the perimeter thereof, and also includes a knife storage container having a pair of longitudinal slots extending from a first end, and further having a cover at a second end and being securely mounted to the top side of the board member for storing knives and knife sharpening members, and further includes a clip member securely attached to the top side of the board member and a pair of bracket members each having a latch connecting member securely attached thereto for removeably latching to the tailgate, and also includes a paper dispensing unit.

Abstract: A swing-away spare tire carrier for a motor vehicle includes a cross tube extending transversely for attachment to underside vehicle structure of the motor vehicle and an arm support bracket secured to the cross tube. The swing-away spare tire carrier also includes a carrier arm having a first arm portion pivotally attached to the arm support bracket and a second arm portion pivotally attached to the first arm portion for pivotal movement between a first position adjacent a vehicle body of the motor vehicle and a second position extending substantially laterally from the vehicle body when the second arm portion is moved toward the first arm portion.

Abstract: A rear gate assembly of a motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle has a rear gate opening. The rear gate assembly includes a rear gate, a back glass, and a rear gate handle. The rear gate includes a rear gate top portion, a rear gate bottom portion, and an outer surface and has a latched and unlatched position. The rear gate bottom portion is rotatably coupled to a bottom edge of the rear gate opening. The back glass has a back glass top portion and a back glass bottom portion. The back glass top portion is rotatably coupled to a top edge of the rear gate opening and has a latched and unlatched position. The rear gate handle is coupled to the outer surface of the rear gate and is actuatable from a first position to a second position. The rear gate assembly sequentially releases the back glass and rear gate from the respective latched positions in response to actuation of the rear gate handle.

Abstract: A rear gate assembly of a motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle has a rear gate opening. The rear gate assembly includes a rear gate, a back glass, and a rear gate handle, The rear gate includes a rear gate top portion, a rear gate bottom portion, and an outer surface and has a latched and unlatched position. The rear gate bottom portion is rotatably coupled to a bottom edge of the rear gate opening. The back glass has a back glass top portion and a back glass bottom portion. The back glass top portion is rotatably coupled to a top edge of the rear gate opening and has a latched and unlatched position. The rear gate handle is coupled to the outer surface of the rear gate and is actuatable from a first position to a second position. The rear gate assembly sequentially releases the back glass and rear gate from the respective latched positions in response to actuation of the rear gate handle.

Abstract: A latch assembly (40) for the top of a pivotal endgate of a dump body includes a pivotal locking lug (48) actuated by a handle (52) which can be positively secured in a closed position. A second embodiment (60) is also disclosed.

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

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

Abstract: A dump vehicle with a positively controlled opening gate is disclosed. The vehicle includes a frame, a dump bed mounted on the frame and having a floor, front and side walls and a rear opening through which material can be discharged from the bed, and a gate having a pair of lateral edges and a lower edge. The gate is pivotally mounted adjacent the rear opening and has a closed position in which the gate blocks the rear opening to prevent discharge from the bed through the rear opening. The vehicle further includes a gate control mechanism connected to the gate. The gate control mechanism is adapted to selectively raise the gate from the closed position to allow metered discharge of material or to release the gate from the closed position so that the gate may pivot away from the rear opening to allow unmetered discharge of material.

Abstract: A pivot lip dump gate for the dump body of a dump truck, trailer or the like comprises a split gate including a large upper hinged gate portion and a hinged lower gate or lip which serves the double function of guiding contents rearwardly from the dump body in its lowered dumping position and for closing the rearward end of the dump body in its raised transport position while also serving to lock the swinging upper gate in its closed transport position.

Abstract: A pick-up truck ramp/bed extender adapted to be mounted upon inside bed surface of a tailgate. The ramp/bed extender is comprised of collapsible sections which, when fully extended and supported by supplementary rigid structures, provide a quick, convenient, and sturdy loading surface whereupon small machinery such as motorcycles, lawnmowers and snow mobiles may be loaded into the truck bed with little effort. The ramp/bed extender may be transported in two different positions. In the first transport position the ramp/bed extender is fully collapsed and secured against the inside bed surface of the closed tailgate. While in this position, the tailgate may be operated in the same manner as if the ramp/bed extender were not present. In the second transport position, the tailgate is lowered to the opened position with the ramp/bed extender forming a substantially enclosed structure thereby containing the items disposed in the now enlarged cargo area of the truck bed.

Abstract: A tailgate for a truck that may be opened about two different axes at the same time is disclosed. A first tailgate portion of the gate rotates about a horizontal axis onto which heavy or long materials may be more readily loaded while a second tailgate portion rotates about a vertical axis for easy access to the forward-most portion of the bed. Additionally, the tailgate addition may include an extended step plate to allow the operator to step into the bed of the truck more readily.

Abstract: A fold-up combination tail gate table, sink, and storage box for the rear of a pickup truck containing a box or table made of steel, molded epoxy resin plastic or other suitable material mounted pivotally on an arm that can be attached to and removed from the truck's tail gate. The assembly is pivoted from a folded position on the closed tailgate to an open position from the open tailgate. It remains locked by forces on the swivel arm contacting the table under the box as well as forces between the arm and the tailgate attach. In the unfolded position, the assembly is extremely stable and can support considerable weight. It becomes a table, a storage container, a sink for liquids, and with several optional circular holes, a holder for bottles, drinks or other containers. When the lid is closed, the lid itself becomes available for further use as a table. The assembly can be used for display, food preparation, fish cleaning, tool or food storage, or as a workbench as well as numerous other uses.