Abstract: A vehicle tailgate and bed arrangement is disclosed. The tailgate is movable over a range of motion between an open and a closed position. The vehicle bed surface has a rear edge and the tailgate includes a convexly arced surface defining a gap with the rear edge. The convexly arced surface maintains the gap at a substantially constant width along the entire range of motion of the tailgate. The constant gap width prevents any debris from collecting in the gap between the tailgate and the bed.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate lift system comprises an energy storage device located within a vehicle body and adapted to be pivotally anchored to the vehicle body at one end, a bellcrank arm that is pivotally attached to the energy storage device and rigidly attached to an actuation shaft that is coaxially aligned with a tailgate pivot axis, a pivot bracket assembly that incorporates a pivot bearing arrangement to facilitate a robust rotary joint about the tailgate pivot axis, and comprising a coupling means between the tailgate and the actuation shaft, such that relative rotary motion of the tailgate and vehicle body results in linear movement of the energy storage device and maximum energy storage at the tailgate fully open position.

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 truck bed extension is provided for extending the useful length of a pickup truck bed. The truck bed extension includes a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending sidewalls interconnected by a transversely extending gate. The sidewalls are adapted to mount to the truck bed using the existing hardware on found on the truck bed walls and on the tailgate. A hinge assembly swingably mounts the gate onto the side walls for movement of the gate between a generally upright, closed position and a downward, open position, and when the gate is in its open position, it can be retracted toward the truck bed to avoid interference with cargo loading and unloading.

Abstract: This Auxiliary Tailgate and its related Retractable Stop relate to a new and useful tailgate design for trucks and the like. The Auxiliary Tailgate and Retractable Stop may be used to effectively extend the length of a truck bed, and to act as an auxiliary tailgate or the like, for trucks utilizing this invention. There are several embodiments of the Auxiliary Tailgate and Retractable Stop, including solid frame, open frame, and enclosed clam shell embodiments.

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: Trailer structure having a tilt limiting loading ramp and an improved structural side member forming an adjustable axle mount and having a load tie down track is described. The trailer has a load supporting bed and utilizes a load tie down system having tie down tracks at each side and one or more additional tie down tracks at selected locations on the load supporting bed. One or more tie down devices are selectively positionable in each tie down track and are used to restrain various loads including various wheel supported loads. To accommodate a low trailer profile an improved tongue adaptor is provided. A fender mount structure to cooperate with the improved structural side member is also described. Improved loading ramp structures, including a tilt-bed loading ramp and a tilt limiting structure for limiting the angle of bed tilt for use on a tilt-bed trailer are shown. A rack structure to mount to the load tie down tracks in the structural side members is shown.

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: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) includes various storage compartments so that the weight loaded onto the vehicle may be evenly distributed between the front and rear suspension of the ATV. The ATV is capable of hauling a variety of loads over various terrains. The ATV contains a rear storage compartment, at least two side storage compartments, a front storage compartment, and a front rack to enable the rider to carry or attach a wide variety of loads onto the ATV without causing the vehicle to overturn or flip up due to the additional weight. Additionally, the ATV may also include a tree guard positioned on each side of the ATV to protect the rear storage and side compartments and to prevent cargo on the rear storage compartment from being dislodged by trees that might protrude into the rider's path.

Abstract: There is disclosed a closure panel. The panel finds particular utility as a liftgate or endgate for automotive vehicles. Typically, the assembly includes a first panel portion opposite a second panel portion and an intermediate material therebetween. Preferably, one or more of the panel portions is formed of a polymeric material and the intermediate material is preferably a structural foam that can bond to both the first and the second panel portions.

Abstract: The subject of the current invention is an eight-functions-in-one truck tailgate extender. It consists of a load-carrying member positioned parallel to and proximate the upper edge of a truck tailgate with one or more telescoping assemblies connecting the load-carrying member to either the tailgate or to the truck body. Depending on the degree of extension of the telescoping assemblies, the load-carrying member may be resting on or near the top of the tailgate, or it may be extended at various lengths up to the full extension of the telescoping assemblies. A locking mechanism between the individual elements of the telescoping assemblies allows the load-carrying member to be affixed at varying distances away from the top of the tailgate. Further, the load-carrying member has a plurality of holes, or other suitable means along its length, to serve as tie-down points for various width loads. The load-carrying member can also be fitted with one or more horizontal, elongate members which serve as a bicycle rack.

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 hinged 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 compact tailgate accessory for assisting in the one-handed safe raising and lowering of the tailgate and to permit easy removal of the tailgate includes a counterbalance module tucked in-between the tailgate and the truckbed sides in a pocket so as to be hidden from view. The module counterbalances the tailgate so that raising and lowering the tailgate can be controlled easily by one hand, with the linkage sharing one or more common attachment points with the detachable tailgate holding straps to facilitate installation. Sharing the common attachment points with the detachable tailgate holding straps also facilitates removal of the tailgate. The accessory provides the ability to lower or raise a tailgate by a small person or non-muscular individual such as a woman with one hand so that the bed of the truck can be easily and safely loaded or unloaded, the tailgate being maintained in the down position by its own weight.

Abstract: A bracket system that supports a tailgate. The brackets can be mounted to a garage wall, for example. The tailgate is then attached to the brackets. The tailgate can be stored in an upright position, flat against the wall. The brackets also allow the tailgate to fold down and be used as a table.

Abstract: A dual-pivot hinge assembly for an endgate of a vehicle includes a body bracket for connection to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The dual-pivot hinge assembly also includes an intermediate bracket pivotally connected to the body bracket and for operative connection to the endgate and having a dual pivot to allow the endgate to pivot to a first open position and a second open position and to a closed position relative to the vehicle body. The dual-pivot hinge assembly includes a roller rotatably connected to the intermediate bracket to interface with a torque rod having a first portion for connection to the endgate and a second portion extending from the first portion and cooperating with the roller to counterbalance a weight of the endgate.

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 work station for use with a tailgate of a truck is provided. The work station includes a first part that is adapted to be mounted to the tailgate of a truck. The work station includes a second part that is hingedly connected to the first part to pivot between an open and closed position. In the closed position, the second part generally overlies the tailgate. In the open position, the second part extends generally rearwardly from the tailgate.

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 hinge assembly is provided including a first hinge member including a first mounting structure to mount the first hinge member to one of a vehicle closure member and a vehicle body. The first hinge member includes a rotatable member. The rotatable member and the first mounting structure may be integrally formed together from a single piece of metal. The hinge assembly includes a second hinge member including a second mounting structure to mount the second hinge member to the other of the vehicle closure member and the vehicle body. The second hinge member includes a wall portion to define a rotatable member receiving space. The rotatable member receiving space is configured to rotatably receive the rotatable member for enabling the first and second hinge members to pivot relative to one another. The wall portion and the second mounting structure may be integrally formed together from a single piece of metal.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a pair of ramps. The truck bed extension is comprised of a left truck bed extension and a right truck bed extension, each truck bed extension comprising a back wall section, a side wall extension section and a ramp lip. The side wall extension, ramp lip and back wall section are hinged together to allow the truck bed extensions to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a dual ramp.

Abstract: A utility vehicle has a load-carrying platform, a pair of side plates, a gate, a pair of gate locking bolts each capable of engaging the side plate to hold the gate in the closed state, and a pair of handles each connected to the gate locking bolt. The gate locking bolt is axially movable in lateral directions between a locking position and a retracted position, and is biased toward the locking position by a spring. The gate locking bolt is capable of being urged toward the retracted position by the side plate when the gate is turned to be closed. The gate locking bolt is capable of being moved to the retracted position by operating the handle.

Abstract: A gate supporting assembly for a truck bed having a bed bottom wall, a bed wall and a bed gate, the bed gate being pivotally secured to the bed to pivot upwardly to close the bed and to pivot downwardly to become substantially horizontal and thereby open the bed, includes a gate supporting mechanism releasibly supporting the gate at an angle substantially midway between horizontal and vertical, to retain cargo while minimizing drag, increasing fuel efficiency, providing air foil traction enhancement while leaving the rear bumper exposed and functional.

Abstract: An articulated license plate mount for locating a license plate at the drop-gate of a vehicle, wherein the license plate will be visible to onlookers at all times whether the drop-gate be at, or between, its upright and prone positions. A gate bracket is connected to a drop-gate, a license plate is connected to a license bracket, and a pivot connection pivotally connects the license bracket to the gate bracket. As the drop-gate is rotated from the upright to the prone position, the license plate rotates on the pivot connection so as to remain vertically oriented and visible to onlookers.

Abstract: A tailgate seat apparatus includes a tailgate frame pivotally mounted to a pickup truck for movement between upright and open configurations. A top surface of the tailgate frame defines a seat recess for supporting a person in a seated position. A seat back is pivotally mounted to an inner edge of the tailgate frame for movement between an upright support configuration and a stowage configuration, the back support being nested in the seat recess at the stowage configuration for conventional tailgate use. Armrests are mounted to a front surface of the back support and may be selectively pivoted into front surface channels. The apparatus includes beverage holders and storage compartments.

Abstract: A gate supporting assembly for a truck bed having a bed bottom wall, a bed wall and a bed gate, the bed gate being pivotally secured to the bed to pivot upwardly to close the bed and to pivot downwardly to become substantially horizontal and thereby open the bed, includes a gate supporting mechanism releasibly supporting the gate at an angle substantially midway between horizontal and vertical, to retain cargo while minimizing drag, increasing fuel efficiency, providing air foil traction enhancement while leaving the rear bumper exposed and functional.

Abstract: A cargo area extender is provided that consists of a top panel, a bottom panel and two side panels. When the tailgate of a truck or SUV is opened, hinged pins in the side panels pull the side panels into channels on the bottom panel. Once the tailgate is lowered, the top panel, which is adjacent to the bottom panel and connected to the bottom panel with hinges, is rotated upward and outward around the hinges. A latch on the bottom panel is then deployed to extend and lock the side panels into an open position. The top panel is closed to form a temporary tailgate. A handle on the top panel latches the top panel to the cargo area extender sliding side panels and the cargo area extender is fully deployed.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a cargo box having a support deck and a wall structure extending therefrom. The tailgate assembly comprises a pair of brackets positioned along the wall structure at spaced apart locations and a tailgate pivotally mounted between the brackets and releasably securable to the wall structure via a latch mechanism. The tailgate assembly has a hinge assembly which allows the tailgate to be installed and removed without tools.

Abstract: A tailgate lift assembly is described herein wherein the assembly is comprised of a housing which has retained therein a spring, the spring being connected to the tailgate by means of a cable. The cable extends from the spring through at least one roller for correct positioning thereof. The cable is biased due to the spring the tension of which is adjustable through the use of a tensioning mechanism such as a turnbuckle. The lift assembly may be integrated with the top of a trailer side rail or may be affixed thereto.

Abstract: A tailgate bed extender for a vehicle truck bed. The tailgate bed extender has a tray mounted on a vehicle tailgate and a rear frame pivotally coupled to the tray. Sidearms are pivotally coupled to opposing side edges of the rear frame and are attachable to the vehicle truck bed. A hinge assembly that has a rotation axis, which is movable relative to the tray, joins the rear frame to the tray. The tailgate bed extender is rotatable from a stored position in which the rear frame abuts the tray to a loading position in which the rear frame is at an angle of approximately 270 degrees to the tray.

Abstract: A bed extender apparatus adapted for use with a pickup truck bed to functionally enlarge the useable cargo area within the truck bed when a tailgate is in a lowered position. The bed extender includes a center wall which is pivotably mounted to an inner surface of the tailgate, and which can be pivoted into an upright position once the tailgate is moved into a lowered position. A pair of end walls are pivotably secured to opposite ends of the center wall. Each end wall can be pivoted out to a position extending perpendicular to the center wall once the center wall is in its raised or operative position. Each of the end walls can then be secured to an associated one of the vertical walls of the pickup truck bed. A principal advantage of the bed extender is that the end walls and center wall each include a plurality of members which, when the end walls are folded against the center wall, form an extremely compact arrangement which takes up virtually no appreciable cargo space within the pickup truck bed.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has an aperture formed therein. A panel member extends through the aperture and is pivotably coupled to the vehicle body. The panel member is arranged to simultaneously pivot relative to the vehicle body and slide relative to the tailgate as the tailgate is opened and closed. This allows the panel member to remain in a position covering at least a portion of a gap between the vehicle body and the tailgate, even when the tailgate is an open position.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a cargo box having a support deck and a wall structure extending therefrom. The tailgate assembly comprises a pair of brackets positioned along the wall structure at spaced apart locations and a tailgate pivotally mounted between the brackets and releasably securable to the wall structure via a latch mechanism. The tailgate assembly has a hinge assembly which allows the tailgate to be installed and removed without tools.

Abstract: A truck bed extension is provided for extending the useful length of a pickup truck bed. The truck bed extension includes a pair of transversely spaced sidewalls interconnected by a spacing member. The sidewalls each have a forward margin and a lower margin. The forward margins have hardware mimicking that present on the pickup tailgate, so as to permit the sidewalls to couple to the truck bed walls without the need for additional hardware. The lower margins have hardware mimicking that present on the truck bed walls, so as to permit the sidewalls to couple to the tail gate without the need for additional hardware.

Abstract: A midgate in a truck or other vehicle has a power actuated window in a hinged midgate panel that has an optional pass through closure with inner and outer closure panels openable for transferring articles between compartments separated by the midgate without requiring opening or folding down of the midgate panel itself. An interlock system protects the window by requiring that the window be retracted into the midgate panel before the midgate latches can be released for folding down the midgate panel. It also prevents the window from being actuated unless the midgate panel is latched closed. The interlock system prevents the optional pass through closure from being opened unless the window is fully closed and also prevents the window from being lowered if either pass through door closure is open. The midgate may be applied to various types of multi-use vehicles; for example, open or closed body trucks, vans, station wagons, etc.

Abstract: A utility vehicle has a load-carrying platform, a pair of side plates, a gate, a pair of gate locking bolts each capable of engaging the side plate to hold the gate in the closed state, and a pair of handles each connected to the gate locking bolt. The gate locking bolt is axially movable in lateral directions between a locking position and a retracted position, and is biased toward the locking position by a spring. The gate locking bolt is capable of being urged toward the retracted position by the side plate when the gate is turned to be closed. The gate locking bolt is capable of being moved to the retracted position by operating the handle.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate limiter system for a vehicle includes a cargo bed, a tailgate pivotally attached to the cargo bed operable between a closed vertical position and a deployed horizontal position, a fixed pin having a head portion and a base portion, and a slotted bracket having a middle portion and end portions adapted to receive the pin when the tailgate is in the deployed position.

Abstract: This invention is a lift kit for conventional trailers which include a foldable tailgate or trailer ramps mounted for pivotal movement about a gate or ramp axis from a transport position wherein the gate or ramps are elevated for transport to an unload position wherein the gate is lowered to permit removal of objects carried on the trailer, which incorporates a heavy duty helical elongated spring having a plurality of coils with one end fixedly mounted at the trailer end, and at the other end of the spring an adjustment which resists the force of gravity as the gate or ramps move from its upper travel position to its lower unload position which is fixedly mounted to the trailer gate or trailer ramp.

Abstract: A compact tailgate accessory for assisting in the one-handed safe raising and lowering of the tailgate and to permit easy removal of the tailgate includes a counterbalance module tucked in-between the tailgate and the truckbed sides in a pocket so as to be hidden from view. The module counterbalances the tailgate so that raising and lowering the tailgate can be controlled easily by one hand, with the linkage sharing one or more common attachment points with the detachable tailgate holding straps to facilitate installation. Sharing the common attachment points with the detachable tailgate holding straps also facilitates removal of the tailgate. The accessory provides the ability to lower or raise a tailgate by a small person or non-muscular individual such as a woman with one hand so that the bed of the truck can be easily and safely loaded or unloaded, the tailgate being maintained in the down position by its own weight.

Abstract: A system and method for deflecting the wind which would otherwise impinge upon the tailgate of a pickup truck, the deflector being removably mounted on the tailgate to preserve cargo space, including a spoiler, and requiring no modification to the tailgate or the truck bed, the deflector being made of relatively thin, lightweight panels with a large area brace and gust straps for resisting the pressure of the relative wind.

Abstract: A motor vehicle tailgate of the type for installing on a motor vehicle so as to pivot about a horizontal axis situated close to the bottom edge of the tailgate between a closed position in which it closes access to the inside of the vehicle, at least in part, and an open position in which it is substantially horizontal and releases access to the inside of the vehicle. It comprises an appearance-defining outer panel and a structural inner panel, the inner panel being made of a plastics material.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate limiter system for a vehicle includes a cargo bed, a tailgate pivotally attached to the cargo bed operable between a closed vertical position and a deployed horizontal position, a pin having a head portion and a base portion, and a slotted bracket adapted to receive the pin when the tailgate is in a deployed horizontal position.

Abstract: A vehicle tail gate mounted on sliding pivots wherein the channel portion of the sliding pivots are on the vehicle and have the initial entry portion thereof sloping downwardly in a direction toward the front end of the vehicle. The tail gate has two spaced apart pins (each preferably with a roller thereon) on each of opposite edges thereof and all four slide in the channels with one pair being on the sloping portion of the track thus by gravity biasing the tail gate into its retracted position in a storage compartment provided therefor under a floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A protective cover is disclosed which is positioned adjacent the rear side of a pickup truck tailgate to protect the same from rock chips, etc. The lower end of the cover is removably attached to the lower end of the tailgate. The upper end of the cover is removably attached to the upper end of the tailgate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated tailgate for a vehicle having a planar cargo bed, the tailgate operable between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position, and a structure slideably received by the tailgate extendable to a substantially horizontal position when the tailgate is in the open position, whereat the structure is rotateably operable between the horizontal position, an upwardly rotated substantially vertical position perpendicular to the open tailgate, and a downwardly rotated position a predetermined degree between zero and ninety degrees.

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

Abstract: This Auxiliary Tailgate and its related Retractable Stop relate to a new and useful tailgate design for trucks and the like. The Auxiliary Tailgate and Retractable Stop may be used to effectively extend the length of a truck bed, and to act as an auxiliary tailgate or the like, for trucks utilizing this invention. There are several embodiments of the Auxiliary Tailgate and Retractable Stop, including solid frame, open frame, and enclosed clam shell embodiments.

Abstract: An automotive double folding tailgate constructed to doubly fold a lid panel and a glass to position same toward floor of automobile body enabling making a cargo loading space available, the tailgate comprising: a lid panel supported on a floor of automobile body via a pivot unit, and a glass foldable at a lower end thereof via a folding unit mounted at an upper part of the lid panel and releasably mounted to a roof panel at an upper end thereof via a locking unit.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a pair of ramps. The truck bed extension is comprised of a left truck bed extension and a right truck bed extension, each truck bed extension comprising a back wall section, a side wall extension section and a ramp lip. The side wall extension, ramp lip and back wall section are hinged together to allow the truck bed extensions to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a dual ramp.

Abstract: A truck bed extension assembly mounted only when needed on the truck bed and lowered (e.g., horizontal) tail gate of a material transport vehicle, such as a pickup truck, providing for enhanced material handling capacity, while being able to be stored within the truck bed when not needed. The assembly is generally comprised of two lengthwise members placed within and both temporarily and nominally attached to said truck bed, and extending beyond the truck bed and two vertical members temporarily attached to lengthwise members in order to constrain the load within the truck.

Abstract: A pick-up truck tailgate comprises a rigid body housing a foldable seat. The seat is exposed by first lowering the tailgate and then opening the tailgate body. By integrating the seat directly into the tailgate body, it is possible to maintain full pickup box cargo volume.