Tailgate Patents (Class 414/557)
  • Patent number: 11400850
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to stowable, modular lift conversion systems configured for aftermarket or OEM application to a truck, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or utility task vehicle (UTV). Lift systems provided include removable and mounted systems with power provided by a battery, a winch, or linear motion device either on the lift or on the vehicle. Modular implements and lift attachments are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: Donald Raymond Curtis, III
  • Patent number: 11358508
    Abstract: A lift system for supporting cargo on a vehicle comprising a vehicle frame, the lift system comprises a cargo platform assembly and a displacement system. Operation of a drive system causes axial rotation of at least one drive axle. Axial rotation of at least one drive axle causes at least one drive link assembly to pivot about a drive axle axis. Pivoting of the at least one drive link assembly about the drive axle axis displaces the cargo platform between a stowed configuration and a lowered configuration. First and second distal axes are forward of the drive axle axis when the lift system is in the stowed configuration and rearward of the drive axle axis when the lift system is in the lowered configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: EASY LIFT INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Len Watkins, Marty Harvie
  • Patent number: 11357676
    Abstract: An apparatus to load and unload a mobility device includes a base, a first actuating assembly, a second actuating assembly, a shuttle, and a lift arm assembly. The first actuating assembly and the second actuating assembly are oppositely positioned of each other about the base so that a linear actuator of the first actuating assembly and the second actuating assembly can rotatably mount to the base about a first rotational axis. Rotation of the linear actuators moves up and down the lift arm assembly as the linear actuator of the first actuating assembly and the second actuating assembly are rotatably mounted to the lift arm assembly about a second rotational axis. The shuttle that receives the mobility device is rotatably mounted to the lift arm assembly about a third rotational axis so that the mobility device can be loaded and unloaded from a cargo space of a transportation vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventors: Charles Winfield Spencer, Jr., Charles Winfield Spencer
  • Patent number: 11247884
    Abstract: A fork lift apparatus is mounted on a truck for picking up a load, placing the load in a traveling position on the truck, and for unloading the load. The apparatus comprises a lift frame, a shaft, a pair of spaced arms secured to the shaft, a cross member spanning between the distal ends of the arms distal and carrying the forks. The cross member is rotatable relative to the support arms. A pair of drive hydraulic cylinders rotates the shaft and thus moves the arms and the load between a loading/unloading position in which the load may be placed on the forks and the traveling position so that the load may be transported by the truck. A self-leveling system is provided for maintaining the load in a substantially level position as it moves between its loading/unloading and traveling positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Mobilift LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Bristow, Jeffrey D. Marsh
  • Patent number: 10843615
    Abstract: A lift system for supporting cargo on a vehicle comprising a vehicle frame, the lift system comprises a cargo platform assembly and a displacement system. Operation of a drive system causes axial rotation of at least one drive axle. Axial rotation of at least one drive axle causes at least one drive link assembly to pivot about a drive axle axis. Pivoting of the at least one drive link assembly about the drive axle axis displaces the cargo platform between a stowed configuration and a lowered configuration. First and second distal axes are forward of the drive axle axis when the lift system is in the stowed configuration and rearward of the drive axle axis when the lift system is in the lowered configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: EASY LIFT INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Len Watkins, Marty Harvie
  • Patent number: 10774642
    Abstract: A hydraulic support unit and a hydraulic support for anti-rock burst roadway. The hydraulic support unit includes a base, a top beam, and a hydraulic support column, the top beam is positioned above the base in a spaced manner; the hydraulic support column are disposed between the base and the top beam; a side guard plate and a first base hydraulic cylinder are disposed on the left side and right side of the base, the side guard plates are rotably connected to the base, the two ends of the first base hydraulic cylinder are hinged to the base and the side guard plate respectively, the first base hydraulic cylinder can drive the side guard plate to transit between a horizontal state and a vertical state, and the bottom surfaces of the side guard plates are flush with the bottom surface of the base in the horizontal state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: Liaoning University, Beijing Chengtian Hengye Coal Mine Equipment Co. Ltd., Liaoning Technical University
    Inventors: Yishan Pan, Hongying Wang, Zhi Tang, Zhigao Zhang, Hongqi Shi
  • Patent number: 10370231
    Abstract: A fork lift apparatus is mounted on a truck for picking up a load, placing the load in a traveling position on the truck, and for unloading the load. The apparatus comprises a lift frame, a shaft, a pair of spaced arms secured to the shaft, a cross member spanning between the distal ends of the arms distal and carrying the forks. The cross member is rotatable relative to the support arms. A pair of drive hydraulic cylinders rotates the shaft and thus moves the arms and the load between a loading/unloading position in which the load may be placed on the forks and the traveling position so that the load may be transported by the truck. A self-leveling system is provided for maintaining the load in a substantially level position as it moves between its loading/unloading and traveling positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Big Hat Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Bristow, Jeffrey D. Marsh
  • Patent number: 10272816
    Abstract: A lift system for supporting cargo on a vehicle comprising a vehicle frame, the lift system comprising a cargo platform assembly and a displacement system. The displacement system comprises a lift frame assembly, a drive system, at least one drive link assembly, and at least one stabilizer link assembly. Operation of the drive system causes axial rotation of the at least one drive axle. Axial rotation of the at least one drive axle causes the at least one drive link assembly to pivot about the drive axle axis. Pivoting of the at least one drive link assembly the drive axle axis displaces the cargo platform between a stowed configuration and a lowered configuration. Displacement of the cargo platform between the stowed configuration and the lowered configuration causes rotation of the at least one stabilizer link assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: EASY LIFT INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Len Watkins, Martin Harvey
  • Patent number: 10160396
    Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes an internal panel, upper panel, lower panel, pair of side panels, and pair of tie-down brackets. The internal panel extends from the upper panel to the lower panel and between the pair of side panels. The side panels are rotatably secured to a cargo bed proximate to the lower panel. The pair of tie-down brackets is secured to an exterior of the internal panel between the upper and lower panels. The tie-down brackets define C-channels that extend in a direction that is substantially parallel with the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Jack Marchlewski, Joshua Robert Hemphill, Stephen William Gallagher, Colleen Marie Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10081287
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lift gate system. In one embodiment, the lift gate system comprises a lift platform, a lifting mechanism, and at least one stop member. The lifting mechanism moves the lift platform between a raised position and a lowered position. The lift platform is substantially aligned with an extension plate when the lift platform is in the raised position. The stop members are positioned relative to the lift platform to provide a gap between the extension plate and the lift platform when the lift platform is in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: MAXON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Akop Gasparian, Aida Sahakyan
  • Patent number: 10079523
    Abstract: A system comprises a device (300) for receiving and transporting objects and a generator (402). The device (300) has an adjusting mechanism (305, 306) and a base (304) that can be adjusted in height by means of the adjusting mechanism (305, 306). The adjusting mechanism (305, 306) is designed in such a way that the base (304) can be lowered by a weight of objects received. The adjusting mechanism (305, 306) is also able to be connected or is connected to the generator (402) in such a way that the generator (402) is driven and converts mechanical energy into electrical energy while the base (304) is being lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventor: Bernd Hartmann
  • Patent number: 10017093
    Abstract: A cargo lift for receipt by a receiver hitch according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a frame, a platform, a scissor lift mechanism, an actuator, a pair of pivot mechanisms, a pair of sliding guide members, a probe connector, and a cross bar. The scissor lift mechanism is positioned between the frame and the platform and is provided with the actuator. The pair of pivot mechanisms raises and lower the frame between ground level and receiver hitch level while maintaining the platform in a horizontal position. The pair of sliding guide members extends alongside the frame and attaches the frame to the pivot mechanisms. The probe connector is for a receiver hitch for carrying the cargo lift by a vehicle. The cross-bar is for attaching the pair of pivot mechanisms to the probe connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Murphy, Eric LeBlanc, Linda Jacoby Murphy
  • Patent number: 9963085
    Abstract: A liftgate is provided with a modular sensor housing that spans a substantial portion of the width of the liftgate. The sensor housing has a plurality of rearward-facing apertures adapted to permit the cameras and/or proximity sensors from the vehicle to “see” through the housing. The sensor housing incorporates a plurality of sensor mounting brackets specifically adapted to the particular configuration of the vehicle sensors. The modular sensor housing enables a liftgate to be installed without disabling the rearview camera and proximity sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: BUS BROWN INC
    Inventors: Timothy Smith, Andrew Fitzgibbon, Jason Bush
  • Patent number: 9815527
    Abstract: Marine lift apparatus for raising and lowering vessels, platforms, and cargo are disclosed. A lift apparatus comprises a multi-component structure capable of movement, at least one flexible member, and at least one piston device. In some aspects, marine lift apparatus facilitates the level raising, lowering, and storing of vessels, platforms, and cargo. Lift apparatus mountable onto multi-hull vessels, such as catamarans, configured for lifting a combination swim and dinghy platform are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Robertson & Caine (PTY), Ltd.
    Inventors: John Robertson, Alexander Simonis
  • Patent number: 9676316
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lift gate system. In one embodiment, the lift gate system comprises a lift platform, a lifting mechanism, and at least one stop member. The lifting mechanism moves the lift platform between a raised position and a lowered position. The lift platform is substantially aligned with an extension plate when the lift platform is in the raised position. The stop members are positioned relative to the lift platform to provide a gap between the extension plate and the lift platform when the lift platform is in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: MAXON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Akop Gasparian, Aida Sahakyan
  • Patent number: 9375369
    Abstract: A vehicle lift for a load, such as a wheelchair. The whole lift is movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position comprising a support pillar, a platform, a lifting device, and a biasing element. The platform is connected pivotably to the support pillar and has a horizontal pivot axis such that the platform is pivotable about the horizontal axis. The lifting device is hingedly connected to the support pillar and is configured for lifting and lowering the support pillar with the platform between the retracted position and the extended position. The biasing device biases the platform in to the second extended position and acts upon the region of the hinged connection between the platform and the support pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: AMF-BRUNS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Gerit Bruns
  • Patent number: 9327771
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle tailgate device adjusts to multiple positions including pivoting both outwardly and inwardly to lay flat within the vehicle bed. The device includes a vehicle having a bed defined by a bottom wall and a pair of spaced sidewalls. A tailgate has a pair of opposite ends. Each of a pair of hinge pins extends from an associated opposite end of the tailgate proximate a bottom of the tailgate such that the tailgate is pivotable between the sidewalls. Each of a pair of latch pins extends from an associated opposite end of the tailgate proximate a top of the tailgate. Each latch pin engages an associated sidewall holding the tailgate in a static position. Each of the opposite ends of the tailgate is positioned in spaced relationship to an associated one of the sidewalls wherein the tailgate is pivotable inwardly towards the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Valentin Mantchev
  • Patent number: 9205771
    Abstract: The present invention provides folding assisting arm assembly for lift gates. In one embodiment, the folding assisting arm assembly comprises a folding assisting apparatus for a lift gate having a platform with a foldable section. The apparatus comprises an elongated arm, and a pivot axle, wherein a proximal end of the elongated arm is pivotably mounted on the pivot axle. The apparatus further comprises a spring for spring loading the elongated arm. When the folding assisting apparatus is mounted on the lift gate proximate the platform, a biasing tension in the spring urges a distal end of the elongated arm on the foldable section of the lift platform during a portion of movement of the lift platform to maintain the foldable section folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Maxon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Karapet Ablabutyan
  • Patent number: 8905703
    Abstract: A lift gate assembly for a vehicle that includes a platform assembly with a platform member. The assembly also includes a linkage assembly pivotally connected to the platform member and operably coupled to a vehicle, such that the platform member is pivotally moveable between a storage position and an in-use position. The assembly further includes a pedal opener coupled to the platform member at a location above the first pivot point when the platform member is in the storage position. The pedal opener also has a rearwardly disposed, upwardly facing surface configured to receive a generally downward applied force that assists pivotal movement of the platform member from the storage position to the in-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim Baechler, Timothy Writt, Steve Crosby, Tim Dejonghe
  • Patent number: 8882435
    Abstract: A tailgate shoveling apparatus includes a containment bed mounted on a vehicle for contained material therein, and a tailgate shoveling platform pivotably attached proximate an end of the containment bed. The tailgate shoveling platform pivots between two positions rotationally offset by substantially more than 90 degrees in relation to each other. The tailgate shoveling platform substantially prevents material from spilling out of the containment bed in a first position. In a second position, the tailgate shoveling platform provides a platform configured to hold a portion of the material contained in the containment bed at an ergonomic shoveling height relative to a user standing on ground level. Once a desired amount of material has been removed from the platform, the tailgate shoveling platform may return unused material back into the containment bed as the tailgate shoveling platform moves back into the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Steve Daigle
  • Patent number: 8840354
    Abstract: A retractable tow hook assembly is connected with a rectangular storage container having a vertical ramp end wall hingedly connected at its bottom edge with the container for displacement about a horizontal pivot axis from an initial vertical closed position downwardly toward an inclined loading position in engagement with the ground. The tow hook assembly includes a support plate that is externally connected with the container adjacent the hinge connection, and a hook member that is displaceable relative to the support plate between an upwardly extending towing position for engagement by the loop of a towing cable when the ramp wall is in the vertical position, and a non-obstructing downwardly-displaced retracted position when the ramp wall is in the downwardly inclined loading position. A stop arrangement prevents displacement of the tow hook member beyond the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dennis Wayne Melancon, Jr., Christian A. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20130189062
    Abstract: The hydraulic pump control system enables the synchronization of two independently mounted hydraulic lifting cylinders in a lift gate environment. A directional valve is added to the hydraulic line path between the lift cylinders and their respective pumps and reservoir tank. By connecting two pumps to one motor, the synchronization of the pumps is enabled for power up operations of the lift, and through the additional application of the directional valves, the oil flow rate to the lift cylinders (e.g., during a power down operation) can be maintained as hydraulically identical, thus synchronizing the movement of each lift cylinder with respect to the other, even in the presence other outside conditions that would could otherwise cause a desynchronization of the lift cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Bark, Karapel Ablabutyan, Luis Arturo Villesscusa
  • Patent number: 8490827
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a work platform assembly (5) for a container (1) with an adjustable work platform (6), which can be adjusted between a horizontal operational position and a rest position. The work platform (5) is configured and positioned such that in its rest position it extends completely within the external contours of the container assembly (1), and in its operational position it forms a horizontal platform. The invention also relates to a container assembly (1) with such a work platform assembly (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: WEW Westerwalder Eisenwerk GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Pfau
  • Patent number: 8061954
    Abstract: A lift assist system for cargo door ramps of trucks and trailers which includes one or more torsion arms that are housed in a tubular housing assembly attached at the pivotal axis of the door ramps. The housing assembly includes left and right door hinges and at least one center door hinge. Tubular housing members which house the torsion bars extend between the door hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Designed Components, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Lambright
  • Patent number: 7931433
    Abstract: A lift having a platform with a substantially level ride is described. The lift reduces the distance between the ground and the platform in the ground position. An extension plate having receiving portions for accommodating portions of the lift when the platform is in a bed level position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Maxon Lift Corporation
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Akop Gasparian
  • Publication number: 20100124479
    Abstract: A lift assembly adapted for use with a vehicle having a substantially horizontal cargo floor and a trailer hitch receiver, the lift assembly including a tongue member having a longitudinal axis and adapted for slidable insertion along the longitudinal axis into the receiver. A frame is attached to the tongue member and includes a pair of four-bar linkages, each of which includes rigid linkage members pivotably attached along substantially parallel pivot axes. Connected to the frame is a platform having a substantially planar load surface that defines a front edge and is substantially horizontally positioned. A first linkage member and the platform are moved together when the tongue member is in the receiver between a lowered state and an elevated state in which the horizontally positioned load surface is generally parallel with the cargo area floor and the load surface front edge is proximate to the cargo area floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: D.M. BROOKS GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: David W. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20090175711
    Abstract: A lift having a platform with a substantially level ride is described. The lift also reduces the distance between the ground and the platform in the ground position. An extension plate having receiving portions for accommodating portions of the lift when the platform is in a bed level position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: KARAPET ABLABUTYAN, Akop Gasparian
  • Patent number: 7556467
    Abstract: A lift having a platform with a substantially level ride is described. The lift also reduces the distance between the ground and the platform in the ground position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Maxon Lift Corporation
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Akop Gasparian
  • Patent number: 7544034
    Abstract: An elevating platform system (1) which can be fixed to vehicles, comprising a platform (2) and a parallelogram shaped lifting gear consisting of two horizontally spaced carrier arms (3,4) for bearing the platform (2), a parallel cylinder (10) for swiveling the platform (2) from a vertical travel position into a horizontal working position and vice-versa, in addition to a lifting cylinder (7) used to lift and lower the platform (2) in the working position thereof. The lifting cylinder (7) engages with a lifting cylinder lever (6) which can be rotated about the pivoting axis (5) of the carrier arms (2,3) and forms a triangle of forces therewith. The first carrier arm (3) is elastically and movingly coupled to the lifting cylinder lever (6) in the direction of lifting and the second carrier arm (4) is connected to the lifting cylinder lever (6) by means of a torsion profile (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Gerd Baer
  • Publication number: 20090094897
    Abstract: A liftgate system may include a closer cylinder assembly for use in opening and closing a deck. The closer cylinder assembly may have a hydraulic fluid portion on one side of a piston and an air (or other gas) portion on the other side of the piston. The deck is closed using hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic fluid portion to move the piston in one direction. The deck is assisted in opening using gas pressure in the gas portion to move the piston in another direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Dane W. Gregg, Peter J. Savoy
  • Patent number: 7491026
    Abstract: A lift gate assembly including a pair of spaced-apart columns, a pair of support members telescopingly received within the pair of spaced apart columns, a platform having a first section operably coupled to the pair of support members and a second section operably coupled to the first section, and a support element having a first end operably coupled with one of the pair of support members, and a second end operably coupled with the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Hooker
  • Publication number: 20080219823
    Abstract: A liftgate assembly may include a mount assembly for use in mounting the liftgate assembly to an associated vehicle. The mount assembly may include a mounting structure that has: (a) first and second beams where the first beam has a first opening; (b) a cross member operatively connected to the first and second beams; and, (c) a retractable pin mechanism including a first pin that can be extended through the first opening in the first beam and through a first opening formed in an associated vehicle to secure the liftgate assembly to the associated vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Dane W. Gregg, Peter J. Savoy
  • Publication number: 20080206033
    Abstract: An anti-chucking device (14) for a tailgate assembly (12) for a vehicle (10), includes a bracket member (36) and a striker member (38). The striker member (38) engages the bracket member (36) and prevents the tailgate assembly (12) from moving in a lateral direction on the vehicle (10) when the tailgate assembly (12) is moved to an open position and a closed position. The bracket member (36) includes a first pair of tabs (50) and a second pair of tabs (52). The first pair of tabs (50) extends from the second pair of tabs (52) by a predetermined angle. The first pair of tabs (50) defines a first slot (60), and the second pair of tabs (52) defines a second slot (62). The striker member (38) pivots between the first slot (60) and the second slot (62), with the tailgate assembly (12) moving between open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Shannon Carloni, Jeff Firzlaff, Scott Miller, Chris Bustamante, James Posa
  • Publication number: 20080152469
    Abstract: The UTILITY CARRYALL provides a dependable lift and transport support for farms, ranches and other industries. The UTILITY CARRYALL can be coupled to the hydraulic front loader or rear hydraulic 3point hitch on utility tractors. The UTILITY CARRYALL can also be coupled on the front loaders of utility skid steer tractors or on the front loaders of industrial tractors. A further capability the UTILITY CARRYALL provides is being attached to a forklift on the rear hydraulic 3point hitch or front loader on utility farm tractors. Added features are provided for attaching the UTILITY CARRYALL to a forklift on the front loader of skid steer and industrial tractors as well as industrial forklifts. The front support rack 22 supports the multiple adjusting coupling system FIGS. 1,4. This system provides a capability for coupling the UTILITY CARRYALL to the varying widths of front loader lift arms on utility tractors. A unique method of design for a unified structural UTILITY CARRYALL FIGS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Elwood Bates
  • Publication number: 20070177966
    Abstract: A liftgate assembly may include: a platform; a lift assembly for use in lifting the platform; and, a bed extension. The bed extension may include: (a) a traffic surface adapted to receive traffic for loading and unloading cargo; (b) first and second openings; and, (c) first and second covers selectively movable by first and second portions, respectively, of the lift assembly from a first position covering the first and second openings to a second position where the first and second portions of the lift assembly extend through the first and second openings, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Mikko Niinisto
  • Patent number: 7111884
    Abstract: A storage compartment and integrated tailgate worksurface is disclosed. The storage compartment is easily retrofitable to any standard or light duty pick-up truck bed. A parallel linkage mechanism and integrated power unit can raise and lower the storage compartment without rotation, thereby keeping objects in an initial desired orientation and placement within the compartment. The parallel linkage system also facilitates adjustment of the integrated tailgate work surface to convenient working heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: S.A. Robotics
    Inventor: Daniel Sutton Johnson
  • Patent number: 6991418
    Abstract: A flip door or plate member for use with a trailer having pivotable doors is disclosed. The plate member is pivotable about a bed extension. The plate member pivots from an initial position where the doors may be closed and locked to a second position that where the doors may be opened. After the doors are opened, the plate member may be pivoted back to its initial position allowing a continuous bed extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Waltco Truck Equipment Co.
    Inventor: Eric Blashford
  • Patent number: 6976820
    Abstract: A stepgate that increases the contained storage area of a vehicle and utilizes the tailgate as a stepgate to aid in lifting objects to the storage area of the vehicle. The stepgate adjusts horizontally, whereby this motion allows the stepgate to clear features of the vehicle as well as adjusting the position of an extension platform. The extension platform would adjust horizontally in conjunction with the tailgate to effectively increase the contained storage area of the vehicle. The stepgate, lift feature utilizes the tailgate as the lifting platform. The stepgate is designed where a bracket contacts the ground maintaining the lifting platform slightly above ground level. This allows the integration of the tailgate into the stepgate without subjecting the tailgate to any damage. The design further allows the tailgate to operate, function and remove in the same manner as the original vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: William J. Sandy
  • Patent number: 6948903
    Abstract: The invention is a unitary cantilever liftgate that attaches to the vehicle body instead of the vehicle chassis. The liftgate may be fully assembled and tested prior to installation on the vehicle body. This greatly reduces installation time while improving performance and reliability. Various features such as steps, bumpers and brackets are integrated into the liftgate. Further, the liftgate is preferably configured so that multiple units can be stacked together for shipping and ease of unloading and loading. The stackability of the liftgates simplifies storing as well, by removing the necessity of storing several components separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Maxon Lift Corporation
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Paul Bark
  • Patent number: 6893203
    Abstract: A liftgate/tailgate assembly for a vehicle having a chassis and a cargo area, such cargo area comprising a bed and one or more vertical sidewalls mounted to the vehicle chassis, such liftgate/tailgate assembly comprising a tailgate which, when rotated into an open tailgate position, forms a liftgate/tailgate platform to support a load to be lifted, and one or more linkage assemblies pivotably mounted to the tailgate which permit the liftgate/tailgate platform to be translated both vertically and horizontally relative to the cargo area of the vehicle, while permitting rear impact protection to be mounted on the vehicle and method for lifting a load into a vehicle cargo area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Anderson, Jon F. Baker, Michael E. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6874838
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventor: Francois De Gaillard
  • Patent number: 6799933
    Abstract: A freight load carrier for transporting freight load pallets is provided. The freight load carrier has a rectangular carrier base with a longitudinal axis having a top face, bottom face, first and second ends and first and second side rails wherein the top face is configured to receive a freight load pallet thereon. The carrier also includes at least one tailgate hingedly mounted to at least one end of the carrier wherein the tailgate is movable between a freight load pallet blocking position and a freight load carrier releasing position. A method of distributing freight load pallets is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventors: Carl Wasinger, Tony Wasinger
  • Publication number: 20040156705
    Abstract: A unitary cantilever lift gate (10) includes a unitary frame (12) and a lift frame (21). The lift gate (10) may be fully assembled and tested prior to installation on a vehicle (60). Various features such as steps (51), dock bumpers (56), and vehicle light brackets (58) are integrated into the unitary frame (12). A pair of frame adapters (71) attach the unitary frame (12) to the vehicle (60). The frame adapters (71) have slots (75) to allow an adjustment of the lift gate (10) relative to the vehicle (60). Furthermore, the lift gate (10) is configured so that multiple units can be stacked together for shipping and ease of unloading and loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Paul Bark
  • Publication number: 20040105745
    Abstract: A stepgate that increases the contained storage area of a vehicle and utilizes the tailgate as a stepgate to aid in lifting objects to the storage area of the vehicle. The stepgate adjusts horizontally, whereby this motion allows the stepgate to clear features of the vehicle as well as adjusting the position of an extension platform. The extension platform would adjust horizontally in conjunction with the tailgate to effectively increase the contained storage area of the vehicle. The stepgate, lift feature utilizes the tailgate as the lifting platform. The stepgate is designed where a bracket contacts the ground maintaining the lifting platform slightly above ground level. This allows the integration of the tailgate into the stepgate without subjecting the tailgate to any damage. The design further allows the tailgate to operate, function and remove in the same manner as the original vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: William J. Sandy
  • Patent number: 6722721
    Abstract: A fold up ramp assists the loading and unloading of equipment and people onto and off of the bed of a pickup truck. Four individual panels are configured with a unique folding pattern that allows two of the panels to fold into two of the other panels, or nest, to form the tailgate on a pickup truck. The folded and nested panel tailgate is exactly the same size as a standard pickup truck tailgate, varying according to vehicle make and model, and utilizes the same latching mechanism. The ramp panels are fabricated of rectangular metal tubing frames having a metal meshing topside. The panels are interconnected by piano hinges fastened to the underside shared edges between the panels and running the full length of the edge to increase stability and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Earl W. Sherrer, Patrick T. Doherty
  • Patent number: 6719349
    Abstract: Trucks and other work machines require strong and easily operated and maintained tailgate assemblies. Often, the operating structure of the tailgate assembly requires precise alignment and relatively large clearance space to operate effectively. The operating structure is also commonly under great stresses from the tension and compression forces that power the operating structure to move the tailgate. A tailgate assembly including a tailgate and an; operating structure is provided. The tailgate is attached to a platform in a hinge d manner and allowed to move pivotally with respect to the platform. The operating structure includes a linear actuator and a linking member. The linear actuator is attached to the platform. The linking member has a first end portion pivotally attached to the linear actuator, a fulcrum pivotally attached to the platform, and a second end portion attached to a tracking member. The tracking member is adapted to contact the tailgate and to move vertically with respect to the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: John P. Moyna
  • Patent number: 6705825
    Abstract: A lift gate used for vehicles such as a truck. The lift gate has a platform which is pivotally mounted to what constitutes a vertical link at the rear end of a parallelogram linkage. In the stored position, the platform is folded to overlie the parallelogram linkage. The bottom of the platform is provided with a pair of surfaces that provide the appearance of a bumper when the lift gate is in the stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Ultron Lift Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Kreutinger
  • Publication number: 20040009056
    Abstract: A lift gate used for vehicles such as a truck. The lift gate has a platform which is pivotally mounted to what constitutes a vertical link at the rear end of a parallelogram linkage. In the stored position, the platform is folded to overlie the parallelogram linkage. The bottom of the platform is provided with a pair of surfaces that provide the appearance of a bumper when the lift gate is in the stored position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: William E. Kreutinger
  • Patent number: 6659707
    Abstract: In a loading platform system for mounting on a vehicle, especially a truck provided with a loading platform mounted to the vehicle by a lift support structure which is operated by a lift actuator for lifting and lowering loads onto, and from, a vehicle loading bed by way of the loading platform, a locking structure is provided for locking the loading platform in its raised position in which its surface is in planar alignment with the vehicle loading bed, thereby preventing exposure of the lift actuator to the stresses generated by heavy loads disposed on the loading platform during loading and unloading of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sörensen Hydraulik, Zweigniederlassung, Ulfborg, Filial afSörensen Hydraulik GmbH, Tyskland
    Inventor: Jens Herman Jensen
  • Patent number: 6572303
    Abstract: In an arrangement for mounting a loading platform system on the chassis or frame of a vehicle having longitudinal vehicle frame members disposed in spaced relationship, a transverse support frame structure having an adjustable transverse length is provided permitting adaptation of the transverse support frame structure to the distance between the longitudinal vehicle frame members for mounting the transverse support frame structure to the longitudinal vehicle frame members. The transverse support frame structure includes means for supporting the loading platform system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Sörensen Hydraulik, Zweigniederlassung, Ulfborg, Filial Sörensen Hydraulik GmbH, Tyskland
    Inventor: Jens Herman Jensen