Method and apparatus for remote opening of a tailgate

• US 6,994,390 B2
• Filed: 10/31/2003
• Issued: 02/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Polly B. Drinkwater
• Original Assignee: Dimiter S. Zagoroff
• Inventors: Zagoroff, Dimiter S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pedder, Dennis H.
• Application Number:
  US10/698,969
• Publication Number:
  US 20050023856A1
• Time in Patent Office: 830 Days
• Field of Search: 296/50, 296 52- 53, 296/55, 296/57.1, 296/76, 296/146.4, 296/146.8, 160/152, 160/191, 160/192
• US Class Current: 296/57.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 1/26 Means for controlling movement of tailboards or sideboards open loading compartments with movable sideboards or tailgates B62D33/027
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/14 operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/25 Actuators mounted separately from the lock and controlling the lock functions through mechanical connections
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/16 Locks for luggage compartments, car boot lids or car bonnets
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 85/18 a longitudinal grip part being pivoted about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grip part

Abstract

An electro-mechanical actuator for the release of a tailgate latch mechanism to open the tailgate by remote control in combination with a module that slows or stops the descent of the tailgate to prevent it from crashing down. In one embodiment the module is a pre-tensioned spring linkage with some degree of lost motion which arrests the tailgate in a partially open position. In another embodiment the module is a viscous fluid damper or a gas spring which limits the speed of travel of the tailgate. The actuator permits both manual and remote controlled opening of the tailgate is and suitable for after-market installation. Unintentional opening of the tailgate sends a warning to the operator.

Claims

1. An apparatus for assisting in the remote safe opening of a tailgate pivotally attached to a bed of a truck, comprising:

an electro-mechanical actuator positioned inside the tailgate arranged to open tailgate latches; and

a module that controls a descent of the tailgate upon opening of the tailgate latches, wherein the module includes a spring pre-tensioned in a closed position of the tailgate and a lost motion mechanism that arrests the tailgate in a partially opened position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electro-mechanical actuator provides for electro-mechanical opening of the tailgate latches or manual opening of the tailgate latches.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pre-tensioned spring is a torsion rod.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pre-tensioned spring is a spiral wound spring.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electrical switch which sends a warning signal indicating the tailgate is ajar.

6. An method for assisting in the remote and safe opening of a tailgate pivotally attached to a bed of a truck, comprising:

opening tailgate latches with an electro-mechanical actuator positioned inside the tailgate; and

upon opening of the tailgate latches, controlling a descent of the tailgate with a module by arresting the tailgate in a partially opened position, the module including a spring pre-tensioned in a closed position of the tailgate and a lost motion mechanism.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein opening tailgate latches with an electro-mechanical actuator provides for electro-mechanical opening of the tailgate latches or manual opening of the tailgate latches.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the pre-tensioned spring is a torsion rod.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the pre-tensioned spring is a spiral wound spring.

10. The method of claim 6, further comprising indicating the tailgate is ajar through a warning indicator.

11. An apparatus for remotely opening a tailgate of a truck, comprising:

means for actuating tailgate latches to open the tailgate; and

means for arresting the tailgate in a partially opened position, wherein the means for arresting includes a spring pre-tensioned in a closed position of the tailgate and a lost motion mechanism.