US4475759A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pickup truck having a streamlining tailgate
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1982-07-29
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Granted: 1984-10-09
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Expires: 2002-07-29
Abstract
Abstract The invention comprises an improvement in pickup truck tailgates and the mechanism for operating such tailgates which allows the tailgate to be operated from essentially a conventional closed vertical position to a plurality of other positions which may provide negative lift to the rear of the pickup truck vehicle or minimize the drag coefficient of the vehicle. This is accomplished with a mechanism which allows the tailgate to be carried substantially inside of the pickup truck bed enclosure with air flow over the tailgate and between the tailgate and the floor of the pickup truck bed. The angle between the tailgate and the truck bed is adjustable to provide desired lift and drag minimization functions.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerry P. Wine
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 20:18
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D33/00; B62D33/02; B62D33/023; B62D33/027; B62D33/0273; B62D35/00; B62D35/007; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/80; Y02T10/82
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
An improved tailgate apparatus for use on a pickup truck, the pickup truck having a partially enclosed bed portion, said enclosure comprising two sides and a floor, the improved apparatus comprising: a tailgate, said tailgate being adaptable for being rigidly and readily positioned in any of a plurality of positions with respect to the floor and positioned substantially between the sides of an after portion of the partially enclosed pickup bed, at least one of said plurality of positions being a closed position for providing closure of the after end of the pickup bed, and at least one open position allowing substantial air flow between the tailgate and the floor of the pickup bed to provide an airfoil effect at the after end of the pickup truck; and means for adjusting and holding said adaptable tailgate in each of said plurality of positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
An improved tailgate apparatus for use on a pickup truck, the pickup truck having a partially enclosed bed portion, said enclosure comprising two sides and a floor, the improved apparatus comprising: a tailgate, said tailgate being adaptable for being rigidly and readily positioned in any of a plurality of positions with respect to the floor and positioned substantially between the sides of an after portion of the partially enclosed pickup bed, at least one of said plurality of positions being a closed position for providing closure of the after end of the pickup bed, and at least one open position allowing substantial air flow between the tailgate and the floor of the pickup bed to provide an airfoil effect at the after end of the pickup truck; and means for adjusting and holding said adaptable tailgate in each of said plurality of positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improved tailgate apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said tailgate is a modified conventional tailgate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
The improved tailgate apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said plurality of tailgate positions comprises a position which provides closure of the after end of the pickup bed and at least one position which adapts said tailgate to provide an airfoil effect at the after end of the pickup truck.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improved tailgate apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said airfoil effect affords at least negative lift.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improved tailgate apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said airfoil effect affords at least negative lift.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improved tailgate apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said airfoil effect acts to minimize drag forces on the pickup truck.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improved tailgate apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said airfoil effect acts to minimize drag forces on the pickup truck.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-10-09 | 1988-04-09 | 1988-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-09 | 1992-04-09 | 1992-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-09 | 1996-04-09 | 1996-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |