Patent US5518286A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5518286A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Tailgate
Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc
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Filing: 1994-12-12
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Granted: 1996-05-21
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Expires: 2014-12-12
Abstract
Abstract A tailgate for an open bed truck is provided in the form of a tubular grate, with openings between tubes to allow wind to flow through the tailgate even when it is closed, improving fuel economy. The openings provide defined passages in which long articles can be supported, and an optional solid panel can be secured to the front face of the tailgate to retain loose loads.
Inventors
- 👤 John E. McCormack
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 07:41
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60J; B60J5/00; B60J5/10; B60J5/108; 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: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A tailgate for a truck having side walls and a floor defining a truck bed, comprising a pair of side rails, a top horizontal member, a bottom horizontal member and a middle horizontal member extending between the side rails in substantially evenly spaced relation, the bottom and middle horizontal members being load bearing members, a plurality of vertical members extending between the horizontal members in spaced relation, a plurality of spaces being thereby defined by the horizontal and vertical members whereby a load extending through a space is borne by the bottom or middle horizontal member and prevented from substantial lateral shifting by the vertical members which define the space and confine the load thereto, hinge means adjacent to a bottom of the side rails for mounting the tailgate between rear edges of the side walls, such that the tailgate can swing between an open position substantially parallel to the truck bed and a closed position abutting the rear edge of the side walls, and latch means for latching the tailgate in a closed position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
A tailgate for a truck having side walls and a floor defining a truck bed, comprising a pair of side rails, a top horizontal member, a bottom horizontal member and a middle horizontal member extending between the side rails in substantially evenly spaced relation, the bottom and middle horizontal members being load bearing members, a plurality of vertical members extending between the horizontal members in spaced relation, a plurality of spaces being thereby defined by the horizontal and vertical members whereby a load extending through a space is borne by the bottom or middle horizontal member and prevented from substantial lateral shifting by the vertical members which define the space and confine the load thereto, hinge means adjacent to a bottom of the side rails for mounting the tailgate between rear edges of the side walls, such that the tailgate can swing between an open position substantially parallel to the truck bed and a closed position abutting the rear edge of the side walls, and latch means for latching the tailgate in a closed position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The tailgate defined in claim 1 wherein the horizontal members are cylindrical tubes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The tailgate defined in claim 1 wherein the vertical members are cylindrical tubes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The tailgate defined in claim 1 wherein the horizontal members include a top member, a middle member and a bottom member substantially evenly spaced apart.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tailgate defined in claim 1 wherein a reinforcing brace is affixed to the side rails.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tailgate defined in claim 1 including a housing secured to a top horizontal member containing means for actuating the latch means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tailgate defined in claim 1 wherein the side rails are each provided with flanges for concealing a clearance between the tailgate and the side walls of the truck.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tailgate defined in claim 1 wherein a hinge socket projects from each side rail in alignment with a bottom horizontal member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tailgate defined in claim 1 provided with means for securing a rectangular panel to a front face of the tailgate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
128 words
A tailgate for a truck having side walls and a floor defining a truck bed, comprising a pair of side rails, a plurality of horizontal members extending between the side rails in spaced relation, a plurality of vertical members extending between the horizontal members in spaced relation, hinge means adjacent to a bottom of the side rails for mounting the tailgate between rear edges of the side walls, such that the tailgate can swing between an open position substantially parallel to the truck bed and a closed position abutting the rear edge of the side walls, and latch means for latching the tailgate in a closed position wherein a flange is affixed to a bottom horizontal member to conceal a gap between the tailgate and the truck bed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
128 words
A tailgate for a truck having side walls and a floor defining a truck bed, comprising a pair of side rails, a plurality of horizontal members extending between the side rails in spaced relation, a plurality of vertical members extending between the horizontal members in spaced relation, hinge means adjacent to a bottom of the side rails for mounting the tailgate between rear edges of the side walls, such that the tailgate can swing between an open position substantially parallel to the truck bed and a closed position abutting the rear edge of the side walls, and latch means for latching the tailgate in a closed position wherein a flange is affixed to a bottom horizontal member to conceal a gap between the tailgate and the truck bed.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
175 words
A truck having side walls and a floor defining a truck bed, including a tailgate comprising a pair of side rails, a top horizontal member, a bottom horizontal member and a middle horizontal member extending between the side rails in substantially evenly spaced relation, the bottom and middle horizontal members being load bearing members, a plurality of vertical members extending between the horizontal members in spaced relation, a plurality of spaces being thereby defined by the horizontal and vertical members whereby a load extending through a space is borne by the bottom or middle horizontal member and prevented from substantial lateral shifting by the vertical members which define the space and confine the load thereto, hinge means adjacent to a bottom of the side rails for mounting the tailgate between rear edges of the side walls, such that the tailgate can swing between an open position substantially parallel to the truck bed and a closed position abutting the rear edge of the side walls, and latch means for latching the tailgate in a closed position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
175 words
A truck having side walls and a floor defining a truck bed, including a tailgate comprising a pair of side rails, a top horizontal member, a bottom horizontal member and a middle horizontal member extending between the side rails in substantially evenly spaced relation, the bottom and middle horizontal members being load bearing members, a plurality of vertical members extending between the horizontal members in spaced relation, a plurality of spaces being thereby defined by the horizontal and vertical members whereby a load extending through a space is borne by the bottom or middle horizontal member and prevented from substantial lateral shifting by the vertical members which define the space and confine the load thereto, hinge means adjacent to a bottom of the side rails for mounting the tailgate between rear edges of the side walls, such that the tailgate can swing between an open position substantially parallel to the truck bed and a closed position abutting the rear edge of the side walls, and latch means for latching the tailgate in a closed position.
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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) | 1999-05-21 | 1999-11-20 | 2000-05-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-05-21 | 2003-11-20 | 2004-05-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-05-21 | 2007-11-20 | 2008-05-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |