GB2445809A

GB2445809A - Tailgate with multiple pivot axes

Info

Publication number: GB2445809A
Application number: GB0711690A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Robert Boden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-06-16
Filing date: 2007-06-16
Publication date: 2008-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2027-06-16
Also published as: GB0711690D0; IE20080475A1; GB2445809B

Abstract

A tailgate assembly for a vehicle body that has a rear opening comprises a tailgate (20), first and second side hinge elements (50, 100) having a common pivot axis that is aligned with a side of the tailgate (20), first and second top hinge elements (30, 32) having a common pivot axis that is aligned with a top edge of the tailgate (20), in which the tailgate (20) can be selectively disconnected from one or other of the top or the side hinge elements (30, 32, 50, 100) to an extent sufficient to allow it to pivot about the other of the top or the side hinge elements. One or more of the hinge assemblies may include a clamp assembly. disconnection of the tailgate from the hinge element that includes a clamp assembly is achieved by loosening of the clamp assembly (72, 74), the clamp assembly being self-aligning such that tightening of the clamp assembly causes the tailgate (20) to be drawn into proper alignment with other components of the tailgate assembly.

Description

Tailgate for a goods vehicle This invention relates to a tailgate

assembly for a goods vehicle. It has particular, but not exclusive, application to a tailgate assembly for a lorry having a tipping body.

Tipping bodies are typically used to transport bulk materials such as stone, aggregate and soil. They are loaded by dropping the material into a load space from above. Unloading is achieved raising the front of the body. The material then slides rearwards to exit through a rear tailgate. The tailgate is pivoted about a horizontal axis that extends transversely of the vehicle close to the top of the tailgate, such that it opens under the influence of gravity as the body is lifted.

Such bodies have limitations. It is generally possible to load the body only from above because the tailgate cannot conveniently be held open. This prevents the body being loaded, for example, with a fork lift. Even when open to its maximum extent, the opening through which the load can exit is restricted by the tailgate. Therefore, if a large object, such as a large single piece of stone, is placed in the load space, it may not be able to pass through the tailgate.

One solution to this problem is to replace the conventional top-hinged tailgate with so-called "barn doors" -that is, a pair of doors each hinged about a vertical axis close to side walls of the body, which meet at the centre-line of the vehicle when closed. However, these suffer some disadvantages. When used to perform a task that could be undertaken by a conventional tipper vehicle, such an arrangement is inconvenient, because the doors must be fuiiy opened and secured before the body is raised to discharge the load. This can be a hazardous operation since the load may shift spontaneously when the doors are released if the load is lying against the doors. The operator could then be hit by the door, the load or both. Moreover, the doors rely heavily upon the strength and integrity of the fastening mechanism that retains them closed for their strength.

An aim of this invention is to provide a tailgate assembly for a tipper body that is more convenient and more versatile than a conventional tailgate, but which does not suffer from the disadvantages of the barn door arrangement.

From a first aspect, this invention provides a tailgate assembly for a vehicle body having a rear opening, the tailgate assembly comprising: a tailgate; first and second side hinge elements having a common pivot axis that is aligned with a side of the tailgate; first and second top hinge elements having a common pivot axis that is aligned with a top edge of the tailgate; in which the tailgate can be selectively disconnected from one or other of the top or the side hinge elements to an extent sufficient to allow it to pivot about the other of the top or the side hinge elements.

While the tailgate is disconnected from the or each side hinge element, it operates as a conventional tipper tailgate. However, when disconnected from the or each top hinge elements, it operates as a side-hinged tailgate that can leave the opening completely unobstructed.

At least one hinge element may remain connected to the tailgate at all times. For example, the tailgate assembly may include a hinge assembly that allows pivotal movement about both axes.

One or more of the hinge assemblies may include a hinge pin interconnecting two or more hinge elements. Disconnection of the tailgate from such a hinge element may be achieved by removal of the hinge pin. Typically, such a hinge element will be a side hinge element.

More typically, it will be a lower one of the side hinge elements so that the hinge pin can be accessed by a person standing next to a vehicle on which the tailgate assembly has been installed.

One or more of the hinge assemblies may include a clamp assembly. Disconnection of the tailgate from such a hinge element may be achieved by loosening of the clamp assembly.

Typically, such a hinge element will be a top hinge element. More typically, it will be a top hinge element that is remote from the side hinge elements. Advantageously, the clamp assembly is self-aligning. That is to say, tigbtening of the clamp assembly causes the tailgate to be drawn into proper alignment with other components of the tailgate assembly.

For example, the clamp assembly may include one or more locking components that can be driven symmetrically into engagement with an anchor component. The locking components may, for example, by driven by a threaded shaft. Typically, the shaft will have a separate threaded region for each locking component. Where there are two locking components, the threaded regions have threads of opposite handedness. In one arrangement, the clamp assembly is mounted on the tailgate with the anchor component secured on the body (typically as part of a hinge assembly). Alternatively, the anchor component is mounted on the tailgate with the clamp assembly secured on the body (typically as part of a hinge assembly). In preferred embodiments, the anchor component and the locking components are shaped to ensure that wear can be accommodated, for example, by additional tightening of the locking components. The tailgate assembly may include means to operate the clamp assembly remotely, for example, by a person standing next to a vehicle on which the tailgate assembly is installed. Such means may be essentially manual, or may be powered.

Embodiments of the invention may include a locking mechanism for releasably securing the tailgate in a cLosed position. The locking mechanism may be made in accordance with the disclosure UK patent GB-B-2 409 232 of the present applicant. Alternatively, a conventional, manual tailgate lock may be used.

From a second aspect, the invention provides a vehicle equipped with a tailgate assembly embodying the first aspect of the invention.

Such a vehicle typically further includes a mechanism for lifting the body at a position remote from the tailgate.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a general drawing of a vehicle to which an embodiment of the invention has been applied; Figure 2 shows part of a tailgate assembly of the vehicle of Figure 1 in a closed position; Figure 3 shows part of a tailgate assembly of the vehicle of Figure 1 in an open position; Figure 4 shows in greater detail part of a tailgate assembly of the vehicle of Figure 1 in a closed position; Figure 5 shows in greater detail part of a tailgate assembly of the vehicle of Figure tin an open position; Figure 6 shows a hinge being a part of a tailgate assembly of the vehicle of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows an anchor component of a tailgate assembly of the vehicle of Figure 1; and Figures 8 and 9 show a clamping assembly of a tailgate assembly of the vehicle of Figure 1 in, respectively, a released and a clamped position.

With reference fIrst to Figure 1, a tipping lorry, as is conventional, comprises a chassis 10 upon which is carried a cab 12 and a body 14.

The body has a floor 30, a fixed front wall 32 and fixed right and left side walls 34, 36 and is open to the top and the rear. The body can pivot about a horizontal axis at 16 to the rear of the vehicle towards the bottom and rear of the body 14. A lifting mechanism 18 is provided, which can be operated to lift the front of the body 14, causing it to pivot about the axis.

At the rear, the body 14 has a tailgate assembly 20. The tailgate assembly 20 comprises a tailgate 22 that is essentially conventional. The tailgate extends between the side walls of the body such that it can completely close the rear opening of the body. It should be assumed that the tailgate 22 is in this closed position, that the body is lowered (that is, not "tipped") and that the vehicle is standing on level ground when the orientations of components is being described below, unless specified otherwise. The terms "left" and "right" assume that the vehicle is being observed from the rear looking towards its front.

The tailgate 22 is carried such that it can be pivoted about a horizontal axis close to its upper edge or, alternatively at the convenience of the vehicle operator, about a vertical axis close to one of its sides. The mechanism by which this can be achieved will now be described.

The tailgate assembly 20 includes an upper-right and an upper-left hinge 30, 32 each secured to a respective side wall of the body 14. In this embodiment, each hinge has two pivots that interconnect three links. In both cases, a first link 38 is secured to a side wall 34, 36 of the body and is pivotally connected to an intermediate link 40. The intermediate link is connected to a third link 42. The third links 42 extend downwardly adjacent to the sides of the tailgate 20.

The third link 42 of the upper-left hinge 32 carries two projecting spaced arms 48 that extend generally rearwardly. Coaxial vertical bores are formed vertically through each arm.

A lug 50 projects from the tailgate 22 between the arms 48. The lug 52 also has a bore through it. A pin is passed through the bores in the arms 48 and the bore in the lug 52 such to form a hinged joint between the tailgate 22 and the third link. Therefore, tailgate 22 can pivot with respect to the body about the axes of the hinge 32 and also about the axis of the pin.

The third link 42 of the upper-right hinge 30 is formed with two spaced parallel plates between which there is an anchor component 54 (as shown in Figure 7) secured by welding.

The anchor component 54 is generally symmetrical and C-shaped, having first and second teeth 56 that are interconnected by and project from a base portion 58. When installed on the vehicle, the teeth project generally rearwards, and the base portion 58 has a rearward facing flat bearing surface.

Each of teeth 58 has a return portion 60, the return portions being directed towards one another. An inner surface of the return portion 60 faces the bearing surface of the base portion 58 and is angled towards the base portion 58 in a direction away from the mid-point between the teeth. Lead-in surfaces of the teeth 58, which face one another, are angled towards the mid-point between the teeth. The arrangement of the teeth 58 can be seen most clearly in Figure 5.

A clamping assembly 70 is carried on the tailgate 22 for interaction with the anchor component 54.

The clamping assembly 70 comprises a shaft 72 on which is carried a pair of clamping blocks 74. The shaft 72 has two threaded portions 76,78, disposes substantially equidistantly from the mid-point of the shaft 72. There is an unthreaded portion between the threaded portions 76, 78 and at each end of the shaft 72. The threads of the threaded portions are of opposite handedness.

Each clamping block 74 is formed from a cuboidal block of metal that has a square section.

A length 80 of each clamping block is turned down to a circular cross-section with diameter approximately two-thirds of the square section. The turned length 82 is close to but spaced from one end of the block 74 such that a head portion is formed at the end of the block.

Each block 74 has a transverse through-bore that is internally threaded. The threads of the two bores are of the opposite hand, and are dimensioned such that each of the threaded portions 76, 78 engages with a respective one of the threaded bores.

The shaft 72 is carried for rotation about a vertical axis on brackets 84 that is secured to the tailgate 22. The shaft 72 is spaced from the tailgate such that the blocks carried on it are close to but not touching the tailgate 22, whereby the blocks 74 can travel along the shaft 72, but cannot rotate about the axis of the shaft 72. Thus, rotation of the shaft 72 causes the interconnected threads of the shaft 72 and the blocks 74 to drive the blocks towards or away from one another in the direction of the axis of the shaft 72.

A handle 88 is connected to the shaft 72 by a first universal joint 90. The handle 88 includes two lengths of metal tube interconnected by a second universal joint 92. The universal joints each allow the components that they interconnect to deviate from mutual alignment by up to 900. The first universal joint 90 allows the handle to extend at an angle from the tailgate when in use, and the second universal joint 92 allows the user to create a cranked end to the handle 88 to assist in its rotation. The tailgate assembly further includes an upwardly projecting spigot 94 that can be received in an end part of the handle 88 remote from the shaft 72 and a bracket 96 within which the handle 88 can be secured by means of a pin. The spigot 94 and the bracket 96 provide an anchorage for the handle 88 to prevent its rotation while the vehicle is in use. In an alternative embodiment, a motor may be provided together with suitable transmission components and a controller to drive the shalt 72.

The tailgate assembly further includes a lower-left hinge 100 located to the left side of the tailgate close to its lower edge. The hinge 100 comprises a pair of spaced parallel bars 102 that extend rearwardly from the body 14 to the left of the tailgate 22. A bar 104 mounted on the tailgate 22 extends between the parallel bars 102 when the tailgate is closed. Each of these three bars 102, 104 has a bore extending vertically through it, which in this closed position, are all in axial alignment with the bores in the spaced arms 58 of the upper-left hinge 32. The lower-left hinge 100 further includes a hinge pin 106. The hinge pin 106 can be removed from the hinge 100 by driving it in an upward direction. A head 108 on the hinge pin 106 prevents it falling in a downward direction through the bores. Additional bores (not shown) may be provided in the parallel bars 102 within which the pin can be stowed after its removal.

A locking mechanism 110 for releasably securing the lower edge of the tailgate 22 in the closed position is provided. This may conveniently be in accordance with the disclosure of UK patent GB-B-2 409 232 of the present applicant. However, a conventional manual locking arrangement could equally well be applied to a tailgate embodying the invention.

Operation of the tailgate assembly 20 will now be described.

The tailgate assembly can operate in a conventional tipper mode, in which the tailgate 22 can pivot about a high horizontal axis, and a side-opening mode, in which the tailgate 22 can pivot about a side vertical axis.

In the side-opening mode, only the upper-left and lower-left binges 32, 100 are used. The hinge pin 106 is inserted into the bores. The handle 88 is operated to turn the shaft 72 to draw the blocks 74 towards one another at the mid-point of the shaft, as shown in Figures 3 and 5. In this position, the blocks 74 can pass between the return portions 60 of the teeth 58 of the anchor component 54. Upon release of the locking mechanism 110, the tailgate 22 can pivot about the hinge pins of the upper and lower left hinges 32, 100. When ftilly open, the tailgate 22 will be close to and parallel to the outside of the left side wall 36 of the body 14. The lower left hinge 100 may have additional bores that are aligned in this position, into which the hinge pin 106 can be inserted to prevent the tailgate from closing. When the tailgate 22 is moved towards its closed position, the lead-in surfaces of the teeth 58 ensure that the blocks 72 are guided into position between the teeth. When the tailgate 22 is fully closed, the locking mechanism 110 can be operated to secure it.

To change to the conventional mode, the tailgate 22 is first closed and secured. The handle 88 is operated to turn the shaft 72 to draw the blocks 74 away from one another towards the ends of the shaft, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The turned length 82 of each block 72 passes behind a respective one of the return portions 60 of the teeth 58. The angle of the bearing surfaces of the return portions 60 urge the blocks into close contact with the anchor component 54 and the third link 42 of the upper-right hinge. The hinge pin 106 is then removed from the lower-left hinge 100 and stowed. Upon release of the locking mechanism 110, the tailgate 22 can pivot about the horizontal axes of the upper hinges 30, 32 in a conventional manner.

It should be noted that the action of the clamping assembly 70 is such that it will continue to operate correctly in the event that wear in the left hinges 32, 100, since the tailgate 22 is drawn into proper alignment by the interaction between the blocks 74 and the anchor component 54. This also allows sufficient clearance to be provided between the pin 106 of the lower-left hinge and its bore to enable the hinge pin 106 to be manually withdrawn and inserted.

The embodiment described above can be altered in a straightforward manner such that, in side-opening mode, the pivot axis is to the right of the vehicle. As yet a further alternative, the tailgate assembly 20 can be laterally symmetrical, whereby an operator can select to pivot the tailgate 22 on either side when in side-opening mode. It may also be advantageous to exchange the positions of the clamping assembly 70 and the anchor component 54. (That is, mount the anchor component 54 on the tailgate 22 and connect the claiming assembly 70 to the third link 42.)

Claims

Claims 1. A tailgate assembly for a vehicle body having a rear opening,

the tailgate assembly comprising: a tailgate; first and second side hinge elements having a common pivot axis that is aligned with a side of the tailgate; first and second top hinge elements having a common pivot axis that is aligned with a top edge of the tailgate; in which the tailgate can be selectively disconnected from one or other of the top or the side hinge elements to an extent sufficient to allow it to pivot about the other of the top or the side hinge elements.
2. A tailgate assembly according to claim 1 in which at least one hinge element remains connected to the tailgate at all times.
3. A tailgate assembly according to claim 2 in which the hinge that element remains connected to the tailgate at all times is part of a hinge assembly that allows pivotal movement about both axes.
4. A tailgate assembly according to any preceding claim in which one or more of the hinge assemblies includes a hinge pin interconnecting two or more hinge elements.
5. A tailgate assembly according to claim 2 in which disconnection of the tailgate from such a hinge element is achieved by removal of the hinge pin.
6. A tailgate assembly according to claim 4 or claim 5 in which the hinge element that includes a hinge pin is a side hinge element.
7. A tailgate assembly according to claim 6 in which the hinge element that includes a hinge pin is a lower side hinge element.
8. A tailgate assembly according to any preceding claim in which one or more of the hinge assemblies includes a clamp assembly.
9. A tailgate assembly according to claim 8 in which disconnection of the tailgate from the hinge element that includes a clamp assembly is achieved by loosening of the clamp assembly.
10. A tailgate assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9 in which the hinge element that includes a clamp assembly is a top hinge element.
11. A tailgate assembly according to claim 10 in which the hinge element that includes a clamp assembly is remote from the side hinge elements.
12. A tailgate assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 11 in which the clamp assembly is self-aligning such that tightening of the clamp assembly causes the tailgate to be drawn into proper alignment with other components of the tailgate assembly.
13. A tailgate assembly according to claim 12 in which the clamp assembly includes one or more locking components that can be driven symmetrically into engagement with an anchor component.
14. A tailgate assembly according to claim 13 in which the locking components are driven by a threaded shaft.
15. A tailgate assembly according to claim 14 in which the shaft has a separate threaded region for each locking component.
16. A tailgate assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 15 having two locking components, the threaded regions have threads of opposite handedness.
17. A tailgate assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 16 in which the anchor component and the locking components are shaped to ensure that wear can be accommodated, for example, by additional tightening of the locking components.
18. A tailgate assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 17 in which the clamp assembly is mounted on the tailgate with the anchor component secured on the body as part of a hinge assembly.
19. A tailgate assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 17 in which the anchor component is mounted on the tailgate with the clamp assembly secured on the body as part of a hinge assembly.
20. A vehicle according to claim 19 that further includes a mechanism for lifting the body at a position remote from the tailgate. * ** S. * * .. S... * S *S..

S *.*.. * S S... * S. S. S

S S..

S

20. A tailgate assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 17 including means to operate the clamp assembly remotely.

21. A tailgate assembly according to any preceding claim that includes a Locking mechanism for releasabLy securing the tailgate in a closed position.

22. A vehicle equipped with a tailgate assembly according to any preceding claim.

23. A vehicle according to claim 22 that further includes a mechanism for lifting the body at a position remote from the tailgate.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:-jz Claims 1. A tailgate assembly for a vehicle body having a rear opening, the tailgate assembly comprising: a tailgate; first and second side hinge elements having a common pivot axis that is aligned with a side of the tailgate; first and second top hinge elements having a common pivot axis that is aligned with a top edge of the tailgate; in which the tailgate can be selectively disconnected from one or other of the top or the side hinge elements to an extent sufficient to allow it to pivot about the other of the top or the side hinge elements; wherein one or more of the hinge assemblies includes a clamp assembly, disconnection of the tailgate from the hinge element that includes a clamp assembly is achieved by loosening of the clamp assembly, the clamp assembly being self-aligning such that tightening of the clamp assembly causes the tailgate to *::: :15 be drawn into proper alignment with other components of the tailgate assembly.

* 2. A tailgate assembly according to claim 1 in which at least one hinge element remains connected to the tailgate at all times.

3. A tailgate assembly according to claim 2 in which the hinge that element remains connected to the tailgate at all times is part of a hinge assembly that allows pivotal movement about both axes.

4. A tailgate assembly according to any preceding claim in which one or more of the hinge assemblies includes a hinge pin interconnecting two or more hinge elements.

5. A tailgate assembly according to claim 2 in which disconnection of the tailgate from such a hinge element is achieved by removal of the hinge pin.

6. A tailgate assembly according to claim 4 or claim 5 in which the hinge element that includes a hinge pin is a side hinge element.

7. A tailgate assembly according to claim 6 in which the hinge element that includes a hinge pin is a lower side hinge element.

8. A tailgate assembly according to any preceding claim in which the hinge element that includes a clamp assembly is a top hinge element.

9. A tailgate assembly according to any preceding claim in which the hinge element that includes a clamp assembly is remote from the side hinge elements.

10. A tailgate assembly according to claim 9 in which the clamp assembly includes one or more locking components that can be driven symmetrically into engagement with an anchor component.

*.* 10 11. A tailgate assembly according to claim 10 in which the locking components are driven by a threaded shaft.

12. A tailgate assembly according to claim 11 in which the shaft has a separate threaded region for each locking component.

13. A tailgate assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 12 having two locking . 15 components, the threaded regions have threads of opposite handedness.

14. A tailgate assembly according to any one of' claims 9 to 13 in which the anchor component and the locking components are shaped to ensure that wear can be accommodated, for example, by additional tightening of the locking components.

15. A tailgate assembly according to any preceding claim in which the clamp assembly is mounted on the tailgate with the anchor component secured on the body as part of' a hinge assembly.

16. A tailgate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15 in which the anchor component is mounted on the tailgate with the clamp assembly secured on the body as part of a hinge assembly.

17. A tailgate assembly according to any preceding claim including means to operate the clamp assembly remotely.

18. A tailgate assembly according to any preceding claim that includes a locking mechanism for releasably securing the tailgate in a closed position.

19. A vehicle equipped with a tailgate assembly according to any preceding claim.