Claims:
1. A mechanism (100) for operating a tailgate (1) of a vehicle, the mechanism (100) comprising:
a yoke linkage (6), wherein one end of the yoke linkage (6) is pivotally connectable to a frame (9) of the vehicle;
a crank lever rotatably supported under a load body (10) of the vehicle, wherein one end of the crank lever (4) is connected to a free end of the yoke linkage (6);
a tie rod (3), wherein one end of the tie rod (3) is pivotally coupled to another end of the crank lever (4) and another end of the tie rod (3) is pivotally coupled to the tail gate (1), wherein, the tie rod (3) includes a plurality of telescopic tubes (3a and 3b);
wherein, tipping movement of the load body (10) is translated into a vertical movement of the tie rod (3) through the yoke linkage (6) and the crank lever (4) to raise the tail gate away from the load body (10).

2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of telescopic tubes (3a and 3b) includes a top telescopic tube (3b) and a bottom telescopic tube (3a).

3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the top telescopic tube (3b) of the tie rod (3) extends from the bottom telescopic tube (3a) to independently operate the tailgate (1) during initial tipping movement of the load body (10).

4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein diameter of the bottom telescopic tube (3a) is greater than diameter of the top telescopic tube (3b).

5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the yoke linkage (6) comprises a stud (6b), a yoke (6a) on either sides of the stud (6b) and a nut (6c) welded at the center of the yoke linkage (6).

6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crank lever (4) comprises a crank tube (4b) with a first lever (4a) and a second lever (4c) on either sides of the crank tube (4b).
7. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein length of the second lever (4c) is greater than length of the first lever (4a).

8. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first lever (4a) and the second lever (4c) extend in a substantially opposite orientation.

9. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a holding bush (5) adapted to connect the crank lever (4) to the load body (10).

10. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the holding bush (5) comprises of a plurality of brackets (5a) to house the crank tube (4b).

11. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tie rod (3) comprises a first stopper (3e) provisioned at a top portion of the bottom telescopic tube (3a) and a second stopper (3f) provisioned at a central portion of the top telescopic tube (3b).

12. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the tie rod (3) comprises a resilient member (3d) provisioned between the first stopper (3e) and the second stopper (3f).

13. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a bell crank lever (11) connectable to a top end of the top telescopic tube (3b) and the tailgate (1), wherein the bell crank lever (11) translates the vertical motion of the tie rod (3) into a rotary motion of the tailgate (1).

14. A vehicle comprising a mechanism (100) for operating a tailgate (1) as claimed in claim 1. , Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates in general to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a tailgate of a load body in a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mechanism employed for operating the tailgate during tipping movement of the load body of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, vehicles may be used for several operations such as cleaning up a construction site or moving materials like sand, gravel, coal or iron ore. A dump body is a truck with a large engine and a tipper body. The tipper body is mounted on to the truck chassis through a sub frame. The tipper body of the truck is generally filled with materials that are to be transported from one place to another.

The tipper body of vehicles is initially loaded with materials that are to be transported. Further, after the material in the tipper body have been transported to a required location, the tipper body of the vehicle may be hydraulically elevated to a predetermined angle. A hydraulic dumping mechanism enables the tipper body of the truck to be tilted by means of a hydraulic piston. The hydraulic dumping mechanism is configured with the tipper body such that the front end of the tipper body is elevated, while the rear end of the tipper body remains hinged to the sub frame of the truck. This tilting motion of the tipper body causes the material in the tipper body to slide down due to gravity. Thus, the tipper body of the vehicles may be hydraulically manipulated to discharge its contents by gravity.

The tipper body of vehicles typically employ a tailgate which is pivotally hinged to the top side walls of the tipper body. However, there may be tipper bodies without tailgate and for vehicles without tailgate, it’s a common practice to provide a heap at the front of the truck to avoid material from falling off the back. This results in excessive weight being concentrated in one area and thus may increase the load of the front tires. The tipper body of the vehicles with the tail gate enables the tipper body to be filled completely and the tailgate prevents the spillage of material form the tipper body. The tailgate may be mounted to the tipper body such that the tailgate swings between an open and a closed position as the front end of the dump body varies in elevation.

During unloading of the material in the tipper body, as the front end of the tipper body is hydraulically elevated, the tail gate opens according to the inclination of load body with respect to the rear end of the load body. The tail gate is free to pivot with respect to the top hinge and opens by the gravity or by the push force of the unloading material. When the front end of the tipper body is initially elevated, the tailgate partially opens and the material from the tipper body is partially unloaded on the ground. As seen from Fig. 1, the tailgate of the tipper body tends to hit the material that has already been unloaded onto the ground. Upon, further increase in the inclination of the load body, material from the load body is directly deposited onto the tailgate as shown in Fig. 1. Thus, with increase in inclination of the load body, the tail gate gets immersed in the heap of unloaded material. This in addition to the material that may be unloaded onto the tailgate, may exert an axial force on to the tail gate and cause damage. The axial force may cause the tailgate to bend [as shown in FIG.2] and this bend on tailgate may eventually result in failure of the tailgate. The bend of the tailgate may also result in an open space formed between the tailgate and the load body when the tailgate is in a closed position as seen from Fig. 2. The open space further results in spillage and wastage of material when the load body is loaded with material.

With advancements in technology, the tailgate of vehicles is now configured with mechanisms which may enable the tailgate to be raised in advance as the load body of the vehicle is elevated during the dumping of material. These mechanisms may be hydraulically driven. utilizing the required power from the engine of the vehicle.

Conventional tailgate lifting mechanisms also include use of a plurality of linkages which may utilize the relative movement of the load body with respect to the frame of the vehicle and further exploits this motion of the load body in order to raise the tailgate in advance.

However, in the conventional technologies, during the unloading of the material from the load body and as the load body gets elevated, the payload or material inside the load body slides and pushes the tailgate and thereby exerts internal forces onto the tailgate. These internal forces on the tailgate causes the tailgate to advance upwards. As the tailgate advances upwards, the tailgate also forcefully causes the linkages in the mechanism to advance or shift their positions. This forceful change in the position of the linkages may damage the mechanism and the linkages in the conventional tailgate lifting mechanisms.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more shortcomings of the conventional system or device are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the device as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a mechanism for operating a tailgate of a vehicle is disclosed. The mechanism comprises of a yoke linkage, where one end of the yoke linkage is pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle. The mechanism also comprises of a crank lever that is rotatably supported under a load body of the vehicle, where one end of the crank lever is connected to a free end of the yoke linkage. Further, one end of a tie rod is pivotally coupled to another end of the crank lever and another end of the tie rod is pivotally coupled to the tail gate. The tie rod includes a plurality of telescopic tubes. The tipping movement of the load body is translated into a vertical movement of the tie rod through the yoke linkage and the crank lever to raise the tail gate away from the load body.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of telescopic tubes includes a top telescopic tube that and a bottom telescopic tube.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the top telescopic tube of the tie rod extends from the bottom telescopic tube to independently operate the tailgate during initial tipping movement of the load body.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the diameter of the bottom telescopic tube is greater than diameter of the top telescopic tube.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the yoke linkage comprises a stud, a yoke on either side of the stud and a nut welded at the center of the yoke linkage.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the crank lever comprises a crank tube with a first lever and a second lever on either side of the crank tube.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first lever and the second lever extend in a substantially opposite orientation.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a holding bush is adapted to connect the crank lever to the load body.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the holding bush comprises a plurality of brackets to house a crank tube.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the tie rod comprises a first stopper provisioned at a top portion of the bottom telescopic tube and a second stopper provisioned at a central portion of the top telescopic tube.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the tie rod comprises a resilient member provisioned between the first stopper and the second stopper.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a bell crank lever is connected to a top end of the top telescopic tube and the tailgate, where the bell crank lever translates the vertical motion of the tie rod into a rotary motion of the tailgate.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a conventional technology, wherein tailgate of a vehicle is immersed in the material unloaded from a load body;

Fig. 2 illustrates the tailgate of the vehicle in a bent condition as a result of immersion of the tailgate in the unloaded material as shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 illustrates side view of the vehicle employed with a mechanism to operate the tailgate, here the tailgate of the vehicle is shown in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4 illustrates perspective view of a yoke linkage of the mechanism of Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates perspective view of a crank lever of the mechanism of Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates perspective view of a holding bush of the mechanism of Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates perspective view of a tie rod of the mechanism of Fig. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 illustrates perspective view of the vehicle with the tailgate of the vehicle operated to a partially open position using the mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 9 illustrates side view of the vehicle with the tailgate of the vehicle operated to partially open position using the mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective of the tie rod with top and bottom telescopic tubes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view of tie rod, with the top telescopic tube in an extended position with respect to the bottom telescopic tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 illustrates side view of the vehicle with the tailgate operated to a completely open position using the mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 illustrates perspective view of a resilient member of the tie rod in a relaxed or extended condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 illustrates perspective view of the resilient member of the tie rod in a compressed condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 illustrates rear view of the vehicle with the mechanism for operating the tailgate provisioned on either side of the tailgate in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figure depicts embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the mechanism for operating a tailgate of a vehicle illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other devices for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in the device or mechanism proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a mechanism for operating a tailgate of a vehicle. Conventionally, the tailgate of vehicles may often get immersed in the unloaded material. The unloaded material may exert an axial force on the tail gate, causing it to bend and thus damage the tail gate.

Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a mechanism for operating the tailgate of the vehicle. The mechanism includes a yoke linkage, where one end of the yoke linkage is pivotally connected to a frame of the vehicle. The mechanism also comprises of a crank lever that is rotatably supported under a load body of the vehicle. The crank lever comprises of first lever and a second lever. The first lever is connected to the yoke linkage and the second lever is connected to the bottom end of the tie rod. The tie rod comprises of a top telescopic tube and a bottom telescopic tube. The top telescopic tube is connected to a bell crank lever and the bottom telescopic tube is connected to the mechanism. The tipping movement of the load body is translated into a vertical movement of the tie rod through the yoke linkage and the crank lever to raise the tail gate away from an opening of the load body.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 3 to 12.

Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the vehicle with the tailgate (1) of the vehicle in a closed position (R). A load body of the vehicle may be supported on a frame (9) of the vehicle. An attachment plate (8) may be suitably joined to the frame (9) of the vehicle through techniques such as welding, fastening or by any other means known in the art. The attachment plate (8) comprises of a fixed pivot (7) and a yoke linkage (6) is pivotally connected to the fixed pivot (7). One end of the yoke linkage (6) is connected to fixed pivot (7), whereas the other end of the yoke linkage (6) is pivotally connected a crank lever (4). With reference to Fig. 5, the crank lever (4) comprises of a first lever (4a) and a second lever (4b) that are interconnected together by means of a crank tube (4c). In an embodiment, the first lever (4a) of the crank lever (4) may be pivotally connected to the fixed pivot (7). Further, as seen in Fig. 3, the second lever (4c) of the crank lever (4) may be connected to a tie rod (3). In an embodiment, the crank tube (4b) is rotatably connected to the load body (10) by means of a plurality of holding bushes (5). In an embodiment, one end of the second lever (4c) may be fixedly attached to the crank tube (4b) and the other end of the second lever (4c) is connected to an end yoke (3c) of the tie rod (3). The tie rod (3) comprises of another end yoke (3c) at the top of the tie rod (3). The end yoke (3c) at the top of the tie rod (3) is pivotally connected to a bell crank lever (11). In an embodiment, the bell crank lever (11) translates the vertical motion of the tie rod (3) into a rotary motion of the tailgate (1).

Fig. 4 illustrates the perspective view of the yoke linkage (6). As seen from Fig. 4, the yoke linkage (6) may include a plurality of end yokes (6a). In an embodiment, the yoke linkage (6) includes two end yokes (6a). Further, the end yokes (6a) are connected together by means of a stud (6b) with a welded nut (6c) at the centre. In an embodiment, the stud (6b) comprises of a threaded surface which enables the nut to be rotated in a clockwise or an anti-clockwise direction and thereby allowing the length between the end yokes (6a) to be varied accordingly. Consequently, the slackness which may be caused due to usage of the yoke linkage (6) over a prolonged period of time can be adjusted according to the requirement. Further, as seen from the Fig. 3, one end yoke (6a) is connected to the fixed pivot (7) on the frame of the vehicle and the other end yoke (6a) is connected to the first lever (4a) of the crank lever (4).

Fig. 5 illustrates the perspective view of the crank lever (4). The crank lever (4) includes the first lever (4a), the second lever (4c) and the crank tube (4b). The crank tube (4b) connects the first lever (4a) and the second lever (4c). The first lever (4a) of the crank lever (4) is connected to the end yoke (6a) of the yoke linkage (6) and the second lever (4c) of the crank lever (4) is connected to the end yoke (3c) of the tie rod (3) as seen from the Fig. 3. The first lever (4a) and the second lever (4c) are oriented in a substantially opposite direction. This configuration of the crank levers (4a and 4c) enable the movement from the yoke linkage (6) to be effectively transmitted into a vertical motion of the tie rod (3). In an embodiment, the crank tube (4b) may be adapted to rotate about its axis. Also, the effective length of the second lever (4c) is greater that the effective length of the first lever (4a). This variation in length between the first lever (4a) and the second lever (4c) is used for the magnification of motion from the yoke linkage (6). As the load body (10) gets elevated from the frame (9) of the vehicle, the yoke linkage (6) pivots with respect to the fixed pivot (7). This pivoting action of the yoke linkage (6) causes the first lever (4a) of the crank lever (4) to move forwards. As the first lever (4a) moves in a forward position, the second lever is moved in a partially upward direction. The crank lever (4) rotates about its axis and thereby translates the forward movement of the first lever (4a) into an upward movement of the second lever (4c), Since, the length of the first lever (4a) is smaller than the effective length of the second lever (4c), the pivoting action of the yoke linkage (7) that is transmitted through the crank lever (4) is effectively multiplied. Thus, a small pivoting action of the yoke linkage (7) results in an amplified vertical movement of the tie rod (3).

In an embodiment, the effective length of the first and the second levers (4a and 4c) may be adjusted during the manufacturing of the crank levers (4), thereby obtaining a required angle of rotation of the tailgate (1) during the process of raising the load body (10).

Moving on to Fig. 6, it illustrates the perspective view of the holding bush (5). The holding bush (5) includes a holding bracket (5a) and a holder (5b). In an embodiment, the holding bush (5) is fixedly attached to the base of the load body (10), thus connecting the crank lever (4) with the load body (10) of the vehicle. Further, the crank lever (4) is configured such that the crank tube (4b) is rotatably housed inside the holder (5b) of the holding bush (5). Thus, the holding bush (5), holds the crank lever (4) in its position and provides a friction free rotation of the crank tube (4b).

Fig. 7 illustrates perspective view of the tie rod (3). In an embodiment, the top and bottom portions of the tie rod (3) may be configured with end yoke (3c). The tie rod (3) comprises of a plurality of telescopic tubes (3a and 3b). In an embodiment, the tie rod (3) includes a top telescopic tube (3b) and a bottom telescopic tube (3a). In one embodiment, diameter of the bottom telescopic tube (3a) is greater than that of the top telescopic tube (3b), which enables the top telescopic tube (3b) to be slidably disposed inside the bottom telescopic tube (3a). Further, the tie rod (3) includes a first stopper (3e) welded to the top end of the bottom telescopic tube (3a) and a second stopper (3f) welded almost at the center of the top telescopic tube (3b). The first and second stoppers (3e and 3f) that are attached to the top and the bottom telescopic tubes (3b and 3a), effectively prevent the top telescopic tube (3b) from falling inside the bottom telescopic tube (3a).

As seen from Fig. 3, the tie rod (3) connects the crank lever (4) to the tailgate (1). Further, the bottom telescopic tube (3a) is connected with the crank lever (4), whereas the top telescopic tube (3b) independently slides inside the bottom telescopic tube (3a) along with the movement of the tailgate (1). The top and the bottom telescopic tubes (3b and 3a) are both provided with the end yokes (3c). The end yoke (3c) on the bottom telescopic tube (3a), provides a suitable connection of the bottom telescopic tube (3a) with the crank lever (4) and the end yoke (3c) on the top telescopic tube (3b) provides a suitable connection of the top telescopic tube (3b) with the tail gate (1) by means of the bell crank lever (11), as seen from Fig. 3. Further, a resilient member (3d) is provided between the first and the second stoppers (3e and 3f) of the top and the bottom telescopic tubes respectively (3a and 3b).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the top telescopic tube (3b) may have a larger diameter than the bottom telescopic tube (3a). under such conditions, only a single first stopper (3e) is configured to the bottom telescopic tube (3a) since the resilient member (3d) may be directly accommodated between the first stopper (3e) and the top telescopic tube (3b) larger diameter.

Moving on to Fig. 8 and 9, they illustrate perspective view and side view of the vehicle with the tailgate (1) of the vehicle in a partially open position (Q) respectively. Referring to Fig. 3, the tailgate (1) is initially in a closed condition (R) and the load body (10) in the vehicle is at a normal position. Further, when the payload inside the load body (10) is to be dumped on to the ground, the load body (10) may be elevated by means of hydraulic actuators [not shown in the figure]. As seen from Fig. 8, since one end of the yoke linkage (6) is attached to the frame (9) and the other end of the yoke linkage (6) is attached to the first lever (4a), as the load body (10) of the vehicle is elevated, the load body (10) is inclined with respect to the frame (9) of the vehicle and the yoke linkage (6) pivots from a substantially straight position as seen in Fig. 3 to an inclined position as seen in Fig. 9. Further, since the yoke linkage (6) is connected to the first lever (4a) of the crank lever (4), the first lever (4a) partially rotates in a clockwise direction as the load body (10) elevates. This rotation of the first lever (4a) is translated to a partial rotation of the second lever (4c) in an anti-clockwise direction due to the rotation of the crank tube (4b). Further, since the first lever (4a) and the second lever (4c) are oriented in a substantially opposite direction, the partial clockwise rotation of the first lever (4a) results in anti-clockwise rotation or a partial upward movement of the second lever (4c). Also, since the effective length of the second lever (4c) is greater than the effective length of the first lever (4a) the upward movement of the second lever (4c) is effectively multiplied. Thus, the yoke linkage (6) and the crank lever (4) effectively multiply the movement of the load body (10) with respect to the frame (9).

Further, Fig. 10 illustrates telescopic tube arrangement of the tie rod (3). In an embodiment, the telescopic arrangement may be referred to as tube in tube configuration of the tie rod (3). As the inclination of the load body (10) increases, the second lever (4c) begins to move in an upward direction which further pushes the tie rod (3) in a vertically upward direction. As seen from Fig. 10, the first stopper (3e) of the bottom telescopic tube (3a) pushes the second stopper (3f) of the top telescopic tube (3b). Thus, the bottom telescopic tube (3a) and the top telescopic tube (3b) act as a single unit and the vertical motion of the tie rod (3) is thereby converted to the rotation of tailgate (10) by the bell crank lever (11). Thus, the movement of the load body (10) with respect to the frame (9) of the vehicle may effectively be converted to movement of the tailgate (1), so as to prevent the tailgate (1) from being immersed in the unloaded material.

The below table shows the movement of tail gate with respect to the inclination angle of the load body (10).

Movement of tail gate using the above-mentioned mechanism

Inclination angle of the load body w.r.t the frame of the vehicle. Tail gate opening angle
(deg) Tail gate bottom height from ground
(mm)
10 28 1510
20 49 1636
30 68 1702
40 87 1740
51 110 1827

Table-1

As seen from Table-1, a 10-degree inclination of the load body (10) results in a 28-degree opening angle of the tailgate (1). Thus, the tailgate (1) is effectively prevented from being immersed in the unloaded material of the load body (10).

Referring back to Fig. 9, when the tailgate (1) is in a partially open condition (Q), the payload material in the load body (10) slides downwards due to gravity and collides with the tailgate (1) of the vehicle. Under such conditions, the payload material exerts an internal force on the tailgate (1) which forces the tailgate (1) to move upwards. As seen from the Fig. 11, since the tie rod (3) is of a tube-in-tube configuration, the top telescopic tube (3b) moves independently along with the tailgate (1) due to the internal forces exerted by the payload and the overall length of the tie rod (3) is increased. Thus, the internal forces exerted by the payload onto the tailgate (1) are effectively attenuated by the independent movement of the top telescopic tube (3b).

The internal forces on the tailgate (1) that result in the pulling force that is exerted by the tailgate (3) onto the yoke linkage (6) and the crank lever (4) by the tie rod (3) are effectively attenuated as the bottom telescopic tube (3a) moves along with the mechanism (100) and the top telescopic tube (3b) moves independently along with tailgate (1). Further, after the load body (10) reaches a certain inclination angle, the first stopper (3e) of the bottom telescopic tube (3a) touches the second stopper (3f) of the top telescopic tube (3b) and there onwards, the tie rod (3) functions as a single unit and further increases the opening angle of the tailgate (1).

Fig. 12 illustrates the side view of the vehicle with the tailgate (1) of the vehicle in a completely open position (P). As the inclination of the load body (10) with respect to the frame (9) is increased to its maximum, the tailgate (1) of the vehicle also reaches a completely open position (P). Under such conditions, as seen in Fig. 13, the resilient member (3d) is in a relaxed or extended condition. Further, when the load body (10) is being retracted to its normal position, the unloaded material which may be deposited on the edge of the tailgate (1), tends to exert an external force on the tailgate (1). This external force along with the gravitational pull on the tailgate (1) pushes the tailgate (1) towards the load body (1) at great force. Under such conditions, as seen from the Fig. 14, the resilient member (3d) between the first and the second stoppers (3e and 3f) of the tie rod (3) reaches a closed condition (R). The resilient member (3d) gets compressed and thereby absorbs the external forces that are acting on the tailgate (1). Thus, the buckling of the tie rod (3) which could result in the failure of the mechanism (100) is effectively prevented as the external forces are attenuated by the resilient member (3d) in the tie rod (3).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a plurality of resilient members (3d) may be provided, to improve attenuation of the external forces acting on the tailgate (1).

Fig. 15 illustrates the rear view of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the mechanism (100) to operate the tailgate (1) may be configured on either side of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the internal forces exerted on the tailgate (1) are attenuated by the telescopic configuration of the tie rod (3). Since, the top telescopic tube (4b) moves independently along with the tail gate (1), the pulling forces exerted by tailgate (1) act only on the top telescopic tube (4b). Thus, any damages to the mechanism is prevented.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the external forces exerted on the tailgate (1) are absorbed by the resilient member (3d) and any damages to the mechanism (100) is thereby prevented.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral Numerals:

Description Referral numeral
Tailgate 1
Tail gate hinge 2
Tie rod 3
Bottom telescopic tube 3a
Top telescopic tube 3b
End yoke 3c, 6a
Resilient member 3d
First stopper 3e
Second stopper 3f
Crank lever 4
First lever 4a
Crank tube 4b
Second lever 4c
Holding bush 5
Holding bracket 5a
Holder 5b
Yoke linkage 6
Stud 6b
Nut 6c
Fixed pivot 7
Rear attachment plate 8
Frame 9
Load body 10
Bell crank lever 11
Completely open condition of the tailgate P
Partially open condition of the tailgate Q
Closed condition of the tailgate R
Vehicle 100