Multimatic Inc.

Muamer Hodza

Scott David Worden

Andrew R Daniels

John Jasper Salmon

Antonio Costa

Scott Wellman

Geoffrey Lee

John Salmon

A vehicle tailgate lift assist system comprises a vehicle tailgate adapted to open and close by rotating about a tailgate pivot axis in relation to a vehicle body, coupling means to releasably connect the vehicle tailgate and the vehicle body, an energy storage device located within the vehicle body and adapted to be pivotally anchored to the vehicle body at one end, a crank arm pivotally attached to the energy storage device at a second end of the energy storage device and rigidly attached to an actuation shaft that is coaxially aligned with the tailgate pivot axis, and a pivot bracket assembly comprising a mounting bracket fixed to the vehicle body and holding a pivot bearing arrangement to facilitate a rotary joint about the tailgate pivot axis. The pivot bearing arrangement comprises a unitary component overmolded to a pivot sleeve to act as a bushing between the actuation shaft and the pivot sleeve, such that relative rotary motion of the tailgate and the vehicle body results in linear movement of the energy storage device and maximum energy storage at the tailgate fully open position.

Lift assist system for vehicle tailgates

A control device is used to move a pick-up truck tailgate. The control device comprises a first gear arrangement connected to a drive cup and a second gear arrangement that is connected to a motor for driving the second gear arrangement. The control device also includes a clutch arrangement positioned between the first and second gear arrangements. When the clutch arrangement is in an engaged position, it couples the first gear arrangement and the second gear arrangement to transmit torque to the first gear arrangement and the drive cup. When the clutch arrangement is in the disengaged position, the first and second gear arrangements are not coupled. Optionally, the control device comprises a brake unit to slow or stop movement of the tailgate. The control device can be positioned within the pick-up truck tailgate.

Decouplable power drive for tailgates

A handle assembly is used with a pick-up truck tailgate. The handle assembly comprises a guide tube with an open end, a handle that is housed within the guide tube and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly comprises a pivot pin connected to one end of the handle and a locking pin. The handle is moveable within the guide tube between a retracted position and an extended position. While in the extended position the handle passes through the open end and the handle may pivot about the pivot pin to move to a support position. When the handle is in the support position, the locking pin can engage the handle and releasably lock the handle in the support position. The guide tube is configured to be secured within a tailgate of a pick-up truck.

Stowable tailgate handle assembly

Growing community of inventors

Etobicoke, Canada

Muamer Hodza