Method and apparatus for assisting in the lowering and raising of a tailgate

Abstract

A compact tailgate accessory for assisting in the one-handed safe raising and lowering of the tailgate and to permit easy removal of the tailgate includes a counterbalance module tucked in-between the tailgate and the truck bed sides in a pocket so as to be hidden from view. The module counterbalances the tailgate so that raising and lowering the tailgate can be controlled easily by one hand, with the linkage sharing one or more common attachment points with the detachable tailgate holding straps to facilitate installation. Sharing the common attachment points with the detachable tailgate holding straps also facilitates removal of the tailgate. The accessory provides the ability to lower or raise a tailgate by a small person or non-muscular individual such as a woman with one hand so that the bed of the truck can be easily and safely loaded or unloaded, the tailgate being maintained in the down position by its own weight. The tailgate accessory permits one handed control of the tailgate with minimal danger of wrist injury, knee injury or injury to any object or person below the tailgate when the tailgate is unlocked. In one embodiment, a specialized spiral wound spring is used which is compact enough to fit in the cavity between the tailgate and the truck bed, yet strong enough to provide the desired counterbalance force. In another embodiment a pair of scissor links are spring loaded at the joint where the scissors are pivoted to counterbalance the weight of the tailgate. In a further embodiment, a lost motion device permits partial opening of the tailgate to a secure intermediate position so that the tailgate is prevented from crashing down. In a still further embodiment, a gas spring is used to counterbalance the tailgate.