Removable tailgate with locking hinge
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsRafic Jergess, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III, Adrian Nania
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A hinge assembly for moving a tailgate about a hinge axis. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge part and a second hinge part for mating with the first hinge part. The second hinge part may be moved to a release position for releasing from the first hinge part, and a lock is provided for locking the second hinge part in the release position. A tailgate including the hinge assembly is also disclosed, which may also be provided with a powered raising and lowering capability. A related method is also disclosed.
Claims20
A hinge assembly for moving a tailgate about a hinge axis, comprising:
- a first hinge part;
- a second hinge part for mating with the first hinge part, the second hinge part being mounted for rotation with respect to the tailgate and having a release position for releasing from the first hinge part;
- and
- a lock for locking the second hinge part in the release position.
A tailgate assembly for a vehicle, comprising:
- a tailgate adapted for being removed from the vehicle;
- a hinge for raising and lowering the tailgate about a hinge axis, said hinge including a first hinge part connected to the vehicle and a second, mating hinge part carried on and mounted for rotation with respect to said tailgate;
- and
- a lock for locking a position of the second hinge part relative to the tailgate.
A method for operating a hinge for a tailgate of a vehicle, comprising:
- rotating a hinge part carried on the tailgate and thereby orienting said hinge part into a release position for separating the tailgate from the vehicle;
- and
- locking the hinge part in said release position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.