Patent ID: 7500706
Filing Date: 2009-03-10
Classification: E05D,E05F,E05Y,F16F

Abstract:
1. A spring assist assembly for a vehicle which includes a pivoted tailgate having a side, said vehicle having a body section adjacent the side of the tailgate, said assembly comprising: a pivot pin having a noncircular cross section mounted to one of the sides of the tailgate and the body section for pivotally coupling the tailgate to the body; a spring-loaded socket having a slot shaped for receiving said pivot pin, said socket rotatably mounted to the other of the tailgate and body section to be rotated by said pivot pin when the tailgate is rotated; and at least one spiral torsion spring coupled to one of said socket and pivot pin such that when the tailgate is lowered and said pivot pin rotates, said spring is loaded to provide a force for rotating the tailgate in an opposite direction to assist in raising the tailgate.