Patent ID: 6018912
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
A vehicle liftgate counter balance system comprising:a vehicle frame and an access opening;a liftgate pivotally attached to the vehicle frame adjacent to the top of the access opening for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis;a pair of gas filled linear actuators with one end of each linear actuator connected to the frame and another end connected to the liftgate and wherein the linear actuators urge the liftgate toward an open position; anda torsion bar connected to the frame and to the liftgate with a portion of the torsion bar coaxial with the generally horizontal axis and wherein the torsion bar exerts a force on the liftgate that urges the liftgate toward an open position only during an initial portion of the liftgate movement between the closed position and the open position.