Patent ID: 6550838
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: B62D,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A tailgate assembly for a cargo box having a support deck and a wall structure extending therefrom, the tailgate assembly comprising:a pin receiving location defined along the wall structure including a slot having an open entry communicating with a substantially closed retainment area, the slot configured such that at least a portion of the retainment area is lower than the entry; a tailgate having opposed first and second ends with a first pin extending from the first end, the first pin being configured to be removably received through the entry and into the retainment area of the slot whereby the tailgate is supported by and pivotable about the pin; and a lock mechanism configured to releasably secure the tailgate relative to the wall structure wherein the slot entry has opposed sides defining an area of first minimum width and the first pin has a non-cylindrical configuration with at least a first portion having opposed sides with a first maximum width and a second portion having opposed sides with a second minimum width and wherein the first maximum width is less than or equal to the first minimum width and the second minimum width is greater than the first minimum width such that the first pin passes through the slot entry when the first pin is oriented with the first portion sides aligned with the entry passage sides defining the first minimum width and is prevented from passing through the slot entry when the first pin is oriented with the second portion sides aligned with the entry passage sides defining the first minimum width.