Abstract:
An apparatus for partially covering an end of a vehicle bed includes a tailgate comprising a frame adapted for moving between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the vehicle bed. The frame supports at least one member adapted for moving along the frame to at least partially expose the end of the vehicle bed without moving the frame to the lowered position. A plurality of movable members in the form of panels may be provided, along with actuators for rotating and/or moving one or more of the panels between the raised and collapsed configuration. A related method is also disclosed.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This document relates generally to the motor vehicle field and, more particularly, to a collapsible tailgate arrangement for use in connection with a vehicle bed. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Utility vehicles such as pickup trucks typically include a bed that may be used for the storage of various objects, which may be associated with a tailgate that may be lowered from a raised position for covering the otherwise open trailing end of the bed. Such vehicles are often associated with towing equipment positioned in the bed, such as “fifth wheel” hitches or other types of hitch mounts. While useful for towing particularly large trailers, the tailgate in the fully raised condition may interfere with the towing equipment. Lowering the tailgate to accommodate the hitch assembly of the trailer is generally undesirable, as it renders the bed useless for securely storing any objects. Removing the tailgate is a time-consuming and cumbersome operation, and requires storing it when not in use. 
         [0003]    Thus, a need is identified for a tailgate arrangement that can be adjusted to accommodate a hitch assembly for associating with a vehicle bed without compromising the ability to store objects in the bed and without the need for wholesale removal of the tailgate from the vehicle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In accordance with the purposes and benefits described herein, an apparatus for at least partially covering an end of a vehicle bed is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tailgate comprising a frame adapted for moving between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the vehicle bed. The frame supports at least one member adapted for moving along the frame to at least partially expose the end of the vehicle bed without moving the frame to the lowered position. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the at least one member is mounted to the frame for rotating between a closed position in alignment with the frame and an open position transverse to the frame. The member may further include an actuator for moving the at least one member along the frame, and/or for rotating the at least one member between the open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises an endless loop connected to a handle associated with the frame for raising and lowering the at least one member. The apparatus may also include at least one connector associated with the member, and a guide for guiding the connector to lower the at least one member and at least partially expose the end of the vehicle bed. 
         [0006]    In this or another embodiment, the tailgate comprises a plurality of members adapted for moving along the frame between a raised position and a lowered position. Each member may be mounted to the frame for rotating between a closed position in alignment with the frame and an open position transverse to the frame. An actuator is provided for moving each member between the raised position and the lowered position, and/or rotating each member between the open and closed positions. The frame may include spaced side portions mounted for pivoting movement relative to the vehicle bed, and the at least one member may extend between the spaced side portions. 
         [0007]    As can be appreciated, the invention as disclosed may extend to a vehicle including the apparatus. In one particular implementation, the vehicle includes a hitch mount in the vehicle bed. A trailer also includes a hitch assembly for connecting to the hitch mount when the at least one member of the tailgate is in a lowered position such that the vehicle bed is at least partially exposed. 
         [0008]    According to a further aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for selectively and at least partially covering an end of a vehicle bed is provided. The apparatus includes a tailgate with a plurality of panels for closing the end of the vehicle bed. Each panel is adapted for rotating from an upright condition to a rotated condition and for moving in a vertical direction from a raised configuration to a collapsed configuration to at least partially expose the vehicle bed. The apparatus may include one or more actuators for rotating and moving the panels to cause them to collapse. 
         [0009]    This disclosure also pertains to a method of covering an opening for accessing a vehicle bed. The method comprises providing a tailgate for covering the opening in a raised condition and for exposing the opening in a lowered condition. A portion of the tailgate is movable in a vertical direction in a plane of an opening for partially exposing the opening without moving the tailgate to the lowered condition. The method may further include the steps of rotating the portion of the tailgate and then lowering the portion along the tailgate to at least partially expose the opening. 
         [0010]    In the following description, there are shown and described several preferred embodiments of the collapsible tailgate arrangement. As it should be realized, the arrangement is capable of other, different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the collapsible tailgate arrangement as set forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0011]    The accompanying drawing figures incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the collapsible tailgate arrangement and, together with the description, serve to explain certain principles thereof. In the drawing figures: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a partially cutaway view of a collapsible tailgate arrangement taken from the rear of a vehicle; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of the tailgate of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the tailgate of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 4, 5, and 6  are schematic views illustrating the collapsible tailgate arrangement; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 7 and 7   a - 7   d  illustrate one embodiment of an actuator for collapsing the tailgate; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are side schematic views showing the tailgate in the raised and lowered or collapsed configurations; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 10, 11, and 12  illustrate one possible mode of use of the collapsible tailgate arrangement; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram showing a possible arrangement for a powered collapsible tailgate. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the collapsible tailgate arrangement, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which illustrate one possible embodiment of a collapsible tailgate  10  for a vehicle or truck bed. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the tailgate  10  includes one or more vertically movable portions or members, such as four elongated slats or panels  12   a - 12   d . The panels  12   a - 12   d  may be connected to a support in the form of a frame  14 , which includes a first side portion  14   a  and a second side portion  14   b  between which the panels extend in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis X. The frame  14  may be adapted for being raised and lowered relative to the vehicle sidewalls W and bumper B, as indicated in  FIGS. 3 and 10 , as with a conventional tailgate arrangement on a pick-up truck (note position  14 ′ and action arrow A). A latch  15  may also be provided to latching the tailgate frame  14  to the sidewalls W in an upright condition, and for allowing it to be lowered (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). A more complete description of a pivoting tailgate may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,325, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0022]    According to one aspect of the disclosure, one or more of the panel(s) may be adapted for rotating and then moving along the frame  14  from a raised position to a lowered position, even when the frame remains in the upright or closed position covering the rear end of the vehicle bed E. Specifically, with reference to the schematic view of  FIG. 4 , it can be understood that each panel  12   a - 12   d  may be mounted for rotation relative to the frame  14  (or side portions  14   a ,  14   b  in particular) about the longitudinal axis X of the panel (note action arrow C). Once rotated, it can also be appreciated that the panels  12   a - 12   b  may move independently relative to the frame  14  between a raised position ( FIG. 5 ) to a lowered or collapsed position ( FIG. 6 ), and then returned to the raised position (note double headed action arrows D in  FIG. 5 ). As will be understood upon reviewing the description that follows, this allows for the height of the intermediate portion of the tailgate  10  (that is, between side frame portions  14   a ,  14   b ) to be selectively adjusted without raising, lowering, or removing the tailgate  10 . As can be appreciated, and as outlined further in the description that follows, this clears the way for the easy and efficient installation of a hitch assembly to a hitch mount in the bed of the vehicle or truck in a more expedient and efficient manner that heretofore possible with a conventional tailgate. 
         [0023]    An embodiment of an actuator for causing movement of the panels  12   a - 12   d  in the desired manner is shown with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 7   a - 7   d . In this embodiment, the actuator is a manually operable one, and includes a first actuator  16  for rotating the panels  12   a - 12   d  between an open position and a closed position, and a second actuator  18  for moving one or more of the panels between a raised position and a lowered position. As will be better understood upon reviewing the description that follows, the actuators  16 ,  18  may work in concert to achieve the desired partial exposure for the end of the vehicle bed E without lowering the entire tailgate  10 , yet it remains fully operational as a result of the provision of the support frame  14  that may move independently of the panels  12   a - 12   d.    
         [0024]    Taking the first actuator  16  first, it includes a spindle  20  rotatably mounted within the side portion  14   a  of the frame  14 . A gearing arrangement may be provided in a gearbox  22 , which is connected to and provides support for each panel  12   a  (only one gearbox shown in  FIG. 7  for purposes of clarity). Specifically, the gearbox  22  may be connected to the spindle  20 , and may move in a sliding fashion along an axis Y transverse to the longitudinal axis X (the vertical direction in the illustrated version). The spindle  20  may be connected to a lever  26 , which may pass through an opening  14   c  in the side frame portion  14   a  for being manipulated by a user. 
         [0025]    Each gearbox  22  is adapted for translating the rotation of the spindle  20  about the transverse axis Y to rotation of an associated panel  12   a  connected to it about the longitudinal axis X. As shown in  FIG. 7 c   , the spindle  20  may support a first gear  28  (such as a full or partial spur gear) for engaging a second gear  30  (such as a worm gear) connected to the panel  12   a  by a connector  31 . The connector  31  may simply be an integral part with the gear  30 , as shown, and fixed to the corresponding end of the panel  12  associated with the side frame portion  14   a.    
         [0026]    The connector  31  may engage a guide for guiding the movement of the associated panels  12   a - 12   d  in a direction aligned with the transverse axis Y (the vertical direction, as shown). This guide may take the form of an elongated opening  14   d  or slot in the side frame portion  14   a  through which the connector  31  passes to connect to the corresponding panel, such as panel  12   a . As can be appreciated, this opening  14   d  is sized so as to not interfere with the rotation of the connector  31  or movement of it in the intended manner. The opposite end of each panel  12   a - 12   b  may simply be connected to opposite frame side portion  14   b  by a similar connector passing through an opening to connect with a stationary guide so as to be capable of following the movement, but could also be actuated in a manner similar to that described herein. 
         [0027]    In any case, rotation of the first gear  28  about transverse axis Y causes the associated panel  12   a  to rotate about the longitudinal axis X, moving it from a position aligned with frame  14  (that is, with a minor plane parallel to axis Y) to a position transverse with frame (that is, with a minor plane perpendicular to axis Y). For reasons better understood upon reviewing the description that follows, the spindle  20  may be provided with cutouts  20   a , and first gear  28  may be provided with corresponding transverse projections  20   b  or keys. This form of engagement allows the rotation of the spindle  20  to rotate the first gear  28  in a positive fashion, while also allowing for sliding movement of the gearbox  22  along the transverse axis Y during the movement of the panels  12   b - 12   d  between the raised position closing the end of the vehicle bed E corresponding to the tailgate  10  and the lowered position exposing the bed. 
         [0028]    Turning now to the second actuator  18 , and with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 7   d , it may include a handle  32  projecting through a cutout or opening  14   e  elongated in a direction aligned with the transverse axis Y. The handle  32  is connected to an endless loop  34  extending over pulleys  36   a ,  36   b  rotatably mounted in the side portion  14   a  of the frame  14 . Thus, as the handle  32  is moved (raised and lowered), the loop  34  is caused to move to and fro relative to the frame  14 , and side portion  14   a  in particular, in an opposite direction. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , it can now be understood that the lowermost panel  12   a  may simply be arranged such that it does not engage the loop  34  and thus simply rotates relative to the frame  14  as a result of the manipulation of the spindle  20 . The next adjacent panel or panels  12   b ,  12   c  are also not connected to the loop  34 , but may be supported by lifters  40  connected thereto. The upper panel  12   d  is connected to the loop  34  for moving along the transverse (vertical) axis Y in response to the movement of the handle  32 . 
         [0030]    Thus, with reference to  FIG. 9 , it can be understood that movement of the handle  32  along the transverse axis Y in one direction causes movement of the upper panel  12   d  in the opposite direction as the result of the connection to endless loop  34 . Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the handle  32  upwardly from the position shown in  FIG. 7  causes the upper panel  12   d  when rotated as shown in  FIG. 5  to move downwardly and engage the next adjacent panel  12   c , which in turn engages panel  12   b . As a result of the sliding engagement of the associated gearboxes  22 , the panels  12   a - 12   c  thus move toward panel  12   a  to reach the collapsed configuration of  FIG. 6 , more fully exposing the space between frame side portions  14   a ,  14   b.    
         [0031]    Movement of the handle  32  in the opposite direction (vertically downward) thus raises the upper panel  12   d  and ultimately returns it to the initial or home position. The concurrent movement of lifters  40  connected to the loop  34  moves intermediate panels  12   b  and  12   c  along the transverse axis Y and back to the initial or home (expanded) position. Once the panels  12   b - 12   d  have returned to the position shown in  FIG. 5 , the first actuator  16  may be used to rotate the panels (including lower panel  12   a ) about the longitudinal axis X to assume the configuration shown in  FIG. 4  and thereby close the tailgate  10  to cover the open end of the vehicle bed E. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIGS. 10-12 , the collapsible tailgate  10  according to the disclosure may be used to accommodate a trailer T including a hitch assembly H for connecting with a hitch mount M in the vehicle or truck bed E. Specifically, one or more of the panels  12   a - 12   c  may be lowered to allow the assembly H to pass between the frame side portions  14   a ,  14   b  into position for engaging the hitch mount M. When the trailer T is disconnected, the panels  12   a - 12   d  may be returned to the home position for regular use of the tailgate  10  (which as noted above is adapted to be raised and lowered in a conventional manner). 
         [0033]    While a manual configuration is described, it can be appreciated that a powered arrangement may also be used. Specifically, as schematically illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the first actuator  16  may comprise a motor  42  for rotating the spindle  20 , or the gearboxes  22  could simply be motorized. Likewise, a motor  44  could be provided for causing the loop  34  for move to and fro for raising and lowering the panels  12   a - 12   d . A controller  46  may be provided anywhere on the vehicle V or perhaps even in a remote control for controlling the activation of motors  42 ,  44  and thus the collapsing of the members or panels  12   a - 12   d , and ultimately cause their return to a home position with a fully closed tailgate  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0034]    Although four panels  12   a - 12   d  are illustrated, it can be appreciated that fewer or more may be used. For instance, a single panel may be used for exposing all or a portion of the open end of the vehicle bed E. This single panel may be rotated by the first actuator  16  and caused to collapse and then return to the home or upright position by the second actuator  18 . The panel or panels  12   a - 12   d  also need not fully rotate to a horizontal position relative to the frame  14 , as shown, but instead could assume an skewed or angled configuration and simply cascade over one another when collapsed. 
         [0035]    An aspect of the disclosure may also be pertain to a method of manipulating a tailgate  10  for enhanced use using the movable members, such as panels  12   a - 12   d . The method may comprise moving one of the members or panels along the tailgate  10 , which means that each member or panel moves relative to the side frame portions  14   a ,  14   b  from an upper to a lower position. In other words, the members or panels move in a generally linear fashion along the transverse axis Y, or in the vertical direction in the usual mode of operation, and without removing or bodily rotating the entire tailgate to a lowered position. The method may further include rotating the member or panel prior to the moving step, which as can be appreciated allows for the member or panel to collapse relative to an adjacent member or panel when present, and which member or panel would otherwise prevent the movement along the tailgate if the members or panels remained in a non-rotated condition. 
         [0036]    In summary, numerous benefits are provided by the proposed arrangement for a collapsible tailgate  10 . For example, the tailgate  10  may be raised or lowered in the conventional manner ( FIG. 3 ), thus avoiding the creation of any interference with normal operation. Yet, the tailgate  10  may be manipulated to allow an object, such as a hitch assembly H, to pass through the corresponding opening without first removing the tailgate or any part of it, such as a two-sided support frame. This may be achieved by moving a portion of a tailgate  10  associated with the vehicle bed E in a vertical direction within a plane of an opening for receiving the tailgate from a raised position to a lowered position. Consequently, efficiency of using the tailgate  10  and associated vehicle V or truck is greatly enhanced, especially in terms of performing a towing operation using a hitch mount M in the vehicle bed E. 
         [0037]    The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.