초록 ▼

Tailgate assemblies that are easier to use than tailgate assemblies of the prior art are provided. The tailgate assemblies comprise one or more torsion springs having a first leg attached to a tailgate support and a second leg attached to the tailgate. The legs of the torsion spring can be removably

Tailgate assemblies that are easier to use than tailgate assemblies of the prior art are provided. The tailgate assemblies comprise one or more torsion springs having a first leg attached to a tailgate support and a second leg attached to the tailgate. The legs of the torsion spring can be removably attached for easier replacement. The torsion springs are actuated in a winding direction as the tailgate is opened, making the tailgate easier to open and close.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A tailgate assembly, comprising:a tailgate;a sidewall; anda torsion spring having coils and having a first leg attached to the sidewall and a second leg attached to the tailgate, such that the torsion spring is actuated in a winding direction as the tailgate is opened.2. A tailgate assembly accor

1. A tailgate assembly, comprising:a tailgate;a sidewall; anda torsion spring having coils and having a first leg attached to the sidewall and a second leg attached to the tailgate, such that the torsion spring is actuated in a winding direction as the tailgate is opened.2. A tailgate assembly according to claim 1, wherein either the first leg, the second leg, or both legs of the torsion spring are removably attached.3. A tailgate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the torsion spring comprises about 2.5 coils.4. A tailgate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the torsion spring is at least about 3/16 of an inch.5. A tailgate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the width of the torsion spring is at least about 3/16 of an inch.6. A tailgate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the torsion spring comprises a high-carbon steel.7. A tailgate assembly according to claim 6, wherein the high-carbon steel comprises about 1 percent carbon.8. A tailgate assembly according to claim 6, wherein the high-carbon steel comprises from about 0.96 to about 0.99 percent carbon.9. A tailgate assembly according to claim 6, wherein the high-carbon steel has a hardness from about 42 to about 46 Rockwell C.10. A tailgate assembly according to claim 6, wherein the high-carbon steel has a hardness from about 43 to about 45 Rockwell C.11. A tailgate assembly, comprising:a tailgate;a sidewall;a rod connected to the tailgate, such that the tailgate pivots about the rod to open and close; anda torsion spring having coils around the rod and having a first leg attached to the sidewall and a second leg attached to the tailgate, such that the torsion spring is actuated in a winding direction as the tailgate is opened.12. A tailgate assembly according to claim 11, wherein either the first leg, the second leg, or both legs of the torsion spring are removably attached.13. A tailgate assembly according to claim 11, wherein the torsion spring comprises about 2.5 coils.14. A tailgate assembly according to claim 11, wherein the thickness of the torsion spring is at least about 3/16 of an inch.15. A tailgate assembly according to claim 11, wherein the width of the torsion spring is at least about 3/16 of an inch.16. A tailgate assembly according to claim 11, wherein the torsion spring comprises a high-carbon steel.17. A tailgate assembly according to claim 16, wherein the high-carbon steel comprises about 1 percent carbon.18. A tailgate assembly according to claim 16, wherein the high-carbon steel comprises from about 0.96 to about 0.99 percent carbon.19. A tailgate assembly according to claim 16, wherein the high-carbon steel has a hardness from about 42 to about 46 Rockwell C.20. A tailgate assembly according to claim 16, wherein the high-carbon steel has a hardness from about 43 to about 45 Rockwell C.21. A tailgate assembly, comprising:a tailgate having a hole;a tailgate support having a hole; anda torsion spring having coils and having a first leg inserted into the hole of the tailgate support and a second leg inserted into the hole of the tailgate, such that the torsion spring is actuated in a winding direction as the tailgate is opened.22. A tailgate assembly according to claim 21, wherein the tailgate support is a sidewall.