MULTI-PANEL HINGED ENDGATE ASSEMBLY WITH EDGE SUPPORT FOR STEP PANEL

摘要

An endgate assembly includes a first panel that has a first hinge axis, a second panel hinged to the first panel at a second hinge axis that is spaced from and generally parallel with the first hinge axis, and a third panel hinged to the second panel at a third hinge axis and pivotable about the third hinge axis from a stowed position generally parallel with the second panel to a use position generally perpendicular to the second panel. The third panel has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion and the distal portion are divided by the third hinge axis. The second panel has a recess adjacent the third hinge axis that receives the proximal portion and has a first surface at the recess positioned to establish the use position of the third panel by contacting the proximal portion and reacting loading of the distal portion.

主权项

1. An endgate assembly for connection to a vehicle body comprising:
a first panel having a first hinge axis; a second panel hinged to the first panel at a second hinge axis that is spaced from and generally parallel with the first hinge axis; wherein the second panel is pivotable about the second hinge axis from a first position generally parallel with the first panel to a second position generally perpendicular to the first panel; a third panel hinged to the second panel at a third hinge axis and pivotable about the third hinge axis from a stowed position generally parallel with the second panel to a use position generally perpendicular to the second panel; wherein the third panel has a proximal portion and a distal portion; wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion are divided by the third hinge axis; wherein the second panel has a recess adjacent the third hinge axis that receives the proximal portion when the third panel is pivoted to the use position; and wherein the second panel has a first surface at the recess positioned to establish the use position of the third panel by contacting the proximal portion and reacting loading of the distal portion, thereby preventing further pivoting of the third panel about the third hinge axis.