Ernest R Bontrager

US Patent:

6648420, Nov 18, 2003

Filed:

Jun 27, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/185926

Inventors:

Ernest Bontrager - Sarasota FL 34232

International Classification:

B60P 104

US Classification:

298235, 298 23 A, 298 23 D

Abstract:

A tailgate apparatus pivotally connected to a dump truck for automatically opening and closing a tailgate mounted at the rear of a dumpster box which, in the conventional mode of use, is supportively engaged atop and slidably or rollably removable from a tiltable truck bed of the dump truck. The tailgate is releasably secured against the ends of the side walls and bottom of the dumpster box when the truck bed is in a horizontal position. In a second mode of use, the truck bed is tiltable with respect to a chassis of the dump truck whereupon the tailgate arcuately opens in proportion to the angular tilting movement of the truck bed. The dumpster box may also be removed from the truck bed while maintaining the tailgate in a closed and secured condition.

US Patent:

60151919, Jan 18, 2000

Filed:

May 8, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/075048

Inventors:

Ernest R. Bontrager - Sarasota FL

International Classification:

B60P 104

US Classification:

298 23D

Abstract:

A tailgate apparatus which automatically opens and closes a tailgate positioned at the rear of a tiltable truck bed of a dump truck. The tailgate is rigidly connected and orthogonally oriented to two spaced forwardly extending gate arms, the forward ends of which are preferably pivotally connected to adjacent the upper margins of the side walls of the truck bed. The tailgate thus moves arcuately upward from the closed position against the ends of the side walls and bottom by an elongated pivot arm which is pivotally connected at each end thereof between the gate arm, preferably each of two gate arms, and a stationary point of the dump truck near the truck bed transverse pivotal tilting axis as the truck bed is tilted. The entire tailgate will thus move manditorily upward arcuately to a position above the side walls to the degree that the truck bed is tilted so that the truck bed may carry and dump debris piled much higher than the side walls. The tailgate may be one-piece or spilt and hinged in barn door fashion.