U.S. patent application number 14/268533 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-05 for multi-position endgate cable.
This patent application is currently assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. Invention is credited to Hugh S. Bauer, David B. Waskie.
Application Number | 20150314813 14/268533 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54352614 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150314813 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Waskie; David B. ; et
al. |
November 5, 2015 |
MULTI-POSITION ENDGATE CABLE
Abstract
An endgate cable mechanism includes an outer housing defining a
longitudinal tunnel and an inner fitting slidably disposed within
the longitudinal tunnel. A first transverse hole is in the outer
housing. A second transverse hole, which is spaced longitudinally
from the first transverse hole, is also defined in the outer
housing. A plunger is selectively extendable from the inner fitting
to engage with one of the first transverse hole and the second
transverse hole. The endgate cable mechanism has a first effective
length when the plunger is engaged with the first transverse hole
and has a second effective length when the plunger is engaged with
the second transverse hole.
Inventors: |
Waskie; David B.; (Harrison
Township, MI) ; Bauer; Hugh S.; (Macomb Township,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC |
Detroit |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
LLC
Detroit
MI
|
Family ID: |
54352614 |
Appl. No.: |
14/268533 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/57.1 ;
248/354.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 33/0273 20130101;
E05C 17/30 20130101; B62D 33/03 20130101; B62D 33/023 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62D 33/023 20060101
B62D033/023; B62D 33/027 20060101 B62D033/027 |
Claims
1. An endgate cable mechanism, comprising: an outer housing
defining a longitudinal tunnel; an inner fitting slidably disposed
within the longitudinal tunnel; a first transverse hole defined in
the outer housing; a second transverse hole defined in the outer
housing and spaced longitudinally from the first transverse hole;
and a plunger selectively extendable from the inner fitting to
engage with one of the first transverse hole and the second
transverse hole, such that the endgate cable mechanism has a first
effective length when the plunger is engaged with the first
transverse hole and a second effective length when the plunger is
engaged with the second transverse hole.
2. The endgate cable mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: a
cable attached to one of the outer housing and the inner
fitting.
3. The endgate cable mechanism of claim 2, wherein the first
transverse hole is a first hole pair, the second transverse hole is
a second hole pair, and the plunger is a first plunger, and further
comprising: a second plunger selectively extendable from the inner
fitting, such that the first plunger and the second plunger
cooperate to selectively engage with one of the first hole pair and
the second hole pair.
4. The endgate cable mechanism of claim 3, further comprising: a
biasing member disposed between the first plunger and the second
plunger, such that the first plunger and the second plunger are
urged transversely outward.
5. An endgate cable mechanism, comprising: an outer housing
defining a longitudinal tunnel; an inner fitting slidably disposed
within the longitudinal tunnel; a cable attached to one of the
outer housing and the inner fitting; a first transverse hole pair
defined in the outer housing; a second transverse hole pair defined
in the outer housing and spaced longitudinally from the first
transverse hole pair; and a first plunger selectively extendable
from the inner fitting to engage with one of the first transverse
hole pair and the second transverse hole pair, such that the
endgate cable mechanism has a first effective length when the first
plunger is engaged with the first transverse hole pair and a second
effective length when the first plunger is engaged with the second
transverse hole pair; a second plunger selectively extendable from
the inner fitting, such that the first plunger and the second
plunger cooperate to selectively engage with one of the first hole
pair and the second hole pair; a biasing member disposed between
the first plunger and the second plunger, such that the first
plunger and the second plunger are urged transversely outward; a
first interlocking tooth pattern formed on the first plunger
adjacent the biasing member; a second interlocking tooth pattern
formed on the second plunger adjacent the biasing member, wherein
the first interlocking tooth pattern meshes with the second
interlocking tooth pattern when the first plunger and the second
plunger are urged transversely inward.
6. The endgate cable mechanism of claim 5, further comprising: an
end plug formed on one end of the outer housing; and at least one
drain hole defined through the end plug, such that pooling of
liquids within the longitudinal tunnel is limited.
7. The endgate cable mechanism of claim 6, further comprising: a
third hole pair defined in the outer housing and spaced
longitudinally from the first hole pair and the second hole pair,
wherein the endgate cable mechanism has a third effective length
when the first plunger and the second plunger are engaged with the
third hole pair.
8. The endgate cable mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first
transverse hole is a first hole pair, the second transverse hole is
a second hole pair, and the plunger is a first plunger, and further
comprising: a second plunger selectively extendable from the inner
fitting, such that the first plunger and the second plunger
cooperate to selectively engage with one of the first hole pair and
the second hole pair.
9. The endgate cable mechanism of claim 8, further comprising: a
biasing member disposed between the first plunger and the second
plunger, such that the first plunger and the second plunger are
urged transversely outward.
10. A vehicle having a cargo box, comprising: an endgate pivotally
attached to the cargo box and selectively rotatable between a
stowed position and a plurality of deployed positions; and an
endgate cable mechanism spanning between the endgate and the cargo
box when the endgate is in the plurality of deployed positions,
including: an outer housing defining a longitudinal tunnel; an
inner fitting slidably disposed within the longitudinal tunnel; a
first transverse hole pair defined in the outer housing; a second
transverse hole pair defined in the outer housing and spaced
longitudinally from the first transverse hole pair; a first plunger
selectively extendable from the inner fitting; and a second plunger
selectively extendable from the inner fitting, such that the first
plunger and the second plunger cooperate to selectively engage with
one of the first transverse hole pair and the second transverse
hole pair, wherein the endgate cable mechanism has a first
effective length when the first plunger and the second plunger are
engaged with the first transverse hole pair, such that the endgate
is deployed at a first angle relative to the cargo box, and wherein
the endgate cable mechanism has a second effective length when the
first plunger and the second plunger are engaged with the second
transverse hole pair, such that the endgate is deployed at a second
angle, different from the first angle, relative to the cargo
box.
11. The vehicle of claim 10, further comprising: a biasing member
disposed between the first plunger and the second plunger, such
that the first plunger and the second plunger are urged
transversely outward.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to openings for cargo compartments,
such as endgates or tailgates.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Some vehicles with cargo compartments or cargo boxes use
endgates or tailgates to allow access to an end or side of the
cargo area. Endgates may be hinged boards or doors that are often
found at the rear of the vehicle and can be lowered during loading
and unloading.
SUMMARY
[0003] An endgate cable mechanism is provided. The endgate cable
mechanism may span between a cargo box and an endgate of a vehicle.
The endgate cable mechanism includes an outer housing defining a
longitudinal tunnel and an inner fitting slidably disposed within
the longitudinal tunnel. A first transverse hole is in the outer
housing. A second transverse hole is also defined in the outer
housing.
[0004] The second transverse hole is spaced longitudinally from the
first transverse hole. A plunger is selectively extendable from the
inner fitting to engage with one of the first transverse hole and
the second transverse hole. The endgate cable mechanism has a first
effective length when the plunger is engaged with the first
transverse hole, and has a second effective length when the plunger
is engaged with the second transverse hole. Therefore, the endgate
cable mechanism allows a plurality of deployed positions for the
endgate relative to the cargo box vehicle.
[0005] The above features and advantages, and other features and
advantages, of the present invention are readily apparent from the
following detailed description of some of the best modes and other
embodiments for carrying out the invention, which is defined solely
by the appended claims, when taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic, side view of an endgate system with
an endgate illustrated in a fully open position and, in phantom, in
one of a plurality of partially deployed positions;
[0007] FIG. 2A is a schematic, isometric view of a cable mechanism
in a primary position, similar to that shown in FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 2B is a schematic, isometric view of the cable
mechanism in one of a plurality of secondary positions; and
[0009] FIG. 3 is a schematic, isometric view of an inner fitting of
the cable mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Referring to the drawings, like reference numbers correspond
to like or similar components wherever possible throughout the
several figures. FIG. 1 shows a schematic side or plan view of a
multi-position endgate system 10 with an endgate 12 in a fully open
or fully deployed position. FIG. 1 also shows, in phantom, the
endgate 12 in one of a plurality of partially deployed
positions.
[0011] While the present invention may be described with respect to
automotive or vehicular applications, those skilled in the art will
recognize the broader applicability of the invention. Those having
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as
"above," "below," "upward," "downward," et cetera, are used
descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on
the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. Any
numerical designations, such as "first" or "second" are
illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention in any way.
[0012] Features shown in one figure may be combined with,
substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the
figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or
limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements,
or limitations. Any specific configurations shown in the figures
are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not
limiting of the claims or the description.
[0013] In the endgate system 10, the endgate 12 is pivotally
mounted relative to a storage box floor 14, which may be referred
to as the floor 14. The endgate 12 may also be referred to as a
tailgate. A storage box wall 16 is generally perpendicular to the
floor 14. The endgate 12, floor 14, and wall 16 collectively define
a cargo area, cargo box, cargo compartment of a vehicle (the
remainder of which is not shown). The specific structure to which
the endgate 12 is attached may vary depending upon the
configuration and type of vehicle--some may attach the endgate 12
to the walls 16 and some to the floor 14--such that the endgate 12
may be referred to as being attached to the cargo box in
general.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows the endgate 12 in the fully open position,
which is substantially horizontal relative to the floor 14 (and,
likely, the ground). In a closed or stowed position, not shown, the
endgate 12 is substantially vertical (as viewed in FIG. 1) and
abuts the wall 16 to close off the cargo box of the vehicle and at
least partially define the boundaries of the cargo compartment.
[0015] As used herein, the term substantially refers to quantities,
values, dimensions, or alignments that are within manufacturing
variance or tolerance ranges of being exact. Substantially equal
dimensions, for example, may be planned as ideally equal but normal
manufacturing tolerances may cause the resulting dimensions to vary
by 10-20% for different pieces. Substantially aligned, for example,
refers components that are intended to be truly aligned but may be
slightly offset when assembled under real world manufacturing
conditions.
[0016] The vehicle (partially shown) upon which the endgate system
10 is mounted may be, for example and without limitation: a pickup
truck, a wagon, a cross-over, or a sport-utility vehicle (SUV).
When used on wagons, cross-over vehicles, or sport utility
vehicles, the endgate 12 may cooperate with a door, hatch, or other
structure that opens upward.
[0017] The endgate 12 is shown in phantom in one of its partially
deployed positions. A platform (not shown), may be placed on top of
the endgate 12, such that the platform forms a work surface or a
level surface for loading sheet cargo such as plywood or drywall.
The platform itself may be a plywood board, metal sheet, or plastic
table.
[0018] A multi-position endgate cable, which may simply be referred
to as a cable mechanism 20, spans between the endgate 12 and the
wall 16. The cable mechanism 20 is selectively attached to, for
example and without limitation: a first anchor point 21, a second
anchor point 22, or a third anchor point 23.
[0019] The first anchor point 21, the second anchor point 22, and
the third anchor point 23 may be collectively or generically
referred to as one or more anchor points, or any one may be
generically referred to as an anchor point. The configuration of
FIG. 1 illustrates three anchor points but additional anchor points
may be formed on the wall 16. Note that in many configurations, an
opposing wall 16 will have similar anchor points.
[0020] For simplicity the description herein may refer to
connection between the cable mechanism 20 and the first anchor
point 21. However, any reference to the first anchor point 21
applies equally to the second anchor point 22, the third anchor
point 23, or any additional anchor points.
[0021] The figures illustrate how the cable mechanism 20 and the
first anchor point 21, the second anchor point 22, and the third
anchor point 23 cooperate to allow the endgate 12 to be placed into
numerous, different, deployed positions. Each of the different
deployed positions sets the endgate 12 at a different angle
relative to the floor 14 or the wall 16. The cable mechanism 20 and
the endgate 12 are capable of carrying substantial loads at each of
the deployed positions.
[0022] The first anchor point 21, the second anchor point 22, and
the third anchor point 23 are fixedly attached to the wall 16, and
may be bosses extending from the wall 16 or bolts attached to the
wall 16. In the example shown in the figures, the first anchor
point 21 is a bolt, which may be the default or pre-set position
for attachment of the cable mechanism 20. The second anchor point
22 illustrated in the figures is a striker, which may also serve to
lock the endgate 12 to the wall 16 when the endgate 12 is
closed.
[0023] The endgate 12 is moveable between its closed position
proximal to the wall 16 and a plurality of open or deployed
positions distal to the storage box wall 16. As described herein,
the cable mechanism 20 is configured to be adjustable between a
plurality of different effective lengths. The effective length of
the cable mechanism 20 and the specific anchor point (either the
first anchor point 21, the second anchor point 22, of the third
anchor point 23) to which the cable mechanism 20 is attached
determines the open positions of the endgate 12. Note that the
effective length of the cable mechanism 20 can also vary the
position of the endgate 12, even when the cable mechanism 20 is
attached to the same anchor point, as illustrated in FIG. 1
[0024] As viewed in the solid lines of FIG. 1, the cable mechanism
20 is attached to the first anchor point 21 and is shown at a first
effective length, which is its primary, full-length, position. The
solid-line configuration shown in FIG. 1 allows the endgate 12 to
be fully deployed to an angle of about one hundred and eighty
degrees relative to the floor 14 or about ninety degrees relative
to the wall 16.
[0025] As illustrated by the phantom lines of FIG. 1, the cable
mechanism 20 is still attached to the first anchor point 21 but is
shown at a different effective length, which is actually a third
effective length. The phantom-line configuration shown in FIG. 1
allows the endgate 12 to be partially deployed to an angle of about
fifty-five degrees relative to the wall 16. The third effective
length of the cable mechanism 20 (phantom lines) is less than the
first effective length of the cable mechanism 20 (solid lines).
[0026] Referring also to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, and with continued
reference to FIG. 1, there are shown additional views of the cable
mechanism 20 which further illustrate how the cable mechanism
adjusts or reconfigures between different effective lengths. FIG.
2A shows the cable mechanism 20 at the first effective length, as
shown in FIG. 1. However, FIG. 2B shows the cable mechanism 20 at a
second effective length, which is shorter than the first effective
length but longer than the third effective length. The second
effective length may allow the cable mechanism 20 to lower the
endgate 12 to an angle of about seventy degrees relative to the
wall 16.
[0027] The cable mechanism 20 includes a cable 26 attached to a
removable end piece 28. A fixed end piece 30 pivotally attaches one
end of the cable mechanism 20 to the endgate 12. The cable 26 may
be a wire or a rope, and may be formed from, for example and
without limitation: stranded metal, plastic, or natural or
synthetic fibers (such as aramid fibers). As the endgate 12 rotates
from one of the deployed positions to its closed position (flush
with the wall) and tension is removed from the cable mechanism 20,
the cable 26 folds or flexes.
[0028] The removable end piece 28 selectively attaches the cable 26
to one of the first anchor point 21, the second anchor point 22, or
the third anchor point 23 on the wall 16, which provides some
variability in the angle of the endgate 12 relative to the wall 16.
Note that the cable mechanism 20 could be reversed, such that the
cable 26 is attached to the end of the cable mechanism with the
fixed end piece 30.
[0029] The cable mechanism 20 includes an outer housing 32, which
defines a longitudinal tunnel 34 through its length. When the
endgate 12 is deployed, the cable mechanism 20 is placed into
tension and the cable 26 is generally aligned with the outer
housing 32 and the longitudinal tunnel 34.
[0030] An inner fitting 36 is slidably disposed within the
longitudinal tunnel 34. Movement of the inner fitting 36 relative
to the outer housing 32 alters the effective length of the cable
mechanism 20. The cable 26 is illustrated as attached to the inner
fitting 36, but may alternatively be attached to the outer housing
32.
[0031] A first transverse hole or a first hole pair 37 is defined
in the outer housing 32. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the
holes may extend completely through the outer housing 32. However
the first hole pair 37 may also be recessions formed on the
interior of the outer housing 32 such that they intersect the
longitudinal tunnel 34.
[0032] A second transverse hole or second hole pair 38 is defined
in the outer housing 32 and is spaced longitudinally from the first
transverse hole. Additionally, a third hole pair 39 is spaced
longitudinally from the first hole pair 37 and the second hole pair
38. The second hole pair 38 allows the cable mechanism 20 to be
locked or fixed at the second effective length, as shown in FIG.
2B. The third hold pair 39 allows the cable mechanism 20 to be
locked or fixed at the third effective length, as shown in phantom
lines in FIG. 1.
[0033] The cable mechanism 20 may further include additional holes
or hole pairs to allow additional effective lengths by adjustment
of the inner fitting 36. The longitudinal tunnel 34 and the inner
fitting 36 illustrated in the figures have a generally-cylindrical
shape. However, note that the longitudinal tunnel 34 and the inner
fitting 36 could also be rectangular or other prismatic shapes.
[0034] Referring also to FIG. 3, in addition to FIGS. 1-2B, there
is shown an isometric view of the inner fitting 36 to better
illustrate the components and elements with which the outer housing
32 cooperates to alter the effective length of the cable mechanism
20. The inner fitting 36 includes an inner housing 42 and
transverse tunnel 44 defined by, or through, the inner housing 42.
In FIG. 3, the inner housing 42 is shown in phantom to better
illustrate the components therein.
[0035] A first plunger 46 is selectively extendable from the inner
fitting 36. In the configuration illustrated, the first plunger 46
rides within the transverse tunnel 44 and the first plunger 46 is
completely surrounded by the transverse tunnel 44. However, in
other configurations, the inner housing 42 may not fully form a
tunnel and may simply support the longitudinal ends of the inner
fitting 36.
[0036] The first plunger 46 is configured to selectively engage
with one of the first hole pair 37, the second hole pair 38, and
the third hole pair 39. Therefore, the location of the inner
fitting 36 changes relative to the outer housing 32, such that the
cable mechanism 20 has a first effective length when the first
plunger 46 is engaged with the first hole pair 37, a second
effective length when the first plunger 46 is engaged with the
second hole pair 38, and a third effective length when the first
plunger 46 is engaged with the third hole pair 39.
[0037] In some configurations, a second plunger 48 is selectively
extendable from the inner fitting 36, such that the first plunger
46 and the second plunger 48 cooperate to selectively engage with
one of the first hole pair 37, the second hole pair 38, and the
third hole pair 39. The cable mechanism 20 can function with a
single hole or, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, there may be multiple
holes into which the first plunger 46 and the second plunger 48
both extend.
[0038] The inner fitting 36 includes a biasing member 52 disposed
between the first plunger 46 and the second plunger 48. The biasing
member 52 urges the first plunger 46 and the second plunger 48
transversely outward. As used herein, the term outward refers to
movement or biasing toward the outer housing 32.
[0039] The inner fitting 36 of the cable mechanism 20 further
includes a first interlocking tooth pattern 54, or simply first
tooth pattern, formed on the first plunger 46 and a second
interlocking tooth pattern 56, or simply second tooth pattern,
formed on the second plunger 48. The first interlocking tooth
pattern 54 and the second interlocking tooth pattern 56 are formed
on the interior of the first plunger 46 and the second plunger 48,
respectively, such that they are adjacent the biasing member
52.
[0040] As the first plunger 46 and the second plunger 48 are urged
or biased transversely inward, the inner fitting 36 is free from
the outer housing 32. As used herein, inward refers to movement or
bias away from the interior of the outer housing 32. The first
interlocking tooth pattern 54 meshes with the second interlocking
tooth pattern 56, allowing portions of the first plunger 46 to
travel further inward and overlap with portions of the second
plunger 48.
[0041] The first plunger 46 and the second plunger 48 carry loads
between the outer housing 32 and the inner fitting 36--and
eventually the cable 26--when the cable mechanism 20 is loaded in
tension. The first interlocking tooth pattern 54 and the second
interlocking tooth pattern 56 provide added contact surface,
relative to planar interior surfaces on the first plunger 46 and
the second plunger 48, for load transfer between the inner housing
42 and first plunger 46 and the second plunger 48.
[0042] The outer housing 32 of the cable mechanism 20 includes an
end plug 60 formed on one end thereof. The end plug 60 provides
attachment structure between the outer housing 32 and the fixed end
piece 30. When the endgate 12 is fully or partially deployed, as
shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the end plug 60 could allow water or
other fluids to collect within the longitudinal tunnel 34.
Therefore, at least one drain hole 62 may be defined through the
end plug 60, such that pooling of liquids within the longitudinal
tunnel 34 is limited.
[0043] The cable mechanism 20 illustrated in the figures is shown
with a short length of cable (not numbered) between the outer
housing 32 and the fixed end piece 30. However, the fixed end piece
30 may be formed as a portion of the outer housing 32, such that
the only portion of cable on the cable mechanism 20 is the cable
26. Furthermore, the fixed end piece 30 may be attached to the
cable 26 and the removable end piece 28 attached to the outer
housing 32, such that the outer housing 32 is on the wall or box
side and the cable 26 is on the gate side.
[0044] The detailed description and the drawings or figures are
supportive and descriptive of the invention, but the scope of the
invention is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best
modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed invention
have been described in detail, various alternative designs,
configurations, and embodiments exist for practicing the invention
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *