US3869168A

US3869168A - Power gate and lift means

Info

Publication number: US3869168A
Application number: US366781A
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald L Matheson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-06-04
Filing date: 1973-06-04
Publication date: 1975-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 1992-03-04

Abstract

This invention relates to a power gate and lift means which is mountable on a conventional truck bed and operable to provide (1) a power gate means which is movable under hydraulic pressure from the closed to opened condition in order to readily empty grain and the like therefrom; and (2) a lift means mounted on the tail gate area of the truck bed operable under hydraulic pressure to raise and lower a lift member for loading and unloading various articles thereon. More particularly, this invention relates to a power gate means movable in an efficient manner from the locked to the unlocked and elevated condition for speed in unloading and a power lift means operable with various lift means in order to load drums, cattle, sheep, and the like on the truck bed in a most efficient and effective manner.

Description

[4 1 Mar. 4, 1975 POWER GATE AND LIFT MEANS 296/51, 52. 53, 54,55, 56, 57 R, 57 A, 106; 160/207; 49/197, 339, 381, 371; 298/23 R, 23 M, 23 MD, 23 S, 23 A, 23 B, 23 C, 23 D,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,961,587 6/1934 Hulley et a1. 296/56 2,246,358 6/1941 Jelinek et a1 296/51 3,247,892 4/1906 Harmon 160/207 3,464,161 9/1969 .lonsson 49/197 Primary Examiner-Robert J. Spar Assistant Examiner-Lawrence J. Oresky [57] ABSTRACT This invention relates to a power gate and lift means which is mountable on a conventional truck bed and operable to provide (1) a power gate means which is movable under hydraulic pressure from the closed to opened condition in order to readily empty grain and the like therefrom; and (2) a lift means mounted on the tail gate area of the truck bed operable under hydraulic pressure to raise and lower a lift member for loading and unloading various articles thereon. More particularly, this invention relates to a power gate means movable in an efficient manner from the locked to the unlocked and elevated condition for speed in unloading and a power lift means operable with various lift means in order to load drums, cattle, sheep, and the like on the truck bed in a most efficient and effective manner.

5 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures 1 POWER GATE AND LIFT MEANS Numerous structures are knownin the prior art but are not operable in an efficient and effective manner to raise and lower under hydraulic power means a gate structure for unloading grains with the minimum amount of time and labor while the operator remains in the cab area not requiring substantial physical labor in order to release the tail gate structure. Additionally, the prior art structures fail to teach the combination of a power gate means and a lift means operable to raise under fluid power the gate portion and additionally utilizing the same fluidpower to raise and lower a lift assembly for loading and unloading various items thereon In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a power gate and lift means combination is operable to be mounted on a truck bed assembly. The power gate and lift means includes a power gate .means and a lift means. The power gate means includes a main support means; a gate means mounted on the support means;- and a power means operably connected to the gate means for operation thereof. The lift means includes the support means operably connected to the power means and a lift support means mounted on the main support means. The main support means includes a conventional truck bed assembly having a bed or support platform enclosed by an endwall, upright sidewalls connected to the endwall and truck bed, and an open tail gate area. The truck bed assembly is operably connected to a piston and cylinder means for tilting to unload materials such as grain and the like therefrom. The gate means is mounted across the tail gate area of the truck bed assembly and includes a tail gate assembly connected by a pair of actuator arms to the support means. The tail gate assembly includes a plurality of upright panels interconnected by angle iron supports having downwardly, extended anchor lock pins movable within slots in the truck bed holding against lateral movement when in the closed condition. Each actuator arm includes a main body section integral with an arcuatesection. One end of the main body section is con nected by a first hearing member to an upper portion of an end support angle iron of the truck bed assembly. The outer end of the arcuate section is pivotally connected to an upper portion of the tail gate assembly by a bearing member. The actuator arms are jointly pivotal about the first bearing members to raise and lower the tail gate assembly. The power means includes a piston and cylinder assembly; a fluid supply means connected to the piston and cylinder assembly; and a control member operable to selectively supply pressure fluid to the piston and cylinder assembly. The piston and cylinder assembly includes a main cylinder pivotally connected at one end to a support plate and having a piston assembly mounted therein. The piston assembly includes a main piston member having integral therewith a piston rod having its outer end pivotally connected by a yoke member to the actuator arms for movement thereof. The fluid supply means includes a pair of fluid conduit lines connected to opposite ends and lowering. The lift means includes four embodiments being l) a scoop lift assembly; (2) a pen lift assembly; (3) a lift gate assembly; and (4) a storage lift assembly. The scoop lift assembly includes a main support platform connected to the support means and the power means so as to be raised and lowered with material thereon for subsequent movement on and off the truck bed. The pen lift assembly includes a main boxlike pen structure having a bottom wall, endwalls, and side gate structures. The pen lift assembly is operably connected to the support means and can be raised or lowered whereupon cattle can be placed thereon for moving upwardly and subsequently loading on and off the truck bed. The lift gate assembly provides a foldable lift gate which is connected to the support means and the power means to receive material thereupon for raising and lowering thereof. When in the raised condition, the lift gate assembly can move to a folded -condi tion to also form a tail gate portion to maintain material, livestock therein. The storage lift assembly includes a storage bin, support assembly connected to the storage bin and connector means secured to the support assembly. The storage bin has an open top and a funnel shaped, discharge section to discharge material therein through a gate member. The support assembly includes a base assembly to elevate: the storage bin. The

,connector means includes a pair of opposed gusset plates, each having a roller member engagable with the channel members for raising and lowering above the truck bed assembly. The lift support means includes a pair of support arms of generally square shape in transverse cross' section interconnected by a cross support member. The support arms are slidably mounted within support angle irons of the truck bed to achieve vertical support and are movable outwardly and rearwardly of the truck bed assembly to provide necessary support for the pen lift assembly or the others during transport. Additionally, lock pinstructures are mounted on the truck bed assembly so as to be engagable with the various ones of the lift means for anchoring in the raised or lowered conditions as desired.

One object of this invention is to provide a power gate meansoperably connected to a truck bed assembly as a tail gate assembly including agate means to enclose the tail gate area; and a power means to raiseand lower the gate means without any physical effort from a remote location.

Another object of this invention is to provide a power gate means having a tail gate assembly connected by actuator arms to a truck bed assembly and operably connected to a power means, such power means operably, under one condition, to automatically raise the tail gate assembly and, in a second condition, to automatically close and lock the tail gate against lateral movement.

One other object of this invention is to provide a lift means which is readily attachable to the rear gate portion of a truck bed assembly and operably connected to a power means so as to be raised and lowered from contact of a support surface to the elevated condition for loading material on and off the truck bed assembly.

One further object of this invention is to provide a lift means having a pen lift assembly operably connected to the rear portion of a truck bed assembly having a means thereon to receive livestock and hold the same in an enclosed condition while raising and lowering and operable to load and unload the livestock on the truck structure not requiring ramp structures or other such features.

One other object of this invention is to provide a storage lift assembly to receive granular material therein for storage and having means for connection to the rear portion of a truck bed assembly for elevating and subsequent unloading of the material into the truck bed assembly.

.Still another object ofthis invention is to provide a power lift means which is operably connected to a truck bed assembly to provide a lift gate assembly which can be raised and lowered for loading livestock, materials and the like on the truck bed structure and movable to a folded condition to provide a tail gate closure to maintain the items therein thereby selectively acting as (1) a lift structure; and (2) a gate structure.

Still, one further object of this invention is to provide a power gate and lift means which is (l) readily installed on existing truck bed assemblies; (2) connectable to fluid power sources found on most truck or tractor structures; (3) simple to operate; (4) a time and labor saving convenience; and (5) substantially maintenance free.

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled inthe art from the following discussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

. FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a support truck having a power gate means of this invention attached thereto;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the support truck member with the power gate means as shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 having the power gate and lift structure of this invention attached thereto; 1

FIGS. 4 and 5 are fragmentary side elevational views illustrating the operation of the power gate means of this invention moving from the closed to the opened condition;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pen lift assembly of a lift means of this invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are fragmentary side elevational views of a lift gate assembly of the lift means of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a second embodiment of the power gate means of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the second embodiment of the power gate means of this invention;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged. view similar to FIG. 9 showing the operation of the second embodiment of the power gate means of this invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a storage lift assembly ofthe lift means of this invention; and

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary side elevational view-of the support truck member with the storage lift assembly of this invention.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the new power gate and lift means of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, whereupon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a power gate and lift means, indicated generally at 12, is

mounted on the rear portion of a semi-trailer type truck vehicle 14. The truck vehicle 14 can be of a conventional nature including a cab area (not shown) with an open bed to retain grain, cattle, or the like. This invention'pertains to the power gate and lift means 12 which can be mounted on a rear portion 15 to provide a new and novel power gate structure and power lift structure for loading and unloading materials therefrom.

More particularly, the power gate and lift means 12 includes a power gate means 16 and a lift means 18 which can be used separately or in combination.

The power gate means 16 of FIG. 1 includes a first support means 20 mounted on the rear portion 15; a gate means 22 operably connected to the support means 20 operable to open and close the rear portion 15 thereof; a power means 24 connected to the gate means 22 for operation thereof. The lift means 18 may be attached to the power means 24 and support means 20 for loading and unloading materials thereon and includes a lift support means 26 connected to the truck bed for supporting the lift means 18.

The support means 20 includes a truck bed assembly 28 having truck bed or platform 30 connected to vertical sidewalls 32 and a forward endwall 34. The rear portion 15 of the truck bed assembly 28 is to be covered by the power gate means 16 of this invention. In the cab area (not shown) is a control means whereupon the entire truck bed or platform 30 can be elevated and titled so as to remove under gravity materials contained therein such as grain and the like.

The gate means 22 includes a tail gate assembly 35 interconnected by

actuator arms

37 and 38 to the support means 20. The tail gate assembly 35 includes a plurality of namely three panel members 39 interconnected about its peripheral and strengthened centrally by anchor irom members41 and having a plurality of outwardly extended anchor lock pin members 43. It is seen that the main panel members 39 provide the rearward gate structure to retain materials within the truck bed assembly 28. The spaced lock pin members 43 are operable to be placed within anchor slots 45 in the truck bed or platform 30 when moved to the closed condition to prevent lateral movement.

The pair of

actuator arms

37 and 38 are substantially identical, each having a main body secti0n 46 integral with an outer arcuate section 48. The

actuator arms

37, 38 are of a generally .I-shape having the main body section 46 in a horizontal position in the closed condition requiring a minimum of vertical movement from the closed to the opened condition. The inner end of the main body sections 46 are connected to opposed support channels 49 by first bearing members 51 and having the outer respective ends of the arcuate sections 48 pivotally connected by second bearing members 53 to the tail gate assembly 35.

The power means 24 includes a piston and cylinder assembly 54 provided with power through a fluid supply means 56 having the remote control means for operation thereof. The piston and cylinder assembly 54 includes a' main cylinder member 57 pivotally connected at one end to support plates 59 secured to opposite upright support channels 49 of the truck bed assembly 28. The piston and cylinder assembly 54 further includes a piston member mounted within the cylinder member 57 having a piston rod 61 connected to a yoke member 63 which is operably connected to the arcuate sections 48 of the

actuator arms

37, 38 for movement about the pivot point of the first bearing member 51. The fluid supply means 56 is a conventional hydraulic motor or power take off fluid supply from the truck bed assembly 28 operable through conduit lines 64 and 66 in a generally conventional manner to extend and retract the piston rod 61.

In another embodiment of the power gate means 16 as shown in FIGS. 9, I0, and 11, a tail gate assembly 65 is interconnected by

actuator arms

37 and 38 to the support means 20. The tail gate assembly 65 includes a main body 69 having integral, inwardly extended upright edges 71 which, in turn, support connector plates 73 and roller members 75. The main body 69 is provided with pen members 43 mountable within the anchor slots 45 in the truck bed 30. The connector plates 73 are mounted on opposite sides and connectable to the

actuator arms

37 and 38. The roller members 75 are secured to the lower portion of the upright edges 71 and extended inwardly therefrom mountable in upright channel members 77 of the truck bed assembly 28 for vertical movement. I

In the use and operation of the power gate means 16,

. as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the gate means 22 is in a normally closed condition as such that the anchor lock pin members 43 are mounted within the bed or connector slots 45 to hold the same against rearward,

lateral movement. On energization of the power means 24, it is obvious that fluid pressure in the conduit line 64 extends the piston rod 61 so as to move the gate means 22 through the connection to the

actuator arms

37, 38 in an arcuate path as shown by the arrow 67 in FIG. 5. This operates to automatically unlock the anchor lock pin members 43 from the connector slots 45 to move the gate means 22 to the elevated position of FIG. 1 as shown in dotted lines. The outer ends of the arcuate sections 48 of the

actuator arms

37, 38 are pivotally connected so that the tail gate assembly 35 is pivotal in an outward direction so as to allow for the rapid movement of grain and the like therefrom during unloading operations.

On moving the power gate means 16 to the closed conditiomit is obvious that the fluid supply means 56 is actuated operable to retract the piston rod 61 within the cylinder member 57 to move to the closed condition as shown in solid lines in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5, on movement to the closed condition as shown by an arrow 67A, the tail gate assembly 35 first contacts corners 74 to pivot same about the bearing members 53 to immediately and forcefully close the tail gate assembly 35. The anchor lock pin members43 move into the connector slots 45 to prevent lateral movement of the gate means 22 which is held rigid by the anchor pin members 43 and the positioning of the

actuator arms

37, 38.

In the use and operation of the power gate means 16 with the tail gate assembly 65 of FIGS. 9, l0, and 11, the roller members 75 are mounted in the channel members 77 and the upright edges 71 form a seal for maintaining grain and the like therein. The power means 24 is operable as above to raise and lower the tail gate assembly 65 as shown in FIG. 11.

In respective FIGS. 3, 6, 7, and 12 are shown the lift means 18 of this invention including four embodiments thereof being l a scoop lift assembly 68; (2) a pen lift assembly 70; (3) a lift gate assembly 72; and (4) a storage lift assembly 73. The scoop lift assembly 68 is shown as having upright, parallel spaced support channels 74 having bearing members 76 thereon and secured at a power portion to a support platform 78. The bearing members 76 are adapted to be placed within U-shaped outer support channels or guide rails 80 on the truck bed assembly 28 for movement in a vertical direction. The support platform 78 includes a bottom wall 81 having outer ends enclosed by triangular sidewalls 83 to provide the necessary support. An upper portion of the support channels 74 are provided with a laterally extended detent section 85 which can be connected through a chain or bar member 86 to the

actuator arms

37, 38 of the gate means 22 for raising and lowering through the power means 24. The support platform 78 could be provided with a back wall if desired or left open so that barrels could be readily loaded thereon and moved on and off the truck bed assembly 28. When in the raised condition without the back wall,

the scoop lift assembly 68 and the power gate means 16 can be used in combination as will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 6, the pen lift assembly is provided with the upright support channels 74 having the bearing members 76 thereon and secured to a support pen assembly 87. The bearing members 76 are mountable within the guide rails on the truck bed assembly 28. The support pen assembly 87 is provided with a bottom wall 89 integral with upright endwalls 91 and having

sidewall gate assemblies

92 and 93 connected thereto. The

sidewall gate assemblies

92 and 93 are substantially identical, each having a pair of gate members 95 pivotally connected on adjacent ends to respective endwalls 91 and a latch assembly 97 connecting adjacent gate members 95. The latch assembly 97 is provided with an anchor housing 98 having a latch bar 99 movable horizontally from the latched to the unlatched' condition for anchoring purposes.

The lift gate assembly 72, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, is similar to the scoop lift assembly 68 including upright support channels 74 with the bearing members 76 and having a foldable support scoop 101 on the lower portion thereof. The bearing members 76 are similarly mountable within the guide rails 8(1) of the truck bed assembly 28 for vertical movement. The Support scoop 101 is provided with a rectangular bottom floor 103 pivotally connected on one side to the lower ends of the support channels 74. The opposite sides of the support scoop 101 are connected to linkage members 105 which, in turn, are connected to upper portions of the support channels 74. The linkage members 105 include first and second pivotally connected

arm members

108 and 109 which are pivotally connected to outer respective ends to the support channels 74 and the bottom floor 103. As shown in FIG. 8, the lift gate assembly 72 would be moved to the upper raised condition and, with the lower support scoop 101 folded upwardly, it operates as a gate structure and a latch pin 110 may be used to secure in the raised condition.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the storage lift assembly 73 includes a storage bin a support assembly 117 connected to the storage bin 115; and connector means 118 secured to the support assembly 117. The storage bin 115 includes four upright interconnected sidewalls 120 integral with a funnel shaped discharge section 122. The upright corners and upper edges of the sidewalls 120 are secured to angle iron members 123 for rigidity. The upper edges of the sidewalls 120 define an entrance opening 125 to receive material therein.

The discharge section 122 has a front wall 126; inclined sidewall members 128; and an inclined back wall 130 leading to a discharge gate 132. An opening (not shown) is provided in the front wall 126 which is opened or closed by the discharge gate 132.

The support assembly 117 includes upright support legs or posts 134 interconnected by support members 136 at upper and lower ends thereof. The upper ends of the support legs 134 are secured to the lower ends of the corner angle iron members 123 to maintain the storage bin 115 in an elevated condition for reasons to be explained.

The connector means 118 includes on opposed forward ones of the support legs 134 a respective gusset plate 139 having a roller member 141 connected thereto. The gusset plates 139 maybe pivotally connected to the respective support leg 134 for movement about an upright axis in a direction shown by arrow 143. A lock pin may be used to secure the connector means 118 in the position of FIG. 12 when mounted in the guide rails 80 on the truck bed assembly 28.

The lift support means 26 can be utilized in three embodiments of the lift means 18 and includes a pair of channel support arms 112 interconnected by cross supports 114. The lift support means 26 can be moved from the retracted position of FIG. 1 under the truck bed assembly 28 to the extended position as shown in FIG. 8. The support arms 112 are movable under the various ones of the lift means 18 when'in the conveyance condition so as to support any weight thereon.

In the use of the lift means 18 of this invention, the scoop lift assembly 68 is readily attached to the U shaped channels 80 of the truck bed assembly 28 and interconnected by the chain or bar member 86 at the detent portion 85 to the actuator arms 37, 38.1t is obvious that, in the lowered condition as shown in solid lines in FIG. 3, barrels or other heavy materials could be placed thereon to be moved by the power means 24 to the raised condition for transfer to the truck bed assembly 28. Also, it is obvious that the scoop lift assembly 68 can be conveyed as shown in solid lines in FIG. 3 for transporting purposes and the power gate means 16 placed in the closed condition.

The pen lift assembly 70, as shown in FIG. 6, can be attached by the bearing members 76 to the guide rails 80 of the truck bed assembly 28. The pen lift assembly 70 is operable to receive livestock therewithin through the

sidewall gate assemblies

92, 93. On raising to the upper condition, the inner sidewall gate assembly 93 can be opened to transfer the livestock to the truck bed assembly 28. Additionally, it is noted that the pen lift assembly 70 can be anchored by the lock pins 110 in the upper condition and the lift support means 26 can be moved outwardly to provide the necessary support. In this condition, sick animals that must be separated from healthy ones can be carried in the pen lift assembly 70 without mixing thereof. It is seen that the pen lift assembly 70 is readily usable in the field whereupon an animal can be raised and lowered into the truck bed assembly 28 not requiring specially designed loading ramps and the'like.

The lift gate assembly 72 is shown in the loading condition in FIG. 7 and the raised condition in FIG. 8. The lower support scoop 101 can be folded to serve as a tail gate structure. It is obvious that the platform or support scoop 101 can be substantially longer than that shown in FIG. 7 to serve as a gate structure in the folded condition of FIG. 8 to keep animals therewithin. Of course, on locking of the lift gate assembly 72 as shown in FIG. 8,

theactuator arms

37, 38 can be disconnected and moved to the lowered position until further need thereof.

As shown in FIG. 13, the storage lift assembly 73 is connected by the roller members 141 to the guide rails on the truck bed assembly 28. The power means 24 is operable to elevate the storage lift assembly 73 and discharge grain thereupon on opening of the discharge gate 132 into the truck bed assembly 28.

It is noted that the pen lift gate of FIG. 6 can be completely enclosed for the purpose of loading grain.

It is seen that the power gate and lift means of this invention provides a new and novel gate means which can be attached to conventional truck bed structures and operable through hydraulic power means to raise and lower the gate means from a remote location not requiring manual labor to lock and unlock the same. It is seen that the power gate means in combination with tilting of the bed structure provides rapid unloading thereof.

It is seen that the four embodiments of the lift means of this invention provides a structure that can be readily attached to the support means of this invention, being the truck bed assembly, and utilizing the power means of the power gate means to raise and lower support platforms for loading animals, barrels, feed, and other items with a minmum amount of physical effort being required.

The storage lift assembly provides an extra storage facility in the fields to store grain cut by a combine to increase efficiency of the cutting and transporting operations. The storage lift assembly is readily operable to transfer grain therein to a truck bed for conveyance to the storage elevators.

It is seen that the power gate and lift means of this invention provides a structure that is economical to manufacture substantially maintenance free, easy to utilize as a gate and/or lift structure, and safe in operation.

While the invention has been described in conjunction withpreferred specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention,

- which is defined by the following claims.

I claim:

1. A power gate and lift means mountable on a truck bed, comprising:

a. a support means secured to said truck bed,

b. gate means pivotally connected to said support means to enclose a rear area of said truck bed and movable from opened to closed positions,

c. power means connected to said support means and said gate means to raise and lower said gate means,

d. said gate means having a tail gate assembly pivotally connected to actuator arms,

c. said actuator arms pivotally connected to said support means and said power means,

f. said tail gate assembly having anchor pin members engagable with said truck bed when in the closed position to prevent lateral movement of said tail gate assembly, and

g. said actuator arms of a J-shape having a long leg extended in a horizontal plane in the closed condition and a short leg extended downwardly from said long leg whereby the connection of said short leg to said tail gate assembly is located between the top and bottom-portions of said tail gate assembly, thereby preventing rearward movement of said tail gate assembly in the closed condition.

2. A power gateand lift means as described in claim 1, wherein:

a. a lower section of said tail gate assembly is pivotal upwardly relative to said connection to said short leg in the raised condition to permit flow of material therethrough under gravity; and

b. an upper portion of said tail gate assembly first contacts top rearward portions of said truck bed on movement to the closed condition to immediately pivot said tail gate assembly to the closed condition.

3. A power gate and lift means as described in claim 1, wherein:v

a. said tail gate assembly having a main body with opposed, upright inwardly extended edge sections to enclose the rear area of said truck bed and prevent loss of material therefrom as serving a sealing function with said truck bed.

4. A power gate and lift means as described in claim 3, wherein:

a. said tail gate assembly having opposed roller members secured to said edge sections; and

b. said roller members mounted in upright guide rails of -said truck bed for controlled vertical movement by said power means.

5. A power gate and lift means mountable on a truck bed, comprising:

a. a support means secured to said truck bed,

c. power means connected to said support means and said gate means to raise and lower and gate means,

(1. said gate means having a tail gate assembly pivotally connected to actuator arms, I

e. said actuator arms pivotally connected to said support means and said power means, i

f. said tail gate assembly having anchor pin members engagable with said truck bed when in closed position to prevent lateral movement of said tail gate assembly,

gl said actuator arms of a J-shape having a long leg extended in a horizontal plane in the closed condition and a short leg extended downwardly from said long leg whereby the connection of said short leg to said tail gate assembly prevents lateral movement of said tail gate assembly in the closed condition,

h. said power means having a piston and cylinder assembly connected to said support means and to said tail gate assembly,

i. a lower section of said tail gate assembly pivotal upwardly relative to said connection to short leg in the raised condition to permit flow of material therethrough under gravity, and

j. an upper portion of said tail gate assembly to first contact top rearward portions of said truck bed on movement to the closed condition to immediately pivot said tail gate assembly to the closed condition.

Claims

1. A power gate and lift means mountable on a truck bed, comprising: a. a support means secured to said truck bed, b. gate means pivotally connEcted to said support means to enclose a rear area of said truck bed and movable from opened to closed positions, c. power means connected to said support means and said gate means to raise and lower said gate means, d. said gate means having a tail gate assembly pivotally connected to actuator arms, e. said actuator arms pivotally connected to said support means and said power means, f. said tail gate assembly having anchor pin members engagable with said truck bed when in the closed position to prevent lateral movement of said tail gate assembly, and g. said actuator arms of a J-shape having a long leg extended in a horizontal plane in the closed condition and a short leg extended downwardly from said long leg whereby the connection of said short leg to said tail gate assembly is located between the top and bottom portions of said tail gate assembly, thereby preventing rearward movement of said tail gate assembly in the closed condition.

2. A power gate and lift means as described in claim 1, wherein: a. a lower section of said tail gate assembly is pivotal upwardly relative to said connection to said short leg in the raised condition to permit flow of material therethrough under gravity; and b. an upper portion of said tail gate assembly first contacts top rearward portions of said truck bed on movement to the closed condition to immediately pivot said tail gate assembly to the closed condition.

3. A power gate and lift means as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said tail gate assembly having a main body with opposed, upright inwardly extended edge sections to enclose the rear area of said truck bed and prevent loss of material therefrom as serving a sealing function with said truck bed.

4. A power gate and lift means as described in claim 3, wherein: a. said tail gate assembly having opposed roller members secured to said edge sections; and b. said roller members mounted in upright guide rails of said truck bed for controlled vertical movement by said power means.

5. A power gate and lift means mountable on a truck bed, comprising: a. a support means secured to said truck bed, b. gate means pivotally connected to said support means to enclose a rear area of said truck bed and movable from opened to closed positions, c. power means connected to said support means and said gate means to raise and lower and gate means, d. said gate means having a tail gate assembly pivotally connected to actuator arms, e. said actuator arms pivotally connected to said support means and said power means, f. said tail gate assembly having anchor pin members engagable with said truck bed when in closed position to prevent lateral movement of said tail gate assembly, g. said actuator arms of a J-shape having a long leg extended in a horizontal plane in the closed condition and a short leg extended downwardly from said long leg whereby the connection of said short leg to said tail gate assembly prevents lateral movement of said tail gate assembly in the closed condition, h. said power means having a piston and cylinder assembly connected to said support means and to said tail gate assembly, i. a lower section of said tail gate assembly pivotal upwardly relative to said connection to short leg in the raised condition to permit flow of material therethrough under gravity, and j. an upper portion of said tail gate assembly to first contact top rearward portions of said truck bed on movement to the closed condition to immediately pivot said tail gate assembly to the closed condition.