Vehicle body having a tailgate system operable in a plurality of modes

Abstract

A dump body having a tailgate capable of operation in a plurality of modes includes a tailgate pivotally connected to either side walls along an upper tailgate end for operation in a first mode or pivotally connected to one of the side walls for operation in a second mode. A control assembly is protected by at least partially being placed within a corner post of the dump body.

1 . A body for a vehicle having a tailgate operable in a plurality of modes comprising: 
 a floor having a front wall and side walls attached thereto;    a tailgate pivotally connected to either said side walls for operation in a first mode or one of said side walls for operation in a second mode;    corner posts attached to said sidewalls;    a latching member for engaging a pivot pin in the first mode and disengaging said pivot pin in the second mode; and    an actuator extending within one of said corner posts for moving said latching member.    
   
   
       2 . The body of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator is substantially enclosed within said corner post.  
   
   
       3 . The body of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator is enclosed within said corner post.  
   
   
       4 . The body of  claim 1 , wherein said actuator is an arm connected to and extending between a first lever and said latching member.  
   
   
       5 . The body of  claim 4 , wherein said first lever is pivotally connected to said arm.  
   
   
       6 . The body of  claim 5 , wherein said first lever is a hand lever secured to said corner post in the first mode.  
   
   
       7 . The body of  claim 5 , wherein a body portion of said first lever extends along said corner post and a hand portion of said first lever is angled away from said corner post for grasping.  
   
   
       8 . The body of  claim 1 , wherein said latching member comprises a lower portion pivotally connected to said actuator and a blocking bar for engaging said pivot pin in the first mode.  
   
   
       9 . The body of  claim 8 , wherein said blocking bar is curved and is substantially enclosed within said corner post in the second mode.  
   
   
       10 . The body of  claim 8 , wherein said actuator is enclosed within said corner post.  
   
   
       11 . The body of  claim 1 , further comprising a second lever for pivotally connecting said tailgate to said one of said side walls for operation in the second mode.  
   
   
       12 . The body of  claim 11 , wherein said second lever extends through one of said corner posts.  
   
   
       13 . The body of  claim 12 , wherein said second lever is operable from a position alongside the body.  
   
   
       14 . The body of  claim 11 , wherein said second lever is secured to said one of said side walls in the second mode.  
   
   
       15 . The body of  claim 11 , wherein said actuator is an arm connected to and extending between a first lever and said latching member.  
   
   
       16 . The body of  claim 15 , wherein said first lever is pivotally connected to said arm.  
   
   
       17 . The body of  claim 16 , wherein said first lever is secured to said corner post in the first mode.  
   
   
       18 . The body of  claim 16 , wherein a body portion of said first lever extends along said corner post and a hand portion of said first lever is angled away from said corner post for grasping.  
   
   
       19 . A body for a vehicle having a tailgate operable in a plurality of modes comprising: 
 a floor having a front wall and side walls attached thereto;    a tailgate pivotally connected to either said side walls for operation in a first mode or one of said side walls for operation in a second mode;    at least one corner post attached to said sidewalls;    a latching member for engaging a pivot pin in the first mode and disengaging said pivot pin in the second mode; and    an actuator extending within said at least one corner post for moving said latching member.    
   
   
       20 . A body for a vehicle having a tailgate operable in a plurality of modes comprising: 
 a floor having a front wall and side walls attached thereto;    a tailgate pivotally connected to said side walls for operation in a first mode and one of said side walls for operation in a second mode;    at least one corner post;    a latching member for engaging a pivot pin in the first mode and disengaging said pivot pin in the second mode; and    an actuator extending within said corner post for moving said latching member.