Importance

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Abstract

An assembly which automatically opens the tailgate of a container when the container is tilted from a transport position to a dump position for rear dumping by a container transport vehicle is provided. The tailgate having a pair of side arms each of which is pivotally connected to a respective one of the side walls of the container such that the tailgate can rotate relative to the container between open and closed positions. The assembly of the present invention includes a counterbalance assembly which is pivotally connected to the frame of a container transport vehicle. The assembly also includes a hook member which is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the side arm of the tailgate and which has a free end. The counterbalance assembly including a hook pin and the free end of hook member being configured to engage the hook pin. The counterbalance assembly and the hook member being positioned on the container transport vehicle and the container respectively such that when the container is tilted from the transport position into the dump position by the container transport vehicle, the free end of the hook member engages the hook pin establishing a linkage, comprising the counterbalance assembly and the hook member, between the frame of the container transport vehicle and the container tailgate which causes the tailgate to rotate into the open position as the container is tilted into the dump position.

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First Claim