TAILGATE WITH STRUCTURALLY INTEGRATED CNG SYSTEM
A refuse vehicle has a tailgate. The tailgate has a framework to secure CNG tanks. A cover overlays the frame work to provide an aesthetic appearance to the vehicle.
1 . A tailgate for a refuse vehicle comprising:
a frame;
the frame has a first leg and a second leg, the second leg angled with respect to the first leg;
a plurality of CNG tanks coupled with the frame; and
a cover covering the frame and providing an aesthetic appearance to the tailgate.
2 . The tailgate for a refuse vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the first leg has an overall arcuate portion.
3 . The tailgate for a refuse vehicle of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of CNG tanks is positioned between a pair of hinges for connecting to the refuse vehicle.
4 . The tailgate for a refuse vehicle of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of CNG tanks is positioned in the second leg.
5 . A refuse vehicle comprising:
a vehicle chassis;
a container secured with the vehicle chassis;
a tailgate coupled with the container, the tailgate further comprising:
a frame;
the frame has a first leg and a second leg, the second leg angled with respect to the first leg;
a plurality of CNG tanks coupled with the frame; and
a cover covering the frame and providing an aesthetic appearance to the tailgate.
6 . The refuse vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the first leg has an overall arcuate portion.
7 . The refuse vehicle of claim 5 , wherein at least one of the plurality of CNG tanks is positioned between a pair of hinges for connecting to the refuse vehicle.
8 . The refuse vehicle of claim 5 , wherein at least one of the plurality of CNG tanks is positioned in the second leg.
9 . The tailgate of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of gussets strengthen the frame.
10 . The tailgate of claim 1 , wherein the CNG tanks provide a desired shape and a strong lightweight design.
11 . The refuse vehicle of claim 5 , wherein a flexible CNG hi-pressure hose couples the CNG tanks with the vehicle fuel system.