Patent ID: 8441346
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: E05B

Abstract:
1. A method for alerting a vehicle user of a rear gate ajar condition, comprising: determining that the rear gate latch has engaged a latch striker but has not reached a fully latched position; operating a vehicle mounted signaling device that is cognizable by the user standing at the rear gate so that the user will receive immediate notification that the rear gate latch has not reached the fully latched position, thereby enabling the user to take immediate corrective action by opening and then re-closing the gate to attempt a fully latched position of the rear gate latch; and then, if the vehicle is started without the user having taken corrective action to obtain full latching of the rear gate latch, energizing a rear gate ajar light on the instrument panel so that the vehicle driver is notified to take corrective action before driving away.