Abstract:
A wireless device that provides a visual indication to an operator of a pick-up truck sitting in the driver&#39;s seat that a tailgate is deployed or unsecured if in a lowered position is herein disclosed. A sensor is installed on the tailgate which will send a wireless signal to an indicator light mounted on a user selected area of the dashboard. Such a system will provide safety and protect the truck from potential damage to its tailgate and bed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/209,347 filed Mar. 6, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to tailgates of motor vehicles such as pickup trucks, and in particular, to a warning light which provides an indicating means as to the status of such a tailgate. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pickup trucks and similar motor vehicles provide enhanced features as compared to other motor vehicles primarily based upon their size and upon features such as truck beds which are particularly adapted for the moving and hauling of large amounts of materials. One (1) problem associated with such truck beds is that it can be difficult to determine the position of the tailgate from the interior of the vehicle. In general, the tailgate is located far from the interior portion and is low down, making visibility difficulty. In situations where the bed of the truck is being used, it is often impossible to directly view the back of the truck from the interior while driving. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide visual tailgate status indicators for pickup trucks and the like. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,526, issued in the name of Read, describes a vehicle open door warning system which provides an illuminating indicator of door status for large trucks. The Read apparatus is designed to be easily visible through a side view minor from a vehicle&#39;s interior. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,419, issued in the name of Lennox et al., describes a pickup truck tailgate monitor which utilizes a push-button type switch and circuit to indicate via visual means whether a tailgate is in an open or closed position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,563, issued in the name of Hensel, describes a tailgate position indicator which provides a simple mechanical visual indicator of tailgate position, visible through a side view minor from the interior of a vehicle. 
     While these apparatuses fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses do not provide an indicator which is located within the interior of a vehicle. Also, many such apparatuses do not provide a means of simple retrofit to an existing vehicle. Furthermore, many such apparatuses do not provide variable powering means according to a user&#39;s needs. In addition, many such apparatuses cannot be mounted in a plurality of locations according to a user&#39;s preference. Accordingly, there exists a need for a tailgate status indicator without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to provide a tailgate status indicator which is easily retrofitted and which is mountable in a desired location where the status of the tailgate is prominent, such that a user need not constantly monitor the apparatus. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a visual indicator for determining the positional state of a tailgate while the operator is seated in the driver&#39;s seat. The system comprises an exterior indicator, an interior indicator, and associated electrical and electronic components. 
     Another object of the wireless exterior indicator is to comprise an outer surface device which determines whether or not a tailgate is deployed. The exterior indicator comprises a “T”-shaped housing, which further comprises a pair of mounting brackets. 
     Yet still another object of each mounting bracket is to comprise a conventional fastening means, such as self-tapping screws, adhesives, or the like, for securing the housing to a truck bed in a desired location. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise the exterior housing of a sensor which provides a wireless signaling means to an interior indicator to indicate the position of the tailgate. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor comprises a common single-pole momentary switch. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise the exterior housing of a first battery and a transmitter. The battery comprises a conventional replaceable battery which provides electrical power to the sensor and transmitter. The transmitter comprises a conventional transmitter which transmits an RF signal to a corresponding receiver located within the interior indicator. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a dome-shaped interior indicator which is mounted and secured to a desired portion of a dashboard of a pickup truck to provide an illuminating warning signal to an operator to inform them of an open tailgate. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of mounting options. In one (1) embodiment, the interior indicator comprises wiring which connects the interior indicator to an existing accessory fuse box of a vehicle, and the indicator is integrally mounted on the dashboard by means of an integral threaded receiver. In another embodiment, the interior indicator is mounted to a desired location on a dashboard by means of a conventional fastener and mounting apertures and powered by a replaceable second battery. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a lamp and cover which are secured to the mounting means by means of the threaded receiver. The cover comprises indicia warning the user that a tailgate is in an opened position. 
     Yet still another object of the interior indicator is to comprise a receiver corresponding to the transmitter of the exterior indicator. When the transmitter is actuated, the receiver provides voltage to the lamp, thereby illuminating the cover and warning a user that the tailgate is in an opened position. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of installing the exterior indicator in an appropriate location, installing the interior indicator in a desired location and in a desired manner, providing power to the indicators, and notifying a driver of the position of the tailgate in a simple and readily viewable manner. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a tailgate status indicator  10  depicting an exterior indicator  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exterior indicator  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the exterior indicator  20  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an environmental view of the tailgate status indicator  10  depicting an interior indicator  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the interior indicator  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of the interior indicator  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the interior indicator  30  depicting an alternate mount  38 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 8  is an electrical block diagram of the tailgate status indicator  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 tailgate status indicator 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 exterior indicator 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 exterior housing 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 mounting bracket 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 aperture 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 sensor 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 interior indicator 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 cover 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 interior housing 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 lamp 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 indicia 
               
               
                   
                 37 
                 threaded portion 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 alternate mount 
               
               
                   
                 39a 
                 mount threaded portion 
               
               
                   
                 39b 
                 mount aperture 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 pickup truck 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 truck bed 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 tailgate 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 truck bed cover 
               
               
                   
                 48 
                 tailgate jamb 
               
               
                   
                 49 
                 fastener 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 dashboard 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 first battery 
               
               
                   
                 61 
                 first battery compartment 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 first battery platform 
               
               
                   
                 65 
                 second battery 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 second battery compartment 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 electrical wiring 
               
               
                   
                 79 
                 transmitter 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 RF signal 
               
               
                   
                 90 
                 receiver 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 8 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a tailgate status indicator (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a visual indicator for determining the positional state of a tailgate  44  thereon vehicles such as, but not limited to: pickup trucks  40 , tractor trailers, or the like while the operator is seated in the driver&#39;s seat. The system  10  is especially helpful to operators of pickup trucks  40  therewith an affixed truck bed cover  46  that which limits the view of the position of the tailgate  44 . The system  10  comprises an exterior indicator  20 , an interior indicator  30 , and associated electrical and electronic components. This retrofit system  10  illuminates the interior indicator  30  when the tailgate  44  is in a downward deployed position, thereby eliminating the misplacement of stored items therefrom the truck bed  42  as a result of driving therewith the tailgate  44  in said deployed position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the system  10  depicting an exterior placement, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a wireless exterior indicator  20 , thereby providing the operator with an outer surface device that which determines whether or not the tailgate  44  is deployed. The exterior indicator  20  comprises a “T”-shaped exterior housing  22 , thereby providing a secured enclosure and mounting means for the exterior components of the system  10 . The housing  22  comprises a pair of mounting brackets  24  to secure the exterior sensor  20  to a vertical portion thereon the truck bed  42  perpendicular to the tailgate jamb  48 . The exterior housing  22  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: metal, plastic, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the exterior housing  22  and  FIG. 3 , a front view of the exterior housing  22 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. Each mounting bracket  24  on the exterior housing  22  comprises an aperture  25  located at an intermediate position, thereby enabling a fastener  49  to be inserted in each said aperture  25  and secured to the truck bed  42  in a desired location. The fasteners  49  are preferably self-tapping screws, although other securing methods may be incorporated such as, but not limited to: adhesives, welding, or the like. 
     The exterior housing  22  also comprises a sensor  26 , thereby providing a signaling means thereto an interior indicator  30  (see  FIG. 4 ). The sensor  26  is positioned in a way as to not interfere therewith the closing of the tailgate  44 . The sensor  26  is preferably a common single-pole normally-closed (tailgate  44  open) momentary switch, yet other devices may be incorporated such as, but not limited to: proximity sensor, conductive sensors, or the like without limiting the scope of the system  10 . The sensor  26  is interconnected via appropriately gauged electrical wiring  70  to an internal first battery  60  and a transmitter  79 . The transmitter  79  transmits an RF signal  80  thereto a receiver  90  which is located within the interior indicator  30 , thereby enabling communication from the exterior indicator  20  to the interior indicator  30 . 
     The exterior housing  22  yet further comprises a first battery  60 , thereby providing a current to the sensor  26  and transmitter  79  therein said exterior housing  22  (also see  FIG. 8 ). The first battery  60  is preferably a common user replaceable electrochemical cell, yet other devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . The first battery  60  is accessed via a first battery compartment  61  located on a side surface of the exterior housing  22 . The first battery compartment  61  enables the first battery  60  to be replaced as necessary. The first battery  60  is also secured within the exterior housing  22  via a first battery platform  62  which is integrally molded and protrudes from an interior surface of the exterior housing  22  and also provides an electrical connection means to the sensor  26  and the transmitter  79  in a conventional manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an environmental view of the system  10  depicting an interior placement, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a dome-shaped interior indicator  30 , thereby providing an illuminating warning signal thereto the operator informing them that the tailgate  44  is deployed. The interior indicator  30  is mounted and secured thereto a desired position on the dashboard  50  portion of the pickup truck  40  and is preferably hardwired into said dashboard  50  and interconnected to an existing accessory fuse box. This requires the user to retrofit and modify the dashboard  50  to fit the interior indicator  30 . The interior indicator  30  may also be mounted therewith an alternate mount  38  via fasteners  49  (see  FIG. 7 ) and a powered via a second battery  65 . The interior indicator  30  is fabricated from a durable transparent plastic material in various colors. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a side perspective view of the interior indicator  30  and  FIG. 6 , a rear view of the interior indicator  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The interior indicator  30  comprises an interior housing  32  having a circular cross-section further comprising a cover  31  and a threaded portion  37 , thereby providing a secured embodiment for a lamp  34  and a mounting means to an alternate mount  38  (see  FIG. 7 ), respectively. The cover  31  comprises indicia  36  which may provide script or images thereto warn the operator of a deployed tailgate  44 . The indicia  36  may include script such as, but not limited to: “Warning,” “Tailgate Ajar,” or the like. The indicia  36  may also include images such as, but not limited to: warning symbols, pictures, and the like to further customize and personalize the system  10 . 
     The lamp  34  illuminates the cover  31  indicating that the tailgate  44  is deployed. The lamp  34  is positioned at an intermediate location subjacent to the cover  31  and interconnected via wiring  70  to the second battery  65  and the receiver  90 . The lamp  34  is preferably a light-emitting diode (LED); however, other illuminating devices may be provided without limiting the scope of the system  10 . 
     The interior housing  32  further comprises a receiver  90  and a second battery  65  (see  FIG. 8 ), thereby enabling signals to be received therefrom the transmitter  79  and supplying current to said receiver  90  and lamp  34 , respectively. The second battery  65  is accessed from a rear surface of the interior indicator  30  via a second battery compartment  66  which enables to the operator to remove or replace said second battery  65  as desired. In use, if the interior indicator  30  is hard-wired to the pickup trucks  40  accessories fuse box, the second battery  65  would be removed, yet if not hard-wired the second battery  65  is placed within the second battery compartment  66 , thereby powering the internal components. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , perspective view of the interior indicator  30  depicting an alternate mount  38 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The interior indicator  30  may be mounted to the dashboard  50  with an alternate mount  38 , thereby enabling said interior indicator  30  to be fastened to a desired exterior surface of said dashboard  50  via fasteners  49 . The alternate mount  50  comprises a circular body comprising an inner mount threaded portion  39   a , thereby enabling the threaded portion  37  thereon the interior indicator  30  to engage said mount threaded portion  39   a  to secure the interior indicator  30  to the alternate mount  38 . The alternate mount  38  is attached to the dashboard  50  via inserting a fastener  49  into a pair of mount apertures  39   b  and into said dashboard  50 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an electrical block diagram of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The exterior sensor  20  comprises a user replaceable first battery  60  thereto direct power thereto the sensor  26  and transmitter  79  via interconnected electrical wiring  70 . The RF signal  80  from the transmitter  79  is received thereby the receiver  90  located therein the interior indicator  30 . The interior indicator  30  receives power therefrom the existing fuse box therein the pickup truck  40  or other vehicle or a second battery  65  which is also interconnected to the receiver  90  and lamp  34  therewith electrical wiring  70 . When the sensors  26  circuit is closed the RF signal  80  is transmitted to the receiver  90 , thereby illuminating the lamp  34  and informing the user that the tailgate  44  is deployed. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 6 . 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10 ; mounting the exterior housing  20  thereto the truck bed  42 , thereby inserting fasteners  49  into each aperture  25  and ensuring that the tailgate  44  can be properly placed in its upward position; inserting a first battery  60  into the exterior housing  22  by way of the first battery compartment  61 ; mounting the interior indicator  30  thereto the dashboard  50  via retrofitting interior housing  32  to said dashboard  50 ; hard-wiring the interior indicator  30  to the existing fuse box or inserting a second battery  65  into said interior indicator  30  by way of the second battery compartment  66 ; enabling the sensor  26  thereto transmit the signal  80  thereto the interior indicator  30  when the tailgate  44  is deployed; securing the tailgate  44  when the interior indicator  30  illuminates; replacing the batteries  60 ,  65  as necessary; and, operating the pickup truck  40  as usual. 
     The alternate embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 7 . 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10 ; mounting the exterior housing  20  thereto the truck bed  42 , thereby inserting fasteners  49  into each aperture  25  and ensuring that the tailgate  44  can be properly placed in its upward position; inserting a first battery  60  into the exterior housing  22  by way of the first battery compartment  61 ; mounting the interior indicator  30  thereto the dashboard  50  via engaging the threaded portion  37  to the mount threaded portion  39   a  and inserting fasteners  49  into each mount aperture  39   b  and fastening to the exterior surface of the dashboard  50 ; hard-wiring the interior indicator  30  to the existing fuse box or inserting a second battery  65  into said interior indicator  30  by way of the second battery compartment  66 ; enabling the sensor  26  thereto transmit the signal  80  thereto the interior indicator  30  when the tailgate  44  is deployed; securing the tailgate  44  when the interior indicator  30  illuminates; replacing the batteries  60 ,  65  as necessary; and, operating the pickup truck  40  as usual. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.