Tailgate sensor
A tailgate sensor system for providing a warning signal to a driver of a pickup truck when the tailgate is not in a closed position. The tailgate sensor system includes a detector mounted on an exterior of a pickup truck, an activator mounted on and moveable with a tailgate of the pickup truck, and a signal generator in communication with the detector. The detector is positioned relative a range of motion of the activator such that a signal is generator by the detector and received by the signal generator when the tailgate is in at least a partially open position. Upon receipt of the signal, the signal generator generates a warning signal to the driver.
1. A tailgate sensor system for providing a warning signal to a driver of a pickup truck, the system comprising:
a detector mounted on an exterior of a pickup truck;
an activator mounted on and moveable with a tailgate of the pickup truck; and
a signal generator in communication with the detector;
wherein the activator is positioned relative the detector when the tailgate is in at least a partially open position, such that the detector generates a signal receivable by the signal generator and the signal generator provides a warning signal to the driver;
wherein the detector is mounted on a truck cover assembly of the pickup truck.
2. The tailgate sensor system of claim 1 , wherein a signal by the activator completes an electrical circuit in the detector when the tailgate is in a closed position, and the electrical circuit in the detector is open when the tailgate is in at least a partially open position.
3. The tailgate sensor system of claim 1 , wherein the warning signal comprises a visual signal.
4. The tailgate sensor system of claim 3 , wherein the warning signal comprises a flashing light.
5. The tailgate sensor system of claim 1 , wherein the warning signal comprises an audible signal.
6. A tailgate sensor system for providing a warning signal to a driver of a pickup truck, the system comprising:
a detector attached to a pickup truck;
an activator attached to and moveable with a tailgate of the pickup truck between a detectable position relative to the detector and an undetectable position relative to the detector; and
a signal generator in communication with the detector;
wherein, with the activator in an undetectable position, the detector transmits a signal to the signal generator, whereby the signal generator provides a warning signal to the driver;
wherein the detector is attached to a truck bed cover assembly.
7. The tailgate sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the detector includes an electrical circuit, wherein a switch in the electrical circuit is operable when the activator is in a functional proximity to the detector.
8. The tailgate sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the detector is a sensor assembly having an electrical circuit and a switch.
9. The tailgate sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the activator comprises a magnet.
10. The tailgate sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the signal generator comprises an LED.
11. The tailgate sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the activator is removably fixed to the tailgate of the pickup by an adhesive pad.
12. The tailgate sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the signal generator is electrically connected to the detector.
13. The tailgate sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the signal generator is mechanically connected to the detector.
14. The tailgate sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the signal generator is in wireless communication with the detector.
15. The tailgate sensor system of claim 6 , wherein the signal generator is positioned in a line of sight of a driver of the pickup truck.
16. The tailgate sensor system of claim 6 , further including a user-operable switch to disable the signal generator.