Tailgate lock controller

• US 10,286,873 B1
• Filed: 03/23/2017
• Issued: 05/14/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2016
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Darcy Cummings, Kevin Krush
• Original Assignee: Darcy Cummings, Kevin Krush
• Inventors: Krush, Kevin, Cummings, Darcy
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, K.
• Application Number:
  US15/467,236
• Time in Patent Office: 782 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/106 Internet
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/205 Mobile phones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/01 operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 33/0273 Movable tailboards for vehicles comprising non-movable sideboards, e.g. pick-up trucks B62D33/037 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/08 using electromagnets or solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/18 for car boot lids or rear luggage compartments
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0069 actuated in a predetermined sequence

Abstract

A tailgate lock controller device is wirelessly controlled. The tailgate lock is in electrical communication with the automobile'"'"'s lock controller which in turn is in electrical communication with the automobile'"'"'s wireless lock sensors. The key fob is in wireless communication with the wireless lock sensors and the automobile'"'"'s electronic anti-theft features. The tailgate lock is also configured to be actuated by use of a traditional lock and key mechanism, as well as keypads located on the automobile.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a tailgate of a vehicle, comprising:

a lock operatively connected to a handle of said tailgate; and

an actuating means in electrical communication with said lock;

wherein said actuating means selectively operates said lock to lock and unlock said handle;

wherein said lock includes an auxiliary linkage with removable attachment to and providing operable communication with said handle and a bidirectional solenoid in operable communication with said auxiliary linkage in electrical communication with said actuating means in electrical communication with a power source of said vehicle;

wherein said actuating means is a keypad located on a driver'"'"'s side door of said vehicle;

wherein said actuating means is a keypad located on a tailgate door of said vehicle;

wherein said actuating means is operating said lock simultaneously with existing door locks of said vehicle;

wherein said actuating means is operating said lock simultaneously with existing door locks of said vehicle;

wherein said actuating means includes a keypad located on a tailgate door of said vehicle;

wherein said actuating means is a keypad located on a key fob;

wherein said actuating means is activating an existing security system of said vehicle;

wherein said actuating means includes an Internet communication.

2. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein said actuating means is a wireless network communication.

3. The locking mechanism of claim 2, wherein said actuating means is activating an existing security system of said vehicle.

4. A locking mechanism for a tailgate of a vehicle, comprising:

a lock operatively connected to a handle of said tailgate;

a first actuating means in electrical communication with said lock and a second actuating means in wireless communication with said lock;

wherein said first and second actuating means each independently selectively operate said lock to lock and unlock said handle;

wherein said lock further comprises an auxiliary linkage capable of removable attachment to and providing operable communication with said handle and a bidirectional solenoid in operable communication with said auxiliary linkage in electrical communication with said first and second actuating means in electrical communication with a power source of said vehicle;

wherein said first actuating means is a keypad located on a driver'"'"'s side door of said vehicle;

wherein said first actuating means is operating said lock simultaneously with existing door locks of said vehicle;

wherein said first actuating means includes a keypad located on a tailgate door of said vehicle;

wherein said second actuating means is a keypad located on a key fob;

wherein said second actuating means is activating an existing security system of said vehicle;

wherein said actuating means includes an Internet communication.

5. The locking mechanism of claim 4, wherein said second actuating means is a wireless network communication.

6. The locking mechanism of claim 4, wherein said second actuating means includes a wireless network communication.