US 12,188,279 B2
Detection and mitigation system re tailgate to trailer hitch interference
Joseph Komaromi, LaHabra Heights, CA (US); and Doug Hansel, Mooresville, IN (US)
Filed by Joseph Komaromi, LaHabra Heights, CA (US); and Doug Hansel, Mooresville, IN (US)
Filed on Feb. 9, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/171,715.
Prior Publication US 2022/0251893 A1, Aug. 11, 2022
Int. Cl. E05F 15/40 (2015.01); B60D 1/62 (2006.01); B62D 33/027 (2006.01); E05F 15/42 (2015.01)
CPC E05F 15/40 (2015.01) [B60D 1/62 (2013.01); B62D 33/0273 (2013.01); E05F 2015/483 (2015.01); E05Y 2400/56 (2013.01); E05Y 2400/57 (2013.01); E05Y 2900/544 (2013.01); E05Y 2900/546 (2013.01)] 3 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A detection and mitigation system for interference between a vehicle tailgate or rear gate and a component inserted within a hitch receiver of the vehicle, comprising:
a detector housing framework including a cap portion, a flexible bridge attached at a first end to the cap portion and at a second end to a receiver attachment portion, such that the receiver attachment portion secures to the housing framework to the receiver such that the cap portion can pivot between a first vertical position covering the internal cavity of the receiver and a second position at an angle offset from the first vertical position;
a detector and a transmitter attached to or within the cap portion of the detector housing framework;
wherein the transmitter is operably connected to or integral with the detector, the transmitter being configured to send a communication to an interference mitigator indicating that a potential interference condition exists; and
the interference mitigator being mounted within a tailgate or rear gate of a vehicle electrically in series between the vehicle electrical system and a tailgate or rear gate lowering activator, and including a signal receiver configured to receive the communication from the transmitter, and further configured to prevent the activation of the lowering of part or all of a tailgate or rear gate of a vehicle.