Tailgate saver system and method

Abstract

Disclosed are various embodiments of a tailgate saver system. In one nonlimiting example embodiment, the tailgate saver includes a crossbar, a pair of supports connected to the crossbar, a tightening mechanism attached to the crossbar, and a strap connected to the tightening mechanism. The crossbar may be configured to extend across a width of a bed of a pickup truck and the pair of supports may be configured to insert into, and be held by, the pickup truck's stake pockets. When the pair of supports are inserted in the stake pockets of the bed of the pickup truck the crossbar prevents elongated objects hauled in the bed of the pickup truck from resting on the tailgate thereby allowing the tailgate to be opened and closed.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A tailgate saver system, comprising:
 a crossbar;   the crossbar extending a length between opposing ends;   a pair of supports connected to the crossbar;   the pair of supports extending a length between an upper end and a lower end:   wherein the crossbar is configured to extend across a width of a bed of a pickup truck having a tailgate and stake pockets;   wherein the pair of supports are configured to fit within and be held by the stake pockets of the bed of the pickup truck;   wherein when the pair of supports are inserted in the stake pockets of the bed of the pickup truck the crossbar prevents elongated objects hauled in the bed of the pickup truck from resting on the tailgate thereby allowing the tailgate to be opened and closed;   at least one light connected to the crossbar.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one light is configured to serve as an auxiliary brake light of the pickup truck. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one light is configured to serve as a cargo light of the pickup truck. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a tightening mechanism connected to the crossbar, and a strap connected to the tightening mechanism, wherein the strap and tightening mechanism are configured to press the elongated objects against the crossbar. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the length of the crossbar is adjustable. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the crossbar is telescoping so as to adjust the length of the crossbar. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of supports are connected by a hinge to the crossbar so as to facilitate folding of the pair of supports to reduce space when storing. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of supports are connected by a hinge to the crossbar so as to facilitate folding of the pair of supports; and wherein the pair of supports are magnetically held in a folded position by a magnet. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of supports are connected by a hinge to the crossbar so as to facilitate folding of the pair of supports; and wherein the pair of supports are magnetically held in an extended position by a magnet. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one light connected to the crossbar and at least one battery connected to the at least one light. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one light connected to the crossbar, and wherein the at least one light is connected to an electrical system of the pickup truck through a wired connection. 
     
     
         12 . A tailgate saver system, comprising:
 a crossbar;   the crossbar extending a length between opposing ends;   a pair of supports connected to the crossbar;   the pair of supports extending a length between an upper end and a lower end:   wherein the crossbar is configured to extend across a width of a bed of a pickup truck having a tailgate;   wherein the pair of supports are configured to attached to the bed of the pickup truck; and   the crossbar prevents elongated objects hauled in the bed of the pickup truck from resting on the tailgate thereby allowing the tailgate to be opened and closed;   at least one light connected to the crossbar.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the pair of supports are connected by a hinge to the crossbar so as to facilitate folding of the pair of supports to reduce space when storing. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the pickup truck has stake pockets and the pair of supports are configured to fit within and be held by the stake pockets. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the pair of supports are configured and arranged to be inserted in the stake pockets of the bed of the pickup truck. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising a tightening mechanism connected to the crossbar. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising a tightening mechanism connected to the crossbar and a strap connected to the tightening mechanism and the crossbar. 
     
     
         18 . A tailgate saver system, comprising:
 a crossbar;   the crossbar extending a length between opposing ends;   a pair of supports connected to the crossbar;   the pair of supports extending a length between an upper end and a lower end:   a tightening mechanism and a strap connected to the crossbar;   wherein the crossbar is configured to extend across a width of a bed of a pickup truck having a tailgate and stake pockets;   wherein the pair of supports are configured to fit within and be held by the stake pockets of the bed of the pickup truck;   wherein when the pair of supports are inserted in the stake pockets of the bed of the pickup truck the crossbar prevents elongated objects hauled in the bed of the pickup truck from resting on the tailgate thereby allowing the tailgate to be opened and closed;   at least one light connected to the crossbar.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the strap and tightening mechanism are configured to press the elongated objects against the crossbar. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the length of the crossbar is adjustable.