ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 6 -- United States Patent no. 12,459,340, issued on Nov. 4.
"Tailgate bike pad system" was invented by Natalia Babichenko (Garden City, Idaho).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A tailgate bike pad system is disclosed, comprising a pad assembly configured to be placed over a truck tailgate, with an opening for latch access. A securing mechanism, disposed at the bending line of the pad assembly, transitions between an open and tightened state to secure the pad without requiring straps underneath the tailgate. The securing mechanism may include clips, clamps, or other retention means, embedded within or attached to the pad. The system enables quick installation, secure attachme...