Local contractor invents ingenious motoring accessory

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association, is the premier trade organization for the automotive aftermarket industry and holds one of the largest conventions and exhibitions each year in Las Vegas. To win an industry award from SEMA is the motoring equivalent of an Oscar or Emmy.

James Casey, a Calabasas resident and local contractor has just received an award for his product "Droptail" a tailgate accessory for most pickup trucks.

The product name is appropriate considering Casey dropped out of school after 3½ years of pre-med in the mid 70s to build a yacht for his father and sail halfway around the world. After additional time as a sky diver, truck racer and a try at acting, including membership of Calabasas Players , Casey returned to school at Pierce and CSUN to obtain a Civil Engineering degree at the ago of 40.

Droptail is an exciting microprocessor controlled bolt-on system that automatically deploys the trucks tailgate into a spoiler position, for best aerodynamics at drag-inducing highway speeds, to improve mileage and performance, then closes before coming to a stop. Additionally, any tailgate operation may be selectively accomplished by using a handy radio controlled remote-control key fob, which includes opening, closing or locking in any position until the user unlocks and resumes the automatic mode.

A remote buzzer confirms correct operation of the tailgate. The intelligent electronics prevent unwanted automatic deployment when the bed has cargo that has been loaded through the opened tailgate.

Additionally, tailgate theft is prevented, as the remote is now required to open the gate and gain access.

Another safety improvement is rear backup visibility, particularly desired when children are present, that can be significantly improved by in-cab manual deployment of the tailgate. The system also enables hands-free access to the cargo bed and eliminates having to lift a heavy gate.

Casey dreamed up this solution for his own truck during his senior year at school and almost quit school, again, to pursue this new product before someone else came out with a similar product. He decided to finish school and then start the complex procedures to bring his invention to market.

After searching for existing patents, writing his own and dealing with various attorneys for review and submittal, he finally had a product to show.

What’s next? Casey is either not sure or he isn’t telling.