Trailer hitch mounted reverse sensing system
First Claim
1. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device for sensing an object behind a vehicle, comprising:
- a) a housing;
b) an extension extending from said housing, said extension being configured to be removably received within a receiver of a towing hitch;
c) said housing including a front face having a central portion, and first and second end portions, said first and second portions being angled such that a line transverse to either said first or second end portions is directed toward a centerline of the vehicle between the front and rear of the vehicle;
d) first and second sensors disposed in respective said first and second end portions and directed toward the rear of the vehicle along said transverse line;
e) a control module disposed within said housing and operably connected to said sensors to determine the distance of the object sensed by said sensors; and
f) an indicator operably connected to said control module, said indicator being activated by said control module to provide an indication of distance to the object sensed by said sensors at the rear of the vehicle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device for a vehicle for indicating to the driver an object behind the vehicle comprises a housing with an extension extending from the housing. The extension is configured to be removably received within a receiver of a towing hitch. The housing includes a front face having a central portion, and first and second end portions. The first and second portions are angled such that a line transverse to either the first or second end portions is directed toward the centerline of the vehicle between the front and rear of the vehicle. First and second sensors are disposed in respective first and second end portions and directed toward the rear of the vehicle along the transverse line. A control module is disposed within the housing and operably connected to the sensors to determine the distance of the object sensed by the sensors. An indicator is operably connected to the control module and activated by the control module to provide an indication of distance to the object sensed by the sensors at the rear of the vehicle.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device for sensing an object behind a vehicle, comprising:
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a) a housing; b) an extension extending from said housing, said extension being configured to be removably received within a receiver of a towing hitch; c) said housing including a front face having a central portion, and first and second end portions, said first and second portions being angled such that a line transverse to either said first or second end portions is directed toward a centerline of the vehicle between the front and rear of the vehicle; d) first and second sensors disposed in respective said first and second end portions and directed toward the rear of the vehicle along said transverse line; e) a control module disposed within said housing and operably connected to said sensors to determine the distance of the object sensed by said sensors; and f) an indicator operably connected to said control module, said indicator being activated by said control module to provide an indication of distance to the object sensed by said sensors at the rear of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An enclosure for a trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device for sensing an object behind a vehicle, comprising:
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a) a water-tight housing for electrical components of the reverse sensing device; b) an extension extending from said housing, said extension being configured to be removably received within a receiver of a towing hitch; c) said housing including a front face having a central portion, and first and second end portions, said first and second portions being angled such that a line transverse to either said first or second end portions is directed toward a centerline of the vehicle between the front and rear of the vehicle; d) said housing including an opening at its back to provide access to the electrical components, said housing including top and bottom walls; and e) a cover plate configured to close said opening, said cover plate including members extending therefrom and into the interior of said housing, said members engaging said top and bottom walls, thereby to reinforce said housing when used as a step. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification