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Hitch system using a video camera to facilitate hitch alignment

  • US 7,171,769 B2
  • Filed: 02/12/2004
  • Issued: 02/06/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/12/2004
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system for facilitating the alignment of a hitching mechanism located on a vehicle with a mating hitching mechanism located on an object to be removably connected to the vehicle, said system comprising:

  • a target area located on the object to be removably connected to the vehicle, said target area having an alignment indicia located thereupon, said target area facing the vehicle when the object to be removably connected to the vehicle is in position for connection to the vehicle;

    a video camera for installation in a fixed position on the vehicle, said video camera being oriented with a lens of said video camera facing toward said alignment indicia located on said target area, directly in a generally straight and level manner at substantially the same height with respect to ground as is the alignment indicia when the object to be removably connected to the vehicle is in position for connection to the vehicle; and

    a video monitor for placement in the passenger compartment of said vehicle in a position in which it may be viewed by a driver of the vehicle, said video monitor for displaying thereon an image viewed by said video camera, wherein the hitching mechanism located on the vehicle is mounted at the front of the vehicle and wherein the object to be removably connected to the vehicle is an implement.

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