Motor vehicle rearview camera system and hitch cover with display

• US 20030133014A1
• Filed: 01/03/2003
• Published: 07/17/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: David Mendoza
• Original Assignee: David Mendoza
• Inventors: Mendoza, David
• Application Number:
  US10/336,474
• Publication Number:
  US 20030133014A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/00 Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/101 using cameras with adjustable capturing direction
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/40 characterised by the details of the power supply or the coupling to vehicle components
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/802 for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/806 for aiding parking
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 for receiving images from a single remote source

Abstract

A rearview camera and display system for a motor vehicle which comprises a low light level, wide angle camera mounted securely in a hitch cover which receives power from the hitch power plug, and supplies said power and video signal with blind spot information to a display monitor located in the vicinity of the rear view mirror area near the driver. The secure and locked placement of camera and hitch cover in a substantially flush configuration with the rear of the motor vehicle greatly less the opportunity for damage to the invention due to rear moving accidents and vandalism.

Claims

1. A rearview camera system and display for a motor vehicle comprising:

Camera means housed in a hitch cover which views the area behind a motor vehicle, and

Display monitor means positioned near the driver for viewing said area behind said motor vehicle while in motion or being stationary.

2. The rearview camera system and display of claim 1 wherein said camera means contains a waterproof wide angle optical system and a ⅓

inch CCD.

3. The rearview camera system and display of claim 1 wherein said camera means views a blind spot area measuring approximately up to 5 feet in height from the ground and approximately up to 20 feet from the rear of said motor vehicle.

4. The rearview camera system and display of claim 1 wherein said camera means has the capability to operate at low light levels.

5. The rearview camera system and display of claim 1 where said camera means and said hitch cover are securely mounted to the hitch of a motor vehicle with a hitch lock and foam sleeve.

6. The rearview camera system and display of claim 5 wherein said hitch cover and said camera are mounted nearly flush with the back of said motor vehicle.

7. The rearview camera system and display of claim 1 where said display monitor means is a 3.5 inch screen mounted in the vicinity of the rear view mirror of said motor vehicle.

8. The rearview camera system and display of claim 7 wherein said 3.5 inch screen is mounted on said motor vehicle'"'"'s windshield.

9. The rearview camera system of claim 1 wherein said camera means and said display monitor means receive electrical power from the hitch power plug.

10. The rearview camera system of claim 1 wherein said camera means and said display monitor means receive electrical power from the back-up light wiring of said motor vehicle.

11. The rearview camera system and display of claim 9 wherein said camera means supplies a video signal with power and video cord to said display monitor, and said power and video cord is installed under the motor vehicle interior panels.

12. The rearview camera system and display of claim 5 wherein said hitch of the motor vehicle measures approximately 2 inches.

13. The rearview camera system and display of claim 1 wherein said camera means and said display monitor means operate while said motor vehicle is moving forward, in reverse, or in a stationary position.

14. A rearview camera system and display for a motor vehicle comprising:

A camera mounted in a hitch cover, said hitch cover secured to the hitch of said motor vehicle,

A display monitor which allows the driver to view the blind spot area and other areas behind said motor vehicle,

A power cord connected to said camera which receives electrical power from the hitch power plug, and

A power and video cord installed under the motor vehicle interior panels which connects to said camera and transfers power and video signal to said display monitor.

15. The rearview camera system and display of claim 14 wherein said camera views the blind spot area which measures up to 5 feet in height from the ground and up to 20 feet from the rear of said motor vehicle.

16. The rearview camera system and display of claim 14 wherein said display monitor is a 3.5 inch liquid crystal display with windshield mounting bracket for attachment to front windshield.

17. The rearview camera system and display of claim 14 wherein said camera and said hitch cover are mounted essentially flush with the rear of said motor vehicle.

18. The rearview camera system and display of claim 14 wherein said camera operates in low light level conditions.

19. The rearview camera system and display of claim 14 wherein said camera and said display monitor operate while said motor vehicle is moving forward, in reverse, or in a stationary position.

20. The rearview camera system and display of claim 14 where said hitch of said motor vehicle is approximately 2 inches.

21. The rearview camera system of claim 14 wherein said power and video cord contains a waterproof disconnect for quick removal of said camera and said hitch cover.