UNIVERSAL CAMERA BRACKET THAT ALLOWS 180 DEGREE OF PITCH ADJUSTMENT

• US 20040119881A1
• Filed: 12/20/2002
• Published: 06/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Christine G. Swansegar, Darwin A. Garrison, Mark A. Matko
• Original Assignee: Christine G. Swansegar, Darwin A. Garrison, Mark A. Matko
• Inventors: Swansegar, Christine G., Matko, Mark A., Garrison, Darwin A.
• Granted Patent: US 6,762,790 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/375
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0052 using screws, bolts, rivets or the like
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/10 around a horizontal axis F16M11/12 takes precedence

Abstract

A universal bracket is disclosed that allows 180 degree of pitch adjustment for a camera. The camera has two brackets that can adapt to various mounting angles on any vehicle surface configuration. In addition, the universal bracket is designed to be rigid and prevent the camera from vibrating in order to prevent a blurred picture on a display unit The system is designed to be installed by a single person.

Claims

1. A universal camera bracket for use on a vehicle comprising:

a base bracket adapted to be mounted to a surface;

and a second bracket adapted to hold a camera, wherein said second bracket is connected to said base bracket.

2. The universal camera bracket according to claim 1:

wherein said base bracket has a base member with two identical opposing arms extending from the ends of said base member, wherein each arm has a top end and a bottom end, wherein said arms are perpendicularly adjacent to said base member at a bend; and

wherein said second bracket has a back member with two identical opposing side members extending from the ends of said back member, wherein each side arm has a top end and a bottom end, wherein said side extending members are perpendicularly adjacent to said back member at a bend.

3. The universal bracket according to claim 2 wherein said base bracket has strengtheners formed at said bend of said base member and said opposing arms of said base bracket to reduce vibration of said base bracket, and wherein said second bracket has strengtheners formed at said bend of said back member and said side extending members to reduce vibration of said second bracket.

4. The universal bracket according to claim 2 wherein said base member of said base bracket comprises end sections of said base member with bolt holes for securing said base bracket to said surface and a midsection between said end sections of said base member wherein said midsection is greater in height than said end sections.

5. The universal bracket according to claim 2 wherein said opposing arms of said base bracket have an arcuate slot for angling said second bracket relative to said base bracket and a fastening hole for securing said base bracket to said second bracket.

6. The universal bracket according to claim 5 wherein the distance from one end of said arcuate slot to the opposite end of said arcuate slot is 90 degrees.

7. The universal bracket according to claim 2 wherein said side extending members of said second bracket have three threaded inserts for connecting to said base bracket.

8. The universal bracket according to claim 1 wherein said second bracket comprises of a first and second aiming adjuster for selectively pivoting said camera and a pivot member.

9. The universal bracket according to claim 8 wherein said first aiming adjuster pivots said camera plus or minus four degrees around the x-axis and said second aiming adjuster pivots said camera plus or minus four degrees around the y-axis, wherein both first and second aiming adjusters used said pivot member for the point of pivoting.

10. The universal bracket according to claim 2 wherein said back member of said second bracket comprises two holes for a pull-tie to secure a harness for said camera.

11. The universal bracket according to claim 2 wherein said arms of said base bracket comprise threaded inserts for an optional cover to protect said camera from weather elements or debris.

12. A method of installing a universal camera bracket to a vehicle comprising the steps of:

fastening a base bracket to a roof-top of said vehicle;

connecting a second bracket to said base bracket;

securing a camera to said second bracket; and

adjusting the position of said camera.

13. The method according to claim 12 wherein the step of said fastening comprises leveling said base bracket to the surface of said vehicle.

14. The method according to claim 12 wherein the step of connecting comprises leveling said second bracket to be perpendicular with the ground.