Trailer hitch video alignment system

• US 7,195,267 B1
• Filed: 07/07/2004
• Issued: 03/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Curtis C. Thompson
• Original Assignee: Curtis C. Thompson
• Inventors: Thompson, Curtis C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Morris; Lesley D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): ARCE, MARLON ALEXANDER
• Application Number:
  US10/886,216
• Time in Patent Office: 993 Days
• Field of Search: 280/477, 340/426, 340/901, 358/224
• US Class Current: 280/477
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/36 for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers , visual guide means, signalling aids B60D1/465 takes precedence; vehicle signalling in general B60Q; optical arrangements specially adapted for viewing trailer-hitches B60R1/003
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/58 Auxiliary devices
• 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 1/003 for viewing trailer hitches
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/406 using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/808 for facilitating docking to a trailer

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus for alignment of a trailer hitch with a trailer tongue, so that the operator does not leave the cab of the towing vehicle in order to facilitate the alignment. The system may comprise a control assembly and a remote assembly, the control assembly further comprising a display unit and a receiver, and the remote assembly further comprising a video camera, a transmitter, and a light. The remote system may be removably attached to the rear end of the towing vehicle and positioned to provide a vertical view of the hitch area, and the control assembly may be removably attached to a surface within the cab. The transmitter provides a wireless video signal of the hitch area for reception by the receiver and subsequent display on the display unit. Power for the system may be provided by batteries, and in the case of the remote assembly, a plug adaptable for attachment to the standard cable socket for trailer braking and lights. The system allows the operator to see the hitch area from the operator'"'"'s seat during the attachment process so that the operator may properly align the towing vehicle with the tow object without requiring a second person or the operator having to get out and check the alignment. The system thus promotes safety and reduces the probability of damage to the towing vehicle by the tongue of the trailer. An illumination means such as a light may be provided with the remote assembly for use during nighttime and inclement weather.

Claims

1. A trailer alignment system for use on a towing vehicle with a hitch, a rear end, and a cab, the system comprising:

a control assembly further comprising

a display unit receiving a video signal for presentation thereon, wherein the video signal is transmitted using an X10 communications protocol;

a receiver receiving the video signal for presentation to the display unit;

a first mounting means for removable attachment to a surface in the cab; and

a first power source providing power for the receiver and display unit;

and a remote assembly comprising

a camera capturing a view as a video signal;

a transmitter receiving the video signal from the camera and sending the video signal by radio wave to the receiver;

second power source providing power for the transmitter and the camera; and

second means for removable attachment of the remote assembly to the rear end.

2. The system described in claim 1, wherein the remote assembly further comprises a light powered by a third power source, the light having a third means for removable attachment to the rear end, the light positioned to illuminate the view.

3. The system described in claim 1, wherein the second power source is the same as the first power source.

4. The system described in claim 1, wherein the second power source is the same as the third power source.

5. The system described in claim 1, wherein the first, the second, and the third power sources are the same power source.

6. The system described in claim 1, wherein the first power source is selected from a group consisting of a plug for use in a cigarette lighter receptacle in the cab and a battery.

7. The system described in claim 1, wherein the surface is selected from the group consisting of a surface of a sun visor and a surface of a dashboard.

8. The system described in claim 1, wherein the second power source is selected from the group consisting of a plug for use in a cable receptacle permanently mounted at the rear end, a plug for use in a receptacle within the cab, and a battery.

9. The system described in claim 1, wherein the second mounting means is selected from a group consisting of a magnet, a suction cup, a hook and eye attachment, tape, and a strap.

10. A trailer alignment system for use on a towing vehicle having a cab and a rear end, the system comprising

a video camera providing a video signal;

a transmitter using an X10 communications protocol for the transmission of the video signal;

a first mount for removable attachment of the video camera and transmitter to the rear end, the mount comprising a suction cup connected to the video camera and transmitter by an articulated bracket, wherein the suction cup is attached to the rear end and the video camera positioned by the bracket;

a first power source comprising a plug adapted to be received by a cable receptacle on the rear of the towing vehicle;

a display;

a receiver using an X10 communications protocol for reception of the video signal, the receiver sending the video signal for presentation on the display;

a second mount for removable attachment of the display and the receiver to a surface within the cab; and

a second power source providing power to the receiver and the display.

11. The system described in claim 10, wherein the second power source is a plug adapted to be received by a cigarette lighter receptacle within the cab.

12. The system described in claim 10, wherein the second power source is a battery mountable on the second mount.

13. The system described in claim 10, wherein the first power source is a plug adapted to be received by a cable receptacle mounted on the rear end, the cable receptacle connected to an electronic system of the vehicle.

14. The system described in claim 10, wherein the first power source is a battery mountable on the first mount.

15. The hitch aid system of claim 10, wherein the display is an LCD display.

16. The system described in claim 10, further comprising a light having a third mount for removable attachment to the rear end, the light being powered by a third power source.

17. The system described in claim 11, wherein the second power source and the third power source are the same.

18. A method of aligning a hitch attached to a rear end of a towing vehicle with a tongue attached to a trailer so as to facilitate engagement of hitch and tongue, the method comprising the steps of

providing a video camera having a transmitter, the camera and transmitter configured for removable attachment to the rear end;

positioning the video camera to provide a generally vertical view of a hitch area, within which the hitch and tongue are engaged;

providing the video camera with a power source provided by the attachment of a suitably configured plug associated with the video camera that is inserted into a cable receptacle on the rear end;

providing a display for removable attachment upon a surface within a cab of the towing vehicle, wherein the video monitor may be attached in such a manner to allow a operator of the vehicle to simultaneously view a forward area of the vehicle and the hitch area without turning;

transmitting a video signal representing the hitch area and captured by the video camera to the display using X10 communications protocol;

backing the vehicle so as to position the hitch under the tongue according to the vertical view of the hitch area as seen on the display; and

engaging the hitch and tongue.