Vehicle monitoring apparatus

• US 7,532,233 B2
• Filed: 08/10/2005
• Issued: 05/12/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fu Lai Chu
• Original Assignee: Fu Lai Chu
• Inventors: Chu, Fu Lai
• Primary Examiner(s): Tran; Nhan T
• Assistant Examiner(s): DAGNEW, MEKONNEN D
• Application Number:
  US11/200,938
• Publication Number:
  US 20060232389A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,371 Days
• Field of Search: 348/118, 348/151, 348/173, 348/208.7, 348/36, 348/375, 348/373, 348/148
• 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 1/10 Front-view mirror arrangements; specially adapted for covering the peripheral part of the vehicle B60R1/002; Periscope arrangements , i.e. optical devices using combinations of mirrors, lenses, prisms or the like specially adapted for covering the peripheral part of the vehicle B60R1/002; for viewing traffic-lights B60R1/005; Other mirror arrangements giving a view from above or under the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/101 using cameras with adjustable capturing direction
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/406 using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/802 for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/566 including wiping devices B60S1/563, B60S1/583 take precedence

Abstract

A vehicle monitoring device includes an image taking device for attaching to a vehicle, such as a four-wheeled vehicle, a tricycle, a motorcycle, a bicycle or other two-wheeled vehicles, and having a motor attached to the vehicle, and a follower attached to the motor for being rotated by the motor. A video camera is attached to the follower, and rotated in concert with the follower. Another motor is disposed in the follower and coupled to the video camera, for rotating and adjusting the video camera relative to the follower to different angular directions. A wiper may be attached to the housing, for wiping and cleaning a cap of the housing.

Claims

1. A vehicle monitoring apparatus for attaching to a rear portion of a wheeled vehicle, comprising:

an image taking device including a base for attaching to the rear portion of a wheeled vehicle, said base having a space laterally formed therein, a first motor received in said space of said base said first motor having a spindle longitudinally extended therefrom, said spindle having a non-circular end portion,

a follower attached to said spindle of said first motor, and arranged to be rotated and driven by said first motor, said follower having an orifice laterally formed therein for receiving said spindle of said first motor, said follower having a non-circular portion formed in said orifice thereof for receiving said non-circular portion of said spindle to prevent said follower from being rotated relative to said spindle of said first motor, said follower having a socket and a compartment respectively formed in a top thereof,

a video camera rotatably attached to said follower, and rotated in concert with said follower, said video camera having a pivot member attached thereto, said pivot member rotatably received in said socket of said follower for allowing said video camera to be rotated and adjusted relative to said follower, said video camera having a rack attached therto, said rack having a plurality of teeth formed thereon, said rack having a recess defined there in for stably receiving and anchoring said video camera therein, and

a second motor received in said compartment of said follower, said second motor having a spindle longitudinally extending therefrom, said spindle of said second motor being perpendicular to said spindle of said first motor, said second motor having a pinion attached to said spindle thereof, said pinion engaged with said teeth of said rack to rotate and adjust said rack for rotating and adjusting said video camera relative to said follower to different angular directions.

2. The vehicle monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said image taking device includes a control device coupled to said video camera, to control and operate said video camera.

3. The vehicle monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said control device includes at least one display device coupled to said video camera, to display images taken by said video camera.

4. The vehicle monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a housing for attaching to the rear portion of the wheeled vehicle, and including an opening formed therein, and a cap engaged in said opening of said housing, to enclose said opening of said housing, and to prevent dirt or particles from entering into said housing.

5. The vehicle monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said image taking device includes a wiper attached to said housing, for wiping and cleaning said cap.

6. The vehicle monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said image taking device includes at least one water supplying nozzle attached to said housing, for supplying water to clean said cap.

7. The vehicle monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said image taking device includes at least one air supplying nozzle attached to said housing, for supplying air to clean said cap.