Night vision camera mount quick disconnect

• US 7,733,370 B2
• Filed: 04/08/2005
• Issued: 06/08/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Veoneer, Inc. (SSW Partners LP)
• Original Assignee: Autoliv ASP Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Jarboe, Patrick, Werth, Douglas
• Primary Examiner(s): Tran; Sinh
• Assistant Examiner(s): BERARDESCA, PAUL M
• Application Number:
  US11/101,868
• Publication Number:
  US 20060226344A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,887 Days
• Field of Search: 250/200, 348/148, 348373-376, 348/333.07, 348/837, 362/487, 362/501, 362503-504, 396419-428
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/245 Searchlights, e.g. adjustable from within the vehicle adjustable headlights B60Q1/06

Abstract

The night vision camera system includes a light, a night vision camera, and a linkage. The night vision camera is attached to the light such that the light and camera maintain a fixed orientation with respect to each other. The light is attached to the linkage and is configured to manipulate the light and night vision camera concurrently. The linkage is attached to the vehicle and extends into the vehicle interior where a handle is provided allowing the user to aim the light and night vision camera from the interior of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A night vision camera system comprising:

a linkage configured to attach to a vehicle;

a light fixedly attached to the linkage;

a housing attached to the light and including a first electrical interface;

a night vision camera having a second electrical interface configured to engage the first electrical interface, the first and second electrical interface cooperating to fix an orientation of the night vision camera relative to the light for use on the vehicle;

a quick release mount including a member attached to the linkage and biased to engage the night vision camera; and

wherein applying a single motion force against the member causes the member to disengage the night vision camera;

a handle including a third electrical interface, when the second electrical interface is detached from the first electrical interface of the housing the third electrical interface being configured to engage the second electrical interface and fix an orientation of the night vision camera relative to the handle to form an assembly for portable use;

wherein a display device is attached to the handle, and the display device receives electrical power from a battery in the handle and receives a video signal from the night vision camera through the second and third electrical interfaces.

2. The night vision camera system according to claim 1, wherein the member is a strap engaging the night vision camera, the ends of the strap being biased into locking engagement with the linkage.

3. The night vision camera system according to claim 2, wherein the strap is a spring steel strap.

4. The night vision camera system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrical interface include electrical connections to provide power to the night vision camera.

5. The night vision camera system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrical interface include electrical connections to provide a video signal to the vehicle.

6. The night vision camera system according to claim 1, wherein the linkage is configured such that the night vision camera is located above the light.

7. The night vision camera system according to claim 1, wherein the third electrical interface is in electrical communication with a battery in the handle to provide power to the night vision camera.

8. The night vision camera system according to claim 1, wherein a member of the handle is biased into locking engagement with the night vision camera.