US20080157948A1 - Trailer hitch mounted reverse sensing system - Google Patents
Trailer hitch mounted reverse sensing system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080157948A1 US20080157948A1 US12/073,739 US7373908A US2008157948A1 US 20080157948 A1 US20080157948 A1 US 20080157948A1 US 7373908 A US7373908 A US 7373908A US 2008157948 A1 US2008157948 A1 US 2008157948A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- housing
- sensing device
- trailer hitch
- reverse sensing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
- G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S15/93—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S15/931—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
- G01S15/86—Combinations of sonar systems with lidar systems; Combinations of sonar systems with systems not using wave reflection
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2013/9314—Parking operations
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2013/9327—Sensor installation details
- G01S2013/93272—Sensor installation details in the back of the vehicles
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a warning device that indicates the proximity of an obstructing object behind a vehicle moving in the reverse direction and particularly to a reverse sensing device that mounts to a standard trailer hitch.
- the present invention provides a trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device for a vehicle for indicating to the driver an obstructing object behind the vehicle, comprising a housing with an extension extending from the housing.
- the extension is configured to be removably received within a receiver of a standard trailer hitch.
- the housing includes a front face having a central portion, and first and second end portions. The first and second portions are angled such that a line transverse to either the first or second end portions is directed toward a longitudinal axis of the vehicle between the front and rear of the vehicle.
- First and second sensors are disposed in respective first and second end portions and directed toward the rear of the vehicle.
- a control module is disposed within the housing and operably connected to the sensors to determine the distance of the object sensed by the sensors.
- An indicator is operably connected to the control module. The indicator is activated by the control module to provide an indication of distance to the object sensed by the sensors at the rear of the vehicle.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional top plan view of a trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device made in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional top plan view of another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 6 is an assembly view of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 7 shows the pattern of coverage for the device of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 shows the pattern of coverage for the embodiment of FIG. 2 .
- a reverse sensing device 2 for motor vehicles is disclosed in FIG. 1 .
- the device 2 includes a housing 4 and an extension 6 removably receivable within a receiver of a towing hitch of the vehicle.
- the housing 4 is advantageously water-tight to protect the electronic components within the housing from the weather.
- the extension 6 is configured to be received within a standard trailer hitch receiver and is easily removable when the trailer hitch is to be used for towing a trailer.
- the electronic components of the device 2 within the housing 4 are operably connected to the back up light power supply wire of the vehicle through a connector 8 that connects with a mating connector 10 .
- a buzzer 12 is also operably connected to the components through the connectors 8 and 10 .
- Another set of connectors 14 operably connect the components to a display monitor 16 .
- the backup light When the vehicle is placed in reverse, the backup light is energized, thereby also energizing the device 2 .
- the power to the backup light When the vehicle is placed in drive, the power to the backup light is turned off, thereby turning off the device.
- Other power sources may be used that turns on when the vehicle is put in reverse and turned off in drive.
- the buzzer 12 is preferably disposed within the vehicle within hearing distance of the driver.
- the housing 4 is substantially rectangular with a front central face 18 substantially transverse to the centerline of the vehicle and opposite beveled or angled end faces 20 that form an angle 22 , preferably about 150 degrees, with the front face 18 .
- Sensors 24 are advantageously positioned on the angled end faces 20 to provide a wider horizontal area of coverage in which an obstructing object, such as a low post, another vehicle, a person, etc. behind the vehicle may be detected.
- the front face of housing 4 is disclosed as angular, it may also be continuously curved, with a normal line to the central portion being parallel to the centerline of the vehicle, and a normal line to the end portions making an angle of about 30 degrees with the vehicle centerline.
- the sensors 24 are transceivers, preferably ultrasonic-type, but other standard sensors well known to a person skilled in the art may also be used.
- a camera 26 operably connected to the display monitor 16 may be mounted on the central face 18 to advantageously provide additional coverage of the area behind the vehicle for added safety.
- a standard on-screen display module 28 may be provided to allow the sensor detection distance numerical value to be overlaid on the display monitor 16 . For example, the driver will not only see the view behind the vehicle, such generally depicted at 30 , but he will also see the distance to the object, as generally indicated at 32 .
- a control module 34 is operably connected to the sensors 20 .
- the control module 34 includes a microprocessor for determining the distance of the vehicle to the object sensed by the sensors and activating the buzzer 12 to warn the driver.
- the buzzer 12 is activated in such a way as to provide a gauge of distance between the obstructing object and the vehicle. For example, the buzzer 12 may sound a beeping sound that increases in frequency as the vehicle gets closer to the object and finally generating a steady continuous sound when a minimum distance is reached or exceeded.
- the control module 34 also provides a numerical value of the distance for the on-screen display module 28 to be overlaid on the image in the display monitor 16 .
- the camera 26 may be replaced with another sensor 36 to provide an area of coverage larger than the two-sensor embodiment of FIG. 1 , without the camera 26 .
- the buzzer 12 may be wirelessly connected to the control module 34 via a radio frequency transmitter connected the control module 34 and a receiver built into the buzzer 12 .
- the wireless buzzer 12 is preferably powered through a plug 52 which is operably receivable in a standard vehicle cigarette lighter socket.
- the control module 34 is powered through the vehicle's backup light power source through mating connectors 40 and 42 .
- the connectors 40 and 42 advantageously allow the device to be easily disconnected and removed from the trailer hitch when the trailer hitch is to be used for towing.
- the wireless buzzer 12 advantageously makes it convenient to switch the device to different vehicles equipped with a trailer-hitch, since the wire that normally connects the buzzer to the control module 34 will not have to be removed and reinstalled.
- the housing 4 is substantially trough-shaped with an opening 44 enclosed by a backplate 46 .
- the backplate 46 is attached to the housing 4 with screws 48 threadedly received within longitudinal members 50 attached to the inner surfaces of the top wall 52 and bottom wall 54 of the housing 4 .
- the housing 4 and the longitudinal members 50 are preferably molded in one piece from plastic material.
- the extension 6 and backplate 46 are also preferably molded in one piece from plastic material, including reinforcing ribs 55 .
- the sensors 24 and 36 may be installed slightly angled vertically to provide additional vertical coverage than a strictly horizontally aimed sensor.
- the backplate 46 includes a plurality of members 56 , preferably rectangular-shaped, extending substantially transversely from the inside surface of the backplate 46 .
- Each member 56 is reinforced with at least one gusset 58 .
- the members 56 advantageously provide vertical support to the top wall 52 and the bottom wall 54 so that when a person steps on the housing 4 , his weight will be adequately supported.
- An opening 60 allows the wiring from the electrical components within the housing 4 to extend outside the housing.
- the housing 4 and the backplate 46 are advantageously assembled in a water-tight manner to keep the electrical components within the housing from the effects of the weather.
- the extension 6 is removably received within the receiver 62 of a standard trailer-hitch.
- a pin 64 secures the extension 6 with the receiver 62 by aligning holes 66 with holes 68 and inserting the pin 64 through the holes.
- the device 2 is shown attached to the trailer hitch at the rear 70 of the vehicle.
- the camera 26 covers an area-bounded by lines 72 while the sensors 24 cover respective areas bounded by line 74 for the right sensor and line 76 for left sensor.
- the sensors 24 advantageously pick up the blind areas. Because the sensors 24 are advantageously aimed an angle with respect to the centerline (longitudinal axis) 80 of the vehicle, the coverage is increased as compared to aiming the sensors straight out the rear in line with the axis 80 .
- the area of coverage for the three-sensor embodiment of FIG. 2 is disclosed.
- the right and left sensors 24 provide respective coverage areas depicted generally by lines 74 and 76 , respectively, while the central sensor 36 provides an area of coverage depicted generally by line 82 .
- the blind areas normally covered by the central camera 22 is covered by the central sensor 36 .
- the control module 34 causes the buzzer 12 starts to make a loud beeping sound.
- the sensors start scanning behind the vehicle.
- the control module determines the distance of the vehicle to an object sensed by the sensors and causes the beeping sound to increase in frequency as the vehicle gets closer to an object sensed by the sensors, thereby providing an indication of distance to the object. For example, at approximately 6 feet, the buzzer makes a slow warning sound. At about 4 feet, the sound increases in frequency. At about 2 feet, the sound becomes a solid tone, indicating that the vehicle should stop. In this manner, by listening to the sound, the driver can gauge his distance to the obstructing object. For the embodiment of FIG. 1 that includes the camera 26 with the on-screen display module 28 , in addition to the beeping sound, an image of the object and its distance to the vehicle are displayed on the monitor 16 .
Abstract
A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device for a vehicle for indicating to the driver an object behind the vehicle comprises a housing with an extension extending from the housing. The extension is configured to be removably received within a receiver of a towing hitch. The housing includes a front face having a central portion, and first and second end portions. The first and second portions are angled such that a line transverse to either the first or second end portions is directed toward the centerline of the vehicle between the front and rear of the vehicle. First and second sensors are disposed in respective first and second end portions and directed toward the rear of the vehicle along the transverse line. A control module is disposed within the housing and operably connected to the sensors to determine the distance of the object sensed by the sensors. An indicator is operably connected to the control module and activated by the control module to provide an indication of distance to the object sensed by the sensors at the rear of the vehicle.
Description
- This application claims the priority benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/516,407, filed Oct. 30, 2003, hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to a warning device that indicates the proximity of an obstructing object behind a vehicle moving in the reverse direction and particularly to a reverse sensing device that mounts to a standard trailer hitch.
- Each year, there are over 300,000 reported reversing accidents, costing in excess of $1.3 billion, including out of pocket expenses not covered by insurance, increased premiums after an accident, time wasted in getting the vehicles repaired, not to mention the intangible loss of knowing that a repaired vehicle is not the same as one prior to the accident. There is, therefore, a need for a device that would warn a driver of an obstructing object behind the vehicle as the car reverses.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a reverse sensing device that aids in maneuvering in tight parking spaces.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a reverse sensing device that gauges the distance to an obstructing object, such as another vehicle, post, tricycle, person, etc. behind the vehicle.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a reverse sending device that shows an image of an obstructing object behind the vehicle and its distance.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a reverse sending device that quickly mounts to a trailer-hitch, thereby making it easy to remove the device when the trailer-hitch is to be used for towing.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a reverse sensing device that includes its components within a water-tight housing.
- In summary, the present invention provides a trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device for a vehicle for indicating to the driver an obstructing object behind the vehicle, comprising a housing with an extension extending from the housing. The extension is configured to be removably received within a receiver of a standard trailer hitch. The housing includes a front face having a central portion, and first and second end portions. The first and second portions are angled such that a line transverse to either the first or second end portions is directed toward a longitudinal axis of the vehicle between the front and rear of the vehicle. First and second sensors are disposed in respective first and second end portions and directed toward the rear of the vehicle. A control module is disposed within the housing and operably connected to the sensors to determine the distance of the object sensed by the sensors. An indicator is operably connected to the control module. The indicator is activated by the control module to provide an indication of distance to the object sensed by the sensors at the rear of the vehicle.
- These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional top plan view of a trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device made in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional top plan view of another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 6 is an assembly view ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 7 shows the pattern of coverage for the device ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 shows the pattern of coverage for the embodiment ofFIG. 2 . - A
reverse sensing device 2 for motor vehicles is disclosed inFIG. 1 . Thedevice 2 includes ahousing 4 and anextension 6 removably receivable within a receiver of a towing hitch of the vehicle. Thehousing 4 is advantageously water-tight to protect the electronic components within the housing from the weather. Theextension 6 is configured to be received within a standard trailer hitch receiver and is easily removable when the trailer hitch is to be used for towing a trailer. The electronic components of thedevice 2 within thehousing 4 are operably connected to the back up light power supply wire of the vehicle through aconnector 8 that connects with amating connector 10. Abuzzer 12 is also operably connected to the components through theconnectors connectors 14 operably connect the components to adisplay monitor 16. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, the backup light is energized, thereby also energizing thedevice 2. When the vehicle is placed in drive, the power to the backup light is turned off, thereby turning off the device. Other power sources may be used that turns on when the vehicle is put in reverse and turned off in drive. - The
buzzer 12 is preferably disposed within the vehicle within hearing distance of the driver. - The
housing 4 is substantially rectangular with a frontcentral face 18 substantially transverse to the centerline of the vehicle and opposite beveled or angled end faces 20 that form anangle 22, preferably about 150 degrees, with thefront face 18.Sensors 24 are advantageously positioned on the angled end faces 20 to provide a wider horizontal area of coverage in which an obstructing object, such as a low post, another vehicle, a person, etc. behind the vehicle may be detected. Although the front face ofhousing 4 is disclosed as angular, it may also be continuously curved, with a normal line to the central portion being parallel to the centerline of the vehicle, and a normal line to the end portions making an angle of about 30 degrees with the vehicle centerline. - The
sensors 24 are transceivers, preferably ultrasonic-type, but other standard sensors well known to a person skilled in the art may also be used. Acamera 26 operably connected to thedisplay monitor 16 may be mounted on thecentral face 18 to advantageously provide additional coverage of the area behind the vehicle for added safety. A standard on-screen display module 28 may be provided to allow the sensor detection distance numerical value to be overlaid on thedisplay monitor 16. For example, the driver will not only see the view behind the vehicle, such generally depicted at 30, but he will also see the distance to the object, as generally indicated at 32. - A
control module 34 is operably connected to thesensors 20. Thecontrol module 34 includes a microprocessor for determining the distance of the vehicle to the object sensed by the sensors and activating thebuzzer 12 to warn the driver. Thebuzzer 12 is activated in such a way as to provide a gauge of distance between the obstructing object and the vehicle. For example, thebuzzer 12 may sound a beeping sound that increases in frequency as the vehicle gets closer to the object and finally generating a steady continuous sound when a minimum distance is reached or exceeded. Thecontrol module 34 also provides a numerical value of the distance for the on-screen display module 28 to be overlaid on the image in thedisplay monitor 16. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thecamera 26 may be replaced with anothersensor 36 to provide an area of coverage larger than the two-sensor embodiment ofFIG. 1 , without thecamera 26. Thebuzzer 12 may be wirelessly connected to thecontrol module 34 via a radio frequency transmitter connected thecontrol module 34 and a receiver built into thebuzzer 12. Thewireless buzzer 12 is preferably powered through aplug 52 which is operably receivable in a standard vehicle cigarette lighter socket. Thecontrol module 34 is powered through the vehicle's backup light power source throughmating connectors connectors wireless buzzer 12 advantageously makes it convenient to switch the device to different vehicles equipped with a trailer-hitch, since the wire that normally connects the buzzer to thecontrol module 34 will not have to be removed and reinstalled. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 , 4 and 5, thehousing 4 is substantially trough-shaped with anopening 44 enclosed by abackplate 46. Thebackplate 46 is attached to thehousing 4 withscrews 48 threadedly received withinlongitudinal members 50 attached to the inner surfaces of thetop wall 52 andbottom wall 54 of thehousing 4. Thehousing 4 and thelongitudinal members 50 are preferably molded in one piece from plastic material. Theextension 6 andbackplate 46 are also preferably molded in one piece from plastic material, including reinforcingribs 55. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , thesensors - Referring to
FIG. 6 , thebackplate 46 includes a plurality ofmembers 56, preferably rectangular-shaped, extending substantially transversely from the inside surface of thebackplate 46. Eachmember 56 is reinforced with at least onegusset 58. Themembers 56 advantageously provide vertical support to thetop wall 52 and thebottom wall 54 so that when a person steps on thehousing 4, his weight will be adequately supported. Anopening 60 allows the wiring from the electrical components within thehousing 4 to extend outside the housing. Thehousing 4 and thebackplate 46 are advantageously assembled in a water-tight manner to keep the electrical components within the housing from the effects of the weather. - The
extension 6 is removably received within thereceiver 62 of a standard trailer-hitch. Apin 64 secures theextension 6 with thereceiver 62 by aligningholes 66 withholes 68 and inserting thepin 64 through the holes. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , thedevice 2 is shown attached to the trailer hitch at the rear 70 of the vehicle. Thecamera 26 covers an area-bounded bylines 72 while thesensors 24 cover respective areas bounded byline 74 for the right sensor andline 76 for left sensor. For areas outside the field of view of the camera, forexample areas 78, thesensors 24 advantageously pick up the blind areas. Because thesensors 24 are advantageously aimed an angle with respect to the centerline (longitudinal axis) 80 of the vehicle, the coverage is increased as compared to aiming the sensors straight out the rear in line with theaxis 80. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , the area of coverage for the three-sensor embodiment ofFIG. 2 is disclosed. The right and leftsensors 24 provide respective coverage areas depicted generally bylines central sensor 36 provides an area of coverage depicted generally byline 82. With the three-sensor embodiment ofFIG. 2 , the blind areas normally covered by thecentral camera 22 is covered by thecentral sensor 36. - In operation, when the vehicle is placed in reverse, the
control module 34 causes thebuzzer 12 starts to make a loud beeping sound. The sensors start scanning behind the vehicle. The control module determines the distance of the vehicle to an object sensed by the sensors and causes the beeping sound to increase in frequency as the vehicle gets closer to an object sensed by the sensors, thereby providing an indication of distance to the object. For example, at approximately 6 feet, the buzzer makes a slow warning sound. At about 4 feet, the sound increases in frequency. At about 2 feet, the sound becomes a solid tone, indicating that the vehicle should stop. In this manner, by listening to the sound, the driver can gauge his distance to the obstructing object. For the embodiment ofFIG. 1 that includes thecamera 26 with the on-screen display module 28, in addition to the beeping sound, an image of the object and its distance to the vehicle are displayed on themonitor 16. - While this invention has been described as having preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modification, uses and/or adaptations following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the essential features set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.
Claims (19)
1. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device for sensing an object behind a vehicle, comprising:
a) a housing;
b) an extension extending from said housing, said extension being configured to be removably received within a receiver of a towing hitch;
c) said housing including a front face having a central portion, and first and second end portions, said first and second portions being angled such that a line transverse to either said first or second end portions is directed toward a centerline of the vehicle between the front and rear of the vehicle;
d) first and second sensors disposed in respective said first and second end portions and directed toward the rear of the vehicle along said transverse line;
e) a control module disposed within said housing and operably connected to said sensors to determine the distance of the object sensed by said sensors; and
f) an indicator operably connected to said control module, said indicator being activated by said control module to provide an indication of distance to the object sensed by said sensors at the rear of the vehicle.
2. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) said central portion is substantially perpendicular to the centerline; and
b) said first and second end portions each forms an angle of about 150 degrees with said central portion.
3. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , wherein said housing is water-tight.
4. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) said housing includes an opening at its back, said housing including top and bottom walls; and
b) a cover plate configured to close said opening, said cover plate including members extending therefrom and into the interior of said housing, said members engaging said top and bottom walls, thereby to reinforce said housing when used as a step.
5. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 4 , wherein said members each includes a rectangular plate supported by a gusset.
6. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , wherein said sensors are pointed at an angle away from the ground.
7. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , wherein said sensors are ultrasonic.
8. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , and further comprising a third sensor disposed at said central portion and directed toward the rear of the vehicle.
9. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , and further comprising:
a) a camera disposed at said central portion directed toward the rear of the vehicle; and
b) a monitor inside the vehicle to display an image of the object behind the vehicle.
10. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 9 , and further an onscreen display module operably connected to said control module to display on said monitor a distance to the object from the rear of the vehicle.
11. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , wherein said indicator is audible.
12. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , wherein indicator is disposed outside said housing.
13. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , wherein said indicator is wirelessly connected to said control module.
14. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 13 , wherein said indicator is pluggable to the vehicle's cigarette lighter outlet.
15. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , wherein said sensors are automatically turned on when the vehicle is reversing and automatically turned off when the vehicle is moving forward.
16. A trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 1 , wherein:
a) said sensors are connected to a plug disposed outside said housing; and
b) said plug is connectable to the vehicle's electrical power source.
17. An enclosure for a trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device for sensing an object behind a vehicle, comprising:
a) a water-tight housing for electrical components of the reverse sensing device;
b) an extension extending from said housing, said extension being configured to be removably received within a receiver of a towing hitch;
c) said housing including a front face having a central portion, and first and second end portions, said first and second portions being angled such that a line transverse to either said first or second end portions is directed toward a centerline of the vehicle between the front and rear of the vehicle;
d) said housing including an opening at its back to provide access to the electrical components, said housing including top and bottom walls; and
e) a cover plate configured to close said opening, said cover plate including members extending therefrom and into the interior of said housing, said members engaging said top and bottom walls, thereby to reinforce said housing when used as a step.
18. An enclosure for a trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as claim 17 , wherein:
a) said central portion is substantially perpendicular to the centerline; and
b) said first and second end portions each forms an angle of about 150 degrees with said central portion.
19. An enclosure for a trailer hitch-mounted reverse sensing device as in claim 17 , wherein said members each includes a rectangular plate supported by a gusset.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/073,739 US20080157948A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 | 2008-03-10 | Trailer hitch mounted reverse sensing system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US51640703P | 2003-10-30 | 2003-10-30 | |
US10/976,309 US7341264B2 (en) | 2003-10-30 | 2004-10-29 | Trailer hitch mounted reverse sensing system |
US12/073,739 US20080157948A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 | 2008-03-10 | Trailer hitch mounted reverse sensing system |
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US10/976,309 Continuation US7341264B2 (en) | 2003-10-30 | 2004-10-29 | Trailer hitch mounted reverse sensing system |
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US20080157948A1 true US20080157948A1 (en) | 2008-07-03 |
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US12/073,739 Abandoned US20080157948A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 | 2008-03-10 | Trailer hitch mounted reverse sensing system |
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US10/976,309 Expired - Fee Related US7341264B2 (en) | 2003-10-30 | 2004-10-29 | Trailer hitch mounted reverse sensing system |
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US10940726B2 (en) | 2017-03-22 | 2021-03-09 | Methode Electronics Malta Ltd. | Magnetoelastic based sensor assembly |
US10670479B2 (en) | 2018-02-27 | 2020-06-02 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | Towing systems and methods using magnetic field sensing |
US11014417B2 (en) | 2018-02-27 | 2021-05-25 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | Towing systems and methods using magnetic field sensing |
US11084342B2 (en) | 2018-02-27 | 2021-08-10 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | Towing systems and methods using magnetic field sensing |
US11135882B2 (en) | 2018-02-27 | 2021-10-05 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | Towing systems and methods using magnetic field sensing |
US11221262B2 (en) | 2018-02-27 | 2022-01-11 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | Towing systems and methods using magnetic field sensing |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CA2486287A1 (en) | 2005-04-30 |
US7341264B2 (en) | 2008-03-11 |
US20050104322A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 |
CA2486287C (en) | 2009-01-13 |
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