Patent ID: 6225895
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: B60C

Abstract:
A system for monitoring at least one tire of a towed vehicle, the system comprisinga towing vehicle,a towed vehicle connected to and towed by the towing vehicle, the towed vehicle having a plurality of tires,at least one tire pressure indicator on the towed vehicle for indicating loss of air pressure in one of the plurality of tires,at least one video camera on one of the towing vehicle or towed vehicle, said at least one camera positioned for viewing in real-time the at least one tire pressure indicator,video apparatus with viewing apparatus, the video apparatus interconnected with the at least one camera for providing to a person in the towing vehicle in real-time a view on viewing apparatus of the at least one tire pressure indicator of the towed vehicle,the at least one tire pressure indicator including switch apparatus mounted to the towed vehicle,the switch apparatus having a movable switch; movable arm apparatus having a first end spaced apart from a second end, the first end secured to the towed vehicle, the second end sized and positioned for moving the movable arm apparatus upon contact of the second end with ground to contact the movable switch of the switch apparatus; indicator apparatus in a circuit that includes the switch apparatus and an electrical power source, movement of the movable switch by the movable arm apparatus closing the circuit to activate the indicator apparatus, the indicator apparatus for giving an indication of lowering of the towed vehicle due to decreased air pressure in a tire thereof.