Backup camera enabling device

The inventive subject matter comprises an add-on device that works on most pickup trucks and makes the backup camera functional when the tailgate is down. The device redirects the image of the existing backup camera without the need for wiring.

FIELD

The inventive subject matter is applicable to the field of motor vehicles. More specifically, to enable a backup camera while the tailgate is lowered on a pickup truck.

NOTE: Throughout this specification wherever the phrase used indicating redirecting the image, implies the light that provides the image for the backup camera is redirected.

BACKGROUND

Backup cameras or rear view cameras have been produced for the purpose of being attached to the rear of a vehicle to aid in backing up, to alleviate the rear blind spot, and specifically to avoid a backup collision.

The first production automobiles to incorporate backup cameras were in the early 1990's. Over the years, backup cameras became more common as factory accessories on passenger cars and trucks, as well as aftermarket accessories.

In a 2010 report, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that each year 210 people die and 15,000 are injured in light-vehicle backup incidents, with about 31% of the deaths among kids under age 5 and 26% adults over 70.

In March of 2014, NHTSA announced that it would require all automobiles sold in the United States built beginning in May 2018 to include “rear-view visibility systems,” in effect, requiring backup cameras. The rule follows an outcry from consumer groups and by families touched by tragic back-over accidents, especially those involving children.

The backup camera on a pickup truck is typically mounted on the back of the tailgate. Anytime the tailgate is down the backup camera is rotated 90 degrees from its original position. This means it is pointing down towards the ground and the backup camera is no longer usable. Furthermore, a pickup truck with a large load like a camper needs the backup camera more than ever as objects behind the truck are even more difficult-to-see. Unfortunately, most pickup trucks fitted with campers require the tailgate to be in the down position and the backup camera becomes inoperable.

Backup cameras on pickup trucks suffer from these disadvantages; therefore there remains a considerable need for an improved system that provides rear visibility anytime the tailgate is down. Accordingly, such a system is disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

The above-noted needs are overcome by the inventive subject matter which comprises an enabling device for a pickup truck backup camera, which is attached to the tailgate.

Anytime the tailgate is down the backup camera is rotated 90 degrees from its original position. This means it is pointing down towards the ground and the backup camera is no longer usable. Frequently, a pickup truck carrying a large load or a camper needs the tailgate in the down position. This is when the backup camera is needed more than ever as objects behind the truck are even more difficult-to-see.

The inventive subject matter comprises an add-on device that works on most pickup trucks and makes the backup camera functional again when the tailgate is down. The device redirects the image for the existing backup camera without wiring needed. The device is easy to install and quickly mounts to the tailgate. The device is removed when the tailgate is in the up-position.

Various features, functions, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

These drawings illustrate, among other things, examples of embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above noted features, functions, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. This description is intended merely to provide examples, and is not intended to limit the scope, application or configuration of the various embodiments of the backup camera enabling device.

The inventive subject matter comprises an enabling device for a motor vehicle backup camera, which is attached to the tailgate of a pickup truck. Anytime the tailgate is down the backup camera is rotated 90 degrees from its original position. This means it is pointing down towards the ground and the backup camera is no longer usable. The inventive subject matter comprises an add-on device that works on most pickup trucks and makes the backup camera functional again when the tailgate is down.

The drawings include reference numbers used in this section that refer to parts or all of the subject matter illustrated. For many of the reference numbers, however, that same reference number, and the component or aspect to which that number refers, can be found in other figures as well.

Referring to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates an example of a pickup truck10that includes body12, tailgate14, and backup camera16. Other components of pickup truck10have been omitted for clarity including the frame, suspension, and powertrain. Examples of such components and systems are known in the art.FIG. 1is presented to show the projection of the backup camera16while the tailgate14is in the up position. The backup camera16is pointing rearward to capture images behind the pickup truck10. The dotted lines represent the camera's projection.

FIG. 2illustrates an example of a pickup truck10that includes body12, tailgate14, and backup camera16.FIG. 2is presented to show the projection of the backup camera16while the tailgate14is in the down position. The backup camera16is pointing downward toward the ground and is inoperable. The dotted lines represent the camera's projection.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of a pickup truck10that includes body12, tailgate14, backup camera16and backup camera enabling device100.FIG. 3is presented to show the projection of the backup camera16while the tailgate14is in the down position while using the backup camera enabling device100. The backup camera enabling device100redirects the image of the backup camera16so it is functional while the tailgate14is in the down position. The dotted lines represent the camera's projection redirected by the device.

In various embodiments, backup camera enabling device100can be attached to the tailgate14in a number of ways.FIG. 4illustrates a side view of the backup camera enabling device100and is presented to show the backup camera enabling device100in greater detail. In this configuration the mounting bracket102utilizes a suction cup104to mount the backup camera enabling device100to the tailgate14(not shown). The mounting bracket102serves as a support base and can be constructed from plastic or other suitable materials. The suction cup104is attached in a typical manner by engaging the suction cup lever106. The mounting bracket102can also be attached to the tailgate14(not shown) using such things as adhesive tape, magnets, hook and loop, or any other type of fastening material suitable for the purposes described herein.

FIG. 5illustrates a perspective view of the backup camera enabling device100and is presented to show the backup camera enabling device in greater detail. In this configuration the mounting bracket102utilizes a suction cup104to mount the backup camera enabling device100to the tailgate14(not shown). The mounting bracket102serves as a support base and can be constructed from plastic or other suitable materials. The suction cup104is attached in a typical manner by engaging the suction cup lever106. The mounting bracket102can also be attached to the tailgate14using such things as adhesive tape, magnets, hook and loop, or any other type of fastening material suitable for the purposes described herein.

The mounting bracket102is coupled to an adjuster pin108with a mechanical assembly secured with adjuster nut110. The adjuster pin108is coupled to the mirror frame112with a mechanical assembly and secured with adjuster clamp114. The mirror frame112is attached to the mirror120with an adhesive. The mirror frame112can also be attached to the mirror120using such things as adhesive tape, hook and loop, clamps, snaps or any other type of fastening suitable for the purposes described herein.

FIG. 6illustrates a side view showing greater detail of the backup camera enabling device100mounted on the tailgate14of a pickup truck10that includes body12, while the tailgate14is in the down position. The backup camera enabling device100redirects the image of the backup camera16so it is functional while the tailgate14is in the down position. The image from the backup camera16needs to be mirrored so it is pointed toward the back of the pickup truck10. A concave mirror120, prism, lens, or any combination of these may be utilized to correct the orientation of the image. Additionally, a tethering mechanism (not shown) may be utilized should the backup camera enabling device100become dislodged from the tailgate14while the pickup truck10is in operation. The dotted lines represent the camera's projection through the device.

The backup camera enabling device100requires no wiring. The result is a simple to install add-on device that allows the backup camera16to work while the tailgate14is in the down position.

In another embodiment, backup camera16can be mounted to a mechanism that allows the camera16to change position.FIG. 7illustrates an example where backup camera16can change position when the tailgate14is in the down position. The mechanism moving the camera in the right position can be manual, mechanical, or any other type of system suitable for the purposes described herein.

FIG. 8illustrates a perspective view of the backup camera16while the tailgate14(not shown) is in the up position. Backup camera16mounted to a mechanism that allows the backup camera16to change position and is presented to show the backup camera16in greater detail. The backup camera16is coupled to the bezel18with a mechanical assembly. The mechanism moving the camera in the right position can be manual, mechanical, or any other type of system suitable for the purposes described herein. The bezel18may include handle20to open the tailgate14(not shown).

FIG. 9illustrates a perspective view of the backup camera16while the tailgate14(not shown) is in the down position. Backup camera16mounted to a mechanism that allows the backup camera16to change position and is presented to show the backup camera16in changed position in greater detail. The backup camera16is coupled to the bezel18with a mechanical assembly. The mechanism moving the camera in the right position can be manual, mechanical, or any other type of system suitable for the purposes described herein. The bezel18may include handle20to open the tailgate14(not shown).

From the foregoing description, it should be apparent that the inventive subject matter provides functions, features, and advantages not previously found with backup cameras.

The apparatus, methods, and system of the inventive subject matter have been described with respect to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is not intended to be limiting or restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations within the spirit of the inventive subject matter will be apparent to those of skill in the art, and the inventive subject matter should not be regarded as limited to any particular embodiment.