IP Library › Granted Patent US 10,606,151
Granted Patent B1
US 10,606,151 · App. 16/267,496 · Granted Mar 31, 2020

Cover for rear-mounted vehicle camera

Inventors: Brian Esterholt (Pinedale, WY); Charlotte Esterholt (Pinedale, WY)
G03B17/08B60R11/04G03B17/425G03B17/56H04N5/2252B60R2300/8066
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,606,151
App. No.
16/267,496
Granted
Mar 31, 2020
Kind
B1
Abstract

A camera protection device, a protected camera and a vehicle having a protected camera, all include a weatherproof housing having a lower portion for holding a camera and an upper portion, a movable protective domed cover, and a mechanism for selectively moving the domed cover in front of the lower portion in a closed position or above the lower portion in an open position. The mechanism includes a motor that is operatively connected to the domed cover. A cleaning brush vertically wipes across the lower portion when the mechanism moves the domed cover. A seal seals between the domed cover and the lower portion when the domed portion is in front of the lower portion in a closed position. The mechanism includes a cable, a pivot for pivoting the domed cover, and a linkage connecting the motor to the domed cover. A belt operatively connects the motor to the linkage.

Claims (32)

1. A camera protection device, comprising:

a weatherproof housing having a lower portion for holding a camera and an upper portion;

a movable protective domed cover;

a mechanism for selectively moving said domed cover in front of the lower portion in a closed position or above the lower portion in an open position; and,

a cleaning brush that vertically wipes across said lower portion when said mechanism moves said domed cover,

wherein said mechanism includes a motor operatively connected to said domed cover.

2. The camera protection device according to claim 1 , further includes a seal for sealing between said domed cover and said lower portion when said a domed portion is in front of said lower portion in a closed position.

3. The camera protection device according to claim 1 , wherein said mechanism further includes a cable, a pivot for said domed cover, and a linkage connecting said motor to said domed cover.

4. The camera protection device according to claim 3 , further includes a belt operatively connecting said motor to said linkage.

5. The camera protection device according to claim 4 , wherein said mechanism is located inside said upper portion.

6. A camera, comprising:

a weatherproof housing having a lower portion and an upper portion;

a camera body in said lower portion;

a movable protective domed cover;

a mechanism for selectively moving said domed cover in front of the camera body or above the camera body; and,

a cleaning brush that vertically wipes across said lower portion when said mechanism moves said domed cover,

wherein said mechanism includes a motor operatively connected to said domed cover.

7. The camera protection device according to claim 6 , further includes a seal for sealing between said domed cover and said lower portion when a domed portion is in front of the camera body in a closed position.

8. The camera according to claim 6 , wherein said mechanism further includes a cable, a pivot for said domed cover, and a linkage connecting said motor to said domed cover.

9. The camera according to claim 8 , further includes a belt operatively connecting said motor to said linkage.

10. A motor vehicle, comprising:

a rear vehicle portion;

a weatherproof housing disposed on said rear vehicle portion, said weather proof housing having a lower portion and an upper portion;

a camera body in said lower portion;

a movable protective domed cover;

a mechanism for selectively moving said domed cover in front of the camera body or over the camera body; and,

a cleaning brush that vertically wipes across said lower portion when said mechanism moves said domed cover,

wherein said mechanism includes a motor operatively connected to said domed cover.

11. The motor vehicle protection device according to claim 10 , further includes a seal for sealing between said domed cover and said lower portion when a domed portion is in front of the camera body in a closed position.

12. The motor vehicle according to claim 10 , wherein said mechanism further includes a cable, a pivot for said domed cover, and a linkage connecting said motor to said domed cover.

13. The motor vehicle according to claim 12 , further includes a belt operatively connecting said motor to said linkage.

14. The motor vehicle according to claim 13 , wherein said mechanism is located inside said upper portion.

Cited By (2)
US 12,298,255 US 12,330,599