Video camera unit, protective enclosure and power circuit for same, particularly for use in vehicles

A protective enclosure for a video camera comprising:

• an enclosure having at least one exterior channel disposed on each of two opposed exterior surfaces of the enclosure, each exterior channel receiving a mounting device, the exterior channels extending along the length of the enclosure in a longitudinal direction of the enclosure, the enclosure further having an interior channel extending longitudinally along each of two opposed interior surfaces of the enclosure;
• a mounting plate adapted to receive a video camera thereon, the mounting plate being slidable into the interior channels for inserting and removing the video camera into and from the enclosure, the mounting plate having electrical connections thereon for receiving electrical power for the video camera;
• a front door on the enclosure which can be opened to gain access to the interior of the enclosure, the front door having a light transmissive member mounted therein;
• the exterior channels have a T-shape with the leg of the T-shape extending outwardly, the exterior channels being adapted to receive said mounting device, the mounting device comprising a screw, the head of the screw being slidably received in the exterior channel, whereby the screws can slide substantially the full length of the exterior channels without being able to be pulled out of the exterior channels;
• and
• the protective enclosure further comprising two angle-shaped mounting brackets having holes therein adapted to be fastened to screws in the exterior channels for mounting of the protective enclosure to a surface at an adjustable angle of inclination.