Make-up mirror for vehicle

• US 20020135911A1
• Filed: 03/23/2001
• Published: 09/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Christian Von Glasow
• Original Assignee: Christian Von Glasow
• Inventors: Glasow, Christian Von
• Granted Patent: US 6,554,437 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/880
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/879 with additional features not related to head-rest positioning, e.g. heating or cooling devices or loudspeakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0217 for loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 for microphones or earphones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0017 Head-rests
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0059 using clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0091 the article being mounted on a flexible shaft
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0294 Apparatus with multi-functionalities, e.g. radio and telephone

Abstract

A make-up or vanity mirror which is adapted to be mounted in a vehicle in such a manner that it may be optimally positioned for use by the driver/passenger without impairing the driver'"'"'s vision when the vehicle is in motion. The mirror assembly may be added as an aftermarket accessory to existing vehicles or may be installed as original equipment.

The mirror is mounted on a flexible extension arm which is secured to a base which may be quickly secured to the posts of the head rest on a typical seat or to another portion of the vehicle. The mirror may include a peripheral lighting system to provide localized illumination and a microphone and speaker assembly to allow communication with a cellular phone. The mirror assembly also includes a cellular phone holder, display screen and keypad to allow a user to operate and access the cellular telephone in a complete “hands-free” mode.

Claims

1. A vanity mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

a. a mirror;

b. an elongated, flexible extension arm having one end adapted for receiving and supporting the mirror, the mirror being rotatable relative to the axis of the extension arm;

c. the arm having an opposite end adapted to be pivotably mounted on the vehicle and movable between a stowed position wherein the arm and mirror are a non-interfering position relative to operation of the vehicle and a use position wherein the mirror may be used as a makeup mirror by an occupant of the vehicle; and

d. a mounting system for securely and removably mounting a cellular telephone.

2. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 1, further comprising a base adapted to be mounted on the vehicle and wherein the opposite end of the arm is pivotably mounted in the base.

3. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein the vehicle includes a seat having a headrest mounted on a post extending from the top of the seatback, and wherein the base further comprises a clamp adapted to be secured to the post.

4. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 3, wherein the clamp further comprises a pair of opposed C-clamps adapted for securing the base to the post.

5. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 4, wherein said C-clamps are slidably mounted in the base.

6. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 5, wherein said C-clamps are spring loaded.

7. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 2, the base further comprising a bayonet type pin and wherein the vehicle further includes a bayonet type accessory socket for receiving and locking the bayonet type pin to secure the mirror assembly in place.

8. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 7, wherein the opposite end of the arm is secured in the bayonet type pin.

9. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 8, wherein the arm is mounted for rotation about the axis of the pin.

10. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 1, further including an illumination source for lighting the mirror.

11. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 2, further including an illumination source for lighting the mirror, self-contained power supply located in the base, and wires extending the length of the arm for connecting the illumination source with the power supply.

12. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 2, further including an illumination source for lighting the mirror, wires extending the length of the arm and outwardly from the base and an adapted mounted on the end of the wires, the adapter adapted for connecting the wires to the vehicle power supply system.

13. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 12, wherein the adapter comprises a typical cigarette lighter socket adapter.

14. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 1, further including an illumination source for lighting the mirror, and a self-contained power supply located behind the mirror.

15. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 9, further including an illumination source for lighting the mirror, wherein the bayonet type accessory socket is energized by the vehicle power supply, wherein the pin includes electrical contacts, and wires are carried in the arm for connecting the electrical contacts to the illumination source.

16. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 1, further comprising a housing, the mirror being further adapted to be mounted in the housing and the housing being adapted to mounted on the one end of the arm.

17. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 16, the housing further including a cover adapted to place in protective covering of the mirror when the stowed position and to be removed to expose the mirror when in the use position.

18. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 17, the housing further including a latch for holding the cover in place.

19. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 18, further including an illumination source for lighting the mirror and connectors for connecting a power supply to the illumination source.

20. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 19, the latch including an on/off switch disposed between the illumination source and the connectors and adapted for connecting the connectors to the illumination source when the mirror is in the use position and the cover is exposed and for disconnecting the illumination source from the connectors when the mirror is covered.

21. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 2, further including a power source for providing power to the cellular telephone.

22. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 21, wherein said power source is a self-contained power supply.

23. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 2, further including a power plug for electrically interfacing with the cellular telephone, said plug in electrical connection with wiring capable of transferring power from the vehicle to the plug.

24. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein the mounting apparatus is attached to the extension arm.

26. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 1, further comprising a display screen in communication with said phone, for displaying information provided by said phone.

25. A vanity mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

a. a mirror;

b. an elongated, flexible extension arm having one end adapted for receiving and supporting the mirror, the mirror being rotatable relative to the axis of the extension arm;

c. the arm having an opposite end adapted to be pivotably mounted on the vehicle and movable between a stowed position wherein the arm and mirror are a non-interfering position relative to operation of the vehicle and a use position wherein the mirror may be used as a makeup mirror by an occupant of the vehicle;

d. a base adapted to be mounted on the vehicle and wherein the opposite end of the arm is pivotably mounted in the base;

e. a mounting apparatus for removably mounting a cellular telephone;

f. a display screen in communication with the telephone for displaying information provided said telephone; and

g. a dialing pad having a plurality of buttons for providing input to said telephone.