LIGHTED EXTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM

• US 20080144327A1
• Filed: 02/26/2008
• Published: 06/19/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/1993
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Koops, Roger L., Pastrick, Todd W., Molenkamp, Linda K.
• Granted Patent: US 7,784,983 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/494
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/30 Lamps commanded by wireless transmissions
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/12 which protect the occupants against personal attack from the inside or the outside of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/802 Position or condition responsive switch

Abstract

A lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a reflective element having a heater and a breakaway joint assembly having stationary member and a pivoting member that comprises a bracket supporting an electrically-operable actuator for positioning the reflective element about at least one axis. The exterior mirror assembly comprises a ground illumination or a signal light. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes carrying vehicle control signals and electrical power.

Claims

1. An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror including a housing and a reflective element positioned in said housing;

a floodlight projecting light from said housing generally downwardly on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in said area; and

an actuator for said floodlight including a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter, wherein said base unit is responsive to a signal from said remote transmitter in order to actuate said floodlight, and wherein said actuator includes a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of said floodlight during operation of the vehicle.