SIDE MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED SPOTTING MIRROR

• US 20090073588A1
• Filed: 09/14/2007
• Published: 03/19/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Original Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Inventors: Wilson, Douglas J.
• Application Number:
  US11/855,588
• Publication Number:
  US 20090073588A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/868
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/082 using a single wide field mirror or an association of rigidly connected mirrors

Abstract

A mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A housing is fixedly secured to the base. The housing defines an opening. A mirror is operatively secured to the housing at the opening. The mirror defines a rear view mirror portion and a spotting mirror portion wherein the rear view mirror portion and the spotting mirror portion are fabricated from a unitary structure.

Claims

1. A mirror assembly for a motor vehicle, said mirror assembly comprising:

a base fixedly secured to the motor vehicle;

a housing fixedly secured to said base, said housing defining an opening; and

a mirror operatively secured to said housing at said opening, said mirror defining a rear view mirror portion and a spotting mirror portion wherein said rear view mirror portion and said spotting mirror portion are fabricated from a unitary structure.

2. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spotting mirror portion defines a first radius of curvature.

3. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said rear view mirror portion defines a second radius of curvature such that said first radius of curvature is less than said second radius of curvature.

4. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said unitary structure is a sheet of metal.

5. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said sheet of metal defines a periphery.

6. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said sheet of metal includes a flange extending around said sheet of metal substantially perpendicular thereto.

7. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said sheet of metal includes a reflective surface and a back surface.

8. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 7 including a backing plate fixedly secured to said mirror and disposed adjacent said back surface thereof to provide structural support for said mirror.

9. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said backing plate defines a backing periphery and a backing channel extending along said backing periphery.

10. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said backing plate includes an exterior edge extending out from said backing plate.

11. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said backing channel defines a width to receive said flange therein.

12. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said reflective surface is chrome plated.

13. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said mirror is anodized with aluminum.

14. A mirror assembly for a motor vehicle, said mirror assembly comprising:

a base fixedly secured to the motor vehicle;

a housing fixedly secured to said base, said housing defining an opening; and

a mirror operatively secured to said housing at said opening, said mirror defining a rear view mirror portion and a spotting mirror portion wherein said rear view mirror portion and said spotting mirror portion are fabricated from a sheet of metal including a reflective surface and a back surface; and

a backing plate fixedly secured to said mirror and disposed adjacent said back surface thereof to provide structural support for said mirror.

15. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said spotting mirror portion defines a first radius of curvature.

16. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said rear view mirror portion defines a second radius of curvature such that said first radius of curvature is less than said second radius of curvature.

17. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said unitary structure is a sheet of metal.

18. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein said sheet of metal defines a periphery.

19. A mirror assembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein said sheet of metal includes a flange extending around said sheet of metal substantially perpendicular thereto.