METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A VANITY ASSEMBLY

• US 20130125368A1
• Filed: 01/17/2013
• Published: 05/23/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Stakoe, John Andrew, Li, Chi
• Granted Patent: US 9,573,443 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/428
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/1418 the inserts being deformed or preformed, e.g. by the injection pressure
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 3/00 Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens optical viewing arrangements for vehicles B60R1/00; Sun visors for vehicles sun visors having appliances for storing or holding personal property B60R7/05
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 3/0282 specially adapted for a courtesy mirror
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A vanity mirror and light assembly is provided for use on a vehicle visor. The vanity assembly includes a clear frame molded to a reflective film to define a reflector portion and a partially transmissive portion. The assembly also includes a lighting device located behind the partially transmissive portion of the reflective film to provide a vanity light passing through the partially transmissive portion. A method of forming the vanity assembly in a mold is also provided.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a vanity assembly comprising the steps of:

providing a reflective film that is partially light transmissive;

molding a frame to the reflective film; and

installing a lighting device behind a lighting portion of the reflective film such that light emitted by the lighting device passes through the lighting portion and a reflective portion of the reflective film provides a mirror.

2. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the reflective film is reflective on a front side and is partially transmissive to light directed from a back side toward the front side.

3. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of molding comprises molding the frame from a clear light transmissive material.

4. The method as defined in claim 3, wherein the clear light transmissive material comprises a molded plastic.

5. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the reflective film is rearward of the frame.

6. The method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of installing the vanity assembly onto a vehicle visor.

7. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the reflective film comprises a polyester film with a metallic coating.

8. The method as defined in claim 7, wherein the polyester film with metallic coating has a thickness of less than 200 microns.

9. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of molding comprises molding the frame and the reflective film together in a mold.

10. The method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a rib in the frame that defines an outer perimeter of the lighting portion through which the vanity light passes.

11. The method as defined in claim 10, wherein the rib directs the light within the light portion and prevents light from being emitted through the reflective portion.

12. A method of manufacturing a vanity assembly comprising the steps of:

providing a reflective film having a reflective front side and a back side that is partially transmissive to light that is directed from the back side toward the front side;

molding a frame to the reflective film; and

installing a lighting device behind the reflective film to provide vanity lighting passing through a portion of the reflective film.