Rearview mirror adapted for communication devices

• US 6,367,939 B1
• Filed: 01/25/2001
• Issued: 04/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/25/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Grimes, Robert W. III, Carter, John W.
• Primary Examiner(s): SIKDER, MOHAMMAD YUNUS
• Application Number:
  US09/769,854
• Time in Patent Office: 439 Days
• Field of Search: 359/879, 359/881, 359/871, 359/872, 296/97.5, 296/37.1, 296/37.7, 296/37.8, 296/97.H, 296/97.R
• US Class Current: 359/879
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• 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 2001/1292 with holding means for personal articles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0075 using a containment or docking space
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use

Abstract

A mount adjustably supports a mirror assembly to a vehicle windshield. The mount includes a housing with a pocket shaped to completely receive a portable communication device, such as a portable telephone, with the device'"'"'s antenna extending from the pocket. A door on the mount is positioned to close and positively capture the communication device in the mount housing. The door includes a push-push latch to provide secure retention of the communication device, but further includes a dampener for smooth door movement. The door is aesthetically designed for optimal function and appearance.

Claims

1. A rearview vehicle mirror apparatus comprising:

a mirror assembly;

a mount supporting the mirror assembly and that is adapted to support the mirror assembly on a vehicle windshield; and

one of the mirror assembly and the mount including a first housing with a storage pocket shaped to receive a portable electronic communication device and including electrical conductors configured to couple to the communication device, and further including a door shaped to cover the pocket, the door being pivoted to the housing and movable between an open position providing access to the pocket and a closed position for positively retaining the communication device within the pocket.

2. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the first housing defines a downwardly facing access opening to the pocket.

3. The apparatus defined in claim 2, wherein the door includes side flanges and defines a mating pocket shaped to receive the communication device and to fit into the storage pocket.

4. The apparatus defined in claim 3, wherein the access opening is defined in the first housing.

5. The apparatus defined in claim 4, wherein the first housing includes a notch adapted to receive an antenna of the communication device.

6. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the mount includes the pocket and the door is operably attached to the mount.

7. The apparatus defined in claim 6, including a biasing spring biasing the door toward the open position.

8. The apparatus defined in claim 1, including a dampener operably connected to the door for dampening movement of the door.

9. The apparatus defined in claim 8, wherein the door includes a flange having a row of teeth, and the dampener includes a pinion gear operably engaging the teeth for dampened movement as the door is opened and closed.

10. The apparatus defined in claim 1, including a latch for securely holding the door in the closed position.

11. The apparatus defined in claim 10, wherein the latch is a push-push latch configured to engage and hold the door in the closed position when the door is pushed closed and released, and further is configured to release the door to the opened position when the door is again pushed and released.

12. The apparatus defined in claim 11, wherein the push-push latch includes a track formed in one of the mount and the door, and a push-push follower on the other of the mount and the door for engaging the track.

13. The apparatus defined in claim 1, including a biasing device that biases the door toward the opened position.

14. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the pocket is formed in the mount.

15. The apparatus defined in claim 14, wherein the pocket is oriented at a vertical angle and is downwardly facing.

16. The apparatus defined in claim 1, including a limiting device on the one of the housing and the mount that is configured to engage the door and limit the opening movement of the door.

17. The apparatus defined in claim 16, wherein the limiting device includes a slot and pin that follows the slot as the door is opened and closed.

18. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the door and the mount include a notch for receiving an antenna of the communication device, so that the antenna can extend from the pocket when the communication device is positioned within the pocket.

19. The apparatus defined in claim 1, including contacts in the one of the mount and the door for engaging mating contacts on the communication device for recharging the communication device.

20. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the mount includes a ball pivot adjustment device interconnecting the mirror assembly to the mount.

21. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the communication device is a cellular telephone.

22. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein the communication device is a personal data apparatus.

26. The apparatus defined in claim 1, including a portable electronic communication device located in the pocket and coupled to the electrical conductors.

23. A rearview vehicle mirror apparatus comprising:

a mirror assembly including a housing;

a mount supporting the mirror assembly and that is adapted to adjustably support the mirror assembly proximate a vehicle windshield; and

one of the housing and the mount including a pocket with an access opening shaped to receive a portable electronic communication device and including electrical conductors configured to couple to the communication device, and further including a releasable retainer pivoted to the one of the housing and the mount and shaped to selectively cover at least a portion of the access opening to positively retain the communication device in the pocket.

24. The apparatus defined in claim 23, wherein the retainer comprises a door that, when closed, substantially covers the access opening.

25. The apparatus defined in claim 23, including a push-push latch on the door and the one of the housing and the mount for holding the door in a closed position to retain the communication device in the pocket.

27. The apparatus defined in claim 23, including a portable electronic communication device located in the pocket and coupled to the electrical conductors.