Extendable mirror

• US 6,497,491 B2
• Filed: 08/03/2001
• Issued: 12/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirror Systems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Magna Mirror Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Peterson, Kenneth, Boddy, Ian
• Primary Examiner(s): SIKDER, MOHAMMAD YUNUS
• Application Number:
  US09/922,443
• Publication Number:
  US 20020048095A1
• Time in Patent Office: 508 Days
• Field of Search: 359/841, 359/842, 359/843, 359/872, 359/873, 359/877, 359/881, 359/838, 362/83.1, 340/426, 340/447, 340/475, 340/478, 340/825.72
• US Class Current: 359/841
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/078 easily removable; mounted for bodily outward movement, e.g. when towing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays

Abstract

An exterior rearview mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a base member having a mounting plate for fixedly securing the mirror assembly to the side of the vehicle and a base plate extending outwardly therefrom. An elongated support arm has a first end pivotally coupled to the base plate and an opposite second end supporting a concave mirror housing. The mirror housing includes a peripheral rim defining an opening for receiving a reflective glass mirror pane. The mirror pane includes a directional indicator for providing directional signaling of the intended vehicle path. The mirror assembly further includes a puddle lamp for illuminating areas adjacent to the vehicle for entry and exit and for signaling rearward of the vehicle. Finally, the mirror assembly includes a display panel operatively connected to the vehicle for displaying information indicative of the vehicles operating conditions.

Claims

1. An exterior rearview mirror assembly for use in an automotive vehicle comprising:

a base member adapted to fixedly secure said mirror assembly to the vehicle,

an elongate support arm extending from a first end coupled to said base member and a second end spaced from said base member;

a concave mirror housing slidably coupled to said support arm for movement between a retracted position adjacent said base member and an extended position spaced outwardly from said base member;

said housing having a peripheral rim defining an opening into said concave housing;

a light assembly mounted to said mirror housing opposite said peripheral rim for providing a forward facing lighted illumination from said mirror assembly to alert oncoming occupants of the vehicle; and

an activation switch coupled between said support arm and said housing for activating said light assembly in response to said housing being position from said retracted position to said extended position.

2. An exterior rearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said activation switch is an electronic microswitch electrically coupled to said light assembly and actuated by movement of said housing between said retracted and extended positions for activating and illuminating said light assembly in said extended position.

3. An exterior rearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 2 further including a pivot mechanism coupled between said base member and said first end of said support arm for providing pivotal movement of said support arm and said housing between use position projecting generally transverse to said base member and a folded position pivoted generally against the base member and side of the vehicle.

4. An exterior rearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 3 further including a glass mirror pane seated within said opening and secured to said housing for providing a rearward reflective view to an occupant in the vehicle.

5. An exterior rearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said mirror pane includes at least one directional indicator light operable in response to the activation of a vehicle directional signal control for providing a rearwardly projecting illuminated signal indicative of the intended vehicle direction.

6. An exterior rearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 5 further including a puddle lamp assembly mounted to said support arm adjacent said second end for projecting light generally downwardly from said mirror assembly to illuminate the area adjacent the side of the vehicle.

7. An exterior rearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said puddle lamp assembly is disposed and concealed in said housing when said housing is moved to said retracted position and exposed for illumination when said housing is in said extended position.