Conversation mirror/intercom

• US 6,553,123 B1
• Filed: 08/12/1998
• Issued: 04/22/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Prince (Wellman Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Prince (Wellman Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Dykstra, Steven P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Isen, Forester W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MCCHESNEY, ELIZABETH A
• Application Number:
  US09/132,333
• Time in Patent Office: 1,714 Days
• Field of Search: 381/86, 381/389, 381/365, 340/425.5, 455/345, 455/90, 455/575
• US Class Current: 381/86
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/008 allowing the driver to see passengers, e.g. for busses combined with rear-view mirrors B60R1/08
• 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 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0085 with adjustment by rotation in their operational position

Abstract

A combined conversation mirror and intercom is mounted in a mirror frame pivotally mounted to a vehicle accessory, such as an overhead console. The frame is movable between an unobtrusive stored position and an extended use position located such that the vehicle operator can see mid or rear seat passengers, and, similarly, the mid or rear seat passengers can see the vehicle operator. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrical switch is coupled between the mirror frame and vehicle accessory such that movement of the mirror frame actuates the switch for powering the intercom circuit.

Claims

1. A conversation mirror/intercom for a vehicle comprising:

a vehicle accessory for mounting to the roof area of a vehicle near a vehicle operator;

a mirror frame mounted to said vehicle accessory for movement between stored and use positions;

a conversation mirror positioned in said mirror frame;

an electrical circuit including a first transducer and an amplifier, said transducer positioned in said mirror frame; and

a second transducer for positioning in spaced relationship to said first transducer, wherein said electrical circuit is actuated upon movement of the mirror frame from a stored to a use position, allowing verbal communication between the vehicle occupants.

2. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 1 and further including an electrical switch cooperating with said mirror frame and vehicle accessory for applying electrical operating power to said electrical circuit when said mirror frame is moved from a stored to a use position.

3. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 2 wherein said accessory is an overhead console.

4. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 3 wherein said first transducer is mounted in said mirror frame.

5. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 4 wherein said electrical circuit includes an audio amplifier having an input coupled to said first transducer and an output coupled to said second transducer.

6. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 5 wherein said first transducer mounted in said mirror frame is a microphone.

7. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 6 wherein said second transducer is a speaker.

8. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 1 wherein said mirror is convex.

9. A conversation mirror/intercom for a vehicle comprising:

a vehicle accessory for mounting to the roof area of a vehicle near a vehicle operator;

a mirror frame pivotally mounted to said vehicle accessory for movement between stored and use positions;

a conversation mirror positioned in said mirror frame;

an electrical circuit including a microphone and an amplifier, said microphone positioned in said mirror frame; and

a speaker for positioning in a rear seat area of a vehicle, wherein said electrical circuit is actuated upon movement of the mirror frame from a stored to a use position for activating the microphone and the speaker allowing verbal communication between vehicle occupants.

10. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 9 wherein said mirror is convex.

11. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 10 wherein said accessory is an overhead console.

12. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 11 wherein said microphone is mounted in said mirror frame.

13. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 12 and further including an electrical switch cooperating with said mirror frame and vehicle accessory for applying electrical operating power to said electrical circuit when said mirror frame is moved from a stored to a use position.

14. The mirror/intercom as defined in claim 13 wherein said electrical circuit includes an audio amplifier having an input coupled to said microphone and an output coupled to said speaker.