Exterior rear view mirror integral warning light

• US 6,644,838 B2
• Filed: 05/14/2002
• Issued: 11/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Original Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Inventors: Stidham, Mark, Furlotte, Charles, Gathergood, Dale
• Primary Examiner(s): HUSAR, STEPHEN F
• Application Number:
  US10/145,208
• Publication Number:
  US 20020141199A1
• Time in Patent Office: 546 Days
• Field of Search: D12/187, 340/468, 340/475, 359/841, 359/842, 359/844, 362/494, 362/540, 362/541, 362/542
• US Class Current: 362/494
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators

Abstract

An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a warning light actuatable in conjunction with the vehicle turn signals to alert adjacent motor vehicles of an anticipated turn. The warning light is integrated into a first decorative cover member and may be connected to the vehicle turn signal circuit by way of connectable electrical leads or by an integrally formed plug and outlet arrangement. A second decorative cover member may be substituted for the first decorative cover member when it is not desired to incorporate the warning light.

Claims

1. A mirror adaptable for alternate configurations while maintaining substantially the same aesthetic contours comprising:

a housing adapted to be secured to an outer surface of a motor vehicle and having a generally rearwardly facing opening;

a reflective mirror disposed within the opening;

a first contour member forming a major contour of the mirror, said contour member being releasably attached to said housing whereby the first contour member is interchangeable with a second contoured member.

2. The mirror of claim 1 wherein one of said first or second contour members includes a light therein.

3. The mirror of claim 2 wherein said one of said first or second contour members includes a contour following opaque portion and a light emitting portion.

4. The mirror of claim 2 wherein said contour member forms a major contoured surface of said mirror.

5. The mirror of claim 1 wherein one of said first or second contour members does not include a light source therein.

6. The mirror of claim 1 wherein the cover is attached via a tang and latch attachment.

7. The mirror of claim 1 wherein one of said contoured members includes a light transmitting lens forming a contour of the outer surface of said first decorative cover member.

8. The mirror of claim 7 comprising a light assembly operably attached under said light transmitting lens.

9. The mirror of claim 8 wherein said light assembly includes a light housing wherein said contoured lens is attached thereto and a light source supported in said housing.

10. A method of assembly of a mirror with an auxiliary warning light as an optional assembly comprising:

providing a mirror housing adapted to be secured to an outer surface of a motor vehicle and having a generally rearward facing opening with a reflective mirror in said opening;

providing at least one contoured cover member which may be selected during assembly from the group of a member having a decorative member including a signal light or a decorative member not having a light for forming a contour of said housing; and

assembling said decorative member with said housing for forming a contoured mirror assembly.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said decorative member may be replaced with a separate member after initial assembly.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the decorative member includes a contour following opaque portion and a light emitting portion.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the decorative member is a contoured form following member forming a major contoured portion of the vehicle.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein the contoured member is secured therein using a tang and latch securement.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein the decorative member having a signal light including a contoured lens portion and an opaque portion.

16. The method of claim 10 further comprising a lens assembly and surfaces forming a lens receiving portion in said contoured member for receiving said lens assembly.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein said lens receiving portion includes electrical contacts for press fit assembly and electrical connection to said light assembly.