Mirror assembly security system

• US 6,902,306 B2
• Filed: 03/10/2004
• Issued: 06/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Willmore, David K., Mousseau, Rick, Pastrick, Todd W., Litke, Mark R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sember, Thomas M.
• Application Number:
  US10/797,390
• Publication Number:
  US 20040170025A1
• Time in Patent Office: 454 Days
• Field of Search: 362/494, 362/492, 362/135, 362/136, 362/540, 362/495, 362/516, 362/520, 362/544, 362/543, 362/487, 362/548, 362/549, 340/475
• 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
• 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 21/12 which protect the occupants against personal attack from the inside or the outside of the vehicle

Abstract

A mirror assembly security system suitable for use in a vehicle comprises an exterior mirror assembly including a reflective element and a positioning device for adjustably positioning said reflective element. A light module is positioned substantially within the assembly and includes an enclosure having a light-transmitting opening generally facing downward when the exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a side of the vehicle. The light module includes a light source and a light-directing surface at least partially surrounding the light source. The light module projects a pattern of light from a bottom portion of the assembly to illuminate a ground area adjacent the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone when said light source is electrically powered.

Claims

1. A mirror assembly security system suitable for use in a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror assembly including a reflective element and a positioning device for adjustably positioning said reflective element;

a light module positioned substantially within said assembly;

said light module including an enclosure having a light-transmitting opening, said light-transmitting opening generally facing downward when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a side of the vehicle;

said light module including a light source and including a light-directing surface;

said light module projecting a pattern of light from a bottom portion of said assembly to illuminate a ground area adjacent the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone when said light source is electrically powered;

a light transmitting cover for said light-transmitting opening;

said light transmitting cover comprising a lens;

said light module configured to direct light downward and rearward of the vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a side of the vehicle and when said light source is electrically powered; and

wherein said lens comprises at least one non-planar optical surface.

2. The mirror assembly security system of claim 1, wherein said light-directing surface at least partially surrounds said light source.

3. The mirror assembly security system in claim 2, further comprising a socket, said enclosure including a second opening, said socket being positioned in said second opening in said enclosure and including sealing means for sealing said socket in said second opening whereby said light source can be replaced by removing said light module from said exterior mirror assembly and removing said socket from said light module.

4. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said at least one non-planar optical surface comprises two non-planar optical surfaces.

5. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said light-directing surface is configured to direct light generally along a given axis, said axis generally facing downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle.

6. The mirror assembly security system in claim 2, wherein said enclosure is at least partially disposed in said exterior mirror assembly behind said reflective element.

7. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said lens comprises a refractive optic lens.

8. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said lens comprises a lens selected from the group consisting of a diffusive optic lens, a diffractive optic lens, a refractive optic lens, a reflective optic lens, a holographic optic lens, a binary optic lens, a clear optic lens, and a sinusoidal optic lens.

9. The mirror assembly security system in claim 2, wherein said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure include mating surface configurations, said mating surface configurations cooperating to at least partially retain said enclosure in said exterior mirror assembly.

10. The mirror assembly security system in claim 9, wherein said mating surface configurations comprise a tongue-and-groove configuration.

11. The mirror assembly security system in claim 9, wherein said mating surface configurations comprise at least one pair of deflectable prongs on one of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure and a socket on the other of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure, said deflectable prongs snap-fitting with said socket.

12. The mirror assembly security system in claim 9, wherein said mating surface configurations include at least one guide member and a deflectable clip on one of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure and a doghouse connector on the other of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure, said guide member and clip being retained by said doghouse connector.

13. The mirror assembly security system in claim 2, wherein said enclosure is made from a heat-resistant polymer.

14. The mirror assembly security system of claim 13, wherein said polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80°

C.

15. The mirror assembly security system in claim 13, wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

16. The mirror assembly security system in claim 1, wherein said light-directing surface comprises a metallic reflector surface.

17. The mirror assembly security system of claim 1, wherein said exterior mirror assembly comprises a driver-side exterior mirror assembly.

18. The mirror assembly security system of claim 2, wherein said reflective element comprises an electro-optic mirror.

19. The mirror assembly security system of claim 18, wherein said electro-optic mirror comprises an electrochromic mirror.

20. The mirror assembly security system of claim 19, wherein said electrochromic mirror comprises an electrochemichromic mirror.

21. The mirror assembly security system of claim 3, wherein said sealing means comprises a polymer material having a durometer hardness of at least about 50 SHORE A.

22. The mirror assembly security system of claim 21, wherein said sealing means comprises a polymer material having a durometer hardness in a range of from about 50 to about 95 SHORE A.

23. The mirror assembly system of claim 3, wherein said socket is at least partially formed of a resilient polymer material so as to be self-gasketing at its mating surface to said enclosure.

24. The mirror assembly security system of claim 1, wherein said light module is inserted within said exterior mirror assembly through an opening in said bottom portion of said exterior mirror assembly.

25. The mirror assembly security system of claim 24, wherein said light module is positioned within said exterior mirror assembly in a manner that conforms to the styling and aerodynamic lines of said exterior mirror assembly.

26. The mirror assembly security system of claim 2, wherein said light module is inserted within said exterior mirror assembly through an opening in said bottom portion of said exterior mirror assembly.

27. The mirror assembly security system of claim 26, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes a wall, said cover of said light module being substantially flush with said wall of said exterior mirror assembly.

28. The mirror assembly security system of claim 26, wherein said light module is removably attached by an attachment system.

29. The mirror assembly security system of claim 28, wherein said attachment system comprises a fastenerless system.

30. The mirror assembly security system of claim 29, wherein said fastenerless system comprises a doghouse style receiving connector.

31. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 26, wherein said light module is removably attached using at least one fastener.

32. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 31, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a screw, a clasp, a latch, and a clip.

33. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 31, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a screw.

34. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 28, wherein said light module is removably attached using no more than two fasteners.

35. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 34, wherein said no more than two fasteners are selected from the group consisting of screws, clasps, latches, and clips.

36. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 34, wherein said no more than two fasteners comprise at least one screw.

37. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 36, wherein said no more than two fasteners comprise two screws.

38. The mirror assembly security system of claim 2, wherein said light module is inserted within said exterior mirror assembly through an opening in said bottom portion of said exterior mirror assembly.

39. The mirror assembly security system of claim 38, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes a wall, said cover of said light module being substantially flush with said wall of said exterior mirror assembly.

40. The mirror assembly security system of claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes first and second side walls and first and second electrical contacts, said first contact disposed on said first side wall, said second contact disposed on said second side wall and said contacts supporting said light source and for electrically coupling said light source to an external electrical power supply.

41. The mirror assembly security system of claim 40, wherein said light source comprises an elongated light radiating surface.

42. The mirror assembly security system of claim 40, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent light source.

43. The mirror assembly security system of claim 42, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent festoon light source.

44. The mirror assembly security system of claim 2, wherein said light module is removable from said exterior mirror assembly as a unit.

45. The mirror assembly security system of claim 2, wherein said enclosure has a volume that is less than approximately 100 cubic centimeters.

46. The mirror assembly security system of claim 2, wherein said ground area is illuminated with a light level less than approximately 40 lux.

47. The mirror assembly security system of claim 1, wherein said ground area is illuminated with a light level greater than approximately 10 lux.

48. The mirror assembly security system of claim 47, wherein said ground area is illuminated with a light level in the range of approximately 10 lux to approximately 40 lux.

49. A mirror assembly security system suitable for use in a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror assembly including a reflective element and a positioning device for adjustably positioning said reflective element;

a light module positioned substantially within said assembly;

said light module including an enclosure having a light-transmitting opening, said light-transmitting opening generally facing downward when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a side of the vehicle;

said light module including a light source and including a light-directing surface;

said light module projecting a pattern of light from a bottom portion of said assembly to illuminate a ground area adjacent the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone when said light source is electrically powered;

a light transmitting cover for said light-transmitting opening;

said light transmitting cover comprising a lens;

said light module configured to direct light downward and rearward of the vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a side of the vehicle and when said light source is electrically powered;

wherein said lens comprises at least one non-planar optical surface;

wherein said light module is removable from said exterior mirror assembly as a unit; and

wherein said light-directing surface at least partially surrounds said light source.

50. The mirror assembly security system of claim 49, wherein said light-directing surface comprises a metallic reflector surface.

51. The mirror assembly security system in claim 50, further comprising a socket, said enclosure including a second opening, said socket being positioned in said second opening in said enclosure and including sealing means for sealing said socket in said second opening whereby said light source can be replaced by removing said light module from said exterior mirror assembly and removing said socket from said light module.

52. The mirror assembly security system in claim 49, wherein said at least one non-planar optical surface comprises two non-planar optical surfaces.

53. The mirror assembly security system in claim 49, wherein said light-directing surface is configured to direct light generally along a given axis, said axis generally facing downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle.

54. The mirror assembly security system in claim 50, wherein said enclosure is at least partially disposed in said exterior mirror assembly behind said reflective element.

55. The mirror assembly security system in claim 49, wherein said lens comprises a refractive optic lens.

56. The mirror assembly security system in claim 49, wherein said lens comprises a lens selected from the group consisting of a diffusive optic lens, a diffractive optic lens, a refractive optic lens, a reflective optic lens, a holographic optic lens, a binary optic lens, a clear optic lens, and a sinusoidal optic lens.

57. The mirror assembly security system in claim 50, wherein said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure include mating surface configurations, said mating surface configurations cooperating to at least partially retain said enclosure in said exterior mirror assembly.

58. The mirror assembly security system in claim 57, wherein said mating surface configurations comprise a tongue-and-groove configuration.

59. The mirror assembly security system in claim 57, wherein said mating surface configurations comprise at least one pair of deflectable prongs on one of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure and a socket on the other of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure, said deflectable prongs snap-fitting with said socket.

60. The mirror assembly security system in claim 57, wherein said mating surface configurations include at least one guide member and a deflectable clip on one of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure and a doghouse connector on the other of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure, said guide member and clip being retained by said doghouse connector.

61. The mirror assembly security system in claim 50, wherein said enclosure is made from a heat-resistant polymer.

62. The mirror assembly security system of claim 61, wherein said polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80°

C.

63. The mirror assembly security system in claim 61, wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

64. The mirror assembly security system in claim 56, wherein said light-directing surface comprises a metallic reflector surface.

65. The mirror assembly security system of claim 49, wherein said exterior mirror assembly comprises a driver-side exterior mirror assembly.

66. The mirror assembly security system of claim 50, wherein said reflective element comprises an electro-optic mirror.

67. The mirror assembly security system of claim 66, wherein said electro-optic mirror comprises an electrochromic mirror.

68. The mirror assembly security system of claim 67, wherein said electrochromic mirror comprises an electrochemichromic mirror.

69. The mirror assembly security system of claim 51, wherein said sealing means comprises a polymer material having a durometer hardness of at least about 50 SHORE A.

70. The mirror assembly security system of claim 69, wherein said sealing means comprises a polymer material having a durometer hardness in a range of from about 50 to about 95 SHORE A.

71. The mirror assembly system of claim 51, wherein said socket is at least partially formed of a resilient polymer material so as to be self-gasketing at its mating surface to said first enclosure.

72. The mirror assembly security system of claim 49, wherein said light module is inserted within said exterior mirror assembly through an opening in said bottom portion of said exterior mirror assembly.

73. The mirror assembly security system of claim 72, wherein said light module is positioned within said exterior mirror assembly in a manner that conforms to the styling and aerodynamic lines of said exterior mirror assembly.

74. The mirror assembly security system of claim 50, wherein said light module is inserted within said exterior mirror assembly through an opening in said bottom portion of said exterior mirror assembly.

75. The mirror assembly security system of claim 74, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes a wall, said cover of said light module being substantially flush with said wall of said exterior mirror assembly.

76. The mirror assembly security system of claim 74, wherein said light module is removably attached by an attachment system.

77. The mirror assembly security system of claim 76, wherein said attachment system comprises a fastenerless system.

78. The mirror assembly security system of claim 77, wherein said fastenerless system comprises a doghouse style receiving connector.

79. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 74, wherein said light module is removably attached using at least one fastener.

80. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 79, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a screw, a clasp, a latch, and a clip.

81. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 79, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a screw.

82. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 76, wherein said light module is removably attached using no more than two fasteners.

83. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 82, wherein said no more than two fasteners are selected from the group consisting of screws, clasps, latches, and clips.

84. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 82, wherein said no more than two fasteners comprise at least one screw.

85. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 84, wherein said no more than two fasteners comprise two screws.

86. The mirror assembly security system of claim 50, wherein said light module is inserted within said exterior mirror assembly through an opening in said bottom portion of said exterior mirror assembly.

87. The mirror assembly security system of claim 86, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes a wall, said cover of said light module being substantially flush with said wall of said exterior mirror assembly.

88. The mirror assembly security system of claim 49, wherein said enclosure includes first and second side walls and first and second electrical contacts, said first contact disposed on said first side wall, said second contact disposed on said second side wall and said contacts supporting said light source and for electrically coupling said light source to an external electrical power supply.

89. The mirror assembly security system of claim 88, wherein said light source comprises an elongated light radiating surface.

90. The mirror assembly security system of claim 88, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent light source.

91. The mirror assembly security system of claim 90, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent festoon light source.

92. The mirror assembly security system of claim 49, wherein said enclosure has a volume that is less than approximately 100 cubic centimeters.

93. The mirror assembly security system of claim 50, wherein said enclosure has a volume that is less than approximately 70 cubic centimeters.

94. The mirror assembly security system of claim 50, wherein said ground area is illuminated with a light level less than approximately 40 lux.

95. The mirror assembly security system of claim 49, wherein said ground area is illuminated with a light level greater than approximately 10 lux.

96. The mirror assembly security system of claim 95, wherein said ground area is illuminated with a light level in the range of approximately 10 lux to approximately 40 lux.

97. A mirror assembly security system suitable for use in a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror assembly including a reflective element and a positioning device for adjustably positioning said reflective element;

a light module positioned substantially within said assembly;

said light module including an enclosure having a light-transmitting opening, said light-transmitting opening generally facing downward when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a side of the vehicle;

said light module including a light source and including a light-directing surface;

said light module projecting a pattern of light from a bottom portion of said assembly to illuminate a ground area adjacent the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone when said light source is electrically powered;

a light transmitting cover for said light-transmitting opening;

said light transmitting cover comprising a lens;

said light module configured to direct light downward and rearward of the vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a side of the vehicle and when said light source is electrically powered;

wherein said lens comprises a lens selected from the group consisting of a diffusive optic lens, a diffractive optic lens, a refractive optic lens, a reflective optic lens, a holographic optic lens, a binary optic lens, a clear optic lens, and a sinusoidal optic lens; and

wherein said enclosure has a volume that is less than approximately 100 cubic centimeters.

98. The mirror assembly security system of claim 97, wherein said light-directing surface comprises a metallic reflector surface.

99. The mirror assembly security system in claim 98, further comprising a socket, said enclosure including a second opening, said socket being positioned in said second opening in said enclosure and including sealing means for sealing said socket in said second opening whereby said light source can be replaced by removing said light module from said exterior mirror assembly and removing said socket from said light module.

100. The mirror assembly security system in claim 97, wherein said lens comprises two non-planar optical surfaces.

101. The mirror assembly security system in claim 97, wherein said light-directing surface is configured to direct light generally along a given axis, said axis generally facing downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle.

102. The mirror assembly security system in claim 98, wherein said enclosure is at least partially disposed in said exterior mirror assembly behind said reflective element.

103. The mirror assembly security system in claim 97, wherein said lens comprises a refractive optic lens.

104. The mirror assembly security system in claim 97, wherein said lens comprises at least one non-planar optical surface.

105. The mirror assembly security system in claim 98, wherein said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure include mating surface configurations, said mating surface configurations cooperating to at least partially retain said enclosure in said exterior mirror assembly.

106. The mirror assembly security system in claim 105, wherein said mating surface configurations comprise a tongue-and-groove configuration.

107. The mirror assembly security system in claim 105, wherein said mating surface configurations comprise at least one pair of deflectable prongs on one of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure and a socket on the other of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure, said deflectable prongs snap-fitting with said socket.

108. The mirror assembly security system in claim 105, wherein said mating surface configurations include at least one guide member and a deflectable clip on one of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure and a doghouse connector on the other of said exterior mirror assembly and said enclosure, said guide member and clip being retained by said doghouse connector.

109. The mirror assembly security system in claim 98, wherein said enclosure is made from a heat-resistant polymer.

110. The mirror assembly security system of claim 109, wherein said polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80°

C.

111. The mirror assembly security system in claim 109, wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

112. The mirror assembly security system in claim 104, wherein said light-directing surface comprises a metallic reflector surface.

113. The mirror assembly security system of claim 97, wherein said exterior mirror assembly comprises a driver-side exterior mirror assembly.

114. The mirror assembly security system of claim 98, wherein said reflective element comprises an electro-optic mirror.

115. The mirror assembly security system of claim 114, wherein said electro-optic mirror comprises an electrochromic mirror.

116. The mirror assembly security system of claim 115, wherein said electrochromic mirror comprises an electrochemichromic mirror.

117. The mirror assembly security system of claim 99, wherein said sealing means comprises a polymer material having a durometer hardness of at least about 50 SHORE A.

118. The mirror assembly security system of claim 117, wherein said sealing means comprises a polymer material having a durometer hardness in a range of from about 50 to about 95 SHORE A.

119. The mirror assembly system of claim 99, wherein said socket is at least partially formed of a resilient polymer material so as to be self-gasketing at its mating surface to said first enclosure.

120. The mirror assembly security system of claim 97, wherein said light module is inserted within said exterior mirror assembly through an opening in said bottom portion of said exterior mirror assembly.

121. The mirror assembly security system of claim 120, wherein said light module is positioned within said exterior mirror assembly in a manner that conforms to the styling and aerodynamic lines of said exterior mirror assembly.

122. The mirror assembly security system of claim 98, wherein said light module is inserted within said exterior mirror assembly through an opening in said bottom portion of said exterior mirror assembly.

123. The mirror assembly security system of claim 122, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes a wall, said cover of said light module being substantially flush with said wall of said exterior mirror assembly.

124. The mirror assembly security system of claim 122, wherein said light module is removably attached by an attachment system.

125. The mirror assembly security system of claim 124, wherein said attachment system comprises a fastenerless system.

126. The mirror assembly security system of claim 125, wherein said fastenerless system comprises a doghouse style receiving connector.

127. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 122, wherein said light module is removably attached using at least one fastener.

128. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 127, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a screw, a clasp, a latch, and a clip.

129. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 127, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a screw.

130. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 124, wherein said light module is removably attached using no more than two fasteners.

131. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 130, wherein said no more than two fasteners are selected from the group consisting of screws, clasps, latches, and clips.

132. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 130, wherein said no more than two fasteners comprise at least one screw.

133. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 132, wherein said no more than two fasteners comprise two screws.

134. The mirror assembly security system of claim 98, wherein said light module is inserted within said exterior mirror assembly through an opening in said bottom portion of said exterior mirror assembly.

135. The mirror assembly security system of claim 134, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes a wall, said cover of said light module being substantially flush with said wall of said exterior mirror assembly.

136. The mirror assembly security system of claim 97, wherein said enclosure includes first and second side walls and first and second electrical contacts, said first contact disposed on said first side wall, said second contact disposed on said second side wall and said contacts supporting said light source and for electrically coupling said light source to an external electrical power supply.

137. The mirror assembly security system of claim 136, wherein said light source comprises an elongated light radiating surface.

138. The mirror assembly security system of claim 136, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent light source.

139. The mirror assembly security system of claim 138, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent festoon light source.

140. The mirror assembly security system of claim 97, wherein said enclosure has a volume that is less than approximately 70 cubic centimeters.

141. The mirror assembly security system of claim 98, wherein said enclosure has a volume that is less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

142. The mirror assembly security system of claim 98, wherein said ground area is illuminated with a light level less than approximately 40 lux.

143. The mirror assembly security system of claim 97, wherein said ground area is illuminated with a light level greater than approximately 10 lux.

144. The mirror assembly security system of claim 143, wherein said ground area is illuminated with a light level in the range of approximately 10 lux to approximately 40 lux.