Exterior mirror

• US 7,165,853 B2
• Filed: 12/23/2004
• Issued: 01/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/2000
• 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: Schuurmans, Maarten J., Munir, Kash A., Moase, Chris, McCaffrey, Patrick, Herps, Andrew D., Gilbert, Robert W., Schwarz, Paul M., Peacock, Adam S., Olijnyk, Mark, van de Loo, Paul, Gersch, Alex, Teal, Richard G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shafer; Ricky D.
• Application Number:
  US11/021,614
• Publication Number:
  US 20050105299A1
• Time in Patent Office: 761 Days
• Field of Search: 359/841, 359/872, 359/877, 359/881, 359/843, 248/480
• US Class Current: 359/841
• 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: B60Q 2400/40 Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
• 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

Abstract

The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual'"'"'s approach to the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle mirror comprising:

a housing;

a reflective element provided in said housing;

an attachment assembly for attaching said housing to a vehicle;

a telescopic arm extending between said housing and said attachment assembly, wherein said telescopic arm has a first tubular member connected to said attachment assembly configured to slidingly receive a second tubular member connected to said housing;

wherein said telescopic arm further comprises a first cover member spaced apart and extending parallel to said first tubular member and a second cover member spaced apart and extending parallel to said second tubular member;

wherein the interior surface of said first cover member is spaced apart from said first tubular member to permit sliding engagement between said first cover member and said second cover member;

a drive mechanism having a motor assembly coupled to a worm structure that is rotatably coupled to a drive member that is fixedly coupled to said first tubular member, wherein said worm structure rotates to move said drive member and said first tubular member along the axis of said first tubular member; and

a programmable controller coupled to said drive mechanism which permits storage of information pertaining to the position of said reflective element, wherein said reflective element can be automatically returned to a position based upon the position information stored on said programmable controller.

2. The vehicle mirror of claim 1 further comprising one or more rollers coupled to said second tubular member, wherein said one or more rollers facilitate the sliding of said first and second tubular members.

3. The vehicle mirror of claim 1 wherein said housing and said telescope arm pivot with respect to said attachment assembly.

4. A vehicle mirror comprising:

a housing;

a reflective element provided in said housing;

an attachment assembly for attaching said housing to a vehicle;

a first telescopic arm extending between said housing and said attachment assembly;

a second telescopic arm extending between said housing and said attachment assembly wherein said first and second telescopic arms each have a first tubular member connected to said attachment assembly and configured to slidingly receive a second tubular member connected to said housing;

a first drive mechanism coupled to said first telescopic arm, wherein said first drive mechanism is configured to cause said first tubular member to slide with respect to said second tubular member;

a second drive mechanism coupled to said second telescopic arm, wherein said second drive mechanism is configured to cause said first tubular member to slide with respect to said second tubular member;

an intermediate drive connected to both said first drive mechanism and said second drive mechanism wherein said intermediate drive actuates said first drive mechanism and said second drive mechanism;

wherein said first drive mechanism and said second drive mechanism each have a worm gear operably engaged to said intermediate drive;

a threaded lead screw connected to said worm gear, wherein said threaded lead screw is rotatably supported by said first tubular member; and

a drive member connected to said first tubular member, wherein said drive member has a threaded surface that engages and mates with said threaded lead screw.

5. The vehicle mirror of claim 4 wherein said intermediate drive comprises:

an intermediate worm gear;

a first intermediate worm drive connected to said intermediate worm gear and operably engaged to said worm gear of said first drive mechanism;

a second intermediate worm drive operably connected to said intermediate worm gear and engaged to said worm gear of said second drive mechanism; and

a motor having a shaft operably engaged to said intermediate worm gear.

6. The vehicle mirror of claim 4 wherein said intermediate drive comprises:

an intermediate worm gear;

a first intermediate worm drive connected to said intermediate worm gear and operably engaged to said first drive mechanism;

a second intermediate worm drive connected to said intermediate worm gear and operably engaged to said second drive mechanism; and

a motor having a shaft operably engaged to said intermediate worm gear.

7. The vehicle mirror of claim 4 further comprising a programmable controller coupled to said first and second drive mechanisms which permits storage of information pertaining to the position of said reflective element, wherein said reflective element can be automatically returned to a position based upon information stored on said programmable controller.

8. The vehicle mirror of claim 4 wherein said housing and said first and second telescopic arms pivot with respect to said attachment assembly.