Extended field of view exterior mirror element for vehicle

• US 8,562,157 B2
• Filed: 02/25/2013
• Issued: 10/22/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lynam, Niall R.
• Primary Examiner(s): AMARI, ALESSANDRO V
• Application Number:
  US13/776,247
• Publication Number:
  US 20130188237A1
• Time in Patent Office: 239 Days
• Field of Search: 359/866, 359/868
• US Class Current: 359/866
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/0602 comprising means for cleaning or deicing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/072 for adjusting the mirror relative to its housing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/08 involving special optical features, e.g. avoiding blind spots , e.g. convex mirrors; Side-by-side associations of rear-view and other mirrors B60R1/025, B60R1/10 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/082 using a single wide field mirror or an association of rigidly connected mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0006 with means to keep optical surfaces clean, e.g. by preventing or removing dirt, stains, contamination, condensation G02B1/18 takes precedence; cleaning in general B08B
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/182 for mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/157 Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/161 Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells; Filling or closing of cells

Abstract

An extended field of view exterior mirror element includes a reflective single glass element having a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion. The substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides a first primary field of view rearward of the vehicle. When the driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the vehicle, the substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides to the driver of the vehicle a rearward field of view that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 20 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the vehicle. The multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle. The second auxiliary rearward field of view extends the first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the vehicle.

Claims

1. An extended field of view exterior mirror element suitable for use in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly on a vehicle, said extended field of view exterior mirror element comprising:

a reflective single glass element comprising a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion having a radius of curvature greater than at least approximately 12,000 millimeters;

wherein said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides a first primary field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides to the driver of the equipped vehicle a rearward field of view that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 20 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to an outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein the radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion decreases as said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to said outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element; and

wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a demarcation that generally demarcates said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion from said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion.

2. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion is coated with a reflective metallic layer.

3. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is coated with a reflective metallic layer.

4. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein a reflective metallic layer commonly coats said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion.

5. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 4, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a rear substrate of an electrochromic exterior mirror element.

6. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein the glass thickness of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion is less than approximately 0.8 millimeters and greater than approximately 0.3 millimeters.

7. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 6, wherein the glass thickness of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is less than approximately 0.8 millimeters and greater than approximately 0.3 millimeters.

8. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at least partially into a blind spot of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion in a side lane adjacent the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at which said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached.

9. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is less than approximately 45 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

10. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 9, wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is at least approximately 25 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

11. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is less than approximately 35 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

12. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 11, wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is less than approximately 45 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

13. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein said reflective single glass element is disposed at a mirror backing plate element.

14. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 13, wherein said mirror backing plate element is adapted for attachment at an electrically-operable actuator.

15. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 14, wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said mirror backing plate element is movable by said electrically-operable actuator and wherein movement of said mirror backing plate element by said actuator simultaneously and similarly moves said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion.

16. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 15, comprising a heater element operable to demist/deice the outmost surface of said reflective single glass element when said reflective single glass element is disposed at said mirror backing plate element and when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached and operated at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

17. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein a reflective metallic layer commonly coats said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion and wherein said reflective metallic layer comprises at least one of (i) chromium, (ii) titanium, (iii) rhodium, (iv) a metal-alloy, (v) a nickel alloy, (vi) aluminum and (vii) silver.

18. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises an outer first surface and an inner second surface and wherein a reflective metallic layer at said inner second surface commonly coats said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion.

19. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides to the driver of the equipped vehicle a rearward field of view that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 15 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

20. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a fixed reflectance reflective element.

21. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a rear substrate of a laminate-type electrochromic exterior mirror element and wherein said laminate-type electrochromic mirror element comprises a front glass substrate that is joined to and is spaced from said reflective single glass element by a perimeter seal.

22. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 21, wherein said front substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface and wherein an electrochromic medium is disposed between said second surface of said front substrate and said rear substrate and wherein said electrochromic medium is bounded by said perimeter seal.

23. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 22, wherein a reflective perimeter coating is disposed at the perimeter region of said second surface of said front substrate and wherein said reflective perimeter coating is configured and dimensioned to hide the presence of said perimeter seal from view by a viewer viewing through said front substrate when said electrochromic exterior mirror element is used on the equipped vehicle.

24. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 23, wherein, when joined together and spaced apart by said perimeter seal, no part of said rear glass substrate protrudes beyond any part of said front glass substrate.

25. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 24, wherein a reflective metallic layer commonly coats said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion.

26. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein said demarcation comprises at least one of (i) a line, (ii) interspaced dots, (iii) dashes and (iv) spots.

27. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein said demarcation is at least one of (i) darkly colored and (ii) black.

28. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein said demarcation has a thickness in the range from about 0.5 millimeters to about 3 millimeters.

29. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein at least one radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion lies in the range between about 4,000 millimeters and about 100 millimeters.

30. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 1, wherein said demarcation is disposed at the region of said reflective single glass element generally where said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion ends and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion begins.

31. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 30, wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of an equipped vehicle, the entirety of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is outboard of the entirety of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is farther from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle than is said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion.

32. An extended field of view exterior mirror element suitable for use in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly on a vehicle, said extended field of view exterior mirror element comprising:

a reflective single glass element comprising a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion having a radius of curvature greater than at least approximately 12,000 millimeters;

wherein said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides a first primary field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides to the driver of the equipped vehicle a rearward field of view that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 20 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to an outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein the radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion decreases as said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to said outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at least partially into a blind spot of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion in a side lane adjacent the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at which said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached;

wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a demarcation that generally demarcates said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion from said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

wherein said reflective single glass element is disposed at a mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element is adapted for attachment at an electrically-operable actuator; and

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said mirror backing plate element is movable by said electrically-operable actuator and wherein movement of said mirror backing plate element by said actuator simultaneously and similarly moves said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion.

33. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 32, wherein at least one of (i) said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion is coated with a reflective metallic layer, (ii) said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is coated with a reflective metallic layer and (iii) a reflective metallic layer commonly coats said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion.

34. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 32, wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is less than approximately 45 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, and wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is at least approximately 25 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

35. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 32, wherein a reflective metallic layer commonly coats said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion and wherein said reflective metallic layer comprises at least one of (i) chromium, (ii) titanium, (iii) rhodium, (iv) a metal-alloy, (v) a nickel alloy, (vi) aluminum and (vii) silver.

36. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 32, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a fixed reflectance reflective element.

37. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 32, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a rear substrate of a laminate-type electrochromic exterior mirror element and wherein said laminate-type electrochromic mirror element comprises a front glass substrate that is joined to and is spaced from said reflective single glass element by a perimeter seal, and wherein said front substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface and wherein an electrochromic medium is disposed between said second surface of said front substrate and said rear substrate and wherein said electrochromic medium is bounded by said perimeter seal.

38. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 37, wherein a reflective perimeter coating is disposed at the perimeter region of said second surface of said front substrate and wherein said reflective perimeter coating is configured and dimensioned to hide the presence of said perimeter seal from view by a viewer viewing through said front substrate when said electrochromic exterior mirror element is used on the equipped vehicle.

39. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 38, wherein, when joined together and spaced apart by said perimeter seal, no part of said rear glass substrate protrudes beyond any part of said front glass substrate.

40. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 32, wherein at least one of (a) said demarcation comprises at least one of (i) a line, (ii) interspaced dots, (iii) dashes and (iv) spots, (b) said demarcation is at least one of (i) darkly colored and (ii) black and (c) said demarcation has a thickness in the range from about 0.5 millimeters to about 3 millimeters.

41. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 32, wherein at least one radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion lies in the range between about 4,000 millimeters and about 100 millimeters.

42. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 32, wherein at least one of (i) said demarcation is disposed at the region of said reflective single glass element generally where said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion ends and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion begins and (ii) when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of an equipped vehicle, the entirety of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is outboard of the entirety of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is farther from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle than is said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion.

43. An extended field of view exterior mirror element suitable for use in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly on a vehicle, said extended field of view exterior mirror element comprising:

a reflective single glass element comprising a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion having a radius of curvature greater than at least approximately 12,000 millimeters;

wherein said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides a first primary field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides to the driver of the equipped vehicle a rearward field of view that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 20 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to an outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein the radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion decreases as said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to said outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a rear substrate of a laminate-type electrochromic exterior mirror element and wherein said laminate-type electrochromic mirror element comprises a front glass substrate that is joined to and is spaced from said reflective single glass element by a perimeter seal, and wherein said front substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface and wherein an electrochromic medium is disposed between said second surface of said front substrate and said rear substrate and wherein said electrochromic medium is bounded by said perimeter seal; and

wherein a reflective perimeter coating is disposed at the perimeter region of said second surface of said front substrate and wherein said reflective perimeter coating is configured and dimensioned to hide the presence of said perimeter seal from view by a viewer viewing through said front substrate when said electrochromic exterior mirror element is used on the equipped vehicle.

44. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 43, wherein, when joined together and spaced apart by said perimeter seal, no part of said rear glass substrate protrudes beyond any part of said front glass substrate.

45. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 44, wherein at least one of (a) said demarcation comprises at least one of (i) a line, (ii) interspaced dots, (iii) dashes and (iv) spots, (b) said demarcation is at least one of (i) darkly colored and (ii) black and (c) said demarcation has a thickness in the range from about 0.5 millimeters to about 3 millimeters.

46. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 43, wherein at least one radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion lies in the range between about 4,000 millimeters and about 100 millimeters.

47. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 46, wherein at least one of (i) said demarcation is disposed at the region of said reflective single glass element generally where said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion ends and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion begins and (ii) when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of an equipped vehicle, the entirety of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is outboard of the entirety of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is farther from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle than is said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion.

48. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 43, wherein said demarcation is disposed at the region of said reflective single glass element generally where said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion ends and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion begins, and wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of an equipped vehicle, the entirety of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is outboard of the entirety of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is farther from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle than is said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion.

49. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 43, wherein said reflective single glass element is disposed at a mirror backing plate element, and wherein said mirror backing plate element is adapted for attachment at an electrically-operable actuator, and wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said mirror backing plate element is movable by said electrically-operable actuator and wherein movement of said mirror backing plate element by said actuator simultaneously and similarly moves said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion.

50. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 49, wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides to the driver of the equipped vehicle a rearward field of view that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 20 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

51. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 50, wherein a reflective metallic layer commonly coats said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion.

52. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 51, wherein said reflective metallic layer comprises at least one of (i) chromium, (ii) titanium, (iii) rhodium, (iv) a metal-alloy, (v) a nickel alloy, (vi) aluminum and (vii) silver.

53. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 49, wherein at least one radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion lies in the range between about 4,000 millimeters and about 100 millimeters.

54. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 49, wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is less than approximately 45 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

55. An extended field of view exterior mirror element suitable for use in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly on a vehicle, said extended field of view exterior mirror element comprising:

a reflective single glass element comprising a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion having a radius of curvature greater than at least approximately 12,000 millimeters;

wherein said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides a first primary field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to an outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein the radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion decreases as said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to said outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at least partially into a blind spot of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion in a side lane adjacent the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at which said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached;

wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a demarcation that generally demarcates said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion from said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

wherein said reflective single glass element is disposed at a mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element is adapted for attachment at an electrically-operable actuator;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said mirror backing plate element is movable by said electrically-operable actuator and wherein movement of said mirror backing plate element by said actuator simultaneously and similarly moves said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is less than approximately 45 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of an equipped vehicle, the entirety of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is outboard of the entirety of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is farther from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle than is said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion.

56. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 55, wherein at least one of (i) said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion is coated with a reflective metallic layer, (ii) said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is coated with a reflective metallic layer and (iii) a reflective metallic layer commonly coats said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion.

57. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 55, wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element at least approximately 25 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

58. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 55, wherein a reflective metallic layer commonly coats said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion and wherein said reflective metallic layer comprises at least one of (i) chromium, (ii) titanium, (iii) rhodium, (iv) a metal-alloy, (v) a nickel alloy, (vi) aluminum and (vii) silver.

59. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 55, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a fixed reflectance reflective element.

60. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 55, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a rear substrate of a laminate-type electrochromic exterior mirror element and wherein said laminate-type electrochromic mirror element comprises a front glass substrate that is joined to and is spaced from said reflective single glass element by a perimeter seal, and wherein said front substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface and wherein an electrochromic medium is disposed between said second surface of said front substrate and said rear substrate and wherein said electrochromic medium is bounded by said perimeter seal, and wherein a reflective perimeter coating is disposed at the perimeter region of said second surface of said front substrate and wherein said reflective perimeter coating is configured and dimensioned to hide the presence of said perimeter seal from view by a viewer viewing through said front substrate when said electrochromic exterior mirror element is used on the equipped vehicle.

61. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 60, wherein, when joined together and spaced apart by said perimeter seal, no part of said rear glass substrate protrudes beyond any part of said front glass substrate.

62. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 55, wherein at least one radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion lies in the range between about 4,000 millimeters and about 100 millimeters, and wherein said demarcation is disposed at the region of said reflective single glass element generally where said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion ends and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion begins.

63. An extended field of view exterior mirror element suitable for use in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly on a vehicle, said extended field of view exterior mirror element comprising:

a reflective single glass element comprising a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion having a radius of curvature greater than at least approximately 12,000 millimeters;

wherein said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides a first primary field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to an outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein the radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion decreases as said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to said outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at least partially into a blind spot of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion in a side lane adjacent the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at which said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached;

wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a demarcation that generally demarcates said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion from said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

wherein said reflective single glass element is disposed at a mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element is adapted for attachment at an electrically-operable actuator;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said mirror backing plate element is movable by said electrically-operable actuator and wherein movement of said mirror backing plate element by said actuator simultaneously and similarly moves said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is less than approximately 45 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of an equipped vehicle, the entirety of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is outboard of the entirety of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is farther from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle than is said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion.

64. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 63, wherein at least one radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion lies in the range between about 4,000 millimeters and about 100 millimeters.

65. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 63, wherein said demarcation is disposed at the region of said reflective single glass element generally where said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion ends and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion begins.

66. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 63, wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is at least approximately 25 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

67. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 63, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a fixed reflectance reflective element.

68. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 63, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a rear substrate of a laminate-type electrochromic exterior mirror element and wherein said laminate-type electrochromic mirror element comprises a front glass substrate that is joined to and is spaced from said reflective single glass element by a perimeter seal, and wherein said front substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface and wherein an electrochromic medium is disposed between said second surface of said front substrate and said rear substrate and wherein said electrochromic medium is bounded by said perimeter seal, and wherein a reflective perimeter coating is disposed at the perimeter region of said second surface of said front substrate and wherein said reflective perimeter coating is configured and dimensioned to hide the presence of said perimeter seal from viewer by a viewer viewing through said front substrate when said electrochromic exterior mirror element is used on the equipped vehicle.

69. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 68, wherein, when joined together and spaced apart by said perimeter seal, no part of said rear glass substrate protrudes beyond any part of said front glass substrate.

70. An extended field of view exterior mirror element suitable for use in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly on a vehicle, said extended field of view exterior mirror element comprising:

a reflective single glass element comprising a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion having a radius of curvature greater than at least approximately 12,000 millimeters;

wherein said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides a first primary field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to an outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein the radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion decreases as said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to said outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at least partially into a blind spot of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion in a side lane adjacent the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at which said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached;

wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a demarcation that generally demarcates said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion from said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

wherein said reflective single glass element is disposed at a mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element is adapted for attachment at an electrically-operable actuator;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said mirror backing plate element is movable by said electrically-operable actuator and wherein movement of said mirror backing plate element by said actuator simultaneously and similarly moves said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of an equipped vehicle, the entirety of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is outboard of the entirety of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is farther from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle than is said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion; and

wherein at least one radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion lies in the range between about 4,000 millimeters and about 100 millimeters.

71. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 70, wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is less than approximately 45 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

72. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 71, wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is less than approximately 35 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

73. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 70, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a fixed reflectance reflective element.

74. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 70, wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a rear substrate of a laminate-type electrochromic exterior mirror element and wherein said laminate-type electrochromic mirror element comprises a front glass substrate that is joined to and is spaced from said reflective single glass element by a perimeter seal, and wherein said front substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface and wherein an electrochromic medium is disposed between said second surface of said front substrate and said rear substrate and wherein said electrochromic medium is bounded by said perimeter seal, and wherein a reflective perimeter coating is disposed at the perimeter region of said second surface of said front substrate and wherein said reflective perimeter coating is configured and dimensioned to hide the presence of said perimeter seal from view by a viewer viewing through said front substrate when said electrochromic exterior mirror element is used on the equipped vehicle.

75. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 74, wherein, when joined together and spaced apart by said perimeter seal, no part of said rear glass substrate protrudes beyond any part of said front glass substrate.

76. An extended field of view exterior mirror element suitable for use in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly on a vehicle, said extended field of view exterior mirror element comprising:

a reflective single glass element comprising a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion having a radius of curvature greater than at least approximately 12,000 millimeters;

wherein said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides a first primary field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to an outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein the radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion decreases as said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to said outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at least partially into a blind spot of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion in a side lane adjacent the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at which said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached;

wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a demarcation that generally demarcates said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion from said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

wherein said reflective single glass element is disposed at a mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element is adapted for attachment at an electrically-operable actuator;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said mirror backing plate element is movable by said electrically-operable actuator and wherein movement of said mirror backing plate element by said actuator simultaneously and similarly moves said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of an equipped vehicle, the entirety of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is outboard of the entirety of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is farther from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle than is said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion;

wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a rear substrate of a laminate-type electrochromic exterior mirror element and wherein said laminate-type electrochromic mirror element comprises a front glass substrate that is joined to and is spaced from said reflective single glass element by a perimeter seal;

wherein said front substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface and wherein an electrochromic medium is disposed between said second surface of said front substrate and said rear substrate and wherein said electrochromic medium is bounded by said perimeter seal, and wherein a reflective perimeter coating is disposed at the perimeter region of said second surface of said front substrate;

wherein said reflective perimeter coating is configured and dimensioned to hide the presence of said perimeter seal from view by a viewer viewing through said front substrate when said electrochromic exterior mirror element is used on the equipped vehicle; and

wherein, when joined together and spaced apart by said perimeter seal, no part of said rear glass substrate protrudes beyond any part of said front glass substrate.

77. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 76, wherein at least one radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion lies in the range between about 4,000 millimeters and about 100 millimeters.

78. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 77, wherein said demarcation is disposed at the region of said reflective single glass element generally where said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion ends and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion begins.

79. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 78, wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides to the driver of the equipped vehicle a rearward field of view that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 20 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

80. An extended field of view exterior mirror element suitable for use in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly on a vehicle, said extended field of view exterior mirror element comprising:

a reflective single glass element comprising a substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and a multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion having a radius of curvature greater than at least approximately 12,000 millimeters;

wherein said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides a first primary field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to an outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein the radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion decreases as said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion curves from said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion to said outermost most curved region of said reflective single glass element;

wherein said second auxiliary rearward field of view extends said first primary rearward field of view further outward from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at least partially into a blind spot of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion in a side lane adjacent the driver-side of the equipped vehicle at which said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached;

wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a demarcation that generally demarcates said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion from said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

wherein said reflective single glass element is disposed at a mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element is adapted for attachment at an electrically-operable actuator;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said mirror backing plate element is movable by said electrically-operable actuator and wherein movement of said mirror backing plate element by said actuator simultaneously and similarly moves said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of an equipped vehicle, the entirety of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is outboard of the entirety of said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and wherein said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion is farther from the driver-side of the equipped vehicle than is said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion;

wherein, when said driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the driver-side of the equipped vehicle, said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion provides to the driver of the equipped vehicle a rearward field of view that subtends an angle that is not greater than approximately 20 degrees with respect to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle;

wherein at least one radius of curvature of said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion lies in the range between about 4,000 millimeters and about 100 millimeters; and

wherein said reflective single glass element comprises a fixed reflectance reflective element.

81. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 80, wherein a reflective metallic layer commonly coats said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion.

82. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 81, wherein said reflective metallic layer comprises at least one of (i) chromium, (ii) titanium, (iii) rhodium, (iv) a metal-alloy, (v) a nickel alloy, (vi) aluminum and (vii) silver.

83. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 80, wherein the overall rearward field of view of said reflective single glass element is less than approximately 45 degrees relative to the driver-side of the equipped vehicle.

84. The extended field of view exterior mirror element of claim 83, wherein said demarcation is disposed at the region of said reflective single glass element generally where said substantially flat inboard reflective glass portion ends and said multiradius curved outboard reflective glass portion begins.