EXTERIOR SIDEVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM

• US 20110051270A1
• Filed: 10/25/2010
• Published: 03/03/2011
• 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.
• Granted Patent: US 8,128,243 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/864
• 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 exterior sideview mirror assembly includes a single mirror backing plate element within a mirror housing. A main plano mirror element and an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element are supported by the backing plate element. The backing plate element has a generally flat portion for supporting the main plano mirror element and a curved portion for supporting the auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element. The curved portion may be angled relative to the generally flat portion in a manner such that, when a driver of the vehicle aligns the rearward field of view of the main plano mirror element, the rearward field of view of the main plano mirror element may be aligned downwardly relative to the vehicle body side. The main plano mirror element includes a generally flat reflector-coated glass substrate or a generally flat polymeric substrate having a thin glass element applied to a surface thereof.

Claims

1. An exterior sideview mirror assembly suitable for vehicular use, said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprising:

a bracket configured for fixedly securing said exterior sideview mirror assembly to a vehicle body side;

a mirror housing secured to said bracket, said mirror housing defining a primary opening;

a single mirror backing plate element within said mirror housing and disposed adjacent to said primary opening;

said single mirror backing plate element movable by an electrically-operable actuator;

a main plano mirror element fixedly secured to and supported by said single mirror backing plate element and disposed within said primary opening for providing a view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly through a first primary field of view;

an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element fixedly secured to and supported by said single mirror backing plate element and disposed adjacent to said main plano mirror element, said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element defined by a single radius of curvature differing from said main plano mirror element such that said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly;

wherein said first primary field of view of said main plano mirror element overlaps said second auxiliary field of view of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element comprises a generally rigid polymeric molding able to support said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element comprises a generally flat portion for supporting said main plano mirror element and a curved portion for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said curved portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is angled relative to said generally flat portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said main plano mirror element in a mariner such that, when a driver of a vehicle equipped with said exterior side view mirror assembly aligns the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element, the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element is aligned downwardly relative to the vehicle body side to which said exterior side view mirror assembly is attached; and

wherein said main plano mirror element comprises one of (a) a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and (b) a generally flat polymeric substrate having a thin glass element applied to a surface thereof and with an opposing surface thereof having a reflecting layer applied thereto.

2. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and wherein said reflector-coated generally flat glass substrate comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a radius of curvature that essentially is infinite and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a reflector-coated curved substrate and has a radius of curvature that is less than the radius of curvature of said main plano mirror element.

3. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a reflector-coated multiradius curved substrate.

4. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a reflector-coated spherically curved substrate and has a spherical radius of curvature with substantially only one radius of curvature.

5. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 4, wherein said single mirror backing plate element defines a main portion for having said main plano mirror element fixedly secured thereto and an auxiliary spotting portion for having said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element fixedly secured thereto.

6. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 5, wherein said main portion of said single mirror backing plate element defines a primary plane that is substantially flat and wherein said auxiliary spotting portion of said single mirror backing plate element is substantially convex-curved.

7. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 6, wherein said auxiliary spotting portion of said single mirror backing plate element defines an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element backing plate element radius of curvature substantially equal to said one radius of curvature of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element.

8. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 7, wherein a part of said auxiliary spotting portion of said single mirror backing plate element is one of (a) substantially coplanar with said primary plane and (b) substantially rearward of said primary plane.

9. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 7, wherein a first part of said auxiliary spotting portion of said single mirror backing plate element is substantially coplanar with said primary plane and a second part of said auxiliary spotting portion of said single mirror backing plate element is substantially rearward of said primary plane.

10. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat polymeric substrate having a thin glass element applied to a surface thereof and with an opposing surface thereof having a reflecting layer applied thereto, and wherein said generally flat polymeric substrate is formed from an elongated sheet of substrate material comprising a polymeric resin material, and wherein said elongated sheet has a substantially transparent functional film applied at a surface thereof, and wherein said substantially transparent functional film provides at least one of (a) an anti-abrasion function, (b) a hydrophobic function and (c) a hydrophilic function, and wherein said functional film comprises an ultrathin glass material which is sufficiently flexible to be provided in a reel or roll, and wherein said functional film is sufficiently flexible to conform to said generally flat polymeric substrate of said main plano mirror element, and said main plano mirror element comprises a reflective film disposed at a surface of said generally flat polymeric substrate opposite said substantially transparent functional film.

11. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 10, wherein said thin glass element comprises a thin flexible glass sheet, said thin flexible glass sheet existing as a pre-formed glass sheet that is separate from said generally flat polymeric substrate, said thin flexible glass sheet having an attaching surface, said attaching surface being opposed to and adhered to said surface of said generally flat polymeric substrate when said thin flexible glass sheet is adhered to said exterior surface of said generally flat polymeric substrate, said thin flexible glass sheet providing an anti-abrasion function at said surface of said generally flat polymeric substrate when adhered thereto, said thin flexible glass sheet substantially conforming to said exterior surface of said generally flat polymeric substrate when adhered thereto, said thin flexible glass sheet having a thickness of less than approximately 0.8 mm and greater than approximately 0.3 mm.

12. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 11, wherein said generally flat polymeric substrate is cut from a molded or extruded or cast elongated sheet, said thin flexible glass sheet being laminated to said elongated sheet and wherein said plano reflective element comprises a reflective film applied to an inner surface of said generally flat polymeric substrate opposite said exterior surface, and wherein said reflective film comprises a polymeric reflective film at least one of laminated, adhered and applied to said inner surface of said generally flat polymeric substrate.

13. An exterior sideview mirror assembly suitable for vehicular use, said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror housing secured to a vehicle body side, said mirror housing defining a primary opening;

a main plano mirror element fixedly secured to and supported by said single mirror backing plate element and disposed within said primary opening for providing a view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly through a first primary field of view;

an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element disposed adjacent to said main plano minor element, said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element defining a periphery and having a circumferential edge;

a single mirror backing plate element for supporting said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element with respect to each other and within said primary opening;

said single mirror backing plate element including a molded wall that generally circumscribes the circumferential edge of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element when said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is supported by said single mirror backing plate element;

wherein said molded wall of said single mirror backing plate element demarcates said main plano mirror element from said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element when both are supported by said single mirror backing plate element;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element comprises a generally flat portion for supporting said main plano mirror element and a curved portion for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said curved portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is angled relative to said generally flat portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said main plano mirror element in a manner such that, when a driver of a vehicle equipped with said exterior side view mirror assembly aligns the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element, the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element is aligned downwardly relative to the vehicle body side to which said exterior side view mirror assembly is attached; and

wherein said main plano mirror element comprises one of (a) a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and (b) a generally flat polymeric substrate having a thin glass element applied to a surface thereof and with an opposing surface thereof having a reflecting layer applied thereto.

14. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 13, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and wherein said reflector-coated generally flat glass substrate comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a radius of curvature that essentially is infinite and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a reflector-coated curved substrate and has a radius of curvature that is less than the radius of curvature of said main plano mirror element, and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a reflector-coated spherical curved substrate and has a spherical radius of curvature with substantially only one radius of curvature, said spherical curved substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface and wherein said inner surface is reflector-coated with a mirror reflector comprising at least one metal vacuum-deposited thin film coating.

15. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 14, wherein said at least one metal vacuum-deposited thin film coating comprises a layer of chromium metal.

16. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 13, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a metalized plastic reflector.

17. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 13, further comprising a bracket configured for fixedly securing said exterior sideview mirror assembly to the vehicle body side.

18. An exterior sideview mirror assembly suitable for vehicular use, said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprising:

a bracket configured for fixedly securing said exterior sideview mirror assembly to a vehicle body side;

a mirror housing secured to said bracket, said mirror housing defining a primary opening;

a main plano mirror element disposed within said primary opening for providing a view rearward of an vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly through a primary field of view, said main plano mirror element defining a primary plane;

an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element spaced apart from said main plano mirror element, said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element extending through a secondary plane different from said primary plane;

a divider extending between said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element that demarcates said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element from said main plano mirror element visually;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element comprises a generally flat portion for supporting said main plano mirror element and a curved portion for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said curved portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is angled relative to said generally flat portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said main plano mirror element in a manner such that, when a driver of a vehicle equipped with said exterior side view mirror assembly aligns the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element, the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element is aligned downwardly relative to the vehicle body side to which said exterior side view mirror assembly is attached; and

wherein said main plano mirror element comprises one of (a) a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and (b) a generally flat polymeric substrate having a thin glass element applied to a surface thereof and with an opposing surface thereof having a reflecting layer applied thereto.

19. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 18, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and wherein a part of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is one of (a) substantially coplanar with said primary plane and (b) substantially rearward of said primary plane.

20. An exterior sideview mirror assembly suitable for vehicular use, said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror housing defining a primary opening;

a single mirror backing plate element within said mirror housing and disposed adjacent to said primary opening;

said single mirror backing plate element movable by an electrically-operable actuator;

a main plano mirror element fixedly secured to and supported by said single mirror backing plate element and disposed within said primary opening for providing a view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly through a first primary field of view;

an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element fixedly secured to and supported by said single mirror backing plate element and disposed adjacent to said main plano mirror element, said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element defined by a single radius of curvature differing from said main plano mirror element such that said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly;

wherein said first primary field of view of said main plano mirror element overlaps said second auxiliary field of view of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element comprises a generally rigid polymeric molding able to support said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element comprises a generally flat portion for supporting said main plano mirror element and a curved portion for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said curved portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is angled relative to said generally flat portion of said single minor backing plate element for supporting said main plano mirror element in a manner such that, when a driver of a vehicle equipped with said exterior side view mirror assembly aligns the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element, the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element is aligned downwardly relative to a vehicle body side to which said exterior side view mirror assembly is attached;

wherein said main plano mirror element comprises one of (a) a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and (b) a generally flat polymeric substrate having a thin glass element applied to a surface thereof and with an opposing surface thereof having a reflecting layer applied thereto; and

wherein said auxiliary spotting portion of said single mirror backing plate element defines an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element backing plate element radius of curvature substantially equal to said single radius of curvature.

21. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 20, including a divider between said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element that demarcates said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element from said main plano mirror element visually.

22. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 21, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating.

23. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 22, wherein said single mirror backing plate element includes a molded wall extending from a surface thereof and wherein said divider comprises at least a portion of said molded wall.

24. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 23, wherein said wall generally circumscribes the circumferential edge of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element when said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is supported by said single mirror backing plate element.

25. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 20, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and including a bracket configured for fixedly securing said exterior sideview mirror assembly to the vehicle body side.

26. An exterior sideview mirror assembly suitable for vehicular use, said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror housing defining a primary opening;

a single mirror backing plate element within said mirror housing and disposed adjacent to said primary opening;

said single mirror backing plate element movable by an electrically-operable actuator;

a main plano mirror element fixedly secured to and supported by said single mirror backing plate element and disposed within said primary opening for providing a view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly through a first primary field of view;

an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element fixedly secured to and supported by said single mirror backing plate element and disposed adjacent to said main plano mirror element, said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element defined by a curvature differing from said main plano mirror element such that said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly;

wherein said first primary field of view of said main plano mirror element overlaps said second auxiliary field of view of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element comprises a generally rigid polymeric molding able to support said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said single minor backing plate element comprises a generally flat portion for supporting said main plano mirror element and a curved portion for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said curved portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is angled relative to said generally flat portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said main plano mirror element in a manner such that, when a driver of a vehicle equipped with said exterior side view mirror assembly aligns the rearward field of view of said main plano minor element, the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element is aligned downwardly relative to a vehicle body side to which said exterior side view mirror assembly is attached;

wherein said main plano minor element comprises one of (a) a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and (b) a generally flat polymeric substrate having a thin glass element applied to a surface thereof and with an opposing surface thereof having a reflecting layer applied thereto; and

wherein said auxiliary spotting portion of said single mirror backing plate element defines an auxiliary non-plano curved minor element backing plate element radius of curvature substantially equal to said curvature of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element.

27. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 26, including a divider between said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved minor element that demarcates said auxiliary non-plano curved minor element from said main plano mirror element visually.

28. The exterior sideview minor assembly of claim 27, wherein said single mirror backing plate element includes a molded wall extending from a surface thereof and wherein said divider comprises at least a portion of said molded wall and wherein said wall generally circumscribes the circumferential edge of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element when said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is supported by said single mirror backing plate element.

29. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 28, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and including a bracket configured for fixedly securing said exterior sideview mirror assembly to the vehicle body side.

30. An exterior sideview mirror assembly suitable for vehicular use, said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror housing defining a primary opening;

a single mirror backing plate element within said mirror housing and disposed adjacent to said primary opening;

said single mirror backing plate element movable by an electrically-operable actuator;

a main plano mirror element fixedly secured to and supported by said single mirror backing plate element and disposed within said primary opening for providing a view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly through a first primary field of view;

an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element fixedly secured to and supported by said single mirror backing plate element and disposed adjacent to said main plano mirror element, said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element defined by a curvature differing from said main plano mirror element such that said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly;

a divider between said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element that demarcates said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element from said main plano mirror element visually;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element comprises a generally rigid polymeric molding able to support said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element comprises a generally flat portion for supporting said main plano mirror element and a curved portion for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror clement;

wherein said curved portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is angled relative to said generally flat portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said main plano mirror element in a manner such that, when a driver of a vehicle equipped with said exterior side view mirror assembly aligns the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element, the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element is aligned downwardly relative to a vehicle body side to which said exterior side view mirror assembly is attached;

wherein said main plano mirror element comprises one of (a) a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and (b) a generally flat polymeric substrate having a thin glass element applied to a surface thereof and with an opposing surface thereof having a reflecting layer applied thereto; and

wherein said auxiliary spotting portion of said single mirror backing plate element defines an auxiliary non-plano curved minor element backing plate element radius of curvature substantially equal to said curvature of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element.

31. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 30, wherein said single mirror backing plate element includes a molded wall extending from a surface thereof and wherein said divider comprises at least a portion of said molded wall and wherein said wall generally circumscribes the circumferential edge of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element when said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is supported by said single mirror backing plate element.

32. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 31, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and including a bracket configured for fixedly securing said exterior sideview mirror assembly to the vehicle body side.

33. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 32, wherein said first primary field of view of said main plano mirror element overlaps said second auxiliary field of view of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element.

34. An exterior sideview mirror assembly suitable for vehicular use, said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror housing defining a primary opening;

a single mirror backing plate element within said mirror housing and disposed adjacent to said primary opening;

said single mirror backing plate element movable by an electrically-operable actuator;

a main plano mirror element fixedly secured to and supported by said single mirror backing plate element and disposed within said primary opening for providing a view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly through a first primary field of view;

an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element fixedly secured to and supported by said single mirror backing plate element and disposed adjacent to said main plano mirror element, said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element defined by a curvature differing from said main plano mirror element such that said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element provides a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly;

a divider between said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element that demarcates said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element from said main plano mirror element visually;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element comprises a generally rigid polymeric molding able to support said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved minor element;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element includes a molded wall extending from a surface thereof and wherein said divider comprises at least a portion of said molded wall;

wherein said single mirror backing plate element comprises a generally flat portion for supporting said main plano mirror element and a curved portion for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said main plano mirror element comprises one of (a) a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and (b) a generally flat polymeric substrate having a thin glass element applied to a surface thereof and with an opposing surface thereof having a reflecting layer applied thereto; and

wherein said auxiliary spotting portion of said single mirror backing plate element defines an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element backing plate element radius of curvature substantially equal to said curvature of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element.

35. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 34, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and wherein said wall generally circumscribes the circumferential edge of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element when said auxiliary non-plano curved minor element is supported by said single mirror backing plate element.

36. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 34, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and including a bracket configured for fixedly securing said exterior sideview mirror assembly to the vehicle body side.

37. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 36, wherein said first primary field of view of said main plano mirror element overlaps said second auxiliary field of view of said auxiliary non-plano curved minor element.

38. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 37, wherein said curved portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is angled relative to said generally flat portion of said single mirror backing plate element for supporting said main plano mirror element in a manner such that, when a driver of a vehicle equipped with said exterior side view mirror assembly aligns the rearward field of view of said main plano minor element, the rearward field of view of said main plano minor element is aligned downwardly relative to a vehicle body side to which said exterior side view mirror assembly is attached.