Rear view mirror attachment

• US 4,381,142 A
• Filed: 11/12/1980
• Issued: 04/26/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Christopher Mccolgan
• Original Assignee: Christopher Mccolgan
• Inventors: McColgan, Christopher
• Primary Examiner(s): Evans, F. L.
• Application Number:
  US06/206,079
• Time in Patent Office: 895 Days
• Field of Search: 350/282, 350/300, 350/304, 132/79 G, 132/80 A, 132/83 A, 132/83 E
• US Class Current: 359/865
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/025 comprising special mechanical means for correcting the field of view in relation to particular driving conditions, e.g. change of lane; scanning mirrors

Abstract

An auxiliary mirror for attachment to the main rearview mirror of a vehicle. The auxiliary mirror comprises a flat mirror device having a front and a back mirror surface and a hinge member extending along the upper edge of the mirror device. The mirror device is pivotally mounted on the hinge member so that the mirror device can be pivoted from a first position where the front mirror surface is viewed to a second position where the back mirror surface is viewed. A mechanism is provided for connecting the hinge member to the main mirror. When the auxiliary mirror is placed in the first position, it offers a view to the rear and to the right of the vehicle, a location which would normally be a blind spot. When the auxiliary mirror is raised to the second position, it can be used to provide an improved view of the roadway directly behind the vehicle. The latter improved view is desirable for backing up the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle supported apparatus for providing a rear view comprising a flat mirror device having a front and back mirror surface, a hinge member extending along one edge of said mirror device, means for pivotably mounting said mirror device on said hinge member whereby said mirror device can be pivoted from a first position where said front mirror surface is viewed to a second position where said back mirror surface is viewed, means for connecting said hinge member to said vehicle including a clamping mechanism adapted to clamp onto a rearview mirror in said vehicle, and an opaque panel member rigidly connected to said hinge member and covering said back surface when said mirror device is in said first position.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said clamping mechanism is adapted to clamp onto the top and bottom edges of said rearview mirror.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there is a friction fit between said mounting means and said hinge member whereby frictional forces hold said mirror device in the position to which said device is pivoted.

4. A multiple mirror arrangement for providing rear views in a vehicle comprising a main rearview mirror adapted for mounting in a vehicle, an auxiliary mirror device having a front and a back mirror surface, a hinge member extending along one edge of said mirror device, said mirror device being pivotably mounted on said hinge member so that said mirror device can be pivoted from a first position where said front surface is viewed to a second position where said back surface is viewed, and means connecting said hinge member to said main mirror.

5. A multiple mirror arrangement according to claim 4 including an opaque, flat panel connected to said hinge member and covering said back mirror surface when said mirror device is in said first position.

6. A multiple mirror arrangement according to claim 4 wherein said connecting means comprises a detachable clamping mechanism clamping onto the top and bottom edges of said main mirror.

7. A multiple mirror arrangement according to claim 4 wherein a pivot joint connects said hinge member to said connecting means, the pivot axis of said joint extending generally vertically when said arrangement is mounted in a vehicle.

8. A multiple mirror arrangement according to claim 4 wherein said mirror device is held in said second position by a frictional fit between said mirror device and said hinge member.

9. A vehicle supported apparatus for providing a rear view, comprising a flat mirror device having a front and back mirror surface, a hinged member extending along one edge of said mirror device, means for pivotably mounting said mirror device on said hinge member, whereby said mirror device can be pivoted between a first lower position where said front mirror surface is viewed and a second upper position where said back mirror surface is viewed to provide a greater depth of rear view vision, and means for connecting said hinged member to said vehicle.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said connecting means has a joint therein with a pivot axis which extends perpendicularly to the pivot axis of said hinge member, said first mentioned pivot axis being substantially vertical when said apparatus is connected to a rearview mirror in a vehicle.

11. A vehicle supported apparatus for providing a rear view comprising a flat mirror device having a front and back mirror surface, a hinge member extending along one edge of said mirror device, means for pivotably mounting said mirror device on said hinge member whereby said mirror device can be pivoted from a first position where said front mirror surface is viewed to a second position where said back mirror surface is viewed, means for connecting said hinge member to said vehicle, and an opaque panel member rigidly connected to said hinge member and covering said back surface when said mirror device is in said first position.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said connecting means comprises a clamping mechanism adapted to clamp onto the top and bottom edges of a rearview mirror in said vehicle.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein there is a friction fit between said mounting means and said hinge member whereby frictional forces hold said mirror device in the position to which said device is pivoted and wherein said connecting means has a joint therein with a pivot axis which extends perpendicularly to the pivot axis of said hinge member, said first mentioned pivot axis being substantially vertical when said apparatus is connected to said rearview mirror in said vehicle.