Side mounted rear view mirror with brake light
First Claim
1. A sideview mirror-brake light device, comprising in combination:
- a housing for attachment to the side of a motor vehicle;
a mirror on the rear surface of said housing;
a brake light attached to said housing, said brake light being recessed with respect to said mirror such that it is shielded from the view of a primary driver;
said brake light facing in a rearward direction;
means in said housing for operatively connecting said brake light to a braking actuator;
means for mounting said housing on the side of a vehicle;
an opening defined in said housing for selectively receiving said brake light; and
a tab on said brake light for facilitating movement of said brake light through said opening between a storage position within said housing and an operational position outside said housing.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions

Accused Products

Abstract
A brake light incorporated in a side view mirror housing is disclosed. The brake light may be fixedly attached to the housing and viewable from the rear of the vehicle. Brake lights which move from a stored position within said mirror housing to an in use position exterior of said housing are also disclosed. The further the brake light portion is from the vehicle the more viewable it will be from the rear of the vehicle.
101 Citations
Assembly for vehicles including adjustable mirrors | ||
Patent #
US 7,963,590 B2
Filed 05/22/2007
|
Current Assignee
IFM Limited LLC
|
Original Assignee
IFM Limited LLC
|
Lighted exterior rearview mirror system | ||
Patent #
US 7,997,777 B2
Filed 08/11/2010
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Lighted exterior mirror assembly for vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 8,021,030 B2
Filed 09/28/2010
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Exterior mirror vision system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 8,066,415 B2
Filed 12/08/2010
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system | ||
Patent #
US 8,033,699 B2
Filed 07/15/2010
|
Current Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Light module for a vehicular exterior mirror assembly | ||
Patent #
US 7,815,348 B2
Filed 06/15/2009
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
LIGHTED EXTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM | ||
Patent #
US 20100302792A1
Filed 08/11/2010
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
LIGHTED EXTERIOR MIRROR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE | ||
Patent #
US 20100080011A1
Filed 12/07/2009
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly | ||
Patent #
US 7,784,983 B2
Filed 02/26/2008
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 7,850,351 B2
Filed 12/07/2009
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
VEHICLE EXTERIOR MIRROR SYSTEM | ||
Patent #
US 20100302797A1
Filed 07/15/2010
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Light module for a vehicular exterior mirror assembly | ||
Patent #
US 7,547,127 B2
Filed 02/04/2008
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
LIGHT MODULE FOR A VEHICULAR EXTERIOR MIRROR ASSEMBLY | ||
Patent #
US 20090251914A1
Filed 06/15/2009
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Electromagnetic radiation assembly | ||
Patent #
US 7,327,321 B2
Filed 06/27/2005
|
Current Assignee
Muth Mirror Systems LLC
|
Original Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Lighted exterior rearview mirror system | ||
Patent #
US 7,334,925 B2
Filed 08/16/2006
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system with turn signal light assembly | ||
Patent #
US 7,325,953 B2
Filed 12/16/2004
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Electromagnetic radiation assembly | ||
Patent #
US 20080089084A1
Filed 12/05/2007
|
Current Assignee
Muth Mirror Systems LLC
|
Original Assignee
Daniel Todd, Daniel Mathieu, Allen Bukosky
|
Electromagnetic radiation assembly | ||
Patent #
US 20080089083A1
Filed 12/05/2007
|
Current Assignee
Muth Mirror Systems LLC
|
Original Assignee
Daniel Todd, Daniel Mathieu, Allen Bukosky
|
Electromagnetic radiation assembly | ||
Patent #
US 20080089082A1
Filed 12/05/2007
|
Current Assignee
Muth Mirror Systems LLC
|
Original Assignee
Daniel Todd, Daniel Mathieu, Allen Bukosky
|
VEHICLE EXTERIOR MIRROR SYSTEM WITH TURN SIGNAL LIGHT ASSEMBLY | ||
Patent #
US 20080123358A1
Filed 02/04/2008
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light | ||
Patent #
US 7,377,675 B2
Filed 01/03/2007
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
LIGHTED EXTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM | ||
Patent #
US 20080144327A1
Filed 02/26/2008
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
VEHICLE EXTERIOR MIRROR SYSTEM WITH SIGNAL LIGHT | ||
Patent #
US 20080219019A1
Filed 05/16/2008
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light | ||
Patent #
US 7,168,830 B2
Filed 04/04/2003
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Combination mirror and turn signal for vehicles | ||
Patent #
US 20070091479A1
Filed 10/19/2005
|
Current Assignee
Marcus Penny
|
Original Assignee
Marcus Penny
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light | ||
Patent #
US 20070109804A1
Filed 01/03/2007
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Signaling assembly | ||
Patent #
US 7,241,037 B2
Filed 03/23/2005
|
Current Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Original Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Assembly for vehicles including adjustable mirrors | ||
Patent #
US 20070267900A1
Filed 05/22/2007
|
Current Assignee
IFM Limited LLC
|
Original Assignee
IFM Limited LLC
|
Signalling assembly | ||
Patent #
US 6,257,746 B1
Filed 11/03/1998
|
Current Assignee
Muth Mirror Systems LLC
|
Original Assignee
K W Muth Company Incorporated
|
Exterior rearview mirror assembly | ||
Patent #
US 6,986,596 B2
Filed 09/02/2003
|
Current Assignee
TRW Automotive USLLC
|
Original Assignee
TRW Automotive USLLC
|
Electromagnetic radiation assembly | ||
Patent #
US 20060018047A1
Filed 07/26/2004
|
Current Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Original Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Electromagnetic radiation assembly | ||
Patent #
US 7,008,091 B2
Filed 12/18/2003
|
Current Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Original Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Mirror arrangement for motor vehicles | ||
Patent #
US 7,009,498 B2
Filed 03/05/2002
|
Current Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Original Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Outside mirror with blinker light for vehicles | ||
Patent #
US 7,025,486 B2
Filed 04/07/2003
|
Current Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Original Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Warning device in motor vehicles | ||
Patent #
US 7,079,017 B2
Filed 03/21/2002
|
Current Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Original Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 7,083,312 B2
Filed 02/02/2004
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Signaling assembly | ||
Patent #
US 20060215413A1
Filed 03/23/2005
|
Current Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Original Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Exterior rear view mirror integral warning light | ||
Patent #
US 7,108,410 B2
Filed 05/06/2005
|
Current Assignee
Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated
|
Signaling assembly | ||
Patent #
US 7,104,676 B2
Filed 02/23/2004
|
Current Assignee
Muth Mirror Systems LLC
|
Original Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Security lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 7,140,755 B2
Filed 11/04/2002
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 20060262550A1
Filed 07/28/2006
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Lighted exterior rearview mirror system | ||
Patent #
US 20060279960A1
Filed 08/16/2006
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Exterior rearview mirror assembly | ||
Patent #
US 20050047160A1
Filed 09/02/2003
|
Current Assignee
TRW Automotive USLLC
|
Original Assignee
TRW Automotive USLLC
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system with turn signal light assembly | ||
Patent #
US 20050110630A1
Filed 12/16/2004
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Exterior rear view mirror integral warning light | ||
Patent #
US 6,905,235 B2
Filed 08/20/2003
|
Current Assignee
SMR Patents Sarl
|
Original Assignee
Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated
|
Mirror assembly security system | ||
Patent #
US 6,902,306 B2
Filed 03/10/2004
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Vehicular mirror assembly incorporating multifunctional illumination source | ||
Patent #
US 6,926,431 B1
Filed 04/08/2003
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America LLC
|
Exterior rear view mirror integral warning light | ||
Patent #
US 20050195616A1
Filed 05/06/2005
|
Current Assignee
Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated
|
Exterior rear view mirror integral warning light | ||
Patent #
US 20040004842A1
Filed 08/20/2003
|
Current Assignee
SMR Patents Sarl
|
Original Assignee
Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated
|
Outside mirror with blinker light for vehicles | ||
Patent #
US 20040004841A1
Filed 04/07/2003
|
Current Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Original Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Vehicle side mirror assembly with integral illumination and signal lighting | ||
Patent #
US 6,685,325 B1
Filed 10/20/2000
|
Current Assignee
Rebo Lighting Electronics LLC
|
Original Assignee
Federal-Mogul Worldwide Incorporated
|
Lighted vehicular exterior rearview mirror system | ||
Patent #
US 6,685,348 B2
Filed 07/08/2002
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Lighted exterior mirror system | ||
Patent #
US 6,709,136 B2
Filed 09/20/2002
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Asymmetric TIR lenses producing off-axis beams | ||
Patent #
US 20040105171A1
Filed 07/18/2003
|
Current Assignee
Light Engine Limited
|
Original Assignee
Light Prescriptions Innovators LLC A Delaware Limited Liability Company
|
Signaling assembly | ||
Patent #
US 20040165398A1
Filed 02/23/2004
|
Current Assignee
Muth Mirror Systems LLC
|
Original Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 20040156207A1
Filed 02/02/2004
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
A MIRROR ASSEMBLY SECURITY SYSTEM | ||
Patent #
US 20040170025A1
Filed 03/10/2004
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Sideview mirror assembly with utility features | ||
Patent #
US 6,811,288 B2
Filed 06/28/2002
|
Current Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system with turn signal light assembly | ||
Patent #
US 6,832,848 B2
Filed 09/28/2001
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Exterior rear view mirror integral warning light | ||
Patent #
US 6,517,227 B2
Filed 05/02/2001
|
Current Assignee
SMR Patents Sarl
|
Original Assignee
Britax Vision Systems North AmericaInc.
|
Sidview mirror assembly with utility features | ||
Patent #
US 20030031023A1
Filed 06/28/2002
|
Current Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light | ||
Patent #
US 6,568,839 B1
Filed 10/16/2000
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light | ||
Patent #
US 20030206417A1
Filed 04/04/2003
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Rearview mirror assembly with monitor | ||
Patent #
US 6,642,840 B2
Filed 03/16/2001
|
Current Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Original Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Exterior rear view mirror integral warning light | ||
Patent #
US 6,644,838 B2
Filed 05/14/2002
|
Current Assignee
Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light | ||
Patent #
US 6,416,208 B2
Filed 05/25/2001
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle with monitor | ||
Patent #
US 6,447,128 B1
Filed 12/07/2000
|
Current Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Original Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Mirror arrangement for motor vehicles | ||
Patent #
US 20020154426A1
Filed 03/05/2002
|
Current Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Original Assignee
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
|
Vehicular rearview mirror assembly system | ||
Patent #
US 6,474,853 B2
Filed 08/23/2001
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Exterior rearview mirror assembly security system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 6,494,602 B2
Filed 09/25/2001
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Donnelly Corporation
|
Exterior rear view mirror integral warning light | ||
Patent #
US 6,250,783 B1
Filed 07/12/1999
|
Current Assignee
Britax Vision Systems North AmericaInc.
|
Original Assignee
Britax Vision Systems North AmericaInc.
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light | ||
Patent #
US 6,276,821 B1
Filed 06/17/1999
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Donnelly Corporation
|
Mirror assembly | ||
Patent #
US 6,045,243 A
Filed 07/27/1998
|
Current Assignee
Muth Mirror Systems LLC
|
Original Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Mirror coating, mirror utilizing same, and a mirror assembly | ||
Patent #
US 6,005,724 A
Filed 10/05/1998
|
Current Assignee
KW Muth Company
|
Original Assignee
K W Muth Company Incorporated
|
Mirror assembly | ||
Patent #
US 5,788,357 A
Filed 08/28/1996
|
Current Assignee
K W Muth Company Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
K W Muth Company Incorporated
|
Vehicle directional signal switch with lane changing position interconnecting to flashing lamps on left and right side rear view mirrors and flashing brake lamps in reverse | ||
Patent #
US 5,109,214 A
Filed 02/23/1990
|
Current Assignee
William A. Heidman Jr
|
Original Assignee
William A. Heidman Jr
|
Automatic mirror light | ||
Patent #
US 4,890,907 A
Filed 07/10/1989
|
Current Assignee
George Spector, Thuan D. Vu
|
Original Assignee
George Spector, Thuan D. Vu
|
Lighted exterior rearview mirror system | ||
Patent #
US 8,215,811 B2
Filed 08/15/2011
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Assembly for vehicles including adjustable mirrors | ||
Patent #
US 8,220,866 B1
Filed 06/20/2011
|
Current Assignee
IFM Limited LLC
|
Original Assignee
IFM Limited LLC
|
Lighted exterior mirror assembly for vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 8,251,555 B2
Filed 09/16/2011
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Exterior mirror vision system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 8,262,268 B2
Filed 11/15/2011
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Lighted exterior mirror assembly for vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 8,393,766 B2
Filed 08/27/2012
|
Current Assignee
Manga Mirrors of America Inc.
|
Original Assignee
Manga Mirrors of America Inc.
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system | ||
Patent #
US 8,449,158 B2
Filed 05/18/2012
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Exterior mirror vision system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 8,534,886 B2
Filed 09/10/2012
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Exterior mirror system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 8,662,724 B2
Filed 09/16/2013
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Lighted exterior mirror assembly for vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 8,696,179 B2
Filed 03/11/2013
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Exterior mirror system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 8,915,631 B2
Filed 03/03/2014
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system | ||
Patent #
US 8,915,630 B2
Filed 05/24/2013
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Vehicle mirror assembly | ||
Patent #
US 9,057,833 B2
Filed 09/28/2012
|
Current Assignee
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
|
Original Assignee
Nissan North America Incorporated
|
Vehicle mirror assembly | ||
Patent #
US 9,150,156 B2
Filed 08/30/2012
|
Current Assignee
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
|
Original Assignee
Nissan North America Incorporated
|
Vehicle exterior mirror system | ||
Patent #
US 9,586,526 B2
Filed 12/17/2014
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Exterior mirror system for a vehicle | ||
Patent #
US 9,688,201 B2
Filed 12/17/2014
|
Current Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Original Assignee
Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated
|
Side-facing side view mirror brake lights | ||
Patent #
US 10,894,512 B2
Filed 04/11/2019
|
Current Assignee
Gregory J. Phillips
|
Original Assignee
Gregory J. Phillips
|
Supplementary upper brake light | ||
Patent #
US 4,463,411 A
Filed 08/14/1981
|
Current Assignee
Ronald A. Proctor
|
Original Assignee
Ronald A. Proctor
|
Side mirror with indicator light | ||
Patent #
US 4,475,100 A
Filed 02/22/1982
|
Current Assignee
Ching-Jeng Duh
|
Original Assignee
Ching-Jeng Duh
|
Illuminated mirror assembly | ||
Patent #
US 4,479,172 A
Filed 12/02/1982
|
Current Assignee
CLEARPLAS LIMITED BAYTON ROAD EXHALL COVENTRY CV7 9EL
|
Original Assignee
CLEARPLAS LIMITED BAYTON ROAD EXHALL COVENTRY CV7 9EL
|
Mirror assembly with indicator | ||
Patent #
US 4,274,078 A
Filed 05/22/1979
|
Current Assignee
Ichikoh Industries Limited, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
|
Original Assignee
Ichikoh Industries Limited, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
|
Distance indicating mirror device | ||
Patent #
US 4,023,029 A
Filed 10/28/1975
|
Current Assignee
Kenneth J. Fischer
|
Original Assignee
Kenneth J. Fischer
|
Outside signal for automobiles | ||
Patent #
US 3,266,016 A
Filed 08/06/1964
|
Current Assignee
Shiegeru Maruyama, Mamoru Maruyama
|
Original Assignee
Shiegeru Maruyama, Mamoru Maruyama
|
Combination vision mirror and signaling device | ||
Patent #
US 2,595,331 A
Filed 01/30/1950
|
Current Assignee
Paul F. Calihan, Sheldon A. Mortenson
|
Original Assignee
Paul F. Calihan, Sheldon A. Mortenson
|
COMBINATION RUNNING LIGHT-REFLECTOR | ||
Patent #
US 3,532,871 A
Filed 05/20/1968
|
Current Assignee
Roger A. Shipman
|
Original Assignee
Roger A. Shipman
|
8 Claims
-
1. A sideview mirror-brake light device, comprising in combination:
-
a housing for attachment to the side of a motor vehicle; a mirror on the rear surface of said housing; a brake light attached to said housing, said brake light being recessed with respect to said mirror such that it is shielded from the view of a primary driver; said brake light facing in a rearward direction; means in said housing for operatively connecting said brake light to a braking actuator; means for mounting said housing on the side of a vehicle; an opening defined in said housing for selectively receiving said brake light; and a tab on said brake light for facilitating movement of said brake light through said opening between a storage position within said housing and an operational position outside said housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A sideview mirror-brake light device comprising in combination:
-
a housing for attachment to the side of a motor vehicle; a mirror on the rear surface of said housing; a brake light attached to said housing, said brake light being recessed with respect to said mirror such that it is shielded from the view of a primary driver; said brake light facing in rearward direction; means in said housing for operatively connecting said brake light to a braking actuator; means for mounting said housing on the side of a vehicle; said housing having a rectangular shape including a vertical long side nearest the vehicle and a parallel second vertical long side, and a top horizontal short side, and a top horizontal short side and a bottom second horizontal short side parallel thereto; said mirror having a smaller rectangular shape than said housing; said mirror having a vertical long side abutting the vertical long side of said housing nearest the vehicle; said mirror has a top horizontal short side abutting said top horizontal short side of said housing; an L-shaped margin is defined by the remaining sides of said mirror and said housing; and said brake light is L-shaped and in registration with said L-shaped margin. - View Dependent Claims (8)
-
1 Specification
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is in the field of brake lights. More particularly, the invention is a brake light for automotive application.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Brake lights are illuminated when the driver of the motor vehicle they are on applies the brakes. Because the brake lights are positioned at the tail end of the motor vehicle, their illumination informs drivers to the rear that the brakes have been applied, and this allows them to anticipate and respond to the slow down or stoppage of the forward vehicle.
One drawback of existing brake lights is that generally only the vehicles immediately behind the lights can see them. This is due to the fact that brake lights are mounted on the rearward most wall of the motor vehicle.
When a number of cars are traveling in the same direction, some of the drivers of trailing vehicles may not be able to see the illuminated brake lights of a forward vehicle. Those drivers will not be able to anticipate or prepare for the slow down of that vehicle. This situation has and can lead to rear end collisions.
The invention of this patent is a side mounted rear view mirror having an attached brake light. This side mounted brake light is visible to a greater field of drivers than the traditional rear mounted brake lights. Thus a greater number of drivers will be in a position to see the brake lights illuminated. This should reduce a potential cause of rear end collisions.
The United States Government has recently mandated the placement of a second set of brake lights in the rear window of passenger vehicles.
No side mounted brake lights were discovered in a United States Patent Office search. Several patents were found in which turn signal indicators were incorporated in side view mirrors. Those patents are U.S. Pat. No. 2,580,014; U.S. Pat. No. 2,595,331; U.S. Pat. No. 2,600,751; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,629,087. U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,875 disclosed a multiple position rearview mirror having a mirror position indicator light. Neither these patents nor the rear window brake lights mandated by the U.S. Government teach or suggest the invention disclosed herein.
Furthermore, the invention disclosed herein provides advantages that are not possessed by currently known brake lights.
The invention is a brake light mountable on the side of a motor vehicle. Preferably, the brake light is incorporated into a side view mirror housing, and is recessed with respect to the sideview mirror device such that it is shielded from the view of the primary driver to prevent distractions, i.e., the brake light can only be seen by trailing drivers. The brake light of this invention can augment the standard brake lights presently found on the rear end of motor vehicles.
The brake lights of this invention can be mounted on the same surface of the mirror housing as the mirror or the brake lights can be mounted on their own surface.
Moreover, the brake lights of this invention can be located in a permanently fixed position or they can be designed to move from one location to another. When the brake lights are designed to be moved, it is preferred that they be movable from a storage position within the mirror housing to an operational position outside said mirror housing.
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the second embodment of the invention depicted in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a fifth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary rear view of the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 8.
As depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the invention includes a housing 10 for attachment to the side of a motor vehicle and a brake light 12 attached to said housing 10. Housing 10 has a rearward facing mirror 14 and a rearward facing brake light 12 which is recessed. Brake light 12 has a light bulb 16 and a rear mounted covering 18 through which the light bulb 16 can be seen when light bulb 16 is illuminated. Thus both the mirror 14 and brake light 12 can be seen from the rear of the vehicle.
Housing 10 is rectangular and has an end opening 20 for slidably receiving brake light 12. Brake light 12 is rectangular and demensioned to slide within end opening 20 between an interior position 22 and an extended position 24. When brake light 12 is in interior position 22, brake light 12 is completely encased in housing 10. When brake light 12 is at extended position 24, brake light 12 is substantially exterior to housing 10 and viewable. End opening 20 commences at far side 29 of housing 10; far side 29 preferably being located away from the motor vehicle in a manner to provide maximal extension of brake light 12 away from the vehicle.
Brake light 10 has a tab 26 at its outwardmost end relative to housing 10. Said tab 26 can be gripped to facilitate sliding said brake light 12 between said interior position 22 and said exterior position 24. Preferably, said brake light 12 will lock in place when in exterior position 24 of when in interior position 22 to prevent unwanted sliding of brake light 12 relative to housing 10.
Housing 10 also has an electrical conduit 28 for connecting said light bulb 16 to the vehicle'"'"'s braking mechanism (not shown).
The size of brake light 12 can be varied. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 brake light 12 is of substantially the same height as mirror 18. As depicted in FIG. 5, brake light 12 need not be of substantially the same height as mirror 30. In FIG. 5, end opening 20 is at the upper most portion of the far side of housing 29, extending between housing top 20 to slightly above the center of far side 29; while in FIGS. 1 and 2, end opening 20 is at the far side of housing 10 extending between housing base 30 and housing top 32. Since brake light 12 tracks on the opening base 34 and the opening top 36, brake light 12 in the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 5 is not as tall relative to housing 10 as is brake light 12 to housing 10 in the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.
As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, brake light 12 is substantially circular and has a handle 38 journaled for rotation, on pin 40 located inside housing 10, between first position 42 and second position 44.
When in first position 42, brake light 12 and handle 38 are completely housed within housing 10. When in second position 44, handle 38 is partially housed within housing 10, but the rest of brake light 12 is outside of said housing 12.
Housing top 36 and far side 29 define an opening 45 of sufficient length to allow brake light 12 to move between first position 42 and second position 44.
In second position 44, brake light 12 extends partly above said housing 10 and beyond far side 29 away from the vehicle.
A first tab 46 and a second tab 48 located on the circumference of circular brake light 12 act as grips to facilitate movement of said brake light 12 between said first position 42 and second position 44. Preferably, said brake light 12 will be reversably lockable in said second position 44 and said first position 42 to prevent unwanted movement relative to said housing 10.
In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, housing 10 is substantially rectangular and has a substantially rectangular mirror 14 substantially covering its rear surface 50. Brake light 12 is substantially circular and is incorporated in said housing 10. The center 52 of brake light 12 lies on the line defining the top rectangular edge 54 of housing 10. The radius of brake light 12 extends to far side 29.
Rear mounted covering 18 is provided for brake light 12 Conduit 28 is also provided. In this embodiment, brake light 12 does not move between two positions relative to housing 10, as it did in some of the other described embodiments.
In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, housing 10 is rectangular and has a bracket 56 on one of its long sides 58 for mounting said housing 10 on the side of a vehicle.
Mirror 14 is rectangular and mounted on the rear surface 50 of housing 10 and takes up nearly all the surface leaving only a margin 12 between itself and far side 29 and housing base 60, which margin 12 constitutes brake light 12. Margin 12 has at least one light bulb 16 and preferably has a series of light bulbs. Moreover, brake light 12 has covering 18 and conduit 28. This embodiment is particularly suited to trucks, and vans although it can be used on other motor vehicles.
FIG. 9 depicts a portion of brake light 12 of FIG. 8 with light bulbs 16 near far side 29 of housing 10.
In operation, housing 10 will generally be mounted on the side of a motor vehicle with brake light 12 extending as far from the vehicle as possible, even though brake light 12 can be mounted closer to the vehicle mirror 14 if desired.
Generally, in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 through 7, each housing will be mounted to the side of a motor vehicle in such a fashion that the long edges of rectangular housing 10 will be substantially parallel to the ground, and the short edges of the housing 10 will be vertical, because this arrangement generally provides the best utilization of brake light 12 and mirror 14 by providing maximum extension of the mirror 14 and brake light 12 from the vehicle.
Conduit 28 communicates with both brake light 12 and the braking mechanism in such a manner that brake light 12 will be activated and light bulb 16 illuminated when the brakes of the vehicle are applied.
Preferably, brake light 12 will be mounted on the drivers side of the vehicle. If desired, brake light 12 may also be mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle. Most preferably, two side mounted brake lights 12 will be utilized: one on the passenger'"'"'s side of the vehicle and one of the driver'"'"'s side of the vehicle.
Preferably, brake lights 12 will be mounted in the same position, and in the same manner, as side mounted rear view mirrors would normally be mounted, and the same types of mounting will be used.
Preferably, cover 18 will be the standard red lens material utilized for traditional brake lights. Standard reflectors may also be utilized.
The present invention is not restricted to the particular structure and examples described above and illustrated in the attached drawings. Various modifications and variations can be made in the described structure by those skilled in the art without exceeding the scope of the invention as claimed hereinbelow.