Automotive tilt mirror

• US 4,906,089 A
• Filed: 07/28/1988
• Issued: 03/06/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: George Spector, Giovanni Biondi
• Original Assignee: George Spector, Giovanni Biondi
• Inventors: Biondi, Giovanni, Spector, George
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lerner, Martin
• Application Number:
  US07/225,709
• Time in Patent Office: 586 Days
• Field of Search: 350/278, 350/605, 350/608, 350/637, 350/279, 350/632, 248/481
• US Class Current: 359/843
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/1828 using magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 359/903 with magnet

Abstract

An apparatus for operating a driver'"'"'s side view mirror in a motor vehicle that has a directional indicator lever is provided and consists of a structure for adjustably holding a mirror within a housing in which the housing is secured on an outer surface of the driver'"'"'s side of the motor vehicle. A mechanism is electrically activated by the directional indicator lever for moving the mirror from a normal position into the passing position so that a driver within the motor vehicle can see into the passing lane in order to safely steer the motor vehicle into the passing lane. The mechanism then moves the mirror back into the normal position.

Claims

1. An apparatus for operating a driver'"'"'s side view mirror in a motor vehicle having a directional indicator lever on a steering wheel column, which comprises:

(a) a mirror;

(b) a housing having an opening for receiving said mirror;

(c) means for securing said housing on an outer surface of driver'"'"'s side of the motor vehicle;

(d) means for adjustably holding said mirror within said housing;

(e) means electrically activated by the directional indicator lever, for moving said mirror from a normal position into a passing position so that a driver within the motor vehicle can see into passing lane in order to safely steer the motor vehicle into the passing lane and then moving said mirror back into the normal position, wherein said securing means is a mounting bracket, wherein said adjustable holding means comprises;

(f) a support arm having a rear end affixed to said housing;

(g) a ball and socket connector disposed between front end of said support arm and central rear surface of said mirror, wherein said moving means comprises;

(h) two electrical circuits extending between said mirror and the steering wheel column;

(i) a power source electrically connected into both of said circuits;

(j) a pair of electro-magnets disposed onto said support arm with each of said electro-magnets electrically connected into one of said respective circuits;

(k) a pair of magnets disposed onto the rear surface of said mirror on either side of said support arm so that each of said magnets will interact with one of said respective electro-magnets;

(l) a pair of switches disposed into the steering wheel column, with each of said switches electrically connected into one of said respective circuits; and

(m) an actuator member disposed within the directional indicator lever, whereby a first downward movement of the directional indicator lever for indicating a left turn will cause said actuator member to operate first of said switches and activate first of said electro-magnets for repelling first of said magnets thus moving said mirror to the passing position and a second downward movement of the directional indicator lever for indicating a left turn will then cause said actuator member to operate second of said switches and activate second of said electro-magnet for repelling second of said magnets thus moving said mirror back to the normal position;

(n) a pair of clamp members, each of which is connected to one of said respective electro-magnets and slideably disposed onto said support arm so that said electro-magnets can be adjustable with relationship to said respective magnets for controlling movement of said mirror; and

(o) a pair of set screws for locking said clamp members onto said support arm.

2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

(a) each of said switches being a normally opened push button spring biased type having a circular beveled head thereon; and

(b) said actuator member having a spring biased pivotable finger at distal end thereof to operate said first and second switches by depressing each respective head during the first downward and the second downward movement of the directional indicator lever, whereby said finger will pivot down and away from said second and first switches during upward movement of the directional indicator lever so as not to depress each respective head.