Side view mirror with integral lighting

• US 6,511,192 B1
• Filed: 01/12/2000
• Issued: 01/28/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/17/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Original Assignee: Britax Vision Systems (North America) Inc.
• Inventors: Henion, Paul R., Sturek, James S., Gilbert, Robert W., Duroux, Bernard, Francis, Neil J., McCloy, Graham B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shafer, Ricky D.
• Application Number:
  US09/482,204
• Time in Patent Office: 1,112 Days
• Field of Search: 359/850, 359/854, 359/855, 359/864, 359/865, 359/872, 248/476, 248/477, 248/479
• US Class Current: 359/864
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/381 with several light sources activated in sequence, e.g. to create a sweep effect
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A mirror assembly in which the mirror housing and multi-function backing plate provide various useful functions. The multi-function backing plate supports not only a conventional reflective element but also supports a wide angle reflective element. The wide angle reflective element may be adjustable. The multi-function backing plate supports an indicator light assembly so that the mirror assembly can provide an indicator light function. The multi-function backing plate also support a recessible spot or approach lamp which, when the mirror is in an operative position, is recessed within the housing. When the mirror is in an inoperative state, the multi-function backing plate can be rotated so as to expose the spot or approach light. Various light pipe configurations enable transmission of light projected from a light source mounted to and behind the multi-function backing plate to project light through the light pipe externally to the mirror housing to provide an indicator light function.

Claims

1. A mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a mirror housing;

a first reflective element having a first field of view;

a second reflective element having a second field of view, the second field of view being wider than the first field of view; and

a backing assembly supported by the mirror housing, the backing assembly supporting the first reflective element and also supporting the second reflective element, the backing assembly including;

a first wall, wherein the first wall supports the second reflective element;

a second wall opposing the first wall; and

a hinge interconnecting the first and second walls, the hinge being flexible to enable adjustment of a relative position between the first and second walls;

wherein an orientation of the second reflective element is adjustable independently of the first reflective element in accordance with displacement of a portion of the backing assembly.

2. The mirror assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cantilevered member projecting from one of the first and second walls, the other wall being pivotable with respect to the cantilevered member.

3. The mirror assembly of claim 2, further comprising a retention member operatively connected to the second wall, the retention member opposing displacement of the first wall with respect to the second wall.

4. The mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the second reflective element is formed of one of plastic and glass.

5. The mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the first reflective element is formed of one of plastic and glass.

6. The mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of the first wall is formed in a desired shape of the second reflective element.