Make-up mirror for vehicle

• US 6,554,437 B2
• Filed: 03/23/2001
• Issued: 04/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Christian Von Glasow
• Original Assignee: Christian Von Glasow
• Inventors: von Glasow, Christian
• Primary Examiner(s): Shafer, Ricky D.
• Application Number:
  US09/816,900
• Publication Number:
  US 20020135911A1
• Time in Patent Office: 767 Days
• Field of Search: 359/841, 359/872, 359/879, 359/881, 362/135, 362/136, 362/137, 362/140, 362/142, 362/143, 362/144, 362/494, 248/476, 248/477, 248/479, 455/556, 455/569
• US Class Current: 359/872
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/879 with additional features not related to head-rest positioning, e.g. heating or cooling devices or loudspeakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0217 for loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 for microphones or earphones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0017 Head-rests
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0059 using clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0091 the article being mounted on a flexible shaft
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0294 Apparatus with multi-functionalities, e.g. radio and telephone

Abstract

A make-up or vanity mirror which is adapted to be mounted in a vehicle in such a manner that it may be optimally positioned for use by the driver/passenger without impairing the driver'"'"'s vision when the vehicle is in motion. The mirror assembly may be added as an aftermarket accessory to existing vehicles or may be installed as original equipment.

The mirror is mounted on a flexible extension arm which is secured to a base which may be quickly secured to the posts of the head rest on a typical seat or to another portion of the vehicle. The mirror may include a peripheral lighting system to provide localized illumination and a microphone and speaker assembly to allow communication with a cellular phone. The mirror assembly also includes a cellular phone holder, display screen and keypad to allow a user to operate and access the cellular telephone in a complete “hands-free” mode.

Claims

1. A vanity mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

a. a mirror,

b. an elongated, flexible extension arm having one end adapted for receiving and supporting the mirror, the mirror being rotatable relative to the axis of the extension arm; and

c. the arm having an opposite end adapted to be pivotably mounted on the vehicle and movable between a stowed position wherein the arm and mirror are a non-interfering position relative to operation of the vehicle and a use position wherein the mirror may be used as a make-up mirror by an occupant of the vehicle;

d. a base adapted to be mounted on the vehicle and wherein the opposite end of the arm is pivotably mounted in the base; and

e. an illumination source for lighting the mirror, wires extending the length of the arm and outwardly from the bass and an adapter mounted on the end of the wires, the adapter adapted for connecting the wires to a vehicle power supply system.

2. The vanity mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapter comprises a typical cigarette lighter socket adapter.

3. A vanity mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

a. a mirror;

b. an elongated, flexible extension arm having one end adapted for receiving and supporting the mirror, the mirror being rotatable relative to the axis of the extension arm; and

c. the arm having an opposite end adapted to be pivotably mounted on the vehicle and movable between a stowed position wherein-the arm and mirror are a non-interfering position relative to operation of the vehicle and a use position wherein the mirror may be used as a make-up mirror by an occupant of the vehicle;

d. a base adapted to be mounted on the vehicle and wherein the opposite end of the arm is pivotably mounted in the base;

e. wherein the base further comprises a bayonet type pin having an axis and wherein the vehicle further includes a bayonet type accessory socket for receiving and locking the bayonet type pin to secure the mirror assembly in place;

f. wherein the opposite end of the arm is secured in the bayonet type pin;

g. wherein the arm is mounted for rotation about the axis of the bayonet type pin; and

h. an illumination source for lighting the mirror, wherein the bayonet type accessory socket is energized by a vehicle power supply, wherein the bayonet type pin includes electrical contacts, and wires are carried in the arm for connecting the electrical contacts to the illumination source.

4. A vanity mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

a. a mirror;

b. an elongated, flexible extension arm having one end adapted for receiving and supporting the mirror, the mirror being rotatable relative to the axis of the extension arm;

c. the arm having an opposite end adapted to be pivotably mounted on the vehicle and movable between a stowed position wherein the arm and mirror are a non-interfering position relative to operation of the vehicle and a use position wherein the mirror may be used as a make-up mirror by an occupant of the vehicle;

d. a housing, the mirror being further adapted to be mounted in the housing and the housing being adapted to mounted on the one end of the arm;

e. wherein the housing further includes a cover adapted to place the mirror in a protective covering when in the stowed position and to be removed to expose the mirror when in the use position;

f. wherein the housing further includes a latch for holding the cover in place;

g. an illumination source for lighting the mirror and connectors for connecting a power supply to the illumination source; and

h. wherein the latch includes a switch disposed between the illumination source and the connectors and adapted for connecting the connectors to the illumination source when the mirror is in the use position and the cover is exposed and for disconnecting the illumination source from the connectors when the mirror is covered.