Approach light with light pattern

• US 7,878,693 B2
• Filed: 12/22/2008
• Issued: 02/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SMR Patents Sarl (SMR Patents)
• Original Assignee: SMR Patents Sarl (SMR Patents)
• Inventors: Liesener, Alf
• Primary Examiner(s): Alavi; Ali
• Application Number:
  US12/341,020
• Publication Number:
  US 20090161379A1
• Time in Patent Office: 771 Days
• Field of Search: 362/494, 362/293, 362/539
• US Class Current: 362/494
• 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 2400/40 Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/50 Projected symbol or information, e.g. onto the road or car body
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2102/40 the light being emitted to facilitate access to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2103/60 Projection of signs from lighting devices, e.g. symbols or information being projected onto the road

Abstract

The invention is related to a rear view mirror assembly with a mirror base attached to a vehicle and a mirror head. The mirror head is formed to host a reflective element and an approach light, the approach light is positioned in the lower side of the mirror assembly to light up an area adjacent to the vehicle. The approach light includes a mask to allow the projection of the pattern adjacent to the vehicle. In more detail the invention is related to a way to project a pattern adjacent to a vehicle.

Claims

1. Rear view mirror assembly with a mirror base attached to a vehicle and a mirror head, the mirror head is formed to host a reflective element and an approach light the approach light is positioned in the lower side of the mirror assembly to light up an area adjacent to the vehicle, the approach light includes at least one light source and a lens, characterized in that the approach light includes a mask to allow the projection of a pattern adjacent to the vehicle and the mask is arranged in the light path in a distance (D) from the lens, and disposed at a non-parallel angle (Alpha) from the lens such that the pattern can be projected onto the ground without interference from the vehicle.

2. Rear view mirror according claim 1 wherein the approach light is positioned in the mirror head.

3. Rear view mirror according claim 1 wherein the approach light is positioned in the mirror base.

4. Rear view mirror according claim 1 wherein the approach light includes at least one light source and the mask is filling the opening of the approach light lens.

5. Rear view mirror according claim 1 wherein the approach light includes two sets of light sources and the mask is limited to the light beam of one set of light sources.

6. Rear view mirror according claim 1 wherein the approach light includes one set of light sources and the mask is limited to a part of the opening of the approach light and the housing of the approach light is lined by a reflector mean.

7. Rear view mirror according claim 1 wherein the patterned mask is structured as a positive pattern of a logo or sign.

8. Rear view mirror according claim 1 wherein the patterned mask is structured as negative pattern of a logo or sign.

9. Rear view mirror according claim 1 wherein the approach light is combined with other signal lights.

10. Rear view mirror according claim 1 wherein the mask is an electro chromatic material with pixels triggered to define a sign structure.