CA2024846A1 - Combination rearview mirror - Google Patents
Combination rearview mirrorInfo
- Publication number
- CA2024846A1 CA2024846A1 CA 2024846 CA2024846A CA2024846A1 CA 2024846 A1 CA2024846 A1 CA 2024846A1 CA 2024846 CA2024846 CA 2024846 CA 2024846 A CA2024846 A CA 2024846A CA 2024846 A1 CA2024846 A1 CA 2024846A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- reflective surface
- rearview mirror
- safe
- lane changing
- mirror
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/08—Rear-view mirror arrangements involving special optical features, e.g. avoiding blind spots, e.g. convex mirrors; Side-by-side associations of rear-view and other mirrors
- B60R1/081—Rear-view mirror arrangements involving special optical features, e.g. avoiding blind spots, e.g. convex mirrors; Side-by-side associations of rear-view and other mirrors avoiding blind spots, e.g. by using a side-by-side association of mirrors
- B60R1/082—Rear-view mirror arrangements involving special optical features, e.g. avoiding blind spots, e.g. convex mirrors; Side-by-side associations of rear-view and other mirrors avoiding blind spots, e.g. by using a side-by-side association of mirrors using a single wide field mirror or an association of rigidly connected mirrors
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rear-View Mirror Devices That Are Mounted On The Exterior Of The Vehicle (AREA)
- Optical Elements Other Than Lenses (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
There is described an improved rearview mirror for a vehicle comprising a first planar reflective surface, a second longitudinally convex reflective surface providing a wider field of rearward vision relative to the first reflective surface, a frame surrounding the first and second reflective surfaces for maintaining the same in a fixed position in parallel longitudinal alignment with one another and markings adjacent the second reflective surface providing a visual indication of a safe lane changing zone.
There is described an improved rearview mirror for a vehicle comprising a first planar reflective surface, a second longitudinally convex reflective surface providing a wider field of rearward vision relative to the first reflective surface, a frame surrounding the first and second reflective surfaces for maintaining the same in a fixed position in parallel longitudinal alignment with one another and markings adjacent the second reflective surface providing a visual indication of a safe lane changing zone.
Description
The present invention relates to a rearview mirror for a vehicle and more particularly -to a rearview mirror combining a flat and a convexly curved reflective surface to provide, in combination, an enhanced field of rearward vision.
Conventional rearview mirrors provided on the windshield of virtually every new vehicle sold in North America typically include a single flat rearwardly reflective surface providing an undistorted but limited field of view to the vehicle's rear.
This therefore results in the so-called "blind spots" to either side of the vehicles flanks where the driver checking his mirror cannot see other vehicles. Shoulder checking is the only means of confirming that the blind spots are empty of vehicles, matins it safe to change lanes. Shoulder checking requires the driver to take his eyes off the toad and is itself therefore somewhat hazardous.
Various mirror constructions have been proposed to overcome the limitation of conventional mirrors jut most of these efforts have failed due either to a cumbersome structure, excessive distortion of the field of view, cost, poor ergonomics and poor anesthetics. Perhaps as importantly, mirrors offering an enhanced rearward field of view are not as yet widely offered as original equipment on new vehicles, which, if they were, would lend greater credibility to the use of these devices for enhanced vehicle safety. Moreover, a large part of the reason such mirrors are not offered as original equipment from manufacturers is the lack of a suitable product which overcomes the deficiencies of known after-market products.
Accordingly/ it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved combination rearview mirror which obviates and mitigates from the disadvantages of the prior art.
According to the present invention, then, there is provided a rearview mirror for a vehicle comprising a first planar reflective surface, a second longitudinally convex reflective surface providing a wider field of rearward vision relative to the first reflective surface, a frame surrounding the first and second reflective surfaces for maintaining the ? I
second reflective surface in a fixed position in parallel longitudinal alignment with the first reflective surface, and markings adjacent the second reflective surface providing a visual indication of a safe lane changing zone.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail, and will be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings iII which:
Figure 1 is a front elevation Al view of the present mirror;
Figure 2 is a rear elevation Al view of the mirror of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the mirror of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the mirror of Figure 1;
and Figure 5 is a side elevation Al view of an end of the mirror of Figure 1.
With reference now to Figure 1, present mirror 1 combines a conventional first flat reflective surface 4 and a second longitudinally convex reflective surface 8. Mirror 4 provides the usual undistorted but limited field of rearward vision whereas mirror 8, being convex, provides a much wider rearward field of vision which overlaps to both tides with most persons natural peripheral vision, thereby all but eliminating the blind spots in the field of view afforded by mirror 4 alone.
Surrounding both of mirrors 4 and 8 is a frame 12 including a backing 13 and relatively thin raised edges 15 which overlap the adjacent edges of mirrors 4 and 8 to retain the mirrors firmly in place in fixed positions relative to each other. As shown, both mirrors as retained by frame 12 are in parallel longitudinal alignment with mirror 8 preferably, but not necessarily, located vertically above mirror 4.
Frame 12 is formed integrally about both mirrors to provide a unitary, seamless, anesthetically pleasing appearance Chile at the same time making the mirror as a whole compact, unobtrusive, easy to adjust and rigid. As shown, to provide a relatively low profile, the vertical height of mirror 8 is less than that of mirror 4.
Jo lo I
As is known, convex mirrors tend to distort distances/
making objects appear further away than they really are. It is important therefore that some means be provided to provide a visual indication of which vehicles appearing in the mirrors field of vision are sufficiently distant to permit a safe lane change.
This is accomplished in the present invention by means of calibrated scale 20 marked on frame 12 either above or below mirror 8. Scale 20 is sub-divided into visually distinct Jones I 22 and 23 distinguished from one another such as by means of color, texture or some other form of marking. In one embodiment constructed by the applicant, zones 21 and 23 are colored red, whereas zone 22 is white, both of which colors contrast with the typically dark plastic ox resinous material of frame 12. Any vehicle appearing in mirror 8 beneath zones 21 and 23 is too close to permit a safe lane change. Any vehicle appearing in mirror 8 beneath white zone 22 is usually sufficiently distant to permit a safe lane change, subject to the usual considerations such as road conditions, weather, the other vehicle's speed of approach and of course the level of traffic.
Scale 20 may be marked on mirror surface 8 itself, or the mirror may be sub-divided by means of thin vertical lines 29 (shown in dotted lines) separating the safe and not-safe lane changing zones in the field of vision Another alternative is to tint the not-safe zones a different color relative to the safe zone.
In other respects mirror 1 is conventional in construction and includes the usual post 30 with a ball joint 31 at one end to provide full adjustability of the mirrors angle relative to the driver's eyes and a foot 32 at the other end for attachment to the car's windshield.
As with most conventional mirrors, the mirror may also include a day/night switch 40.
Conventional rearview mirrors provided on the windshield of virtually every new vehicle sold in North America typically include a single flat rearwardly reflective surface providing an undistorted but limited field of view to the vehicle's rear.
This therefore results in the so-called "blind spots" to either side of the vehicles flanks where the driver checking his mirror cannot see other vehicles. Shoulder checking is the only means of confirming that the blind spots are empty of vehicles, matins it safe to change lanes. Shoulder checking requires the driver to take his eyes off the toad and is itself therefore somewhat hazardous.
Various mirror constructions have been proposed to overcome the limitation of conventional mirrors jut most of these efforts have failed due either to a cumbersome structure, excessive distortion of the field of view, cost, poor ergonomics and poor anesthetics. Perhaps as importantly, mirrors offering an enhanced rearward field of view are not as yet widely offered as original equipment on new vehicles, which, if they were, would lend greater credibility to the use of these devices for enhanced vehicle safety. Moreover, a large part of the reason such mirrors are not offered as original equipment from manufacturers is the lack of a suitable product which overcomes the deficiencies of known after-market products.
Accordingly/ it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved combination rearview mirror which obviates and mitigates from the disadvantages of the prior art.
According to the present invention, then, there is provided a rearview mirror for a vehicle comprising a first planar reflective surface, a second longitudinally convex reflective surface providing a wider field of rearward vision relative to the first reflective surface, a frame surrounding the first and second reflective surfaces for maintaining the ? I
second reflective surface in a fixed position in parallel longitudinal alignment with the first reflective surface, and markings adjacent the second reflective surface providing a visual indication of a safe lane changing zone.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail, and will be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings iII which:
Figure 1 is a front elevation Al view of the present mirror;
Figure 2 is a rear elevation Al view of the mirror of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the mirror of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the mirror of Figure 1;
and Figure 5 is a side elevation Al view of an end of the mirror of Figure 1.
With reference now to Figure 1, present mirror 1 combines a conventional first flat reflective surface 4 and a second longitudinally convex reflective surface 8. Mirror 4 provides the usual undistorted but limited field of rearward vision whereas mirror 8, being convex, provides a much wider rearward field of vision which overlaps to both tides with most persons natural peripheral vision, thereby all but eliminating the blind spots in the field of view afforded by mirror 4 alone.
Surrounding both of mirrors 4 and 8 is a frame 12 including a backing 13 and relatively thin raised edges 15 which overlap the adjacent edges of mirrors 4 and 8 to retain the mirrors firmly in place in fixed positions relative to each other. As shown, both mirrors as retained by frame 12 are in parallel longitudinal alignment with mirror 8 preferably, but not necessarily, located vertically above mirror 4.
Frame 12 is formed integrally about both mirrors to provide a unitary, seamless, anesthetically pleasing appearance Chile at the same time making the mirror as a whole compact, unobtrusive, easy to adjust and rigid. As shown, to provide a relatively low profile, the vertical height of mirror 8 is less than that of mirror 4.
Jo lo I
As is known, convex mirrors tend to distort distances/
making objects appear further away than they really are. It is important therefore that some means be provided to provide a visual indication of which vehicles appearing in the mirrors field of vision are sufficiently distant to permit a safe lane change.
This is accomplished in the present invention by means of calibrated scale 20 marked on frame 12 either above or below mirror 8. Scale 20 is sub-divided into visually distinct Jones I 22 and 23 distinguished from one another such as by means of color, texture or some other form of marking. In one embodiment constructed by the applicant, zones 21 and 23 are colored red, whereas zone 22 is white, both of which colors contrast with the typically dark plastic ox resinous material of frame 12. Any vehicle appearing in mirror 8 beneath zones 21 and 23 is too close to permit a safe lane change. Any vehicle appearing in mirror 8 beneath white zone 22 is usually sufficiently distant to permit a safe lane change, subject to the usual considerations such as road conditions, weather, the other vehicle's speed of approach and of course the level of traffic.
Scale 20 may be marked on mirror surface 8 itself, or the mirror may be sub-divided by means of thin vertical lines 29 (shown in dotted lines) separating the safe and not-safe lane changing zones in the field of vision Another alternative is to tint the not-safe zones a different color relative to the safe zone.
In other respects mirror 1 is conventional in construction and includes the usual post 30 with a ball joint 31 at one end to provide full adjustability of the mirrors angle relative to the driver's eyes and a foot 32 at the other end for attachment to the car's windshield.
As with most conventional mirrors, the mirror may also include a day/night switch 40.
Claims (10)
1. A rearview mirror for a vehicle comprising:
a first planar reflective surface;
second longitudinally convex reflective surface providing a wider field of rearward vision relative to said first reflective surface;
a frame surrounding said first and second reflective surfaces for maintaining the said second reflective surface in a fixed position in parallel longitudinal alignment with said first reflective surface; and markings adjacent said second reflective surface providing a visual indication of a safe lane changing zone.
a first planar reflective surface;
second longitudinally convex reflective surface providing a wider field of rearward vision relative to said first reflective surface;
a frame surrounding said first and second reflective surfaces for maintaining the said second reflective surface in a fixed position in parallel longitudinal alignment with said first reflective surface; and markings adjacent said second reflective surface providing a visual indication of a safe lane changing zone.
2. The rearview mirror of claim 1 wherein said second reflective surface is fixed by said frame above said first reflective surface.
3. The rearview mirror of claim 2 wherein said frame is formed integrally about said first and second reflective surfaces.
4. The rearview mirror of claim 3 wherein said markings comprise a calibrated scale in longitudinal alignment with said second reflective surface, said scale being sub-divided into visually differentiated zones indicating safe and unsafe lane changing zones.
5. The rearview mirror of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the height of said second reflective surface is a portion of the height of said first reflective surface.
6. The mirror of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said markings comprise vertical lines on said second reflective surface to sub-divide the same into safe and unsafe lane changing zones.
7. A rearview mirror for a vehicle comprising:
a longitudinally convex reflective surface providing a widened field of rearward vision relative to a planar reflective surface; and marking for said reflective surface providing a visual indication of a safe lane changing zone within said rearward field of vision.
a longitudinally convex reflective surface providing a widened field of rearward vision relative to a planar reflective surface; and marking for said reflective surface providing a visual indication of a safe lane changing zone within said rearward field of vision.
8. The rearview mirror of claim 7 wherein said markings comprise a calibrated scale in longitudinal alignment with said reflective surface, said scale being sub-divided into visually differentiated zones indicating safe and unsafe lane changing zones.
9. The rearview mirror of claim 7 wherein said markings comprise vertical lines on said reflective surface to sub-divide the same into safe and unsafe lane changing zones.
10. The rearview mirror of claim 7 wherein said markings comprise tinting of predetermined portions of said reflective surface to sub-divide the same into safe and unsafe lane changing zones.
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2024846 CA2024846A1 (en) | 1990-09-07 | 1990-09-07 | Combination rearview mirror |
| PCT/CA1991/000313 WO1992004207A1 (en) | 1990-09-07 | 1991-09-04 | Combination rearview mirror |
| AU84401/91A AU8440191A (en) | 1990-09-07 | 1991-09-04 | Combination rearview mirror |
| US08/502,738 US5557467A (en) | 1990-09-07 | 1995-06-30 | Combination rearview mirror |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2024846 CA2024846A1 (en) | 1990-09-07 | 1990-09-07 | Combination rearview mirror |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2024846A1 true CA2024846A1 (en) | 1992-03-08 |
Family
ID=4145920
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2024846 Abandoned CA2024846A1 (en) | 1990-09-07 | 1990-09-07 | Combination rearview mirror |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU8440191A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2024846A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1992004207A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2514989A (en) * | 1947-09-09 | 1950-07-11 | Newton J Buren | Outside rear-vision mirror having contrasting colors |
| FR1339632A (en) * | 1962-08-28 | 1963-10-11 | Advanced rearview mirror for motor vehicles | |
| GB1180930A (en) * | 1967-01-03 | 1970-02-11 | Hugh Stephens | Rear View Mirror. |
| US3667833A (en) * | 1970-09-25 | 1972-06-06 | William K Baldwin Sr | Rear view mirror |
| GB1513240A (en) * | 1974-10-02 | 1978-06-07 | Combined Optical Ind Ltd | Vehicle rear-view mirror |
| EP0005437B1 (en) * | 1978-05-19 | 1981-04-01 | Hagus C. Luchtenberg GmbH & Co. KG | Angle mirror |
| DE8613766U1 (en) * | 1986-05-21 | 1987-02-12 | Egleder, Heinrich, 2400 Lübeck | Car rearview mirror |
-
1990
- 1990-09-07 CA CA 2024846 patent/CA2024846A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1991
- 1991-09-04 AU AU84401/91A patent/AU8440191A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-09-04 WO PCT/CA1991/000313 patent/WO1992004207A1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1992004207A1 (en) | 1992-03-19 |
| AU8440191A (en) | 1992-03-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |