CA2149063A1 - Forward view mirror system - Google Patents
Forward view mirror systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2149063A1 CA2149063A1 CA002149063A CA2149063A CA2149063A1 CA 2149063 A1 CA2149063 A1 CA 2149063A1 CA 002149063 A CA002149063 A CA 002149063A CA 2149063 A CA2149063 A CA 2149063A CA 2149063 A1 CA2149063 A1 CA 2149063A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mirror
- assembly
- vehicle
- single body
- automobile
- 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
-
- 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
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B60R1/10—Front-view mirror arrangements; Periscope arrangements, i.e. optical devices using combinations of mirrors, lenses, prisms or the like ; Other mirror arrangements giving a view from above or under the vehicle
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rear-View Mirror Devices That Are Mounted On The Exterior Of The Vehicle (AREA)
Abstract
A forward viewing mirror assembly for automotive vehicles comprises a single body member fixed to the windshield of an automobile. The single body member is provided with a mirror that co-acts with another mirror in an operative form of the mirror assembly to provide an enhanced view to the automobile driver of objects located beyond the forward end of the automobile and, in particular, beyond the preceding vehicle.
Description
~ ILlq 063 FORWARD VIEWING MIRROR ASSEMBLY
FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an assembly for extending or enhancing the visual field available to the driver of an automotive vehicle. More particularly, this invention relates to a forward viewing mirror assembly on an automotive vehicle.
It is well known that safe driving of an automotive vehicle requires that the operator have an adequate view of objects to the rear of, alongside and forward of the vehicle. Many devices have been proposed and constructed for enhancing the visual field available to the automobile driver.
In this assembly the mirrors are angled with respect to one another in periscopic fashion to obtain a better forward view from the vehicle to which the assembly is mounted. One situation in which an improved field of view is important, if not critical, to highway safety is the passing situation. Frequently, in order to obtain a line of sight that extends sufficiently beyond the vehicle or vehicles to be passed to decide whether a safe 21~9063 -2.
passing is possible, it is necessary for the driver of the passing automobile to edge into the lane of oncoming traffic.
This necessity arises, for example, if the vehicle immediately in front of the passing automobile is a large truck. A mirror assembly for improving the line of sight in such a situation, set forth in U.S. Patent No. 1, 877 ,109 comprises a pair of mirrors secured to the vehicle and fixed in a periscopic relationship with respect to one another to enable the driver of the vehicle to view oncoming vehicles on the left hand side of the highway.
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved mirror assembly attachable to an automobile windshield for providing the driver thereof with an enhanced visual field. Thus enhancing the driver of this vehicle to make safer, more rational decisions pertaining to the visual field forward of this vehicle and any preceding vehicles, impairing the driver's vision.
Another particular object of the present invention is to provide such a mirror assembly which minimizes air resistance or drag particularly when the driver is not attempting to pass other vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with particular features of the present invention, the reflector includes two mirrors and the operative configuration of the reflector is a periscopic configuration of the two mirrors. The two mirrors are preferably fixed relative the exterior lower front corner of the windshield of the vehicle.
The two mirrors are advantageously juxtaposed to one another and spaced from one another in the operative configuration.
In accordance with the features of the present invention, the fixed mirrors are mounted to a single body member in turn attached to the windshield of the automotive vehicle. As set -3.
forth above, the reflector is viewable by a driver of the vehicle for enabling the monitoring of objects towards and beyond the forward end of the vehicle.
A vehicle mirror assembly in accordance with the present invention provides a driver with an enhanced forward field of view for facilitating the safe passing of other vehicles. The body supporting the moveable mirrors is fixed in an operating configuration and the forward viewing function of the assembly has an actuator mechanism, or axis pivot, linked to the carrier for shifting the position of the reflector according to the specific visual requirements of the individual driver. Moreover the design of the reflector reduces the amount the of drag on the automobile.
In accordance with the present invention, the mirror assembly and carrier are removable from the outer surface of the vehicle, preferably the windshield.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Figure 1 is a diagram of a forward viewing mirror assembly in an operative configuration, schematically illustrating a principle of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram of the mirror assembly of Figure 1 in a disassembled configuration.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing use of the mirror assembly of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a frontal view of the assembly of Figure 2 in an assembled and mounted configuration.
Figure 5 is a partial top view of an automobile provided with a forward viewing mirror assembly in operative configuration.
214~063 _ 4.
Figure 6 is a partial top view of an automobile provided with a forward viewing mirror assembly in operative configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
AS illustrated in Figure 1, a forward viewing mirror in accordance with the invention comprises two mirror-supporting bodies, 1 and 2 having a separated configuration for enhanced forward viewing. The mirrors are positioned in such a manner that the eye, 3, of an automobile driver siting in a vehicle to which the mirror assembly is attached receives in coming light rays, 4, from ahead of the vehicle.
Mirror-supporting bodies 1 and 2 are attached in a fixed position and encased in a plastic moulded carrier 6. As illustrated schematically in Figure 3 the driver 101 of an automobile 103 having the mirror assembly of Figure 1 is provided with an enhanced forward field of view represented by sight line 105 extending past a truck ahead of automobile 103. This sight line has a smaller angle than the angle of a normal sight line 109 with respect to the direction of a road 111 on which automobile 103 and truck 107 are travelling.
In an embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 4 a forward viewing mirror assembly for extending or enhancing a visual field available to a driver of an automotive vehicle comprises a single body member utilizing mirrors 1 and 2 custom fitted inside a plastic moulded fixture 3 and 4 in turn attachable by mean of an apoxy adhesive to the outer surface of the windshield, using surface mounts 6,8.
Reflector mirror 1 receives an image relative to reflector mirror 2 which receives an image from oncoming vehicles. The driver of the automobile will receive the image from mirror 2 by focusing into mirror 1 thus enhancing forward view vision.
21~9063 5.
Screw 5 att~ch~s mirrors 1, 2 and upper and lower plastic moulded casings 3, to upper window mount 6 in turn linked to axis pivot 7 and lower window mount 8. Pivot screw 9, licks the preferred position of axis pivot 7 in a rigid, controlled, operative configuration.
Thus, assembly Figure 4 is a single body member 10 adjustable using axis 7 and pivot screw 9 attached to an automobile windshield 10 of an automobile 14.
As illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the single body assembly 10 is mounted to the exterior automobile windshield 10 immediately to the left lower corner of windshield 12.
The assembly 10 will not hinder the use of windshield wipers nor obstruct the drivers forward view.
Mirrors 1 and 2 form a reflector system ~erative in periscopic configuration shown in Figure 1 to direct incoming rays beams 4 towards the eyes of an automobile driver (e.g.
eye 3 in Figure 1).
The periscopic action of mirrors or reflectors 1 and 2 give the driver of the automobile an enhanced line of sight which may extend appreciably beyand a preceding vehicle (e.g. truck 107 in Figure 3) thereby giving the driver more visual information upon which to decide to pass the preceding vehicle.
As illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 4 mirrors 1 and 2 are juxtaposed to one another in a fixed operative configuration of the assembly. In addition, mirrors 1 and 2 fit securely in position in custom recesses of upper and lower casing 3 and 4 of Figure 2.
: 6.
Figure 5 and Figure 6 show a mirror assembly 110 in accordance with the present invention mounted to the exterior left lower corner of the automobile windshield. The mirror assembly may have a symetrical design, whereby the assembly 110 may be attached to the right side, as illustrated in Figure 6, as well as to the left side of automobile 100.
The mirror assembly 10 Figure 4 may be removed from the respective windshield 12 if the driver of an automobile 14 deems it necessary. An actuator (not illustrated) for accomplishing the adjustment may be located within the driver's compartment of the automobile, whereby adjustments may be effectuated during operation of the vehicle.
Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, may generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are preferred by way of example to facilitate and descriptions herein ~re prefe~ by way-of-example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.
FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an assembly for extending or enhancing the visual field available to the driver of an automotive vehicle. More particularly, this invention relates to a forward viewing mirror assembly on an automotive vehicle.
It is well known that safe driving of an automotive vehicle requires that the operator have an adequate view of objects to the rear of, alongside and forward of the vehicle. Many devices have been proposed and constructed for enhancing the visual field available to the automobile driver.
In this assembly the mirrors are angled with respect to one another in periscopic fashion to obtain a better forward view from the vehicle to which the assembly is mounted. One situation in which an improved field of view is important, if not critical, to highway safety is the passing situation. Frequently, in order to obtain a line of sight that extends sufficiently beyond the vehicle or vehicles to be passed to decide whether a safe 21~9063 -2.
passing is possible, it is necessary for the driver of the passing automobile to edge into the lane of oncoming traffic.
This necessity arises, for example, if the vehicle immediately in front of the passing automobile is a large truck. A mirror assembly for improving the line of sight in such a situation, set forth in U.S. Patent No. 1, 877 ,109 comprises a pair of mirrors secured to the vehicle and fixed in a periscopic relationship with respect to one another to enable the driver of the vehicle to view oncoming vehicles on the left hand side of the highway.
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved mirror assembly attachable to an automobile windshield for providing the driver thereof with an enhanced visual field. Thus enhancing the driver of this vehicle to make safer, more rational decisions pertaining to the visual field forward of this vehicle and any preceding vehicles, impairing the driver's vision.
Another particular object of the present invention is to provide such a mirror assembly which minimizes air resistance or drag particularly when the driver is not attempting to pass other vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with particular features of the present invention, the reflector includes two mirrors and the operative configuration of the reflector is a periscopic configuration of the two mirrors. The two mirrors are preferably fixed relative the exterior lower front corner of the windshield of the vehicle.
The two mirrors are advantageously juxtaposed to one another and spaced from one another in the operative configuration.
In accordance with the features of the present invention, the fixed mirrors are mounted to a single body member in turn attached to the windshield of the automotive vehicle. As set -3.
forth above, the reflector is viewable by a driver of the vehicle for enabling the monitoring of objects towards and beyond the forward end of the vehicle.
A vehicle mirror assembly in accordance with the present invention provides a driver with an enhanced forward field of view for facilitating the safe passing of other vehicles. The body supporting the moveable mirrors is fixed in an operating configuration and the forward viewing function of the assembly has an actuator mechanism, or axis pivot, linked to the carrier for shifting the position of the reflector according to the specific visual requirements of the individual driver. Moreover the design of the reflector reduces the amount the of drag on the automobile.
In accordance with the present invention, the mirror assembly and carrier are removable from the outer surface of the vehicle, preferably the windshield.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Figure 1 is a diagram of a forward viewing mirror assembly in an operative configuration, schematically illustrating a principle of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram of the mirror assembly of Figure 1 in a disassembled configuration.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing use of the mirror assembly of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a frontal view of the assembly of Figure 2 in an assembled and mounted configuration.
Figure 5 is a partial top view of an automobile provided with a forward viewing mirror assembly in operative configuration.
214~063 _ 4.
Figure 6 is a partial top view of an automobile provided with a forward viewing mirror assembly in operative configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
AS illustrated in Figure 1, a forward viewing mirror in accordance with the invention comprises two mirror-supporting bodies, 1 and 2 having a separated configuration for enhanced forward viewing. The mirrors are positioned in such a manner that the eye, 3, of an automobile driver siting in a vehicle to which the mirror assembly is attached receives in coming light rays, 4, from ahead of the vehicle.
Mirror-supporting bodies 1 and 2 are attached in a fixed position and encased in a plastic moulded carrier 6. As illustrated schematically in Figure 3 the driver 101 of an automobile 103 having the mirror assembly of Figure 1 is provided with an enhanced forward field of view represented by sight line 105 extending past a truck ahead of automobile 103. This sight line has a smaller angle than the angle of a normal sight line 109 with respect to the direction of a road 111 on which automobile 103 and truck 107 are travelling.
In an embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 4 a forward viewing mirror assembly for extending or enhancing a visual field available to a driver of an automotive vehicle comprises a single body member utilizing mirrors 1 and 2 custom fitted inside a plastic moulded fixture 3 and 4 in turn attachable by mean of an apoxy adhesive to the outer surface of the windshield, using surface mounts 6,8.
Reflector mirror 1 receives an image relative to reflector mirror 2 which receives an image from oncoming vehicles. The driver of the automobile will receive the image from mirror 2 by focusing into mirror 1 thus enhancing forward view vision.
21~9063 5.
Screw 5 att~ch~s mirrors 1, 2 and upper and lower plastic moulded casings 3, to upper window mount 6 in turn linked to axis pivot 7 and lower window mount 8. Pivot screw 9, licks the preferred position of axis pivot 7 in a rigid, controlled, operative configuration.
Thus, assembly Figure 4 is a single body member 10 adjustable using axis 7 and pivot screw 9 attached to an automobile windshield 10 of an automobile 14.
As illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the single body assembly 10 is mounted to the exterior automobile windshield 10 immediately to the left lower corner of windshield 12.
The assembly 10 will not hinder the use of windshield wipers nor obstruct the drivers forward view.
Mirrors 1 and 2 form a reflector system ~erative in periscopic configuration shown in Figure 1 to direct incoming rays beams 4 towards the eyes of an automobile driver (e.g.
eye 3 in Figure 1).
The periscopic action of mirrors or reflectors 1 and 2 give the driver of the automobile an enhanced line of sight which may extend appreciably beyand a preceding vehicle (e.g. truck 107 in Figure 3) thereby giving the driver more visual information upon which to decide to pass the preceding vehicle.
As illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 4 mirrors 1 and 2 are juxtaposed to one another in a fixed operative configuration of the assembly. In addition, mirrors 1 and 2 fit securely in position in custom recesses of upper and lower casing 3 and 4 of Figure 2.
: 6.
Figure 5 and Figure 6 show a mirror assembly 110 in accordance with the present invention mounted to the exterior left lower corner of the automobile windshield. The mirror assembly may have a symetrical design, whereby the assembly 110 may be attached to the right side, as illustrated in Figure 6, as well as to the left side of automobile 100.
The mirror assembly 10 Figure 4 may be removed from the respective windshield 12 if the driver of an automobile 14 deems it necessary. An actuator (not illustrated) for accomplishing the adjustment may be located within the driver's compartment of the automobile, whereby adjustments may be effectuated during operation of the vehicle.
Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, may generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are preferred by way of example to facilitate and descriptions herein ~re prefe~ by way-of-example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.
Claims (6)
1. A forward viewing mirror assembly for an automobile vehicle, comprising a single body attachable to the exterior windshield;
7.
the mirror assembly comprising two mirrors having relative positions and orientations so that an operator of said vehicle looking at said first mirror can obtain via said second mirror an enhanced view of objects forward of said vehicle.
7.
the mirror assembly comprising two mirrors having relative positions and orientations so that an operator of said vehicle looking at said first mirror can obtain via said second mirror an enhanced view of objects forward of said vehicle.
2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said second mirror is juxtaposed to said first mirror in said operative position inside the plastic moulded fixture of said single body assembly.
3. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said first mirror and second mirror have orientations substantially parallel to one another in said fixed operative position of said single body assembly.
4. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said single body assembly is adjustable by said axis pivot located in said single body and/or said actuator located within the auto-mobile driver's compartment.
5. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said single body assembly is a plastic moulded fixture encasing said first mirror and said second mirror and adhered to the said exterior windshield of said automotive vehicle.
6. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said single body is removable from said windshield of said vehicle.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002149063A CA2149063A1 (en) | 1995-06-02 | 1995-06-02 | Forward view mirror system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002149063A CA2149063A1 (en) | 1995-06-02 | 1995-06-02 | Forward view mirror system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2149063A1 true CA2149063A1 (en) | 1996-12-03 |
Family
ID=4155812
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002149063A Abandoned CA2149063A1 (en) | 1995-06-02 | 1995-06-02 | Forward view mirror system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2149063A1 (en) |
-
1995
- 1995-06-02 CA CA002149063A patent/CA2149063A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |