CA2558714A1 - Combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle, proximal doors - Google Patents
Combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle, proximal doors Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2558714A1 CA2558714A1 CA 2558714 CA2558714A CA2558714A1 CA 2558714 A1 CA2558714 A1 CA 2558714A1 CA 2558714 CA2558714 CA 2558714 CA 2558714 A CA2558714 A CA 2558714A CA 2558714 A1 CA2558714 A1 CA 2558714A1
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- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- frame structure
- convex mirrors
- view
- situated inside
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- 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
-
- 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
- B60R1/04—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted inside vehicle
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- 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 Combination convex mirors situated inside a vehicle, proximal doors comprises a pair of small and relatively unobtrusive convex mirrors located inside a vehicle on both the driver's and the passenger's side, generally proximal the doors close to the windows so as to provide a view of the ouside of the vehicle. A variety of attachment means can be provided for those mirrors whether they are sold as after market products or installed as equipment during manufacturing of the vehicle.
Description
Combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle, proximal doors.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates generally to car safety devices but more particularly to a set of mirrors designed to eliminate blindspots.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates generally to car safety devices but more particularly to a set of mirrors designed to eliminate blindspots.
[002] The prior art shows the use of the we!l known side rearview mirrors located outside the vehicle, proximal the front doors of the vehicle with the one mirror on the passenger's side being slightly convex so as to show a wider field of view. Also well known in the art are small convex mirrors glued or otherwise permanently affixed to existing side rearview mirrors which allow for increased field of views. Some of those small mirrors have various shapes, in some cases they have different levels of convexity, ranging from quite convex towards being planar so as to provide for specific area, sometimes they are oriented in such a way so as to provide viewing very close to the miror and close to the ground.
[0031 The present invention is a supplement to the invention of the prior U.S.
Patent applications 10/829,082 filed April 22, 2004, and patent application 11/195,195 filed August 1, 2005 , both from this Inventor and, more particularly, the concepts of the present invention add to the state of the car rearview mirror art as set forth and referenced in those prior applications.
[004] A patent by Wang discloses a convex mirror preferably located on the rear door which allows for a passenger to see incoming trafic such as cars but also cyclists and even pedestrians before opening the door and possibly causing harm. The Wang patent does not limit the mirror to be installed to the rear door but does not make any mention of mirrors being located on the opposite side of the vehicle, that is the side located on what is referred to as the curb side since the purpose of the mirror arrangement is to prevent accident from fast oncoming trafic, the curb side is rarely a cause for concem and therefore there is no need for Wang's mirrors there.
15[005] The inconvenience of having small mirrors situated outside the vehicle and affixed to existing side rearview mirrors is that in winter, ice and snow can cling to the mirrors and having mirors sticking out like buttons can make it harder to scrape the ice. Another inconvenience with such c button mirrors is that it can also make it harder to properly wash the larger rearview mirror, especially when using a squeegee such as at a service station. Also, some aftermartcet glue on mirrors can become unglued after a while, especially when subjected to different ranges in temperature and the general stress of being exposed to the exterior with wind blowing on the mirrors as the car speeds down a road.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] The cited prior patent itself was a valuable step in the rearview mirror installation art, in that it provided low cost, easy to install mirrors inside a vehicle but it did not fully take advantage of its positioning.
10[007] Even in hindsight consideration of the present invention to determine its inventive and novel nature, it is not only conceded but emphasized that the prior art had many details usable in this invention, but only if the prior art had had the guidance of the present invention.
15[0081 That is, it is emphasized that the prior art had/or knew several particulars which individually and accumulatively show the non-obviousness of this combination invention. E.g., [009] (a) The matter of there having been only a relatively short time between 20 a prior art patent and the concept of a new invention which improves upon a detail of that patent is logically realized by the U.S. Patent Office and by the Courts to not necessarily negate the improvement invention as inventive; and the applicability of this realization seems quite logical expecially here where all the components, when considered separately from the combination are not only in existence but are quite present;
[0010] (b) The nature of an invention as being a "novel combination", in spite of existence of details separately, is especially significant here where the novelty is of the plurality of concepts, i.e., the addition of a second mirror situated on the curb side;
[0011] (c) The present invention is considered to be one which has been a "building on" of that patent, this having been by a major change, by addition of a secondary convex mirror;
[0012] (d) Similarly the possibility of simply installing additional means seems surely to have suggested this invention, but only to a person who had the creative insight, especially since the existing inventions would probably be considered as themselves more than adequate;
15[0013] (e) The ease of tooling for the present invention has surely given manufacturers ample incentive to have made modifications for commercial competitiveness in a competitive industry, if the concepts had been obvious;
[0014] (f) The prior art has always had sufficient skill to make many types of mirrors and more than ample skill to have achieved the present invention, but only if the concepts and their combinations had been conceived;
[0015] (g) Substantially all of the operational characteristics and advantages of details of the present invention, when considered separately from one another and when considered separately from the present invention's details and accomplishment of the details, are within the skill of persons of various arts, but only when considered away from the integrated and 5 novel combination of concepts which by their cooperative combination achieve this advantageous invention;
[0016] (h) The details of the present invention, when considered solely from the standpoint of construction, are exceedingly simple, basically a convex mirror with an attachment means to the interior of a vehicle. The matter of simplicity of construction has long been recognized as indicative of inventive creativity;
[0017] (i) Similarly, and a long-recognized indication of inventiveness of a novel combination, is the realistic principle that a person of ordinary skill in the art, as illustrated with respect to the claimed combination as differing in the stated respects from the prior art both as to construction and concept, is presumed to be one who thinks along the line of conventional wisdom in the art and is not one who undertakes to innovate; and [0018] (j) The predictable benefds from a novel procedure having the features of this invention would seem sufficiently high that others would have been working on this type of installation, but only if the concepts which it presents had been conceived.
[0031 The present invention is a supplement to the invention of the prior U.S.
Patent applications 10/829,082 filed April 22, 2004, and patent application 11/195,195 filed August 1, 2005 , both from this Inventor and, more particularly, the concepts of the present invention add to the state of the car rearview mirror art as set forth and referenced in those prior applications.
[004] A patent by Wang discloses a convex mirror preferably located on the rear door which allows for a passenger to see incoming trafic such as cars but also cyclists and even pedestrians before opening the door and possibly causing harm. The Wang patent does not limit the mirror to be installed to the rear door but does not make any mention of mirrors being located on the opposite side of the vehicle, that is the side located on what is referred to as the curb side since the purpose of the mirror arrangement is to prevent accident from fast oncoming trafic, the curb side is rarely a cause for concem and therefore there is no need for Wang's mirrors there.
15[005] The inconvenience of having small mirrors situated outside the vehicle and affixed to existing side rearview mirrors is that in winter, ice and snow can cling to the mirrors and having mirors sticking out like buttons can make it harder to scrape the ice. Another inconvenience with such c button mirrors is that it can also make it harder to properly wash the larger rearview mirror, especially when using a squeegee such as at a service station. Also, some aftermartcet glue on mirrors can become unglued after a while, especially when subjected to different ranges in temperature and the general stress of being exposed to the exterior with wind blowing on the mirrors as the car speeds down a road.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] The cited prior patent itself was a valuable step in the rearview mirror installation art, in that it provided low cost, easy to install mirrors inside a vehicle but it did not fully take advantage of its positioning.
10[007] Even in hindsight consideration of the present invention to determine its inventive and novel nature, it is not only conceded but emphasized that the prior art had many details usable in this invention, but only if the prior art had had the guidance of the present invention.
15[0081 That is, it is emphasized that the prior art had/or knew several particulars which individually and accumulatively show the non-obviousness of this combination invention. E.g., [009] (a) The matter of there having been only a relatively short time between 20 a prior art patent and the concept of a new invention which improves upon a detail of that patent is logically realized by the U.S. Patent Office and by the Courts to not necessarily negate the improvement invention as inventive; and the applicability of this realization seems quite logical expecially here where all the components, when considered separately from the combination are not only in existence but are quite present;
[0010] (b) The nature of an invention as being a "novel combination", in spite of existence of details separately, is especially significant here where the novelty is of the plurality of concepts, i.e., the addition of a second mirror situated on the curb side;
[0011] (c) The present invention is considered to be one which has been a "building on" of that patent, this having been by a major change, by addition of a secondary convex mirror;
[0012] (d) Similarly the possibility of simply installing additional means seems surely to have suggested this invention, but only to a person who had the creative insight, especially since the existing inventions would probably be considered as themselves more than adequate;
15[0013] (e) The ease of tooling for the present invention has surely given manufacturers ample incentive to have made modifications for commercial competitiveness in a competitive industry, if the concepts had been obvious;
[0014] (f) The prior art has always had sufficient skill to make many types of mirrors and more than ample skill to have achieved the present invention, but only if the concepts and their combinations had been conceived;
[0015] (g) Substantially all of the operational characteristics and advantages of details of the present invention, when considered separately from one another and when considered separately from the present invention's details and accomplishment of the details, are within the skill of persons of various arts, but only when considered away from the integrated and 5 novel combination of concepts which by their cooperative combination achieve this advantageous invention;
[0016] (h) The details of the present invention, when considered solely from the standpoint of construction, are exceedingly simple, basically a convex mirror with an attachment means to the interior of a vehicle. The matter of simplicity of construction has long been recognized as indicative of inventive creativity;
[0017] (i) Similarly, and a long-recognized indication of inventiveness of a novel combination, is the realistic principle that a person of ordinary skill in the art, as illustrated with respect to the claimed combination as differing in the stated respects from the prior art both as to construction and concept, is presumed to be one who thinks along the line of conventional wisdom in the art and is not one who undertakes to innovate; and [0018] (j) The predictable benefds from a novel procedure having the features of this invention would seem sufficiently high that others would have been working on this type of installation, but only if the concepts which it presents had been conceived.
[0019] Accordingly, although the prior art has had capability and motivation, amply sufficient to presumably give incentive to the development of an installation and procedure according to the present invention, the fact remains that this invention awaited the creativity and inventive discovery of the present Inventor. In spite of ample motivation and capability shown by the many illustrations herein, the prior art did not suggest this invention.
10[0020] The present invention generally compnses a pair of small and relatively unobtrusive convex mirrors located inside a vehicle on both the driver's and the passengers side, generally proximal the doors close to the windows so as to provide a view of the ouside of the vehicle. A variety of attachment means can be provided for those mirrors whether they are sold as after market products or installed as equipment during manufacturing of the vehicle.
[0021] By using those mirrors, there is no need for button mirrors glued on the exterior mirrors and by not having any button mirrors, the exterior mirrors do not lose any space, which make them more efficient in showing all the angles that they are conceived to give in the first place.
The interior mirrors can be oriented independently of the exterior mirrors to give the exact angle of view desired. They show objects that are closer to the car whereas the exterior mirrors show objects that are farther behind. Finally, the mirrors, by being inside are always clean, free of ice, dirt, rain,etc...
5[0022] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0023] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0024] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0025] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Fig. 1 Is a perspective view from inside a vehicle showing the mirror arrangement.
[0027] Fig. 2 Is a top view from inside a vehicle showing the mirror arrangement and their angle of view from the viewpoint of a user.
[0028] Fig. 3 Perspective view of a first embodiment of a mirror holding frame structure.
[0029] Fig. 4 Perspective view of a second embodiment of a mirror holding frame structure.
[0030] Fig. 5 Close up perspective view of the mirror installed.
5[0031] Fig. 6 Side view, exploded, of a convex mirror having a balljoint connector.
[0032] Fig. 7 Close up perspective view of a convex mirror installed in a moulded holding frame structure.
[0033] Fig. 8 Cutaway side elevation of convex mirror along line A-A of fig.
7.
10[0034] Fig. 9 Perspective view of the mirror affixed to a roof pillar.
[0035] Figs. lOa-c Schematic views of altemate variations of the mirror holding frame structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] In fig. 1, a combination convex mirrors (12, 12') situated Inside a vehicle 15 (10) to increase the field of view comprises a pair of small and relatively unobtrusive convex mirrors (12, 12') located on both the driver's and the passenger's side, and located generally proximal to doors (14, 14') and close to the windows (16, 16') and the standard issue exterior rear view mirrors (11, 11') so as to provide a view of the ouside of the vehicle (10).
5[0037] A variety of attachment means can be provided for those mirrors whether they are sold as after market products or installed as equipment during manufacturing of the vehicle. The field of view that the head (13) of a user, as illustrated in Fig. 2 with the dotted lines, requires very little left and right tum of the head (13) to gain access to 10 the field of view provided by the convex mirrors (12, 12'). The field of view can go from far behind all the way to very close of both sides of the vehicle (10).
[0038] In order to position the convex mirrors (12, 12') at the appropriate locations, which is proximal the front doors (14, 14') of the vehicle (10) so as to be viewable from the driver's position as shown by the head (13), a variety of means are used for holding the convex mirrors (12, 12'). For example, referring more particularly to FIG. 3, a flexible, pliable yet rigid frame structure (41) has two opposite ends with a first end (31) having an adhesive substance (18) that adheres to a part of the vehicle (10) and a second end (17) also having an adhesive substance (18) onto which the convex mirror (12, 12') can be adhered to. The exact location the frame structure (41) is adhered to depends on the interior design of the vehicle and the user's own preference. The frame structure (11) is pliable along two bends (19, 19') which gives the frame a given configuration such as an inverted "Z" like configuration. As illustrated in the examples of Figs. 10a-c, various configurations can be had without departing from the scope of the invention. For shipping reasons, it is preferable that the frame structure (41) be as flat as possible to lower shipping costs.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, is shown an altemate bend of the frame structure (41') which gives the frame structure (41') a triangular configuration which also produces a silmilar result, but with the difference that the adhesive substance (18) is on the same side of the frame structure (41') in this embodiment, as opposed to being on aftemate sides of the frame structure (41)as per the embodiment of FIG. 3. The variation in the way the bends (19, 19') are made is sufficiently minimal to fall within the scope of a single invention. The adhesive substance (18) is covered with a peel and stick film (not shown) as is well known in the art.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 6, in this embodiment which can be applied to both types of bends (as per FIGS. 3-4) the convex mirror (12, 12') is orientable by way of a ball joint (24) extending from the frame structure (41, 41') and which cooperates with a ball joint receptacle (26) situated at the back of the convex mirror (12, 12'). In this embodiment, the ball joint (24) replaces the adhesive substance (18), although the ball joint (24) could be adhered to the adhesive substance (18).
[0041] In order to install the frame structure (41, 41'), a user peels off a peel and stick film from the adhesive substance (18) situated on a first end (31), applies said adhesive substance (18) proximal the door (14) inside the vehicle (10), installs the convex mirrors (12, 12) on a second end (17) after having peeled off that second end's (17) peel off layer. The user then induces the proper bends into the bends (19, 19) of said frame structure (41,41) so as to provide adequate placement of the convex mirrors (12, 12').
[0042] In yet another example, as shown in FIGS. 7-8 the convex mirrors (12, 12) are enclosed within a circular holder (27) which is part of an altemate frame structure (41 ") which allows the convex mirrors (12, 12) to be oriented along many axes. The altemate frame structure (41") is configured and sized to appropriately fit the door (14) at the window (16) level .
[0043] FIG. 8 The sides (71) of the circular holder (27) are curved to match the curves of the perimeter (91) of the convex mirrors (12, 12') so as to allow its rotational movement.
[0044] Fig. 9 illustrates that besides the door (14) itself, the mirror can also be affixed to other parts of the vehicle (10) such as the roof pillar (110).
[0045] Figs. lOa-c show additional variations of the mirror holding frame structure (41). The shapes can be orthogonal or very much pliable such as in the wire (112) of fig. 10c. In fig 10a the frame structure (41) has an L configuration and in fig. 10b the frame structure (41) has an J configuration and in fig. 10c the frame structure (41) has an S configuration.
[0046] It is thus seen that two carefully positioned mirrors provide an advantage which cannot be achieved by Wang which only provides for viewing on one side of the vehicle.
[0047] In summary as to the nature of the overall and advantageous concepts, their novelty and inventive nature is shown by novel features of concept and construction shown here in advantageous combination and by the novel concepts hereof not only being different from all the prior art known, but because the achievement is not what is or has been suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art, especially realistically considering this as a novel combination comprising components which individually are similar in nature to what is well known to very many persons. No prior art component or element has even suggested the modifications of any other prior art to achieve the particulars of the novel concepts of the overall combination here achieved, with the special advantages which the overall combination system provides; and this lack of suggestion by any prior art has been in spite of the long worldwide felt need for solving the issue of blind spots.
5[0048] The differences of concept and construction as specified herein yield advantages over the prior art; and the lack of this invention by the prior art, as a prior art combination, has been in spite of this invention's apparent simplicity of the construction once the concepts have been conceived, in spite of the advantages it would have given, and in spite of the availability of all the materials, to all persons of the entire world, and the invention's non-technical and openly-visible nature.
[0049] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0050] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0051] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the 5 principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
10[0020] The present invention generally compnses a pair of small and relatively unobtrusive convex mirrors located inside a vehicle on both the driver's and the passengers side, generally proximal the doors close to the windows so as to provide a view of the ouside of the vehicle. A variety of attachment means can be provided for those mirrors whether they are sold as after market products or installed as equipment during manufacturing of the vehicle.
[0021] By using those mirrors, there is no need for button mirrors glued on the exterior mirrors and by not having any button mirrors, the exterior mirrors do not lose any space, which make them more efficient in showing all the angles that they are conceived to give in the first place.
The interior mirrors can be oriented independently of the exterior mirrors to give the exact angle of view desired. They show objects that are closer to the car whereas the exterior mirrors show objects that are farther behind. Finally, the mirrors, by being inside are always clean, free of ice, dirt, rain,etc...
5[0022] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0023] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0024] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0025] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Fig. 1 Is a perspective view from inside a vehicle showing the mirror arrangement.
[0027] Fig. 2 Is a top view from inside a vehicle showing the mirror arrangement and their angle of view from the viewpoint of a user.
[0028] Fig. 3 Perspective view of a first embodiment of a mirror holding frame structure.
[0029] Fig. 4 Perspective view of a second embodiment of a mirror holding frame structure.
[0030] Fig. 5 Close up perspective view of the mirror installed.
5[0031] Fig. 6 Side view, exploded, of a convex mirror having a balljoint connector.
[0032] Fig. 7 Close up perspective view of a convex mirror installed in a moulded holding frame structure.
[0033] Fig. 8 Cutaway side elevation of convex mirror along line A-A of fig.
7.
10[0034] Fig. 9 Perspective view of the mirror affixed to a roof pillar.
[0035] Figs. lOa-c Schematic views of altemate variations of the mirror holding frame structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] In fig. 1, a combination convex mirrors (12, 12') situated Inside a vehicle 15 (10) to increase the field of view comprises a pair of small and relatively unobtrusive convex mirrors (12, 12') located on both the driver's and the passenger's side, and located generally proximal to doors (14, 14') and close to the windows (16, 16') and the standard issue exterior rear view mirrors (11, 11') so as to provide a view of the ouside of the vehicle (10).
5[0037] A variety of attachment means can be provided for those mirrors whether they are sold as after market products or installed as equipment during manufacturing of the vehicle. The field of view that the head (13) of a user, as illustrated in Fig. 2 with the dotted lines, requires very little left and right tum of the head (13) to gain access to 10 the field of view provided by the convex mirrors (12, 12'). The field of view can go from far behind all the way to very close of both sides of the vehicle (10).
[0038] In order to position the convex mirrors (12, 12') at the appropriate locations, which is proximal the front doors (14, 14') of the vehicle (10) so as to be viewable from the driver's position as shown by the head (13), a variety of means are used for holding the convex mirrors (12, 12'). For example, referring more particularly to FIG. 3, a flexible, pliable yet rigid frame structure (41) has two opposite ends with a first end (31) having an adhesive substance (18) that adheres to a part of the vehicle (10) and a second end (17) also having an adhesive substance (18) onto which the convex mirror (12, 12') can be adhered to. The exact location the frame structure (41) is adhered to depends on the interior design of the vehicle and the user's own preference. The frame structure (11) is pliable along two bends (19, 19') which gives the frame a given configuration such as an inverted "Z" like configuration. As illustrated in the examples of Figs. 10a-c, various configurations can be had without departing from the scope of the invention. For shipping reasons, it is preferable that the frame structure (41) be as flat as possible to lower shipping costs.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, is shown an altemate bend of the frame structure (41') which gives the frame structure (41') a triangular configuration which also produces a silmilar result, but with the difference that the adhesive substance (18) is on the same side of the frame structure (41') in this embodiment, as opposed to being on aftemate sides of the frame structure (41)as per the embodiment of FIG. 3. The variation in the way the bends (19, 19') are made is sufficiently minimal to fall within the scope of a single invention. The adhesive substance (18) is covered with a peel and stick film (not shown) as is well known in the art.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 6, in this embodiment which can be applied to both types of bends (as per FIGS. 3-4) the convex mirror (12, 12') is orientable by way of a ball joint (24) extending from the frame structure (41, 41') and which cooperates with a ball joint receptacle (26) situated at the back of the convex mirror (12, 12'). In this embodiment, the ball joint (24) replaces the adhesive substance (18), although the ball joint (24) could be adhered to the adhesive substance (18).
[0041] In order to install the frame structure (41, 41'), a user peels off a peel and stick film from the adhesive substance (18) situated on a first end (31), applies said adhesive substance (18) proximal the door (14) inside the vehicle (10), installs the convex mirrors (12, 12) on a second end (17) after having peeled off that second end's (17) peel off layer. The user then induces the proper bends into the bends (19, 19) of said frame structure (41,41) so as to provide adequate placement of the convex mirrors (12, 12').
[0042] In yet another example, as shown in FIGS. 7-8 the convex mirrors (12, 12) are enclosed within a circular holder (27) which is part of an altemate frame structure (41 ") which allows the convex mirrors (12, 12) to be oriented along many axes. The altemate frame structure (41") is configured and sized to appropriately fit the door (14) at the window (16) level .
[0043] FIG. 8 The sides (71) of the circular holder (27) are curved to match the curves of the perimeter (91) of the convex mirrors (12, 12') so as to allow its rotational movement.
[0044] Fig. 9 illustrates that besides the door (14) itself, the mirror can also be affixed to other parts of the vehicle (10) such as the roof pillar (110).
[0045] Figs. lOa-c show additional variations of the mirror holding frame structure (41). The shapes can be orthogonal or very much pliable such as in the wire (112) of fig. 10c. In fig 10a the frame structure (41) has an L configuration and in fig. 10b the frame structure (41) has an J configuration and in fig. 10c the frame structure (41) has an S configuration.
[0046] It is thus seen that two carefully positioned mirrors provide an advantage which cannot be achieved by Wang which only provides for viewing on one side of the vehicle.
[0047] In summary as to the nature of the overall and advantageous concepts, their novelty and inventive nature is shown by novel features of concept and construction shown here in advantageous combination and by the novel concepts hereof not only being different from all the prior art known, but because the achievement is not what is or has been suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art, especially realistically considering this as a novel combination comprising components which individually are similar in nature to what is well known to very many persons. No prior art component or element has even suggested the modifications of any other prior art to achieve the particulars of the novel concepts of the overall combination here achieved, with the special advantages which the overall combination system provides; and this lack of suggestion by any prior art has been in spite of the long worldwide felt need for solving the issue of blind spots.
5[0048] The differences of concept and construction as specified herein yield advantages over the prior art; and the lack of this invention by the prior art, as a prior art combination, has been in spite of this invention's apparent simplicity of the construction once the concepts have been conceived, in spite of the advantages it would have given, and in spite of the availability of all the materials, to all persons of the entire world, and the invention's non-technical and openly-visible nature.
[0049] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0050] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0051] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the 5 principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Claims (8)
1. A combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle to increase the field of view comprising:
a pair of small, unobtrusive convex mirrors on a location that is both on the driver's and the passenger's side, generally proximal doors close to windows;
attachment means to attach said convex mirrors to said location.
a pair of small, unobtrusive convex mirrors on a location that is both on the driver's and the passenger's side, generally proximal doors close to windows;
attachment means to attach said convex mirrors to said location.
2. A combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle to increase the field of view as in claim 1 wherein:
said attachment means being a flexible, pliable yet rigid frame structure having two opposite ends with a first end having an adhesive substance that adheres to a part of said vehicle and a second end also having an adhesive substance onto which said convex mirror can be adhered to.
said attachment means being a flexible, pliable yet rigid frame structure having two opposite ends with a first end having an adhesive substance that adheres to a part of said vehicle and a second end also having an adhesive substance onto which said convex mirror can be adhered to.
3. A combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle to increase the field of view as in claim 2 wherein:
said frame structure being pliable along bends so as to give an inverted "Z" like configuration.
said frame structure being pliable along bends so as to give an inverted "Z" like configuration.
4. A combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle to increase the field of view as in claim 2 wherein:
said frame structure being pliable along bends so as to give said frame structure a triangular configuration.
said frame structure being pliable along bends so as to give said frame structure a triangular configuration.
5. A combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle to increase the field of view as in claim 2 wherein:
said frame structure being pliable along a single bend so as to give said frame structure an L configuration.
said frame structure being pliable along a single bend so as to give said frame structure an L configuration.
6. A combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle to increase the field of view as in claim 2 wherein:
said frame structure being pliable along a single bend so as to give said frame structure an J configuration.
said frame structure being pliable along a single bend so as to give said frame structure an J configuration.
7. A combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle to increase the field of view as in claim 2 wherein:
said frame structure being pliable along a single bend so as to give said frame structure an S configuration.
said frame structure being pliable along a single bend so as to give said frame structure an S configuration.
8. A combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle to increase the field of view as in claim 1 wherein:
said convex mirrors being enclosed within a circular holder which is part of an alternate frame structure;
said alternate frame structure being configured and sized to proximal the door at the window level.
said convex mirrors being enclosed within a circular holder which is part of an alternate frame structure;
said alternate frame structure being configured and sized to proximal the door at the window level.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2558714 CA2558714A1 (en) | 2006-09-01 | 2006-09-01 | Combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle, proximal doors |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2558714 CA2558714A1 (en) | 2006-09-01 | 2006-09-01 | Combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle, proximal doors |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2558714A1 true CA2558714A1 (en) | 2008-03-01 |
Family
ID=39133548
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2558714 Abandoned CA2558714A1 (en) | 2006-09-01 | 2006-09-01 | Combination convex mirrors situated inside a vehicle, proximal doors |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2558714A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2003020A2 (en) * | 2007-06-04 | 2008-12-17 | Luis Ros Santasusana | Security rear-view mirror for the opening of the vehicle rear door |
-
2006
- 2006-09-01 CA CA 2558714 patent/CA2558714A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2003020A2 (en) * | 2007-06-04 | 2008-12-17 | Luis Ros Santasusana | Security rear-view mirror for the opening of the vehicle rear door |
| EP2003020A3 (en) * | 2007-06-04 | 2009-05-20 | Luis Ros Santasusana | Security rear-view mirror for the opening of the vehicle rear door |
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