EP3576986A1

EP3576986A1 - Vehicle mirror protection

Info

Publication number: EP3576986A1
Application number: EP18707127.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lillo Gianfranco BANETTA
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Banetta Lillo Gianfranco; Mirror Safe Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-03
Filing date: 2018-01-31
Publication date: 2019-12-11
Also published as: GB201701844D0; GB2551867A; GB2551867B; WO2018142124A1

Abstract

A vehicle (101) comprises aside view mirror assembly (601) mounted on a hinged arm (103)that extends outwardly from the body of the vehicle (101). The side view mirror assembly (601) comprises a mirror (401) and a protective case (201). The protective case (201) has forward-direction and reverse-direction facing sides(F, R) and defines a chamber (301) within which the mirror (401) is received. The protective case (201) comprises at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion (202) extending forwardly of the chamber (301) and at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion (203) extending rearwardly of the chamber (301), the at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion (202) and the at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion (203) for providing impact points ahead of the mirror (401).

Description

VEHICLE MIRROR PROTECTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to vehicle mirrors, in particular to preventing damage to a vehicle mirror during an impact.

Background of the Invention

The use of exterior mirrors on a motor vehicle is known. A wing, door or side view mirror allows a driver to see areas to the side and rear of the vehicle. The increased visibility provided external vehicle mirrors improves the safety of the driver, other road users and pedestrians.

The provision and use of external wing, door or side view mirrors is particularly important with larger size vehicles, including public service vehicles (PSV) and heavy goods vehicles (HGV), which are typically associated with a longer vehicle body length and a larger turning circle. A larger turning circle can result in the vehicle body infringing pavement or other designated pedestrian area space during a manoeuvre. Instances in which the vehicle is caused to overhang a path or other pedestrian zone are particularly problematic in areas of high footfall and/or at corners or junctions where visibility is severely restricted. A longer vehicle body length can result in reduced driver awareness of a cyclist riding alongside. For at least these reasons, the risk of an impact between a vehicle and another vehicle, motorcycle, pedestrian, cyclist, or roadside obstacle is greater when the vehicle is larger in size. It is known for commercial vehicles to be provided with mirrors that are supported by a hinged arm that extends outwardly from the body of the vehicle. The hinged arm is arranged such that in the event of an impact with the forward-facing side of the mirror, the mirror swings inwards towards the vehicle body. This is intended to reduce the effect of the impact on a person hitting or being hit by the mirror. However, it is found with such arrangements that the mirror is smashed against the vehicle body and the glass is damaged. In some instances, the mirror smashes against a side door or a side door window, which also sustains damage.

I In the UK, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency provides guidance on the action to take when roadworthiness defects are found during vehicle inspections ("DVSA Categorisation of Defects" 01 / 10/2015 Rev: CofD Ver: 1.0, available from www.gov.uk ("the Guide")). This Guide is intended primarily for the use of examiners within DVSA and Authorised Constables. However, it is made available more widely so that vehicle owners, operators and drivers can become more aware of DVSA's standards.

The Guide states that 'Safety Critical defects or systems are those that could affect the control or directional stability of the vehicle'. Part I: Public Service, Heavy Goods and Agricultural Vehicles, IM (Inspection Manual for HGV & PSV) 22, relates to drivers mirrors and recommends an immediate prohibition in the event that an external mandatory mirror and/or glass is missing, that there is no adequate view provided by a side exterior mirror or an external mirror is likely to become detached. In the event that a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) is involved in a traffic collision or other impact event, damage may be caused to an exterior mirror that prevents the vehicle from being driven legally. This is particularly an issue for delivery companies, as will be illustrated by the following example scenario. During a delivery round, a vehicle mirror becomes damaged to an extent that it is no longer legal for the vehicle to be driven. The driver must first ensure that the vehicle is parked at a safe stopping place. This may be the position at which the vehicle has come to rest after the impact or the driver may need to move the vehicle to the nearest available appropriate stopping place. The driver of the vehicle must then arrange a call-out for the vehicle to be repaired and wait until the repair has been properly completed before being able to continue the delivery round using that vehicle. Meanwhile, the delivery round is interrupted. In addition to the expense of the repair being carried out, the period over which the delivery drive cannot continue the delivery round represents additional cost arising from a loss of driver working hours and commercial penalties incurred in respect of late, spoiled or missed deliveries. A known type of HGV mirror protector takes the form of a metal shield or guard that is attached to the back cover of the mirror and that protects the side of the mirror that faces oncoming traffic. It is therefore desirable to reduce the risk of harm being caused to a person by a vehicle mirror and to reduce the risk of a vehicle mirror breaking during an impact event.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided a vehicle comprising a body, a hinged arm that extends outwardly from the body, and a side view mirror assembly mounted on the hinged arm, the side view mirror assembly comprising a mirror and a protective case; the protective case having a forward-direction facing side and a reverse-direction facing side, and the protective case defining a chamber within which the mirror is received, the chamber open to the reverse-direction facing side for allowing a surface of the side mirror received to be viewed from said reverse-direction facing side; the protective case comprising: at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion extending forwardly of the chamber for providing an impact point ahead of the mirror, and at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion extending rearwardly of the chamber for providing an impact point ahead of the mirror, wherein said at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion comprises a rib, and said at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion comprises a rib.

The vehicle may be a heavy goods vehicle or a public service vehicle.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure I shows a schematic view of a vehicle comprising a side mirror mounted on a hinged arm;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a protective case for a vehicle mirror; Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of the protective case for a vehicle mirror of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a schematic rear view of the protective case for a vehicle mirror of Figure 2; and

Figure 5 shows a schematic front view of the protective case for a vehicle mirror of

Figure 2; and

Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a vehicle comprising a side mirror mounted on a hinged arm and the protective case for a vehicle mirror of Figures 2 to 5. Description

Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the apparatus, systems and processes described herein. It is to be understood that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and the invention should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments and examples set forth herein but by the scope of the appended claims.

Figure I shows a schematic of a vehicle 101 comprising a side view mirror assembly 102 mounted on a hinged bar 103 that projects outwardly from a side 1 04 of the body of the vehicle 101. The mirror assembly 102 comprises a mirror and a mirror back cover. The forward direction of travel of the vehicle 101 is indicated by arrow F, and the reverse direction of travel of the vehicle 101 is indicated by arrow R. In the event that an impact force, indicated by arrow 105, is applied to the forward-direction facing side 106 of the mirror assembly 102, the hinged bar 103 and mirror assembly 102 swing inwards, about a pivot axis indicated by arrow 107 and in the direction of rotation indicated by arrow 108, towards the side 104 of the vehicle 101. A problem with this arrangement is that the mirror assembly 102 can crash against the body of the vehicle 101 and become damaged. Damage may also be caused to the vehicle 101 , in particular if the mirror assembly 102 has smashed against the glass of a side door window. Damage to the mirror assembly 102, in particular to the mirror, can render the vehicle 101 unroadworthy.

A protective case 201 for a vehicle mirror is shown in Figure 2, and a schematic of the protective case 201 of Figure 2 is shown in Figures 3 to 6. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the protective case, Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of the protective case, Figure 4 shows a schematic rear view of the protective case, and Figure 5 shows a schematic front view of the protective case. Figure 6 shows a schematic of a vehicle on which the protective case is used. Protective case 201 has a forward-direction facing side, indicated by arrow F, and a reverse- direction facing side, indicated by arrow R. In use, the forward-direction facing side F faces towards the front of the vehicle on which the protective case 201 is used, and the reverse- direction facing side R faces towards the rear of that vehicle. The protective case 201 defines a chamber 301 for receiving a mirror 401 therein, the chamber 301 open to the reverse-direction facing side R for allowing a surface 402 of a mirror received within the chamber 301 to be viewed from the reverse-direction facing side R. The protective case 201 comprises at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion 202 extending forwardly of the chamber 301 for providing an impact point ahead of a mirror 401 received within the chamber 301 , and at least one resilient reverse- direction protrusion 203 extending rearwardly of the chamber 301 for providing an impact point ahead of a mirror 401 received within the chamber 301.

As can be seen in particular from Figure 2 and Figure 3, according to this illustrated embodiment, protective case 201 comprises a main body 204. The main body 204 defines the chamber 301 and comprises a forward-direction facing surface 205 from which the at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion 202 extends and a reverse-direction facing surface 206 from which the at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion 203 extends. In the present embodiment, the reverse-direction facing surface 206 is a rim. In the present embodiment, the at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion 203 comprises a rib. According to the shown arrangement, the rib is arranged as a substantially continuous border that extends along the rim. It is to be appreciated that the substantially continuous border may alternatively be provided by two or more component elements.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the border comprises a flat annular frame portion 403. In an application, and in the application illustrated in Figure 4, the flat annular frame portion 403 overlaps the surface 402 of the mirror 401. The rib of the at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion 203 may present a convex impact face.

It is to be understood that the or each resilient reverse-direction protrusion 203 may have any suitable impact face profile. Also, the or each resilient reverse-direction protrusion 203 may project rearwardly from the chamber 301 any suitable distance.

In the present embodiment, the forward-direction facing surface 205 is a curved surface. In the present embodiment, the at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion 202 comprises a rib.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion 202 comprises a plurality of transverse ribs 202, 207, 208, 209, which are spaced apart in a depth direction, indicated by arrow D, of the protective case 201 that extends between an upper side 302 and a lower side 303 of the protective case 201. The ribs 202, 207, 208, 209 of the plurality of transverse ribs may or may not be spaced equidistantly in the depth direction D. It is to be appreciated that the plurality of transverse ribs may comprise any suitable number of ribs. In the shown embodiment, the plurality of transverse ribs comprises 4 ribs. It is to be appreciated that the plurality of transverse ribs may comprise ribs that are all the same or that differ in one or more aspects. In the present embodiment, each rib 202, 207, 208, 209 of the plurality of transverse ribs presents a convex impact face. It is to be understood that the or each resilient forward- direction protrusion 202 may have any suitable impact face profile.

In the shown arrangement, the ribs 202, 207, 208, 209 of the plurality of transverse ribs extend substantially the same distance forward from the curved surface of the main body 204. In an alternative arrangement, the plurality of transverse ribs comprises ribs that extend different distances forward from the curved surface of the main body. In the shown arrangement, the ribs 202, 207, 208, 209 of the plurality of transverse ribs have the same width. In an alternative arrangement, the plurality of transverse ribs comprises ribs that have different widths. As shown in Figure 5, in the arrangement of the present embodiment, the ribs 202, 207, 208, 209 of the plurality of transverse ribs are substantially aligned in a width direction, indicated by arrow W, of the protective case 201 that extends between a first side 501 and a second side 502 of the protective case 201. In an alternative arrangement, the plurality of transverse ribs comprises ribs that are not aligned in the width direction W of the protective case 201. It is to be appreciated also that the or each rib may have any suitable width and that the width of the or each rib relative to width of the protective case may vary between examples.

The protective case may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials. In an embodiment, the main body is fabricated from a first material and the at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion is fabricated from a second material that is different from the first material. In an embodiment, the main body is fabricated from a first material and the at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion is fabricated from a second material that is different from the first material. In an embodiment, the main body is fabricated from a first material and the at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion and the at least one forward-direction protrusion are fabricated from a second material that is different from the first material.

The protective case may comprise any suitable natural or synthetic rubber compound.

As will be explained in further detail, in particular with reference to Figure 6, the feature of the at least one resilient reverse-facing protrusion of the protective case of the present invention advantageously serves to reduce the risk of a vehicle mirror being damaged in the event of an impact.

Figure 6 shows a schematic of a vehicle 101 comprising a side view mirror assembly 601 mounted on a hinged bar 103 that projects outwardly from a side 104 of the vehicle 101. The mirror assembly 601 comprises a mirror and protective case 201. In the event that an impact force, indicated by arrow 105, is applied to the forward-direction facing side 205 of the protective case 201 , the hinged bar 103 and protective case 201 swing inwards, about a pivot axis indicated by arrow 107 and in the direction of rotation indicated by arrow 108, towards the side 104 of the vehicle 101. The at least one resilient reverse-direction facing protrusion 203 cushions any impact between the protective case 201 and the body of the vehicle 101 , which reduces the risk of damage to the mirror that can render the vehicle 101 unroadworthy and also reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle 101. The at least one resilient reverse-direction facing protrusion 203 of the protective case 201 therefore prevents the mirror from smashing against the side 104 of the vehicle and becoming broken.

In addition, the at least one resilient forward-direction facing protrusion 202 of the protective case 201 cushions any impact with the protective case 201. In this way, the risk of injury to a person involved in an impact incident with the protective case 201 is reduced. A further beneficial feature of an embodiment in which the at least one resilient forward- direction protrusion 202 comprises a plurality of transverse ribs which are spaced apart in a depth direction D of the protective case 201 , will also be described, in particular with reference to Figure 3. According to the present embodiment, a lowermost rib 209 of the plurality of transverse ribs is fabricated from a first material, each other rib 202, 207, 208 of the plurality of transverse ribs is fabricated from a second material that is different from the first material, and the first material is softer than the second material. In use, in the event of a collision involving the vehicle mirror protective case 201 and a cyclist or a pedestrian, the lowermost rib 209 is most likely to come into contact with an oncoming cyclist or pedestrian. This is particularly effective for HGV mirrors, which are typically mounted at head height. By making the resilient forward-direction protrusion that is most likely to contact a person from a softer material, the risk of harm to that person is reduced. Furthermore, the present embodiment incorporates another feature that is advantageous to other road users and pedestrians. The main body 204 is brightly coloured and/or reflective. This feature serves to render the protective case more visually detectable and possibly also visually detectable from further afield, with the resultant increased visibility functioning to raise the awareness of others of the presence and width of the vehicle and allowing others more time to take evasive action if necessary. The colouration of the protective case 201 may include one or more of the colours: yellow, orange, green. The at least one forward-direction protrusion and/or the at least one reverse-direction protrusion may have a similar or a contrasting appearance.

In an embodiment, the protective case 201 is provided or formed as retrofit apparatus. The protective case 201 can therefore be used on existing vehicles. It is to be appreciated that reference herein to a mirror being received within the protective case includes the possibilities of mirror glass only or a mirror glass assembly being received within the protective case.

Use of the protective case 201 can beneficially present softer material to other road users and pedestrians than the material from which a mirror back cover is made from, which is typically a hard plastics material. As also mentioned above, use of the protective case 201 can advantageously raise the awareness of other road users and pedestrians to the vehicle mirrors.

In an alternative embodiment, the protective case 201 is provided or formed as original equipment.

A protective case for a side view mirror of a vehicle, the side view mirror mounted on a hinged arm extending from the body of the vehicle, is also provided. The protective case of the present invention may have any suitable shape and dimensions. The relative dimensions of different elements of the protective case may vary between applications. The protective case may have any desired appearance.

The protective case may be manufactured using any suitable method, process or technique or any suitable combination of methods, processes or techniques.

It is to be understood that the forward-direction facing surface and the reverse-direction facing surface of the main body may have any suitable profiles. It is to be appreciated also that the main body may be formed as a unitary element or from two or more component elements. Similarly, each resilient protrusion may be may be formed as a unitary element or from two or more component elements. In addition, the or each at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion and the or each at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion may be formed unitary with the main body or a component element thereof or may be formed as separate element that is subsequently secured to the main body or a component element thereof. The protective case may comprise any number of resilient reverse-direction and resilient forward-direction protrusions. A mirror may be secured within the chamber of the protective case by any suitable arrangement which may, for example, comprise one or more mechanical fixing elements and/or adhesive.

The vehicle may be a heavy goods vehicle or a public service vehicle.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments and examples shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A vehicle comprising a body, a hinged arm that extends outwardly from the body, and a side view mirror assembly mounted on the hinged arm, the side view mirror assembly comprising a mirror and a protective case;

the protective case having a forward-direction facing side and a reverse-direction facing side, and

the protective case defining a chamber within which the mirror is received, the chamber open to the reverse-direction facing side for allowing a surface of the mirror to be viewed from said reverse-direction facing side;

the protective case comprising:

at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion extending forwardly of the chamber for providing an impact point ahead of the mirror, and

at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion extending rearwardly of the chamber for providing an impact point ahead of the mirror, wherein

said at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion comprises a rib, and said at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion comprises a rib.

2. A vehicle as claimed in claim I , the protective case comprising a main body, the main body defining said chamber and comprising a forward-direction facing surface from which said at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion extends and a reverse- direction facing surface from which said at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion extends.

3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said reverse-direction facing surface is a rim.

4. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said forward-direction facing surface is a curved surface.

5. A vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one resilient reverse- direction protrusion comprises a rib arranged as a substantially continuous border that extends around said rim.

I I

6. A vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein said border comprises a flat annular frame portion.

7. A vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least one resilient forward- direction protrusion comprises a plurality of transverse ribs, and the ribs of said plurality of transverse ribs are spaced apart in a depth direction of the protective case that extends between an upper side and a lower side of the protective case.

8. A vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein a lowermost rib of said plurality of transverse ribs is fabricated from a first material, each other rib of said plurality of transverse ribs is fabricated from a second material that is different from said first material, and said first material is softer than said second material.

9. A vehicle as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein each rib of said plurality of transverse ribs presents a convex impact face.

1 0. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the ribs of said plurality of transverse ribs extend the same distance forward from the curved surface of the main body of said protective case.

1 1 . A vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said main body of said protective case is fabricated from a first material and said at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion is fabricated from a second material that is different from said first material.

I 2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said main body of said protective case is fabricated from a first material and said at least one resilient forward-direction protrusion is fabricated from a second material that is different from said first material. I 3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said main body of said protective case is fabricated from a first material and said at least one resilient reverse-direction protrusion and said at least one forward-direction protrusion are fabricated from a second material that is different from said first material.

1 4. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 1 3 when dependent upon claim 2, wherein said main body of said protective case is at least one of: brightly-coloured, reflective.

1 5. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims I to 1 4, wherein said vehicle is one of: a heavy goods vehicle, a public service vehicle.