FR2676030A1 - Front wing mirror for improved visibility when the vision of the car driver is obscured - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for facilitating overtaking of a vehicle on the road. The invention relates to a device which widens the field of vision of the driver of a motor vehicle on the left or on the right, as required, thus covering, in the case of a dual or three-lane carriageway, the part of the roadway reserved for cars travelling in the opposite direction, even when the preceding vehicle obscures visibility. The device consists of an optical element fixed to the top of a conventional rear-view mirror. It can be adjusted so as to allow a better angle of vision on the traffic coming from the opposite direction.

Description

The present invention relates to a device which widens
the field of vision of the driver of a motor vehicle
left or right as needed, thus sweeping in the
case of a two or three lane road, the part of the
carriageway reserved for cars traveling in the opposite direction, even
when the vehicle ahead precedes visibility.

Traditionally, swaying a truck on a road
departmental cu national obliges the driver to lean
to the maximum to the left, and to deport his vehicle in
encroaching on the line reserved for the opposite circulation for
check if he can double or fold back the case urgently
if necessary. The overtaking maneuver is made all the more
perilous for British cars (right hand drive
circulating on the continent and, in the same way. for the
veitures whose driving is on the left rolling in Grande
Bratagne.

 The device according to the invention overcomes this drawback.

According to a first characteristic, it indeed comprises
transparent glass case containing a multifaceted prism e
glass, which is the otic element. The case containing the
prism is articulated by a bi-direct ball joint.
side mirror to allow adjustment
independent.

According to particular manufacturing methods
~ the prism is made of rigid plastic
and transparent.

- the useful faces of the prism have a profile
convex or concave for greater angle opening or
better image concentration.

- the optical device which is the prism is
replaced by a set of lenses or by mirrors, or even a mini video camera.

- the case is made of rigid plastic
and transparent, it has an aerodynamic profile.

and has hubcaps on the faces not used for visibility.

 - The device is integrated in one and the same block as the side mirror.

 - the device is attached to the vehicle on the door or on the right or left front fender of the car.

 - the articulation ball joint is replaced by a braided metal rod retaining a bidirectional twist.

By way of example, the accompanying drawings illustrate the application of the invention on a vehicle whose steering wheel is on the right,
Figure 1 shows the device attached to the left side mirror of a right-hand drive car.

FIGURE 2 represents the vislblite angle on the left side for a British car traveling on a mainland road
Figure 3 shows a front view of the device mounted on the left side mirror.

 Figure 4 shows a section on the device along the axis AA.

 With reference to these drawings, the device comprises a casing (1) made of transparent glass, anti-shock treated, having an aerodynamic profile and comprising hubcaps (2 'made of plastic material on surfaces not directly serving visibility. inside this box (1) is fixed a glass prism (3). The box C1) containing the prism (3) is articulated by a bi-directional ball joint (4) fixed on the side mirror (5) of the car. The dimensions of the prism (3) are such that the reflected view is as panoramic as possible. By way of nonlimiting example, a useful face of the prism (3> will have the same dimensions as a conventional side view mirror (5). The angle CX depends on the model of the car and the position of the device thereon.

 The angle ss represents the angle of visibility of the opposite flow. It is adjustable by 12 conductors.

 The device according to the invention is particularly intended for heavy or light self-towing vehicles traveling on road traffic lanes. It is intended to facilitate the overtaking maneuver by improving visibility.

Claims (7)

1) Device for widening the visual field of the driver of a motor vehicle even when the preceding vehicle masks visibility characterized in that it is composed of a housing (i having an aerodynamic profile. An optical element consisting of a prism (3) is housed inside the housing (l) itself articulated by a two-way ball joint (4) fixed above the side mirror (5) or on the front wing of the car so as to be independently adjustable. 2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the prism (3) and the housing (i) are made of glass. 3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the prism (3) and the housing (i) are made of transparent plastic 4) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prism (3) and the housing (i> are molded in a single monobloc element. 5) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prism (3) and the housing (i) form a single element with the side mirror (5). 6) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the useful faces of the prism (3) have a convex or concave profile for a larger angle opening or a better concentration of the image. 7) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the faces which are not useful for visibility are masked by opaque covers (2) or a paint.