GB2153315A - Non-misting rear view mirror - Google Patents

Non-misting rear view mirror Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2153315A
GB2153315A GB08501683A GB8501683A GB2153315A GB 2153315 A GB2153315 A GB 2153315A GB 08501683 A GB08501683 A GB 08501683A GB 8501683 A GB8501683 A GB 8501683A GB 2153315 A GB2153315 A GB 2153315A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
casing
vehicle
mirror
lamp
panel
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08501683A
Other versions
GB8501683D0 (en
Inventor
James Winstanley
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of GB8501683D0 publication Critical patent/GB8501683D0/en
Publication of GB2153315A publication Critical patent/GB2153315A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
    • B60R1/0602—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior comprising means for cleaning or deicing

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
  • Rear-View Mirror Devices That Are Mounted On The Exterior Of The Vehicle (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicle rear view mirror comprises a casing (2), a reflective panel (1), disposed in the casing (2) and adapted to face rearwardly of a vehicle, and a vent 11 disposed in the casing arranged to direct a flow of air onto the reflective panel in use to demist or prevent misting of the reflective panel. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Non-misting rear view mirror This invention relates to a rear view mirror for an automobile or other vehicle, particularly but not exclusively to a mirror adapted to be secured to a door or other body panel of an automobile adjacent the driver's side window.
A disadvantage of conventional vehicle rear view mirrors is that the reflective surface may become misted in cold or wet weather. Furthermore rain or spray from a wet road may occlude the reflective surface. This may result in a dangerous restriction of a driver's rear visibility. It may be uncomfortable or even dangerous to clean the reflective surface while the vehicle is in motion.
According to the present invention a vehicle rear view mirror comprises a casing, a reflective panel disposed in the casing and adapted to face' rearwardly of a vehicle in use of the mirror, and a vent disposed in the casing arranged to direct a flow of air onto the reflective panel in use of the mirror as the vehicle moves forwardly.
The vent may comprise an inlet arranged to open forwardly of the casing and an outlet adjacent or facing the reflective panel.
The vent serves to demist the panel as the vehicle moves. The flow of air also serves to dispose water droplets from the panel in rainy weather.
Two or more vents may be provided if convenient.
The lamps may include one or more of rearwardly facing amber indicator and red brake and rear lamps. The amber lamp is preferably located above the red lamp. These are preferably located in or on the extremity of the casing which is arranged in use at the furthest distance from the vehicle. This serves to provide the clearest possible indication of the full width of the vehicle to a person behind the latter. The said one or more lamps alternatively or in addition may include a white or naturally coloured lamp arranged to face forwardly of the mirror casing. This lamp may serve as a convenient side light. Alternatively, the rear view mirror may be adapted to be detached from the vehicle door or body panel for use as a portable lamp, for example when making emergency repairs in the engine compartment.An electric cable may be retractably stored in the casing to maintain the power supply to the lamp after detachment from the vehicle.
The heat generated by the lamps serves to assist in demisting the reflecting surface.
The casing of a preferred mirror may be secured in use to a door or other body panel of a vehicle by means of one or more extensible supports. The support or supports may facilitate increasing the distance of the reflective panel from the vehicle so that a driver's rearward vision is not obstructed by a wide trailer, caravan or other load.
The supports may be telescopically extensible or may be arranged to retract into the casing.
The invention is further described by means of example with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, of which:- Figure 1 is a rear view of a mirror in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a section on A-A of Fig. 1; and Figure 3 is an end elevation of the mirror.
The Figures show a rear view mirror in accordance with the invention, comprising a reflective panel 1 disposed in.a casing 2. The casing is secured to a body panel 3 of a vehicle by means of a support 4. Two lamps are located beneath coloured plastics covers located in the extremity of the mirror. An upper cover 5 is coloured amber and a lower cover 6 is coloured red. The covers are arranged so that the lamps may only be seen from the rear or side of the vehicle. A transparent or white cover 7 illuminated by a third lamp, is arranged to be visible only from the front or side of the vehicle. The amber lamp is connected to the indicator or hazard circuit of the vehicle and the red lamp is connected to the rear and brake light circuits.
The casing 2 is detachable from the support 4 and is provided with an electric cable (not shown) stored within the casing. The white lamp 7 may therefore serve to illuminate the interior of the engine compartment, for example in the event of a breakdown.
A vent 11 located on the upper portion of the casing, includes an inlet 1 2 and outlet 1 3 the latter being located adjacent and facing panel. Air is drawn through the vent in the direction shown by the arrows during forward movement of a vehicle fitted with the mirror.
The flow of air serves to demist the panel 1 and prevents accumulation of rain drops, dirt or other deposits. The area of the inlet may exceed that of the outlet to produce a strong draught at the outlet.
A pair of extensible supports 14 slidably mounted in the casing 2, allow the position of the casing to be adjusted relative to the vehicle. This facilitates use of the mirror when towing a wide trailer or caravan. The casing may be lockable to prevent unwanted sliding upon the supports 1 4. Alternatively, telescopically extensible supports may be provided.
1. A vehicle rear view mirror comprising a casing, a reflective panel disposed in the casing and adapted to face rearwardly of a vehicle in use of the mirror, and a vent disposed in the casing arranged to direct a flow of air onto the reflective panel in use of the mirror as the vehicle moves forwardly.
2. A mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vent comprises an inlet arranged to open
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (7)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Non-misting rear view mirror This invention relates to a rear view mirror for an automobile or other vehicle, particularly but not exclusively to a mirror adapted to be secured to a door or other body panel of an automobile adjacent the driver's side window. A disadvantage of conventional vehicle rear view mirrors is that the reflective surface may become misted in cold or wet weather. Furthermore rain or spray from a wet road may occlude the reflective surface. This may result in a dangerous restriction of a driver's rear visibility. It may be uncomfortable or even dangerous to clean the reflective surface while the vehicle is in motion. According to the present invention a vehicle rear view mirror comprises a casing, a reflective panel disposed in the casing and adapted to face' rearwardly of a vehicle in use of the mirror, and a vent disposed in the casing arranged to direct a flow of air onto the reflective panel in use of the mirror as the vehicle moves forwardly. The vent may comprise an inlet arranged to open forwardly of the casing and an outlet adjacent or facing the reflective panel. The vent serves to demist the panel as the vehicle moves. The flow of air also serves to dispose water droplets from the panel in rainy weather. Two or more vents may be provided if convenient. The lamps may include one or more of rearwardly facing amber indicator and red brake and rear lamps. The amber lamp is preferably located above the red lamp. These are preferably located in or on the extremity of the casing which is arranged in use at the furthest distance from the vehicle. This serves to provide the clearest possible indication of the full width of the vehicle to a person behind the latter. The said one or more lamps alternatively or in addition may include a white or naturally coloured lamp arranged to face forwardly of the mirror casing. This lamp may serve as a convenient side light. Alternatively, the rear view mirror may be adapted to be detached from the vehicle door or body panel for use as a portable lamp, for example when making emergency repairs in the engine compartment.An electric cable may be retractably stored in the casing to maintain the power supply to the lamp after detachment from the vehicle. The heat generated by the lamps serves to assist in demisting the reflecting surface. The casing of a preferred mirror may be secured in use to a door or other body panel of a vehicle by means of one or more extensible supports. The support or supports may facilitate increasing the distance of the reflective panel from the vehicle so that a driver's rearward vision is not obstructed by a wide trailer, caravan or other load. The supports may be telescopically extensible or may be arranged to retract into the casing. The invention is further described by means of example with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, of which:- Figure 1 is a rear view of a mirror in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a section on A-A of Fig. 1; and Figure 3 is an end elevation of the mirror. The Figures show a rear view mirror in accordance with the invention, comprising a reflective panel 1 disposed in.a casing 2. The casing is secured to a body panel 3 of a vehicle by means of a support 4. Two lamps are located beneath coloured plastics covers located in the extremity of the mirror. An upper cover 5 is coloured amber and a lower cover 6 is coloured red. The covers are arranged so that the lamps may only be seen from the rear or side of the vehicle. A transparent or white cover 7 illuminated by a third lamp, is arranged to be visible only from the front or side of the vehicle. The amber lamp is connected to the indicator or hazard circuit of the vehicle and the red lamp is connected to the rear and brake light circuits. The casing 2 is detachable from the support 4 and is provided with an electric cable (not shown) stored within the casing. The white lamp 7 may therefore serve to illuminate the interior of the engine compartment, for example in the event of a breakdown. A vent 11 located on the upper portion of the casing, includes an inlet 1 2 and outlet 1 3 the latter being located adjacent and facing panel. Air is drawn through the vent in the direction shown by the arrows during forward movement of a vehicle fitted with the mirror. The flow of air serves to demist the panel 1 and prevents accumulation of rain drops, dirt or other deposits. The area of the inlet may exceed that of the outlet to produce a strong draught at the outlet. A pair of extensible supports 14 slidably mounted in the casing 2, allow the position of the casing to be adjusted relative to the vehicle. This facilitates use of the mirror when towing a wide trailer or caravan. The casing may be lockable to prevent unwanted sliding upon the supports 1 4. Alternatively, telescopically extensible supports may be provided. CLAIMS
1. A vehicle rear view mirror comprising a casing, a reflective panel disposed in the casing and adapted to face rearwardly of a vehicle in use of the mirror, and a vent disposed in the casing arranged to direct a flow of air onto the reflective panel in use of the mirror as the vehicle moves forwardly.
2. A mirror as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vent comprises an inlet arranged to open forwardly of the casing and an outlet adjacent or facing the reflective panel.
3. A mirror as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inlet has a greater area than the outlet.
4. A mirror as claimed in any preceding claim, including one or more rearwardly facing amber indicator and red brake and rear lamps.
5. A mirror as claimed in any preceding claim, including a white or naturally coloured lamp arranged to face forwardly of the casing.
6. A mirror as claimed in any preceding claim, adapted to be secured to a vehicle by one or more extensible supports.
7. A mirror substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB08501683A 1984-01-25 1985-01-23 Non-misting rear view mirror Withdrawn GB2153315A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB848401920A GB8401920D0 (en) 1984-01-25 1984-01-25 Rear view mirror

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8501683D0 GB8501683D0 (en) 1985-02-27
GB2153315A true GB2153315A (en) 1985-08-21

Family

ID=10555498

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB848401920A Pending GB8401920D0 (en) 1984-01-25 1984-01-25 Rear view mirror
GB08501683A Withdrawn GB2153315A (en) 1984-01-25 1985-01-23 Non-misting rear view mirror
GB08501682A Withdrawn GB2154969A (en) 1984-01-25 1985-01-23 Illuminated roar view mirror

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB848401920A Pending GB8401920D0 (en) 1984-01-25 1984-01-25 Rear view mirror

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08501682A Withdrawn GB2154969A (en) 1984-01-25 1985-01-23 Illuminated roar view mirror

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (3) GB8401920D0 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2241211A (en) * 1989-12-19 1991-08-28 Wright Jean Condensation reduction in vehicle rear view mirrors
GB2243586A (en) * 1990-04-20 1991-11-06 Alfred Engelmann Metallwarenfa External vehicle mirror
GB2253599A (en) * 1991-03-09 1992-09-16 Richard John Curwen Water dispersing automobile mirror
WO1997037871A1 (en) * 1996-04-04 1997-10-16 Slater, Ian, Charles Self-cleaning external rear view mirrors
GB2376930A (en) * 2001-04-05 2002-12-31 Richard John Wragg Device for clearing water from vehicle external mirror surfaces

Families Citing this family (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB8511693D0 (en) * 1985-05-09 1985-06-19 Darlow G C Optical maintenance
DE8615559U1 (en) * 1986-06-10 1986-10-16 Mittelhäuser, Bernhard, 3002 Wedemark Interior rearview mirrors for automobiles
GB2191982A (en) * 1986-06-27 1987-12-31 Arthur John Stapley Vehicle mirror
GB2266870A (en) * 1992-05-14 1993-11-17 David Melville Louisson Rear view mirror assembly
US5823654A (en) 1993-02-01 1998-10-20 Donnelly Corporation Universal exterior vehicle security light
US6276821B1 (en) 1992-12-16 2001-08-21 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light
US5497306A (en) 1993-02-01 1996-03-05 Donnelly Corporation Exterior vehicle security light
US5371659A (en) 1993-02-01 1994-12-06 Donnelly Corporation Remote-actuated exterior vehicle security light
US6176602B1 (en) 1993-02-01 2001-01-23 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light
GB2291386A (en) * 1994-07-15 1996-01-24 Terence John Allsop Combined mirror and indicator
US20120020101A1 (en) 1994-11-02 2012-01-26 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicle exterior mirror system
US9586526B2 (en) 1995-04-21 2017-03-07 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicle exterior mirror system
CA2230930A1 (en) 1997-04-25 1998-10-25 Dale Gathergood Exterior rear view mirror integral warning light
US8066415B2 (en) 1999-06-17 2011-11-29 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Exterior mirror vision system for a vehicle
GB2357269A (en) * 1999-12-16 2001-06-20 Bates Ind Co Ltd Wing mirror with indicator light
JP5501799B2 (en) * 2010-02-25 2014-05-28 株式会社村上開明堂 Vehicle door mirror

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1020576A (en) * 1962-01-05 1966-02-23 Leslie Brownbridge Improvements in driving mirrors for automobiles and like vehicles
GB1210061A (en) * 1966-07-28 1970-10-28 John Lacey Havill Improvements in motor vehicle accessories
GB1475058A (en) * 1974-03-14 1977-06-01 Renault Rear view mirrors
GB1515934A (en) * 1976-11-04 1978-06-28 Vauxhall Motors Ltd Rear view driving mirror
GB1558870A (en) * 1975-11-26 1980-01-09 Daimler Benz Ag External rear-view mirror for a vehicle
GB2048191A (en) * 1979-05-05 1980-12-10 Britax Wingard Ltd Exterior mirrors for vehicles
GB2058695A (en) * 1979-09-14 1981-04-15 Leyland Vehicles Vehicle exterior mirror
GB2080748A (en) * 1980-07-31 1982-02-10 Slattery Phillip Michael Patri External rear-view mirror for use on a vehicle
GB2084948A (en) * 1980-04-11 1982-04-21 Felber Josef Reversing light for a vehicle especially for a lorry
EP0069164A1 (en) * 1981-07-08 1983-01-12 Clemente Abbondanti Nonfogging rearview outside mirror for motor-driven vehicles
GB2127366A (en) * 1982-09-21 1984-04-11 Maschf Augsburg Nuernberg Ag Vehicle rear view mirrors

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1241295B (en) * 1961-03-17 1967-05-24 Yorck Talbot Motor vehicle exterior rearview mirror combined with an electric light
GB1440570A (en) * 1972-11-28 1976-06-23 Litman M Rear-view mirror for a motor vehicle
EP0004329A1 (en) * 1978-03-17 1979-10-03 Hagus C. Luchtenberg GmbH &amp; Co. KG Additional rear mirror for motor vehicles
GB2129749A (en) * 1982-11-09 1984-05-23 Duh Ching Jeng Side mirror with indicator light

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1020576A (en) * 1962-01-05 1966-02-23 Leslie Brownbridge Improvements in driving mirrors for automobiles and like vehicles
GB1210061A (en) * 1966-07-28 1970-10-28 John Lacey Havill Improvements in motor vehicle accessories
GB1475058A (en) * 1974-03-14 1977-06-01 Renault Rear view mirrors
GB1558870A (en) * 1975-11-26 1980-01-09 Daimler Benz Ag External rear-view mirror for a vehicle
GB1515934A (en) * 1976-11-04 1978-06-28 Vauxhall Motors Ltd Rear view driving mirror
GB2048191A (en) * 1979-05-05 1980-12-10 Britax Wingard Ltd Exterior mirrors for vehicles
GB2058695A (en) * 1979-09-14 1981-04-15 Leyland Vehicles Vehicle exterior mirror
GB2084948A (en) * 1980-04-11 1982-04-21 Felber Josef Reversing light for a vehicle especially for a lorry
GB2080748A (en) * 1980-07-31 1982-02-10 Slattery Phillip Michael Patri External rear-view mirror for use on a vehicle
EP0069164A1 (en) * 1981-07-08 1983-01-12 Clemente Abbondanti Nonfogging rearview outside mirror for motor-driven vehicles
GB2127366A (en) * 1982-09-21 1984-04-11 Maschf Augsburg Nuernberg Ag Vehicle rear view mirrors

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2241211A (en) * 1989-12-19 1991-08-28 Wright Jean Condensation reduction in vehicle rear view mirrors
GB2243586A (en) * 1990-04-20 1991-11-06 Alfred Engelmann Metallwarenfa External vehicle mirror
GB2253599A (en) * 1991-03-09 1992-09-16 Richard John Curwen Water dispersing automobile mirror
WO1997037871A1 (en) * 1996-04-04 1997-10-16 Slater, Ian, Charles Self-cleaning external rear view mirrors
GB2376930A (en) * 2001-04-05 2002-12-31 Richard John Wragg Device for clearing water from vehicle external mirror surfaces

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8501683D0 (en) 1985-02-27
GB8501682D0 (en) 1985-02-27
GB2154969A (en) 1985-09-18
GB8401920D0 (en) 1984-02-29

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)