JP2019501833A - visor - Google Patents

Abstract

A visor for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The visor includes a pivot rod and a carrier disposed over the pivot rod. The visor also includes a first shell and a second shell that are engageable so as to form a visor body, and a vanity disposed therein. The visor also includes an illumination base secured to the second shell and a circuit board that engages the illumination base. The visor also includes a light emitting diode secured to the surface of the circuit board.

Description

  This application is a continuation-in-part of pending US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 571,980, filed Dec. 16, 2014.

  The present invention relates generally to sun visors for use inside a vehicle, and more particularly to a sun visor having a visor body including a vanity having light emitting diodes (LEDs) and thus providing light.

  Sun visors are well known in the prior art and are widely used. Many different types and designs have been successfully adopted in vehicles for many years. Many of these prior art visors have been developed in various ways that allow the visor body and other components within it to be assembled and mounted in a vehicle. Advances in design often increase the complexity of the internal component manufacturing process. The automotive industry has and continues to place importance on reducing costs, reducing weight, and improving efficiency and speed in the manufacturing process of these in-vehicle components. One area of particular focus in the automotive technology field is to reduce the number and complexity of steps required to assemble internal components such as sun visors and visors used in vehicles. is there.

  In general, in the prior art, manufacturing simplicity continues to drive innovation in the automotive industry and it is acceptable to compromise the quality and performance of the manufactured internal components to facilitate production. Is rare but not at all. There are a significant number of prior art relating to the particular structure of the visor to provide a strong and lightweight construction that matches or complements the interior of the vehicle in a cost effective manner. There has been particular interest in “clamshell” type configurations, which require the molding of two shell parts or clamshell halves, which are joined together to form a visor. In one typical clamshell design, the visor half is formed as a single piece that is attached along the longitudinal edge and then folded to form the visor body. The outer surface may be shaped to provide a suitable visor surface, and the desired outer cover may be added in various ways known in the prior art.

  Although the clamshell design allows the visor body to be assembled relatively quickly and easily, there are several different components that can be attached to the clamshell halves of the visor prior to securing the clamshell halves together. May have to be assembled using the following assembly steps. For example, some known designs require the insertion of additional mounting or journal components to hold the visor pivot rod within the visor body. The assembly of a visor having such a design is relatively time consuming. In addition, the various sliding parts, journals, holding devices, etc. used in the assembly add significant cost and weight to the overall visor in addition to undesirable noise, and the number of components required to incorporate it into the visor. May be increased. Many of these prior art visors use standard bulbs, such as incandescent bulbs, for vanities that include mirrors placed in the visor, or map lamps that may be placed in the visor. Provide light. Using incandescent bulbs draws more current and power than newer technologies such as LED bulbs.

  In some cases, visor manufacturing and assembly costs may be reduced by eliminating parts. However, the reduction in size and weight may be accompanied by a reduction in strength. In addition, visors that seek to replace well-accepted technologies such as incandescent bulbs with new technologies such as LEDs allow consumers and vehicle users to recreate the look and feel of the light emitted by incandescent prior art bulbs. On the other hand, there may be a problem with not accepting the appearance and atmosphere of the light emitted by the LED. In automotive and other vehicle technologies, the use of new technologies such as LEDs instead of prior art light bulbs may increase efficiency and reduce visor manufacturing and assembly time. Therefore, the art provides a visor that utilizes a design that is lightweight, easy to manufacture, uses relatively few components, but provides significant durability to withstand intense, repeated use, and the entire system It is desirable to provide a rigid composition that has tight tolerances across it. Furthermore, there is a need in the art for an improved visor having an LED illumination vanity and / or map lamp disposed on the visor. Used in the art with sun visors that use various methods of aligning LEDs to lenses for use in vanity, or with vanity lighting guides, to achieve a more uniform look than prior art bulbs. There is also a need for a sun visor that uses LEDs to distribute light in a more aesthetically pleasing manner. There is also a need in the art for a vanity that can illuminate both sides of the vanity mirror using a single illumination, through the use of an illumination guide system disposed thereon.

  One object of the present invention may be to provide an improved visor.

  Another object of the present invention may be to provide a visor having light emitting diodes (LEDs) for use in illuminating a vanity mirror.

  Yet another object of the present invention may be to provide a visor that uses LEDs as a direct replacement for prior art light bulbs.

  Yet another object of the present invention may be that the present invention provides a visor that illuminates the vanity mirror of the visor using an LED as a light source with a light guide.

  Yet another object of the present invention may be to provide a visor that includes an illumination base that can hold a circuit board with LEDs thereon in a horizontal or vertical position.

  Yet another object of the present invention may be that the present invention provides a visor having a map lamp that is lit using LEDs.

  Yet another object of the present invention may be to provide a visor that includes a line disposed between the circuit board and the vehicle's electrical system to provide LED illumination to the visor vanity.

  Yet another object of the present invention may be to provide a more efficient and easier to manufacture visor by using LED lighting vanities.

  Yet another object of the present invention may be to provide a visor that includes a lighting system that is more reliable and lasts longer than prior art lighting systems and that is more robust.

  Yet another object of the present invention may be that the present invention provides a visor having a frameless vanity comprising mirrors having transparent ends at both ends thereof.

  Yet another object of the present invention may be that the present invention provides a visor having an LED with a mirror having a transparent end disposed at each end thereof.

  According to the present invention, the above other objects and advantages are obtained by a novel design of a visor for use in a vehicle. The visor generally comprises a pivot rod and a carrier disposed over the pivot rod. The visor further includes a first shell and a second shell that are engageable to form a visor body. The visor also includes a vanity disposed within the visor body. The visor further includes an illumination base secured to the second shell of the visor body, and a circuit board that engages the illumination base. The visor also includes a light emitting diode secured to the surface of the circuit board.

  One advantage of the present invention may be that it provides an improved visor.

  Another advantage of the present invention may be that it provides a visor that uses LEDs as a light source for vanity.

  Yet another advantage of the present invention may be that the present invention provides a direct replacement for prior art bulbs with visor vanity LEDs located on the circuit board.

  Yet another advantage of the present invention may be that the present invention provides an illumination base for use in a visor that allows the LEDs disposed on the circuit board to be held in a vertical or horizontal position relative to the visor body. .

  Yet another advantage of the present invention may be that it provides a visor that uses LEDs in conjunction with a light guide to provide illumination to the vanity.

  Yet another advantage of the present invention may be that it uses a lighting base to provide a visor that aligns the LEDs in the proper position relative to the visor vanity.

  Yet another advantage of the present invention may be that it provides a visor that replaces a prior art light bulb with a more energy efficient, reliable and longer lasting LED light source.

  Yet another advantage of the present invention may be that it provides a more robust visor that is easier to manufacture than prior art visors.

  Yet another advantage of the present invention may be that it provides a visor that includes a frameless vanity having mirrors with transparent ends at both ends thereof.

  Yet another advantage of the present invention may be that the present invention provides a visor that uses LEDs in conjunction with a mirror having a transparent end that is used to illuminate the mirror.

  Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a plan view of a visor according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a visor according to the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a visor according to the present invention. It is a top view of the circuit board and LED used for a visor. FIG. 3 is a top view of an illumination base used in the visor according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an illumination base for a visor according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of an illumination base according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows an illumination base with a circuit board disposed thereon, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an illumination base according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of an illumination base according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an illumination base according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of an illumination base according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a top view of a visor shell according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an illumination base according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a vanity according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of a vanity frame for use in a visor according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a vanity lens for use in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a vanity for use in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a vanity for use in an alternative embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a map lamp arranged on a visor according to the invention. FIG. 6 shows a map lamp placed on a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a map lamp placed on a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows LED attached to the circuit board by this invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a rear view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a visor according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to the drawings, a visor 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. In general, the present invention generally provides a clamshell type vehicle sun visor 30 having a pivot rod 32 attached to a carrier 34, which pivot rod 32 and carrier 34 are assembled during assembly. The parts 36, 38 are slidably captured in a single step that attaches them together. The carrier 34 thus rests on the visor body 42 itself, rather than on a separate carrier, and is preferably held between surfaces and / or features such as channels 40 that are integrally molded into the shell portions 36,38. The The pivot rod 32 rests on the visor body 42 as well, and a separate bracket, bezel or similar part is not required to support the pivot rod 32. A related aspect of the invention includes a method of manufacturing the sun visor 30 also described herein. In addition, the visor 30 shown in this application may be an automobile vehicle, maritime vehicle, air vehicle, military vehicle, and any other known vehicle that needs to prevent sunlight from passing through the vehicle compartment. Note that it may be used with any known type of vehicle, including but not limited to these. It should also be noted that almost all components of the visor 30 according to the present invention may be made of a plastic material that can be extruded, molded, or shaped by any known manufacturing process. However, any other known metal, ceramic, plastic, composite material, natural material or any other known material may be present in any part or component of the visor 30 described herein. May be used. Further, the visor 30 of the present invention may be any known type of visor, such as a sliding visor, a non-sliding visor, a movable visor, or any other type of visor known in the vehicle industry. Please note that.

  In one example shown in the figure, the visor 30 includes a first shell half or shell 36 and a second shell half or shell 38 that are engageable to form an elongated visor body 42. Various shaped features 48 may be included in each shell 36, 38 to facilitate engagement between the shells. For example, complementary structures may be formed on each visor shell 36, 38 that allow for a snap fit between the shells. In one contemplated embodiment, the shells 36, 38 may each be formed with a longitudinal peripheral edge 44, 46 that is integral or connected. Other embodiments are contemplated in which the shell is formed as a separate unconnected member. Although connected shells are preferred, the visor 30 shown in the figure may have an unconnected shell. The visor 30 may further include a pivot rod 32 disposed at one end of the visor body 42 and connected to a vehicle headliner or ceiling where the sun visor 30 is disposed at the opposite end. The visor 30 is preferably formed such that the shells 36, 38 close about the pivot rod 32 and thus can capture the pivot rod 32 between the shells in a single assembly step. The visor 30 may also include a carrier 34 that is slidably captured by the closure or engagement of the shells 36, 38, the carrier being an internal sliding member for attaching the pivot rod 32, a holding device or the like. It is slidably secured between the shells 36, 38 without the need to install any mechanism. All component parts of the visor 30 are any known type of plastic, metal, ceramic, composite material, natural material or any other known material, but not limited to any known Manufactured by known processes from materials, including, but not limited to, any type of molding, forming, chemical and mechanical processes for designing and creating the components described herein May be.

  Generally, the shells 36, 38 are formed by injection molding a plastic material in a conventional manner. For example, the shells 36, 38 may be formed from molded polyethylene and may be formed by several other suitable methods and / or materials. The first shell 36 and the second shell 38 generally include any known shaped retaining surface, such as an arcuate retaining surface, a flat or angled retaining surface, all of which May be an elongated or valley shaped surface that extends parallel to the edge of the visor shell and defines a portion of the cylinder or wall. It should also be understood that the present invention may include designs having retaining surfaces that vary in size between longer valley-shaped features and thinner arcuate projections, as shown. A pair of arcuate surfaces may be aligned near one end of the visor shells 36, 38 so that the pivot rod 32 is properly supported and can rotate and slide relative to the visor body 42. Also note that. The visor half shells 36, 38 may also have a channel formed near one edge thereof, and the channel may have a first seating surface and a second seating surface. These seats may be arranged at any known angle in relation to the center line of the visor body 42. In one contemplated embodiment, these angled surfaces may be disposed on opposite sides of a channel that extends a predetermined distance along the longitudinal axis of the visor body 42. The formed surface may be any approximate angle in relation to the centerline of the visor body 42. Note that these angled seating surfaces may be configured on their respective inner surfaces. Visor half shells 36, 38 include, but are not limited to, pivoting rod 32, D-ring, vanity 66, and cover material 52 disposed over visor body 36 to complete its assembly. Note also that other surfaces that receive and hold the 36 various components may be included.

  The shell halves 36, 38 forming the visor body 42 of the visor 30 according to the present invention may also include a plurality of hybrid snap and ultrasonic weld joints. In one contemplated embodiment, a plurality of profile snaps may be placed around the leading and side edges of the arcuate shells of the visor shells 36,38. One of the shells may have a male part of a profile snap to provide a sturdy zero-bend interface between the two half shells 36, 38 to form a sturdy visor body 42; The other shell may have a female portion that receives the male portion and holds the first shell against the second shell. These snaps placed around the contour allow for sufficient bending of the front and side edges and allow the tacking process to be performed as described below. The visor body 42 may also include at least one weld bar joint and at least one weld boss joint disposed in place on the visor body 42. Note that the visor 30 may not be two separate shell halves, as other contemplated techniques and fasteners may be used to secure the two visor shell halves 36, 38 together. It is also contemplated to be formed as one single body member.

  One of the shell halves can also have a predetermined shaped orifice or cavity 54 on its outer surface that can be used to receive the vanity 66 and secure it to the visor body 42. The orifice or cavity 54 for receiving the vanity 66 may include a plurality of locking surfaces or locking arms that interact with the locking surface or flange of the frame 50 of the vanity 66 so that the vanity 66 is a visor. It can be ensured that it adheres to the outer surface of one shell of the body 42. These locking surfaces and fingers can take any known shape and are configured such that both illuminated and non-illuminated visor vanities can be placed thereon. Other surfaces are also molded into the visor half shells 36, 38 to allow placement of the line 58 to illuminate the visor vanity mirror 60, or a universal garage door opener directly on the visor body 42. Or other components can be received. The visor half shells 36, 38 according to the present invention may also include a plurality of teeth 62 disposed around the outer periphery of the front and side edges of each of the shell halves 36, 38. These teeth 62 have generally pyramidal or triangular shaped teeth and may be aligned with each other straight out of their respective half shells depending on the design requirements and the tacking process used. , May exit each half shell and be offset from each other. The teeth 62 are thus used to form a tack edge and the cover material 52 that is placed by the tack edge process is engaged with the teeth so that it is placed over the visor body 42 and is neat and clean. An aesthetically pleasing visor body 42 having an outer cover material 52 can be created. In one contemplated embodiment, the cover material 52 may be formed in the form of a sock that is placed over one end of the visor body 42 and then used to clean the visor 30 using a tack process. Note that a leading edge and a side edge are created. However, depending on the design requirements and the visor 30 to be created, any other known tacking process and cover material 52 that does not take the form of socks can also be used.

  The visor 30 according to the present invention may also include a D-ring that is secured to the visor body 42 at its upper edge. The D-ring may be any known D-ring. The D-ring of the present invention can partially assist in holding the cover material 52 over the outer surface of the visor half shells 36, 38 that become the visor body 42 in the clean manner taught. Note that any shape may be used for the D-ring body and its associated D-ring pin. The visor 30 may include a pivot rod 32 attached at one end to a bracket or connector that is secured to the vehicle headliner or ceiling. The bracket has a connector secured thereto to connect the vehicle's electrical system to the bracket via line 58, which then passes through the generally hollow pivot rod 32 according to the present invention. To do. However, it should be noted that a solid pivot rod 32 may be used as long as it can conduct electricity there and illuminate the vanity mirror 60 or the map lamp 64 if necessary. I want. The bracket may be secured to the vehicle ceiling by fasteners or any other known technique. The bracket may include an orifice that will receive one end of the pivot rod 32 near the elbow of the pivot rod 32, the pivot rod 32 generally having an angle of 60 ° to 120 ° at the elbow. Have The pivot rod 32 is fixed to the bracket orifice and may be able to rotate therein, and is pivoted between the vehicle windshield and the vehicle side window to provide sunlight from any angle. You may block it. The pivot rod 32 may be of any known length and diameter, depending on the design of the visor 30 and the vehicle in which it is placed. Line 58 may be connected from the electrical system of the car and is passed to LED 64 to illuminate visor mirror 60 of vanity 66. Note that the visor 30, pivot rod 32 and bracket may be made of any known material such as, but not limited to, plastic, ceramic, composite material, metal, or natural material. .

  The visor pivot rod 32 is disposed in a carrier 34 that is disposed in the visor body 42. When the visor 36 is a sliding visor, the carrier 34 can slide. When the visor 30 is not a sliding visor, the carrier 34 is fixed to the visor body 42. In a sliding visor, the carrier 34 slides in the channel 68 of the visor body 42 and extends outwardly toward the end of the visor rod 32 where the visor 30 is secured within the visor body 42. Can be made possible. Using any known carrier 34 such as, but not limited to, a floating carrier, a fixed carrier, or any other known carrier associated with the visor 32 rod and visor body 42, the visor body A pivot rod 32 can be secured to 42.

  The visor 30 may also include a line routing system that illuminates the vanity mirror 60 of the visor 30 through line 58 from the bracket through the pivot rod 32 to LED 64 vanity illumination. Any known wire routing system can be used to pass the wire 58 through the visor body 42 to the circuit board 70 used to control and operate the LEDs 64 thereon. It should further be noted that it is also contemplated to use the board mounted power supply to light the LED 64 of the vanity 66 for the visor 30.

  The visor 30 can also include a vanity 66. The vanity 66 generally includes a vanity door 72, a door spring, a vanity spring, and a vanity mirror 60 on which optional lighting is disposed. If the vanity 66 is illuminated, the vanity 66 can also include at least one lens 74 for dispersing light in a predetermined manner. In another contemplated embodiment, the vanity frame 50 may include two lenses 74, one on each side of the vanity 66 that illuminate the mirror 60. The vanity frame 50 may include two connecting flanges, generally at least one, but two in the embodiment shown, located at or near the lower surface of the vanity frame 50. At the opposite end of the vanity frame 50, there is at least one locking shoulder that can interact with a locking tab disposed on the surface of one of the visor shell halves 36,38. A locking surface may be disposed. Thereby, the vanity frame part 50 and the vanity 66 can be fixed to the visor body 42 without a fastener such as a screw. However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the vanity frame 50 may be coupled to the visor body 42 using fasteners and screws. In one contemplated embodiment, a snap may be created on the vanity 66. In general, the vanity frame 50 and the door 72 can have a rectangular shape or an oval shape, although any other shape of vanity 66 may be used depending on the design requirements of the visor 30. The vanity 66 and the frame 50 may also include a bent hook disposed at one end thereof and a leaf spring disposed at the opposite edge of the orifice defined in the center of the vanity frame 50. Adjacent to the leaf springs may be one or two locking tabs. Using this combination of flex hooks, leaf springs, and locking tabs on the lens tabs used to secure the lens 74 to the vanity frame 50, the adhesive interface can be used without adhesive. The mirror 60 can be fixed. In operation, the mirror 60 is placed under the flex hook and then clamped under a locking tab and in contact with a leaf spring for securing the mirror 60 to the vanity frame 50 without adhesive. However, it is also contemplated to secure the mirror 60 to the vanity frame 50 using an adhesive or any other technique. In general, the lens tabs disposed on both sides of the vanity frame 50 can keep the vanity mirror 60 properly positioned in the left-right direction with respect to the vanity frame 50. Thus, the vanity mirror 60, which may be of any shape, size, or thickness, is relative to the vanity frame 50 without the adhesive commonly used in the prior art to hold the vanity mirror 60 on the frame 50. It can be held in place. It should be noted that any number of leaf springs, locking tabs, and flex hooks may be used to hold the vanity mirror 60 according to the present invention. The vanity frame 50 is disposed near one end of the vanity frame 50 under an inner hook formed on one outer surface of the core visor body half shells 36, 38. The visor body 42 may be inserted by fixing the flange and the second flange. These flanges may be placed under these inner hooks and then the opposite end of the vanity frame 50 is the locking shoulder or locking surface of the vanity frame 50 at its outer surface, In position using downward force so that it can interact with the locking tabs or locking snaps molded into or into the visor half shells 36, 38. It may be fastened. This allows the vanity 66 to be secured to the visor body 42 using a system snap that does not require fasteners such as screws to secure the vanity system to the visor body 42. Note that the vanity 66 of the present invention may include fasteners and screws for securing the vanity 66 to the visor body 42.

  It should be noted that the visor half shells 36, 38 that hold and support the vanity 66 may also include an illumination base 80 secured thereto. In one contemplated embodiment, the illumination base 80 is molded into one of the shells 36, 38, such as the second shell 38 of the visor body 42. The illumination base 80 may include a pocket 82 that secures the circuit board 70 therein and holds the circuit board 70 in a predetermined fixed position relative to the second shell 38 and the vanity 66. The pocket 82 may be formed or molded on a predetermined inner surface of the second shell 38. The illumination base 80 in this embodiment has a pocket 82 that is partially defined by a first and second guide member 84, the first and second guide members 84 being the inner surface of the second shell 38. Extending from and parallel to each other. Each of the first and second guide members 84 may have an inwardly extending flange 86 extending from its upper end. The flange 86 can engage the top surface of the circuit board 70 to help secure the circuit board 70 to the vanity 66. The first and second guide members 84 may have any known shape as a whole, but may have a generally L shape when viewed from the front. The L shape can define a seat on each of the guide members 84 on which the circuit board 70 can rest or be seated. The seating portion of the guide member 84 of the illumination base 80 and the lower surface of the inwardly extending flange 86 can have a predetermined distance therebetween. The predetermined distance as a whole may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the circuit board 70 disposed there. The illumination base 80 can also include a stop wall 88 disposed at the rear end thereof. The stop wall portion 88 may extend in a predetermined direction away from the inner surface of the second shell 38 of the visor body 42. During operation, the circuit board 70 may be slid into the front side of the pocket 82 of the illumination base 80 until one end of the circuit board 70 engages the stop wall 88 of the illumination base 80. The illumination base 80 can also include a locking arm 90 that is positioned generally at the midline of the pocket 82. The locking arm 90 can be engaged with a predetermined portion of the circuit board 70 to fix the circuit board 70 to the illumination base 80. The locking arm 90 as a whole may have a rectangular shape with a locking shoulder 92 disposed at its end. One end of the locking arm 90 may be directly molded on the surface of one of the half shells 36, 38 of the visor body 42. The other end may be movable or flexible, thus allowing the locking arm 90 to pivot about a first end that is secured and molded to the visor body half shell. This allows the locking shoulder 92 and the locking arm 90 to move to engage a predetermined portion of the circuit board 70. The locking arm 90 may have a predetermined spring coefficient that allows the locking arm 90 to hold the circuit board 70 securely in place with respect to the vanity 66.

  The illumination base 80 can also include a gap or recess 94 formed between two predetermined surfaces to form a line routing channel for the circuit board 70. Line 58 can be connected to one end of circuit board 70 and connected to the vehicle electronics at the other end, and line 58 passes through a predetermined area of visor body 42 and through pivot rod 32. Can run into the vehicle's electrical system. The circuit board 70 may have a rectangular shape having a predetermined length, width, and thickness as a whole. It should be noted that the circuit board 70 may be any known shape, but in the illustrated embodiment is a rectangular shape. An LED 64 is disposed on the upper surface of the circuit board 70. Note that the LED 64 may be of any type, color, and any known shape. The LED 64 shown in the drawing is a generally square LED 64. An electrical component 96 can be placed on the circuit board 70 to turn on the LEDs 64 and form the circuitry necessary to pass such lit light 70 through the lens 74 and mirror 60 of the vanity 66. Electronic component 96 may be, but is not limited to, a diode, resistor, capacitor, integrated circuit, or any other known electrical component required to operate LED 64. Note that the LED 64 in the illustrated embodiment is secured within the illumination base 80 such that the circuit board 70 is parallel to the inner surface of the visor body 42. As a result, the circuit board 70 is held in a substantially horizontal posture with respect to the visor body 42. By using this embodiment of the lighting base 80, a version of the LED lighting visor that is a direct bulb replacement can be provided. This allows the circuit board 70 and LED 64 to be positioned in approximately the same location or area as the prior art bulbs and sockets used in the prior art visor design. Generally, no modification of the vanity subassembly is required except to mold the lighting base 80 therein. Note that the circuit board 70 generally has a plurality of electronic components 96 disposed on its lower surface opposite the LEDs 64 that may be disposed on the upper surface of the circuit board 70. The circuit board 70 can also include a locking member 98 extending from the lower surface, which interacts with and engages the locking shoulder 92 of the locking arm 90 of the visor body 42. be able to. Note that the illumination base 80 and the circuit board 70 may be located on either side of the vanity 66. However, it is also contemplated to place the LED 64 only on one side of the vanity 66, using the LED 64 only on one side of the vanity 66, and from one LED 64 to both ends or both sides of the mirror 60 of the vanity 66 through the illumination guide. Even passing light is contemplated.

  Another embodiment of the visor 30 may include an illumination base 100 that is a separate component that is molded or formed separately from the visor body half shells 36, 38. In this embodiment, the illumination base 100 as a whole has a rectangular shaped body including first and second rails 102 parallel to each other on its lower surface. The rail 102 has a generally circular shape and extends from the bottom corner edges on both sides of the illumination base 100. The parallel rails 102 may have a predetermined diameter that mates with and engages a predetermined channel formed in one of the shells 36, 38 of the visor 30. The illumination base 100 can also include first and second arms 104, one of the arms extending from its respective side near the middle portion of the illumination base 100. The arm 104 as a whole may have any known shape such as, but not limited to, a semi-circular shape or a semi-silo shape when viewed from above. The arm 104 can extend a predetermined distance from the side of the illumination base 100. The arm 104 may have an angled surface on its upper surface. The illumination base 100 can also include a locking tab 106 extending from its lower surface that interacts with and engages a locking slot 108 disposed and molded in the shell 38. . The locking tab 106 is generally between the first and second parallel guide rails 102 and the illumination base 100 such that the tab 106 has an arcuate shape extending generally from the lower surface of the illumination base 100. The locking tab 106 extends a predetermined distance beyond the surface of the guide rail 102. In one embodiment, the locking tab 106 is generally aligned along the midpoint of the first and second arms 104 that extend from the sides of the illumination base 100. A slot 110 is disposed at one end of the illumination base 100. The slot 110 is formed so that the circuit board 70 is disposed in the slot 110 and is fixed to the second shell 38 at a predetermined position. Slot 110 is defined in part by first and second legs 112 extending from illumination base 100. Each of the first and second legs 112 may have a groove with a generally square shape that is disposed at the midpoint thereof. Each groove disposed in the first and second legs 112 can be used to hold one edge of the circuit board 70 disposed therein. A predetermined distance is formed between the first groove and the second groove so as to be approximately equal to the width of the circuit board 70. Accordingly, the circuit board 70 is slid into the slot 110 disposed at the front end of the illumination base 100, and the circuit board 70 is fixed to the illumination base 100 by the locking snap member 114 disposed on the surface of the illumination base 100. Is possible. The locking snap member 114 may be located generally near or at a surface near the midpoint of the illumination base 100. Each arm 112 of the illumination base 100 may have a reinforcing rib 116 that extends from the lower surface of the arm 112 to the surface of the illumination base 100. When viewed from the side, the reinforcing rib 116 may have a triangular shape as a whole. The snap lock member 114 may be disposed between a cavity 116 having a predetermined shape formed at one end of the illumination base 100 and the ribs 116 adjacent to each other. A given cavity may have any known shape as a whole, but in the current embodiment, it has a generally rectangular or square shape. Thereby, the lock member 98 extending from the lower surface of the circuit board 70 can be mutually engaged with the snap lock member 114, and the circuit board 70 can be held in a fixed position of the illumination base 100 of the present invention. Become. The snap lock member 114 may have any known shape, and in one embodiment has a generally triangular shape and extends a predetermined distance from one end of the illumination base 100 to provide a circuit. A predetermined distance extends into the cavity holding the locking member 98 of the plate 70. This allows interaction and engagement between the lock member of the circuit board 70 and the snap lock member 114. The snap lock member 115 is only one contemplated embodiment for securing the circuit board 70 to the lighting base 100, and any other known locking for securing the circuit board 70 thereto. Note that features may be used. The illumination base 100 of this embodiment may interact with a plurality of features molded on the inner surface of one of the half shells 36, 35 of the visor body 42. The second shell 38 may have first, second, third and fourth locking surfaces 118 molded therein. The locking surface 118 is generally defined as a slightly angled surface that is molded into one of the visor half shells 36, 38. The surfaces 118 face each other and can thus form a gap of a predetermined size. This predetermined size gap may be substantially the same as or slightly larger than the thickness of one of the arms 104 of the illumination base 100. This allows the illumination base 100 to slide through these gaps, so that the arm 104 interacts with the first and second locking surfaces 118 and the first locking surface 118 is A force can be created that can push the first locking surface 118 down to the arm 104 of the illumination base 100, and the second locking surface 118 can use a substantially upward force to force the arm of the locking surface 118. 104 can be pushed, thereby allowing the illumination base 100 to be pushed into the half shell 38 through the arms 104 extending from each side thereof. Accordingly, the first and second locking surfaces 118 may be disposed on each side of the illumination base 100 and formed in the visor half shell 38. The visor half shell 38 may also have third and fourth locking surfaces 118 molded therein. The third and fourth locking surfaces 118 may be generally defined by edges or surfaces extending from a predetermined flange that is molded into the visor half shell 38. The third locking surface can interengage with one of the guide rails 102, and the fourth locking surface 118 can interengage with the other of the guide rails 102 of the illumination base 100. Can do. Thus, the third and fourth locking surfaces 118 may be positioned close to each other such that the gap between them may be approximately the same as or larger than the diameter of one of the guide rails 102. Good. The third and fourth locking surfaces 118 are such that each guide rail 102 can be pushed between the third and fourth locking surfaces 118 that are molded into one of the visor half shells 38. Note also that it may be angled with respect to. Note that substantially all of the locking surfaces 118 or locking features described herein are formed by flanges or channels that are molded directly into the visor half shell 38. In operation, the illumination base 100 described in this embodiment can be slid into place and locked in the visor half shell 38. The locking tab 106 can interengage with a locking slot 108 formed and molded on the surface of the second shell 38, generally at the midpoint of the illumination base 100. This allows the illumination base 100 to engage the visor half shell 38 at four points and be locked at one point, so that the illumination base 100 is attached to the visor half shell 38 and vanity 66. On the other hand, it is fixed at a predetermined position. After inserting and securing the lighting base 100 to the visor half shell 38, a wire 58 may be connected between the surface of the circuit board 70 and the electrical system of the vehicle. This allows a direct replacement of the prior art visor bulb system.

  Still another embodiment of the illumination base 120 may generally have the same body, guide rails 102 and arms 104 as the illumination base 100 described above. This embodiment of the illumination base 120 may further include a first slot 122 disposed along a transverse portion of the upper surface of the illumination base 120. The slot 122 may extend across the entire width of the illumination base 120. The slot 122 can be used to secure and hold one longitudinal edge of the circuit board 70. A locking member 124 extending from the upper surface may be adjacent to the slot 122 immediately on the upper surface of the illumination guide 120. The locking members 124 may be immediately adjacent to each other with the slot 122 and may have a generally U shape when viewed from the front. The locking member 124 may have first and second legs 126 that extend from the top surface of the illumination base 120 and a cross member 128 that extends between the two legs 126. In general, the front surface of the locking member 124 may share the same plane as one of the inwardly extending surface walls of the slot 122. Each leg 126 may have a generally triangular shape when viewed from the side, but any other shape may also be used. The locking member 124 may be configured such that a rectangular orifice can generally be formed through the center of the locking member 124. Electrical components or other locking members that extend from the surface of the circuit board 70 may be used to interact with at least one surface of the locking member 124 of the illumination base 120. Thereby, the circuit board 70 can be fixed and held at a predetermined position with respect to the illumination base 120. Line 38 may be connected to circuit board 70 at either side or end of circuit board 70. The top surface of the circuit board 70 may have LEDs 64 secured thereto and in electrical communication with the electronic devices on the circuit board 70 and the electrical system of the vehicle. The illumination base 120 may also include a pocket 130 that is positioned adjacent to the slot 122 on the opposite side of the locking member 124. The pocket 130 may extend a predetermined distance into the illumination base 120. The pocket 130 has a rectangular shape as a whole when viewed from above. An alternative embodiment slot 122 of the illumination base 120 can generally hold the circuit board 70 in a vertical position relative to the visor body half shell 38. This makes it possible to hold the LED 64 perpendicular to the home position of the visor 30, and thus the illumination guide 132 can be used with the vanity 66.

  The light guide 132 may be of any known shape as a whole, but in the illustrated embodiment, the modified pyramid shape generally comprises a generally circular lower portion and a parallelogram type upper portion. Have as. It should be noted that any known shape may be used for the light guide 132 of the present invention. One end portion of the light guide portion 132 having a smaller size may have a cut portion or a cut portion 134 formed therein as a whole. The cutout 134 can be used to align with the LED 64 disposed on the circuit board 70 of the present invention. A light guide 132 having any known shape may be used for any known visor 30. The notch or notch 134 is located at one edge of the light guide 132 and can have any known shape, but mimics the square shape of the LED 64 used herein. It is a cut-out shape of a generally square type. The LED 64 can shine its light directly from the front to the edge or end of the illumination guide 132, thus allowing uniform light distribution throughout the illumination guide 132. The use of the illumination guide 132 can provide a warmer and more uniform light appearance through the lens 74 of the vanity 66. The distribution of light through the illumination guide 132 can ensure that there are no hot spots compared to light from a normal light bulb. Note that the LED 64 may or may not contact or engage the light guide 132 and the vanity 66 may have one or more lights disposed therein. . It is also contemplated to use illumination guides 132 that extend from both sides of the vanity 66 so that light can be emitted to both sides of the mirror 60 of the vanity 66 through a single LED 64. However, the illumination light of the visor 30 according to the present invention is used using two separate illumination guides 132, one disposed at each end of the vanity 66, with the illumination base 120 disposed at its respective end. Is also contemplated. It should be noted that the light guide 132 is made of any known predetermined material that has a predetermined thickness and can cause the distribution of light as required by the present invention. It should be noted that any known or unknown material may be used in the light guide and light guide system configured herein. Further, the one or more LEDs 64 may be directly attached to or may be directly attached to the illumination guide 132 at a predetermined position of the illumination guide 132, such as but not limited to the notch 134. Please keep in mind. The electronics required to operate the LED 64 that is directly attached to the light guide 132 may be placed between the power source for the visor or vehicle and the LED 64. In general, the light guide 132 of the present invention may be placed in the visor vanity frame 50 with the lens 74 placed over the upper surface to protect the surface of the light guide. . The lens 74 may be of any known type or design. In one contemplated embodiment, the notches 134 in the light guide 132 may be about 4 millimeters wide, but any other shape, width or notch is used for the input light area of the light guide 132. Also good. The vanity frame part 50 of the present invention may include an orifice of a predetermined shape that imitates the shape of the outside of the illumination guide part 132 as a whole. The light guide 132 may then be held in the vanity frame 50 by press-fitting by using crush ribs 136 at strategic locations such as each corner of the light guide 132. However, the illumination guide part 132 is slid into a fixed position or held in a fixed position by snapping or caulking work, and the illumination base part 120 and the vanity frame part 50 that hold and fix the LED 64 to the illumination guide part 132. Note that it is also contemplated to ensure that the light guide 132 remains fixed. Thus, any known holding technique such as press fit, snap or caulking can be used to hold the light guide 132 in place at one or both ends of the vanity frame 50, and then The vanity frame unit 50 includes a lens 74 that is adjacent to the mirror 60 and is disposed so as to cover the upper part of the illumination guide unit. Can be provided. Predetermined openings or through holes 142 in the ribs and other components of the visor half shell 38 may be configured therethrough for passing lines 58 from the vehicle electrical system to the circuit board 70 of the lighting base 120. Note also that the circuit board 70 is held in a vertical position.

  In the LED visor vanity of the present invention, instead of using the lens 74 to cover the illumination guide 132 or the LED 64 which is a direct substitute, the mirror 60 is extended to the end of the visor vanity frame 50. It is also contemplated that it may extend and be covered by eliminating any adhesive underneath the mirror 60. This allows light to shine directly through the mirror 60 and eliminates the need to use the lens 74 to disperse the LED illumination in a predetermined manner. It is further contemplated that a grating 140 may be formed on the vanity frame 50 to protect the light guide 132 or LED 64 and to disperse light from the light guide 132 or LED 64 in a predetermined manner. It is contemplated that these grids 140 may be any known shape, such as an arcuate line having a support arm design or a honeycomb design, as shown in the drawings. Extending the mirror 60 while eliminating the tape under the mirror, or any of these shaped grids 140 may be used with the LED system of the present invention. A map lamp 138 that may be placed on the first shell 36 or the second shell 38 of the visor body 42 is used by a vehicle user using the light emitting diode 64 and the lighting base 80 associated therewith according to the present invention. Note that it is also contemplated that a map lamp 138 may be provided, and the map lamp 138 may be a separate illumination system from the vanity mirror illumination system described herein. .

  29-33 show an alternative embodiment of the LED visor 230 according to the present invention. Like numerals refer to like parts. Alternative embodiments of the visor 230 include a sliding visor 230 configuration, such as but not limited to a pivot rod, D-ring, vanity, and cover material disposed over the visor body 242 to complete its assembly. A visor half shell 236 may be included that may include other surfaces for receiving and holding the element. The manner in which all these components described herein are coupled together and the components used and formed in each of these components are generally the same as those described above. The visor body 242 comprised of the first half shell 236 and the second half shell 238 allows the frameless vanity 266 to be secured to the visor body 242 so that the vanity 266 is used for vehicle occupants. Allows to be done. In one contemplated embodiment, one of the half shells, in this case the first half shell 236, includes a vanity pocket 235 disposed on a predetermined upper surface of the first half shell 236. . In one contemplated embodiment, the vanity pocket 235 is located near one end of the visor half shell 236. However, the vanity pocket 235 can be placed anywhere along the visor half shell surface. Note that any other shape, including but not limited to an ellipse, a circle, a square, a triangle, or any other shape can be used to form the vanity pocket 235. It has a rectangular shape as a whole. The vanity pocket 235 may be placed in a location that is recessed a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the visor first half shell 236. This distance allows all of the components necessary to actuate the vanity 266 to be placed there, creating a surface that is aesthetically pleasing to the user of the visor 230 of the vehicle. Vanity pocket 235 may include a plurality of channels formed therein. In one contemplated embodiment, the vanity pocket 235 may include first and second circuit board channels 249, and the circuit board 270 may be disposed and secured thereto toward the vanity 266. The vanity pocket 235 can also include a wire harness channel 237 configured along or near the upper end of the vanity pocket 235. In one contemplated embodiment, wire harness channel 237 and circuit board channel 249 have a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above. Note that any other shape of channel may be used for the channels described herein. The wire harness channel 237 and the first and second circuit board channels 249 are connected to each other and form a C shape as a whole when viewed from above. It is further noted that each circuit board channel 249 may include a protruding member or finger 251 that extends a predetermined distance from the inner surface of each circuit board channel 249. Using these fingers 251, the circuit board 270 can be aligned and secured in place with respect to the channel 249. The first and second illumination guide channel 253 may be immediately adjacent to the first and second circuit board channel 249. The illumination guide channel 253 may generally mimic the shape of the exterior of the illumination guide 232 that can be used in the visor 230 according to the present invention. In one contemplated embodiment, the light guide channel 253 has a generally partial oval or semi-circular shape, depending on the design of the light guide 253 and the shape of the outer edge for the present invention. May be. In one contemplated embodiment, the light guide channel 253 extends a predetermined distance from the bottom of the vanity pocket 235, but does not extend to the circuit board channel 249 and the wire harness channel 237. Please keep in mind. However, all of the channels extend from the bottom of the vanity pocket 235 to the same distance so that the light guide channel 253, the circuit board channel 249, and the wire harness channel 237 are all from the bottom of the vanity pocket 235. It is also contemplated to extend the same distance. In one contemplated embodiment, first and second triangular wedge members 255 are disposed between each light guide channel 238 and circuit board channel 249. These wedge members 255 allow the circuit board 270 to be properly positioned relative to the light guide 232 so that the wedge can imitate one surface of the light guide 232, thereby providing a visor. The light guide 232 can be securely set in the light guide channel 253 without any movement relative to the body 242. The vanity pocket 235 extends from the upper surface of the first half shell 236 of the visor body down to the vanity pocket 235 and is of any known shape and at any known angle. It should further be noted that the angled surface may also be included.

  A mirror 260 is disposed in the vanity pocket 235. The mirror 260 may have any known shape, such as a generally rectangular shape with curved ends or any other shape, as shown. The mirror 260 is generally made of glass with a suitable coating thereon, but it is also contemplated that the mirror 260 may be made from any other material such as plastic, composite material, natural material, and the like. The mirror 260 is configured to be secured to the lower surface of the vanity pocket 235 by any known coupling technique. Some of these techniques may be adhesives, tapes, hook-and-loop fasteners, mechanical connectors, or any other known chemical or mechanical connection technique. Note that one contemplated embodiment of the mirror 260 may have first and second transparent ends 247 disposed at opposite ends thereof. The transparent end portion 247 of the mirror 260 may be any known shape, such as the semi-circular or semi-oval shape shown in the drawings. The transparent end 247 may extend any distance from the end of the mirror 260 and may be positioned anywhere on the surface of the mirror 260. However, depending on the design requirements of the visor 230, it is also contemplated that the mirror 260 does not have a transparent end and / or that the mirror 260 has only one transparent end 247. Using a transparent end 247 on the mirror 260 allows light from the illumination guide 232 illuminated by the LED 264 located on the circuit board 270 to illuminate the vanity mirror 260 from below the mirror 260. . This allows light to pass through the transparent end 247 of the mirror 260 at night and at any other time, thus illuminating the mirror 260 for the vanity user. Note that the shape of the transparent end 247 may be any known shape that allows light to pass through and illuminate the vanity mirror 260 of this alternative embodiment. In use, the mirror 260 may be secured to the vanity pocket 235 so that the mirror 260 is disposed and secured within the first and second circuit board channels 249. The first and second illumination guides 232 arranged in the first and second illumination guide channels 253 adjacent to each other with the plate 270 are arranged. The circuit board 270 is electrically connected to the electric system of the vehicle via the wiring harness 258. The wiring harness 258 is disposed in the wire harness channel 237 and is connected to the respective circuit board 270 at one end thereof, and the opposite end of the wiring harness 258 is connected to the electric system of the vehicle. The As described above, any type of switch, such as a plunger switch or a mechanical switch, that the user chooses to manually turn on or off the lighting can be used to control the power of the LED 264. As pointed out above, the light guides 232 may be located at each end of the vanity pocket 235, may be located only at one end of the vanity pocket 235, or the vanity pocket 235. It is not necessary to arrange in this part. The above-described illumination guide 232 may have any known shape and thickness, and may or may not be used in the present invention. As described above in the previous embodiment, the LED 264 is disposed on the circuit board 270, which is connected to the electrical system of the vehicle.

  An alternative embodiment visor 230 may also include a door mounting panel 231. The door mounting panel 231 or door mounting member can remain directly on the first half shell 236 of the visor body 242. The door mounting panel 231 has a rectangular shape as a whole having curved end portions at the respective end portions. This forms a wing-like shape as a whole when viewed from above. The door mounting panel 231 has an S shape as a whole when viewed in cross section. In one contemplated embodiment, the door mounting panel 231 may include first and second orifices 257 therethrough to receive the door hinge 243 of the door 272 for the vanity 266. Orifice 257 may be any known shape, but is generally rectangular when viewed from above. In one contemplated embodiment, the first and second orifices 257 for the door hinge 243 are disposed through the door mounting panel 231. In general, the two door hinges 243 are disposed out of the upper surface of the door 272, one at or near one end of the door 272 and the other at or near the other end of the door 272. However, it is contemplated that a single door hinge 243 is used with the door mounting panel 231 and that multiple, ie, three or more door hinges are also contemplated. The door mounting panel 231 can also include a panel snap or snap locking member 241 disposed out of the lower surface of the door mounting panel 231. The panel snap member 241 has a rectangular shape as a whole, and includes a triangular wedge at the end thereof. The triangular wedge may form a locking shoulder that can interact with the locking surface of the first visor half shell 236 according to the present invention. The locking shoulder of the panel snap 241 allows the door mounting panel 231 to be pushed through the base orifice and interengaged therewith. The length of the door mounting panel 231 extends substantially the entire width of the vanity pocket 235 as a whole. In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the door mounting panel 231 is slightly less than the width of the vanity pocket 235 so that the vanity pocket 235 tapers toward the end of the door mounting panel 231. , Having an angled surface. A plurality of panel locking snaps 241 are disposed out of the lower surface. In the illustrated embodiment, three different sized snaps 241 are placed along the first edge of the lower surface of the door mounting panel 231, and a single panel snap 241 is attached to the door mounting panel 231. Located along the opposite edge. Note that the first half shell 236 has a plurality of locking slots or orifices 259 configured therethrough. Generally, the locking slot 259 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above, but any other known shape may be used for the locking slot 259. The locking slot 259 can be used to contact and receive and lock the locking surface of the locking shoulder of the snap lock member 241 of the door mounting panel so that it is between the locking shoulder and the locking slot. Interengagement occurs. In the snap-type configuration, the panel locking snap 241 generally allows the panel locking snap member 241 to bend to interlock its locking shoulder with the locking surface of the locking slot 259. And a predetermined deflection coefficient (co-efficiency of flexibility). The door mounting panel 231 can also include first and second door connector members 261. The door connector member 261 may be disposed out of the lower surface of the door mounting panel 231 as a whole. The door connector member 261 may generally have a first leg and a second leg that are interconnected by a cross member therebetween. The cross member may have a first pocket and a second pocket disposed on the upper surface thereof, with smaller pockets disposed through the surface. The door connector member 261 can also include a spring pocket 245 on the side of the cross member, which can be used to secure one end of the spring 239 for the door 272 in the spring pocket 245. it can. Note that the door connector member 261 may also include a flange 263 extending from one of its legs, the flange 263 including an orifice through the predetermined portion thereof. This orifice can be used to position the hinge 243 therethrough to pivot about a predetermined axis between the open and closed positions so that the door 272 covers the mirror 260. In the embodiment shown, two door connector members 261 are placed out of the lower surface of the door mounting panel 231. The door mounting panel 231 also has a cross member formed as a solid member with no pockets on its upper surface, only the spring pocket 245 being disposed through the side of the cross beam of the door connector member 261. It should be further noted that it is good. The door 272 is shaped to mimic the overall shape of the vanity pocket 235 and thus any known, such as concealing the mirror 260 beneath the door 272 of the visor body 242 while it is closed. Note that it may have dimensions and any known shape. As shown in the embodiment, the door 272 has an oval or rectangular shape as a whole, and the door 272 is disposed on a lower surface thereof for easy opening and closing of the door 272 by a vehicle user. With indentations. The door 272 may also include first and second hinges 243 that are offset from the upper end of the door 272. It should be noted that any other number of hinges can be used, including one or more, depending on the design of the visor 230 according to the present invention. The door hinge 243 may have a U-shape as a whole when viewed in cross section. The door hinge 243 may include a dowel or pin located at one end thereof. This pin may be placed through an orifice located at each end of the door connector member 261 to provide a pivot point so that the door 272 opens and the mirror 260 is visible. And the door 272 can be closed and pivoted about the hinge to allow the mirror 260 to be closed so that it is not visible to the user of the vehicle. The door spring 239 described above has a C or U shape as a whole when viewed from the side. The second end of the door spring 239 may engage a cam surface configured on the door hinge 243 near a generally central portion of the door hinge 243. This makes it possible to open and close the door in a controlled and hassle-free manner without any secondary noise. Note that the door spring 239 shown includes a split end at one end thereof. The split end may have one portion of the split end engaged with the upper surface of the cam of the door hinge 243 and the second portion engaged with the lower surface of the cam of the door hinge 243. This split end portion of the door spring 239 allows noise to be reduced and can be opened and closed without hassle. The door spring 239 may be made of any known material, but in one preferred embodiment it is made of a metallic material, but any other plastic, composite or natural material may be used. Please note that. It is also contemplated to use any other type of plastic, metal, ceramic, composite or natural material for any of the other parts herein. It is further noted that it is contemplated to use at least one cylindrical locking member or alignment member 265 that extends from the lower surface of the door mounting panel 231. These are generally located near the respective outer ends of the door mounting panel 231. The cylindrical locking member 265 may generally have a tapered head that can engage the locking surface of the first half shell 236. The first half shell 236 includes first and second cylindrical orifices 267 therethrough that can be aligned with and interlocked with the cylindrical locking member 265 of the door mounting panel 231. But you can. It is also contemplated that one door coupling member 261 can be used with one hinge 243 located near the center of the vanity pocket 235.

  FIGS. 34-40 show yet another alternative embodiment of a visor 330 according to the present invention. Like numerals refer to like parts. This alternative embodiment includes a first half shell 336 and a second half shell that are formed together to create a visor body 342. The visor half shell may be a variety of visor 330 such as, but not limited to, a pivot rod, D-ring, vanity 366, and cover material disposed over the visor body 312 to complete its assembly. It may include many other surfaces that receive and hold the component. The visor 320 of this alternative embodiment may have a first half shell 336 with a vanity pocket 335 disposed therein. The vanity pocket 335 as a whole may have the overall outer shape of the vanity frame 351 used to connect the vanity 366 to the visor body 342. In the illustrated embodiment, the vanity pocket 335 is generally rectangular in shape with rounded edges. However, any other shape, such as a rectangle, square, circle, ellipse, triangle, or any other known shape may be used for the vanity 366 and vanity pocket 355 described herein. Good. The vanity pocket 335 can extend a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the first half shell 336. The vanity pocket 335 may also include first and second circuit board channels 353 and first and second light guide channels 363 disposed therein. The first and second channels 353, 363 are generally disposed near the respective outer ends of the vanity pocket 325. In the illustrated embodiment, the light guide channel 363 does not extend from the upper surface of the first half shell 336 as much as the circuit board channel 353. As described above, the circuit board channel 353 generally has a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and the illumination guide channel 363 generally has a semicircular shape or a D-shape when viewed from above. Have. The illumination guide 332 may be disposed in the illumination guide channel 363 such that the lower surface of the illumination guide 332 interacts with and engages the upper surface of the illumination guide channel 363. The guide 332 aligns with the circuit board 370 placed and secured in the circuit board channel 353 so that the LED illumination connected to the circuit board 370 can illuminate the illumination guide 332 as described above. May be. The outer periphery of the illumination guide 332 may mimic the periphery of the illumination guide channel 363 so that the illumination guide 332 does not move relative to the visor body 342. A design that is generally the same as the circuit board 370 described above may also be used in this embodiment, so that the circuit board 370 does not move in the circuit board channel 353, thereby ensuring proper positioning of the LEDs relative to the light guide 332. Matching is certain. In the embodiment shown for this alternative embodiment, no wire harness channel is used. However, depending on the design requirements, wire harness channels may also be incorporated into this design. Thus, the circuit board channels 353 are parallel to each other and are each located near one end of the vanity pocket 335 or at a predetermined distance from the actual end of the vanity pocket 335. The vanity pocket 335 can also include a flange or shoulder 357 disposed around the entire periphery of its inner periphery. The mirror flange 365 is disposed adjacent to the flange 357. The mirror flange 365 may generally mimic the shape of the outside of the mirror 360 and may allow the outer edge of the mirror 360 to rest on the mirror flange 365 in the vanity pocket 335. The flange 357 may be parallel to the upper surface of the first half shell 336. The flange 357 may include a plurality of locking slots 367 that are spaced at predetermined intervals around the entire periphery of the vanity pocket flange 357. In general, these locking slots 367 may be rectangular when viewed from above, but any other shape of locking slot may be used, and any number of locking slots may be any known May be disposed around the vanity pocket flange 357 in any manner.

  The visor 330 also includes a vanity frame portion 351. The vanity frame portion 351 may have a rectangular shape including curved end portions as a whole. This shape can mimic the shape of the outside of the vanity pocket 335 and thus can be any known shape. The vanity frame 351 may also include two slots 369, at least one, but in the illustrated embodiment, through which a door hinge can be mounted. Therefore, the upper part of the vanity frame part 351 may be wider than the lower part of the vanity frame part 351 and the two horizontal parts. Extending from the lower surface of the vanity frame portion 351 may be a plurality of mirror frame snap members or lock members 355. The mirror frame lock snap member 355 may be generally rectangular with a wedge or triangular shaped end there. The triangular shaped end can form the locking shoulder of the mirror frame locking snap 355. This locking shoulder can interengage with a locking surface configured through the locking slot 367 of the vanity pocket flange 357. Thus, the locking shoulder can engage the lower surface of the vanity pocket flange 357 to secure the vanity frame 351 to the visor body 342. Note that the mirror frame locking snap 355 may be arranged in any known pattern around the outer periphery of the vanity frame 351. As described above, the mirror frame locking snap 355 may align with and engage with a locking slot 367 configured through the vanity pocket flange 357. The mirror frame locking snap 355 may have any known width and length. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of twelve vanity mirror frame locking snaps 355 are disposed at predetermined positions around the vanity frame 351. Accordingly, the number of locking slots 367 is the same as the number of locking snaps 355, and the locking slots 367 are configured through the first half shell 336. The first and second door connector members 361 may be disposed out of the upper portion of the vanity frame portion 351 that is wider. The door connector member 361 is generally the same as described above for the other embodiments. Thus, the door connector member 361 has a generally circular channel that can receive the hinge pin of the door 372 so that the door 372 can be pivotally connected to the door connector member 361 and thus the visor body 342. Also good. The first half shell 336 allows a first orifice having a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above, allowing the first and second door connector members 361 to extend therethrough. Note that and may also have a second orifice. As a result, the vanity frame portion 351 stays and can be connected and fixed to the visor body 342. Note that this snap of the system allows the vanity 366 to be easily installed in the visor 330 of the automobile vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, an electrical connector 359 is disposed adjacent to one of the door connector members 361 and is connected to the first visor half shell 359 via any known coupling technique. Fixed to the inner surface of the. The electrical connector 359 is then connected to the vehicle's electrical system and electrically connected to the circuit board 378 so that the LED is powered, illuminated and illuminated with a mirror 360 provided to the visor 330. The mirror 360 may have two transparent ends at each end thereof, one transparent end at one end thereof, and transparent depending on the design requirements of the vanity 366. It should be noted that the mirror as a whole is the same in that it does not have to have a sharp edge. It should further be noted that the vanity frame 351 can also include a mirror flange 371 disposed around the inner periphery of the vanity frame 351. The mirror flange 371 may have an elliptical shape as a whole or a rectangular shape with curved ends, and may imitate the inner diameter of the inner periphery of the vanity frame portion 351. The mirror flange 371 may be generally parallel to the upper surface of the first half shell 336. The mirror flange 371 can be used in part to secure the mirror 360 within the visor body 342. In one contemplated embodiment, the mirror 360 is mechanically coupled to the mirror 360 by a mirror flange 371 of the vanity frame 351 that secures the mirror 360 within the vanity pocket 335 of the first half shell 336. May be held in place and secured in the visor body 342. Accordingly, the lower portion of the mirror 360 is disposed on and may contact the surface of the vanity pocket 335, and the mirror 360 also contacts a mirror flange 371 that may be disposed along the inner periphery of the vanity frame 351. . Therefore, when the vanity frame portion 351 is fastened to the visor first half shell 336, the vanity frame portion 351 is in a predetermined position with respect to the illumination guide portion 332, the circuit board 370, the door 372, and the visor body 342. Can be fixed. Except for the door spring 339, all of the components may be made of plastic material, but any other metal, ceramic, composite or natural material may also be used for any of these components Please note that. The same may apply to door springs, which can be made of any known metal, plastic, ceramic, composite material or natural material. It should further be noted that the door 372 and door hinge system as a whole are the same as described above with respect to this other alternative embodiment. The vanity frame locking snap 355 of one embodiment includes four locking snaps 355 that are generally positioned in place along the first long edge and the second long edge, and generally a vanity frame 351. And two locking snaps 355 located in place on the shorter edge. However, any other number of locking snap members 355 may be used in any type of installation or positioning.

  Thus, during work, the two alternative embodiments of the visor are easier to manufacture and the locking system snaps placed in both the frameless vanity and locking vanity frame embodiments to the visor. It may be easier to install the vanity. Such a simple installation of the vanity in the visor body can shorten the manufacturing time and reduce the entire manufacturing cost, and the transparent end of the mirror is the lens and the illumination guide or LED of the present invention. Allows for the removal of associated equipment coupled to a lens placed over the cover, thus reducing the cost of the material.

  The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It should be understood that the terminology used is not intended to be limiting but is intended to be descriptive in nature.

  Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Accordingly, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A pivot rod,
A first shell and a second shell engageable to form a visor body;
A vanity secured to the first shell;
A mirror having at least one transparent end and secured in the vanity by a vanity frame;
A circuit board disposed in a first channel of the first shell;
An illumination guide disposed adjacent to the circuit board and positioned below the transparent end of the mirror;
A light emitting diode fixed to the surface of the circuit board;
Visor for use in vehicles.   The visor of claim 1, further comprising a door pivotally connected to the vanity frame.   The visor of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of vanity frame snaps extending from a lower surface of the vanity frame.   The visor of claim 3, wherein the first shell has a plurality of locking slots disposed about an outer periphery of a vanity pocket disposed therein.   The visor of claim 4, wherein the locking slot interacts with and engages the vanity frame snap to secure the vanity to the visor body.   The visor of claim 1, wherein the vanity frame has an inwardly extending flange disposed therefrom.   The visor of claim 6, wherein the flange secures the mirror in the vanity, and the flange engages the mirror around the entire outer edge of the mirror.   The visor of claim 1, wherein the light guide is disposed in a second channel of the vanity pocket of the first shell.   The visor of claim 1, wherein the mirror has the transparent ends at both ends thereof.   The visor of claim 1, wherein the light emitting diode illuminates the illumination guide, and the illumination guide is illuminated from below the mirror.   The visor of claim 6, wherein the mirror engages the flange at an upper portion thereof and engages the first shell at a lower portion thereof. A pivot rod,
A first shell and a second shell engageable to form a visor body;
A vanity pocket formed in the first shell;
A mirror disposed in the vanity pocket;
A door attachment member secured to the first shell at an upper portion of the vanity pocket;
A door pivotally connected to the door mounting member;
A circuit board disposed in the first channel of the vanity pocket;
An illumination guide that is disposed adjacent to the circuit board and positioned below one end of the mirror;
A light emitting diode fixed to the surface of the circuit board,
Visor for use in vehicles.   The visor of claim 12, further comprising a wire harness channel disposed in the vanity pocket.   The visor of claim 13, further comprising at least one line electrically connected to the circuit board, wherein the line is disposed in the wire harness channel.   The visor of claim 12, wherein the door mounting member comprises a plurality of locking snaps extending from a surface thereof.   The visor of claim 15, wherein the first shell has a plurality of locking slots through its surface.   The visor of claim 16, wherein the locking slot interengages with the locking snap to secure the mounting member to the first shell.   The visor of claim 12, further comprising a door spring disposed between a spring pocket of the door mounting member and a door hinge of the door.   The visor of claim 12, wherein the mirror has transparent ends at both ends thereof.   The visor of claim 12, wherein the mirror is secured to the vanity pocket by an adhesive, tape, or hook-and-loop fastener.

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