MXPA06009528A - Signaling assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A signaling assembly is disclosed and which includes a reflective substrate having opposite first and second surfaces;an electromagnetic radiation emitter for emitting visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation and which is borne by the second surface of the reflective substrate;and a light channeling assembly positioned near the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and which directs the emitted visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation in a direction where it may be viewed from a location which is forward of one of the first and/or second surfaces of the reflective substrate.

Description

UNIT D? SIGNALING FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a signaling unit that is useful when installed in land vehicles, and more particularly to a signaling unit when coupled with the controls of a land vehicle, it can operate as a lamp combination of alarm and rearview mirror unit, and that also provides a visually perceptible signal that can be observed from a wide range of sites impossible until now.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The beneficial effects of using auxiliary signaling units have been. described in several patents of the United States, including U.S. Patents. Nos. 5,014,167; 5,207,492; 5,355,284; 5,361,190; 5,481,409; 5,499,169; 5,528,422; 6,005,724; and 6,257,746, as well as U.S. Patent Applications. Nos. Of Series 10 / 124,213 and 10 / 283,715 whose full disclosure is considered part of this by reference. The mirror units described in some of these patents teach the use of various dichroic mirrors that are operable to reflect broadband electromagnetic radiation, within the visible light portion of the spectrum, simultaneously allowing electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths that are within a predetermined spectral band pass through them. As described in this prior art, these same dichroic mirrors continue to be an excellent reflector of visual images, that is, they achieve luminous reflectance that is acceptable for automotive applications, and of other industries, an average transmittance in the spectral band is also achieved simultaneously. predetermined that is suitable for use as a visual signal over a wide range of distances and for various purposes. Since all these devices of the prior art have worked with some degree of success, certain deficiencies have not yet been discovered that have removed them from their widespread use. Among the various deficiencies that have impeded commercial introduction are the manufacturing costs associated with the application of the rather complex optical coatings, which are necessary to form the dichroic mirrors that are employed in these various devices. Even more, . other mirror products have been introduced that differ, to some degree, from the use of dichroic mirrors. However, these devices, when constructed according to their teachings, have not been able to provide the same performance characteristics as those provided by the prior art using dichroic mirrors. Other devices have also been described in the references of the prior art which attempt to provide the same functional benefits as those described in the above patents. These references describe all kinds of modifications of the mirror housing, where for example, the lamps are located in various orientations to project light towards determined areas both internally and outside the terrestrial vehicle and also to provide auxiliary signaling or alarm capability. Examples of these patents include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,583,155; 4,646,210; 4,916,430; 5,059,015; 5,303,130; 5,371,659; ,402,103; 5,497,306; and 5,436,741 to name a few. In addition to the deficiencies associated with the manufacture of a dichroic coating suitable for use in mirror units as described in the prior art, the extensive modifications required by some designs described in the aforementioned patents commonly allow significant amounts of ambient light to enter. to the housing or box of the lamp, whereby the level of perceived contrast is reduced and therefore the effectiveness of these signaling devices. Furthermore, federal regulations also restrict the distance that a mirror housing can protrude from the side of a land vehicle., and for this reason, the associated mirror housings have a limited volume. Consequently, the amount of internal space that is normally available when these same accommodations are used is very limited. Therefore, the size, weight, and perceived contrast level of an enclosed, light-emitting unit used in such signaling devices have become significant factors in the development and commercial introduction of a suitable product. To face these and other deficiencies perceived in the prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,724 discloses a new mirror unit employing a mirror substrate that is manufactured by the use of conventional techniques, and that includes a primary mirror surface region that reflects less than about 80% of a given band of visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation.; and a secondary region adjacent to it and through which electromagnetic radiation can pass. In the mirrors of this design, the average reflection of the mirror coating is greater than about 50%. This new invention causes significant decreases in manufacturing costs for devices of this type. Moreover, the perceived safety advantages of using such auxiliary signaling devices have now been perfectly established, even though these same signaling units provide a convenient means by which an operator can signal vehicles that are adjacent to it, and oriented backward in relation to a land vehicle equipped with them, by their will, for example, to change lanes, turn or perform other vehicular maneuvers that would be of interest to vehicles traveling adjacent to it. A signaling unit that achieves these and other advantages is the subject matter of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, one aspect of the present invention relates to a signaling unit including a reflecting substrate having first and second opposing surfaces; an emitter of electromagnetic radiation for emitting visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation and which is supported by the second surface of the reflecting substrate; and a light channeling unit positioned near the emitter of electromagnetic radiation, and directing the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation emitted in a direction where it can be observed from a site in front of one of the first and / or the second surfaces of the reflecting substrate. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a signaling unit including a housing having a side wall and defining an internal cavity, and first and second openings; a reflecting substrate having first and second opposing surfaces, and a peripheral edge, and further partially occluding the first opening which is defined by the housing, and wherein a slit is defined between the reflecting substrate and the side wall; a translucent substrate placed in substantially occlusal relationship with respect to the second opening; an emitter of electromagnetic radiation mounted on the second surface of the reflecting substrate and which, when energized, emits visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation having first and second portions, and wherein the second portion of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passes through the substrate translucent; and a light channeling unit positioned, at least in part, against the side wall of the housing, and which reflects the first portion of the electromagnetic radiation visually perceptible through the slit that is defined between the side wall and the reflecting substrate.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a signaling unit including a housing having a side wall defining an internal cavity, and first and second openings; a reflector substrate having a peripheral edge, and which is placed in substantially occlusal relationship with respect to the first aperture; and an emitter of electromagnetic radiation supported by the reflecting substrate and which emits electromagnetic radiation visually perceptible to the cavity, and wherein a first portion of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passes around the peripheral edge of the reflecting substrate and forms a first visually perceptible signal that It can be observed from one. first position; and a second portion of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passes through the second opening and forms a second visually perceptible signal that can be observed from a second site, and wherein the first and second sites are angularly offset from each other by more than Approximately 90 degrees. Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a signaling unit including a mirror housing having a side wall defining an internal cavity, and first and second openings; a reflector substrate having a peripheral edge, and which is placed in substantially occlusal relationship with respect to the first aperture; an emitter of electromagnetic radiation supported by the reflecting substrate, and which is located within the internal cavity of the housing, and which, when energized, emits visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passing through the second aperture, and which can be perceived visually from one place, and at a distance from the mirror housing; and a light channeling unit positioned in the internal cavity, and which is adjacent to the emitter of electromagnetic radiation, and which directs visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation through the second aperture, and which also notably prevents visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation from passing through. around the peripheral edge of the mirror. These and other aspects of the present invention will be described in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OR FIGURES The preferred embodiments of the invention are described below, with reference to the following attached drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a land vehicle, employing the signaling unit of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective, slightly amplified view of the signaling unit of the present invention and that is properly mounted in a land vehicle. Figure 3 is a perspective view, in side elevation of one side, of the signaling unit of the present invention. Figure 4 is a perspective, partial, exploded view of the housing used with the signaling unit of the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an energized signaling unit of the present invention. Figure 6 is a second side elevational view and illustrating one side of a signaling unit of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a vertical, transverse, fragmentary sectional view of a signaling unit of the present invention, and that is taken from a position along line 7-7 of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a view in FIG. lateral elevation, in perspective, fragmentary, of a shape of the signaling unit of the present invention with some units removed to show the structure below it. Figure 9 is a vertical, transverse, fragmentary sectional view of a second form of the invention as shown in Figure 6 and taken from a position along line 7-7. Figure 10 is a vertical, transverse, fragmentary sectional view of yet another form of a signaling unit of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES First Form A first form of a signaling unit incorporating the teachings of the present invention is best observed by reference to the number (10) in Figures 1-7 respectively. As described above, the present invention is useful when installed in a land vehicle (11) of conventional design and best seen with reference to Figure 1. As shown there, the land vehicle (11) has a front end or forward (12); a rear or opposite end (13); and a position (14) of the operator. From the position (14) of the operator, several signaling lamps indicated by the number (15) can be selectively energized in order to provide visual information to the neighboring drivers regarding the intended directional movement of the land vehicle. (11) as it progresses through a given travel course. As seen more specifically with reference to Figure 2, the apparatus (10) is mounted on or near the door (20) of the land vehicle so that a portion, or a side thereof (Figure 6) can be observed from the position (14) of the operator and from lateral and posterior positions of the land vehicle (11). As seen more specifically in Figures 3 to 7, for example, the apparatus (10) includes a housing indicated generally by the number (21). The housing (21) is formed by a convexly curved, opaque side wall (22), although other forms of side walls will function with equal success. The convexly curved side wall has a first side (23); and a second opposite side designated with the number (24). As seen in Figure 5, for example, the side wall (22) is defined by a first peripheral edge (25), which is located on the first side (23) of the housing. In addition, the convexly curved side wall (22) has a second peripheral edge (30) (Figure 4), which is located on the second side (24) of the housing (23). As illustrated, the first peripheral edge (25) is generally located around the same plane, and defines a first opening (31) (Figure 7). In addition, the second peripheral edge (30) defines a second opening (32) that follows the curvature or shape of the side wall (22). This aspect of the invention can be seen when referring to figures 4 and 5, for example. The second opening (32) has first and second diverging portions (33) and (34) (Figure 3). The housing (21) defines a cavity (35) (Figures 4 and 7) and encloses several units that will be described in greater detail later. A slit (36) (FIG. 7) is defined between the side wall (22) and the reflector substrate (40) described below. As best seen by reference to Figure 7, a reflective or mirror substrate 40 of substantially conventional design is received or otherwise supported in a partial occlusion relationship with respect to the first opening 31 that is defined by the housing (twenty-one) . The reflecting substrate or mirror (40) has a first surface or facing outwards (41) that moves away from the cavity (35), and a second surface or inward facing (42) that is oriented inward towards the cavity (35). As best understood by the exaggerated and very simplified view of Figure 7, the reflector or mirror substrate (40) is made of a transmissible light substrate (43) having first and second opposing surfaces (44) and (45), respectively, and a peripheral edge (46). A reflective layer that is generally indicated by the number (50) is positioned at least in partial coverage ratio with respect to one of the first or second surfaces (44) or (45) of the light transmissible substrate. In later figures, this reflective surface has been removed, so that other features of the invention can be more easily understood. It will be apparent that each of the reflector substrates (40) described in each of the figures would include a reflective layer of the type described herein. As should be understood, the location of the reflective layer on either of these two surfaces will not significantly affect the operation of the present invention. As seen in Figure 7, for example, the reflective coating or layer (50) is placed on the second surface (45) or facing inwardly. The reflective layer (50) provides a highly reflective surface that reflects the visually perceptible environmental electromagnetic radiation. The reflective layer (50) may comprise, for example, a chromium layer that is deposited to a thickness that passes less than about 10% of the visible environmental electromagnetic radiation. As seen in the drawings, a discrete opening (51) can be formed in the chromium layer and which allows the passage of electromagnetic radiation through it. The opening (51) can be formed in various sizes and shapes, in order to achieve the benefits that will be described later (figures 6 and 7). In this arrangement, the reflective coating or layer (50) which passes less than about 10% of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation is considered to be a first region (52) (Figure 6), and the discrete apertures (51), which they are practically devoid of any reflective coating and the adjacent areas (53) are considered a second region. This secondary region is plotted using large dashed lines. The size and dispersion of the respective openings (51) are given in such a way that the resulting reflector substrate including the first and second regions (52) and (53) is greater than about 30%. In addition, the reflective layer (50) may comprise a dichroic coating that is operable to pass a predetermined band of electromagnetic radiation. The dichroic coating can be applied similarly to one of the first or second surfaces (44) or (45). Assuming that a dichroic coating is used as the reflective layer (50), the requirement for forming or defining an opening (51) is not normally required, thanks to the optical characteristics of the dichroic coating. In an alternative embodiment, the reflective layer (50) comprising chromium, can be deposited to a given reduced thickness, which allows the passage of increasing amounts of electromagnetic radiation through it. Such a reflective layer is commonly referred to as "thin chromium". One skilled in the art is able to easily calculate the thickness of the chromium that must be deposited in order to form a reflective layer 50, which passes the desired amounts of visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation. In yet another embodiment, the reflective layer (50) can be deposited on the light transmissible substrate in a manner that forms two portions or regions, i.e. a first portion or region comprising chromium which is deposited to a thickness that passes less about 10% of the ambient visible electromagnetic radiation or some of the electromagnetic radiation not visually perceptible, and a second portion or region having a thickness less than the first portion or region, and that visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passes in a greater amount of approximately 10%. In this arrangement, the stain that would normally occur in the mirror (40) and that is caused by the formation of the opening (51) in the reflecting layer (50) is practically avoided, because to a casual observer, at normal distances from observation, the first surface (41) of the reflector substrate (40) would seem to be practically continuous. As already described, the average reflectance of the first and second regions is greater than about 30%.

Although the shape of the reflector substrate (40) is chosen to partially occlude the first opening (31) of the housing (21), the reflecting substrate is operable to simultaneously reflect the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation and pass the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation, so that it can be observed from practically opposite sites in relation to the housing (21), is say, from a site in front of or in spaced relationship with respect to the first surface (41) (i.e. with backward direction of the land vehicle (11)) and forward of, or in spaced relationship with respect to the second surface (42) (ie forward of the land vehicle (11)). As seen in Figure 6, for example, the reflecting substrate (40) has a first primary region or region (52) that reflects on average at least about 35% of all visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation; and less than about 10% of all visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passes, and a second region (53) (shown in small dashed lines in Figure 6), and more than about 10% of the same electromagnetic radiation passes Visually perceptible As illustrated in the drawings, the secondary region (53) that is adjacent to the primary region (52) includes a plurality of openings (51) that are placed in a given pattern. The light emitting openings (51), as already described, are formed in the secondary region (53) by partial or total removal of the reflective coating or layer (50) in a given pattern. As described above, the partial removal of the reflector coating can not cause an opening as seen in the drawing, but rather an area of reduced thickness or "thin chrome" that allows to increase the amounts of visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation that pass to through it. As seen in the drawings, and as already described, the secondary region can be continuous or discontinuous. The specific details of the formation of the primary and secondary regions (53) and (54) are set forth in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,724 whose full disclosure is considered part of this, as a reference. As seen in Figures 5 and 7, the first forward facing surface (41) of the reflecting or mirroring substrate (40) defines a reference line which is indicated generally by the number (54). As seen more clearly by reference to Figure 7 and following, a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters, illustrated here as a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) (60) are supported by the second surface (42). ) of the reflecting substrate (40) and which, when energized, emits visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation which is indicated by the number (61). While the light-emitting diodes are shown mounted on the second surface (42) of the reflector substrate (40), it should be understood that they may be mounted inside or on the housing and in spaced relationship with respect to the reflector substrate. In addition, as will be evident, while the emitters of electromagnetic radiation are shown (60) (LEDs), in the present form of the invention, mounted on the reflecting layer (50), in the case where the reflecting or mirror substrate (40) that is mounted on the housing (21), have a reflective layer placed on the first surface (41), then under these circumstances, the emitters of electromagnetic radiation (60) could be mounted on the second surface or inward facing (45) of the transmissible light substrate (43). As seen in Figure 7, each of the plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters (60) is mounted in approximately the same orientation relative to the second surface (42) of the reflecting substrate (40). You must understand, however, that while Figure 7 shows the respective electromagnetic radiation emitters (LEDs) placed in approximately the same orientation, it is possible to mount the respective electromagnetic radiation emitters (60) in different orientations relative to the second surface (42) to achieve other benefits combined. The plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters (60) can be fixed to the second surface (42) of the reflector substrate (40) by means of adhesives and other fastening techniques. Moreover, the respective electromagnetic radiation emitters can be electrically coupled to the controls of the land vehicle (11) by means of discrete electric wires, which can be formed in a so-called "pig tail"; or in addition, they can be electrically coupled to the controls by means of electrical indicators that are integrally manufactured with the reflector substrate (40). Such electrical indicators can be applied by various silk stenciling techniques and the like. However, it is possible that these same emitters of electromagnetic radiation may be coupled to the controls of the land vehicle by means of electrical conductors incorporated in another structure, such as a heater that is manufactured integrally with the reflector substrate (40). Such structures are described in greater detail with respect to U.S. Patent Application. Serial No. 10 / 355.91-5 and filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 28, 2003. The teachings of this Patent Application are also included as a reference here. In addition to the foregoing, the respective emitters of electromagnetic radiation (60) may be mounted on a separate circuit board (not shown) and which may be immediately juxtaposed relative to the second surface (42). This circuit board can be of a rigid design, or one that is manufactured from a more flexible substrate. In this arrangement, the circuit board (not shown) would have discrete apertures, formed therein (if the circuit board were substantially opaque) and which would be substantially aligned coaxially relative to the respective apertures (51) or region (s) of the reflector coating (50) which is of reduced thickness, which is formed in the reflecting layer (50). In any case, and regardless of the nature of how the respective emitters of electromagnetic radiation (60) are mounted, each of the respective emitters of electromagnetic radiation (60) is facing the second surface (42) and in the direction of the cavity (35). This is more clearly seen in Figure 7. All emitters of electromagnetic radiation can emit visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (61) that has approximately the same wavelength and therefore the same color, or in addition, can have different colors when energized , depending on the needs of the end user. Also, a plurality of LEDs (60) may be co-accumulated in arrays as pixels and then selectively energized to various degrees, in order to produce light of various colors for any desired end-use. Such things could be achieved, for example, by forming pixels formed of LEDs emitting red, green and blue light. As seen in Figure 7, the signaling unit (10) of the present invention includes a reflector (70) that is supported by the second surface (42) of the reflector substrate (40) and directing the electromagnetic radiation (61) emitted by some of the emitters of electromagnetic radiation in one direction, so that it can pass through the reflector substrate (40) and be observed from a site in front of the first surface (41), and the electromagnetic radiation (61) emitted by the rest of the emitters of electromagnetic radiation (60) in one direction, so that it can be observed from a site in front of the second surface (42). In this regard, the reflector (70) has a first portion (71) which is positioned in a substantially eccentric relationship with respect to some of the electromagnetic radiation emitters (60) and the opening (51). As seen in Figure 7, the first portion (71) of the reflector (70) directs the electromagnetic radiation (61), emitted by some of the emitters of electromagnetic radiation (60) through the opening (51), so which can be observed from a site (74) in front of the first surface (41). This can be seen more clearly when referring to Figure 5. As seen in Figure 7, the electromagnetic radiation emitters (60) are placed in a relation displaced laterally with respect to the opening (51). In addition, the first and second individual portions of the reflectors (70) have individual axes or orientation lines generally indicated by the marked line (73). As will be apparent from a study of the drawing, the first portion (71) of the reflector (70) is oriented or otherwise placed in eccentric reflection relation with respect to at least one of the plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation (60). ). As such, the first portion (71) of the reflector is operable to direct emitted electromagnetic radiation (61), provided by some of the emitters of electromagnetic radiation (60) through the opening (51), so that it can be observed from a first position (74) (figures 1 and 5) which is located opposite or behind the first surface (41) of the reflecting substrate (40). When the invention (10) is mounted on a land vehicle, the emitted electromagnetic radiation (61) can be observed from a side site and at the rear thereof. As illustrated in Figure 7, the second portion (72) of the reflector (70) is operable to direct emitted electromagnetic radiation (61) originating from some of the emitters of electromagnetic radiation (60) in such a direction that it can be observe from a second position (75) that is in front of and laterally positioned relative to the second surface (42) of the reflector substrate (40) (figures 1, 5 and 7). As will be evident, the emitted electromagnetic radiation (61) which is directed in front of the second surface (42), is directed by means of the second portion (72) of the reflector (70) through the opening (32) that is defined by the side wall (22) of the housing (21). As seen in Figure 7, the first and second portions (71) and (72) are manufactured integrally with each other, to form a substantially unitary reflecting body. However, it is possible that the first and second portions may be placed in predetermined spaced relation to each other. The respective portions of the reflector (70) can be manufactured in various forms, in order to provide a reflection of the electromagnetic radiation (61) in the desired direction, for the application of the particular automotive platform on which the unit is mounted. signage (10). As seen in Figure 7, the orientation lines or axes (73) of the first and second portions (71) and (72) are arranged in spaced relation substantially parallel to each other. However, it is possible to manufacture a reflector (70) wherein the respective orientation axes (73) are oriented in a non-relation. parallel. In any case, the reflector (70) is operable to reflect the electromagnetic radiation emitted (61), so that a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted is transmitted in a first direction, and another portion of the emitted electromagnetic radiation is transmitted in a second, opposite or different, divergent direction (Figure 5). As best seen when referring to Figure 4, a translucent substrate (80) is provided, which is operable to substantially occlude the second opening (32) which is defined by the side wall (22) of the housing (21). As also seen in Figure 4, a washer (81) is provided which prevents it from entering the cavity (35). rain, snow, dust, etc. In some forms of the invention, this washer can be removed. As will be recognized from a study of the drawings (Figure 1), the translucent substrate (80) allows visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (61), and more specifically that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitters ( 60) and that is reflected or directed by the second portion (72) of the reflector (70), which passes through it, and is observed from the second position (75) that is in front of the second surface (42) . The translucent substrate (80) is manufactured by the use of conventional manufacturing techniques. As seen in the drawings (Figures 3 and 4), the translucent substrate (80) may include a plurality of lenses (83) that are integrally produced with the translucent substrate, and which provides a means to effectively disperse or direct Visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (61) in a broad pattern. As will be seen from the reference to Figure 1, the side wall (22) of the mirror housing (20) and defining the second opening (32) (Figure 4) defines a second reference line (84). In relation to this reference line (84), visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (61) which is directed outwards by means of the second portion (72) of the reflector (70), it can be observed or otherwise forms a first light area (85) that can be observed from a side and forward location of the land vehicle (11). As seen in Figure 1, in relation to the reference line (54), the visually discernible electromagnetic radiation (61) which is reflected or otherwise directed by the first portion of the reflector (70), forms a second zone of light (86) that can be observed from a side site and behind the vehicle (11) as from the first position (74). This second zone of light (86) is within, and less than about 180 ° in relation to the reference line (54). Moreover, the first light zone (85) that is transmitted and passes through the translucent substrate (80), can be practically visually perceptible from side and front sites located in relation to the land vehicle (11) and greater than approximately 180 ° in relation to the reference line (54). These areas of light (85) and (86) respectively form discrete, visually perceptible signals. As can be seen when referring to the drawings', the electromagnetic radiation (61) provided by the apparatus (10) is therefore practically visible from combined positions that are located at less than about 300 ° relative to the line of reference (54). As will be recognized, these first and second visually perceptible signals or respective light zones (85) and (86) are normally illuminated simultaneously although it is possible, based on the design of the signaling unit, that the first and the second signals can be illuminated in an alternative way, or in any given sequence that is desired. Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, another form of the present invention is observed with some units removed, in order to show the underlying structure. The form of the invention as seen in Figure 8 illustrates an alternative arrangement to that observed in Figure 7. With reference now to Figure 8, it will be noted that a common design motor support (90) is mounted within the cavity (35) as defined by the mirror housing (21). The motor support (90) is attached at a fixed location within the mirror housing (21) by conventional means and includes a main body (91) which is defined by a peripheral edge (92). As seen in the sectional view of Figure 9, a motor (93) of common design is fixed to the motor support and is operable to be controlled remotely from the land vehicle (11) in order to position the reflecting substrate (40) in several angular orientations in relation to the land vehicle (11), in such a way that an operator thereof can observe areas of interest that are located backward and laterally in relation to the land vehicle (11), while it is being operated. Still referring to Figs. 8 and 9, it will be noted that the present form of the invention includes a light channeling unit which is generally indicated by the number (100), and which is located near the emitters of electromagnetic radiation (60). ), and which directs the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (61) in a direction where it can be observed from a site that is in front of one of the first and / or second surfaces (41) and / or (42) of the reflecting substrate ( 40). As will be clearly understood from a study of Figures 7, 8 and 9, the light channeling unit is thus accommodated and placed which practically prevents the passage of any visually emitted electromagnetic radiation (61) through the slit (36) which is defined between the reflecting substrate (40) and the adjacent mirror housing (21). The light piping unit (100) has a main body (101) (Figure 8) which is defined by a peripheral edge (102). A portion of the peripheral edge is located adjacent to the side wall (22) defining the second opening (31). This is more clearly seen by reference to Figure 9. The main body (101) defines an opening (103) that allows the passage of visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (61) through it, so that it can pass through the second opening (32) which is defined by the side wall (22). As can be seen from a study of Figure 8, in order to make the light channel unit integral with the motor support or housing and also achieve effective light channeling, the light channeling unit (100) has a first portion (104) which is located at a first distance from the reflector substrate (40), and a second portion (105), which is located at a second distance from the reflector substrate, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance . These two distances may be uniform throughout the housing or may be different. Also, the additional spacers (143) are integrally manufactured with the light channeling unit, as shown. The first form of light channeling unit 100 can commonly be manufactured from a thermally moldable substrate that could be suitable for the operational and environmental conditions described herein. However, other rigid substrates could potentially be substituted for the same. In addition, the light channeling unit can be made of a light weight, inexpensive, flexible material, such as a synthetic foam or the like.

Second Form The second form of the invention is indicated generally by the number (120) in Figure 10, and is shown in a substantially vertical, fragmentary sectional view. Compared to the previous figures, similar numbers describe identical structures in Figure 10. As seen in Figure 10, and in the second form of the invention (120), a signaling unit is illustrated, which uses a plurality of light-emitting diodes (121) that are of similar design to that described earlier in (60). Similarly, these LEDs are further fixed to the second surface (42) of the reflector substrate (40). In the second form of the invention, the light emitting diodes (121) are energized by the electrical coupling arrangement previously described with respect to the first form of the invention and are also operable, when energized, to emit visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation. (122) having a first portion (123), and a second portion (124). In the arrangement shown in Figure 10, the first portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted is operable to pass through the slit (36), so that it can be observed from a site in front of the first surface (41), and the second portion (124) of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passes through the translucent substrate (80), so that it can be observed from a site in front of the second surface (42). As illustrated in Figure 10, a reflector (125) is provided, which is placed in substantially concentric reflection relation around the emitter of electromagnetic radiation or LED (121) and which is supported by the reflecting substrate (40). As it should be understood, several reflectors of combined designs could be used instead of the same, and which necessarily, can not be oriented in almost concentric reflection relation with respect to the respective LEDs. These other reflectors would be selected to achieve any desired lighting pattern or radiation. As also seen in Figure 10, a light channeling unit which is generally indicated by the number (130) is positioned near the emitter of electromagnetic radiation (121) and which is operable to direct visually emitted electromagnetic radiation (122). in a direction where it can be observed from a site that is in front of one of the first and / or second surfaces (41) and (42) of the reflecting substrate (40) (zones (85) and (86)). The signaling unit (120) as shown in Figure 10, is operable to produce visually perceptible signals that can be observed from practically opposite areas of sites (85) and (86) (Figure 1) in relation to the housing (21) . In the arrangement shown in Figure 10, the light pipe unit 130 has a main body 131 defining a side wall 132. The light channeling unit and more specifically the side wall thereof, has a first end (133) which is positioned adjacent to the second surface (42) of the reflector substrate (40), and a second end (134) which is located in spaced relationship with respect to the second surface of the reflecting substrate. The side wall (132) in combination with the side wall (22) of the housing (21) defines a passageway (135). Still further, and as seen in Figure 10, a primary reflective surface (140) is formed at the second end (134) and is operable to reflect the first portion (123) of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (122) to along the passageway (135) and through the slit (36), to form a first visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation signal (141) as illustrated. Also, the second portion (124) of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (122) forms a second visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation signal (142). These signals visually perceptible, individual, operate practically in identical manner to that previously described with respect to the first form of the invention. As will be recognized, however, the first visually perceptible signal (141) does not pass or otherwise travel through the reflecting substrate (40), but rather passes through the slit (36) that is defined between the reflecting substrate. (40) and the adjacent side wall (22) of the mirror housing (21). OPERATION It is believed that the operation of the described forms of the present invention will be more evident and is briefly summarized at this point. As best seen when referring to the drawings, a signaling unit of the present invention includes a housing having a side wall (22) and defining an internal cavity (35), and first and second openings (31) and ( 32). A reflector substrate (40) having a peripheral edge (46) is positioned in partial occlusion relation with respect to the first aperture. An emitter of electromagnetic radiation (60) is supported by the reflecting substrate (40) and emits visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (61), (122) towards the cavity. In one form of the invention, a first portion of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (123) passes around the peripheral edge (46) of the reflecting substrate and forms a first visually perceptible signal (141) that can be observed from a first position (86). ) (figure 1), and a second portion of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (124) passes through the second opening and forms a second visually perceptible signal (142) which can be observed from a second site (85). The first and second sites are angularly separated from each other by more than about 90 degrees. As already described, a form of the signaling unit of the present invention includes a mirror housing (21) having a side wall (22) and defining an internal cavity (35) and first and second openings (31) and (32) A reflector substrate (40) having a peripheral edge (46) is provided, which is placed in partial occlusion relation with respect to the first opening (31). An emitter of electromagnetic radiation (60) is supported by the reflecting substrate and is located inside the internal cavity (35) of the housing (21), and which, when energized, emits visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation (61) which passes to through the second opening (32), and which can be visually perceived from a site at a distance from the mirror housing (21). Furthermore, in this form of the invention, a light channeling unit (100) is placed in the internal cavity and adjacent to the emitter of electromagnetic radiation (60), and which directs the electromagnetic radiation visually perceptible through the second aperture. (32) which also notably prevents visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation from passing around the peripheral edge (46) of the reflector substrate (40). In this form of the invention, the light pipe unit (100) includes a main body (101) which is positioned between the reflector substrate (40) and the second opening (32), which is defined by the housing (21) of a mirror Therefore, it will be noted that the signaling unit of the present invention provides combined advantages and faces many of the drawbacks of the devices or units of the prior art that have been used hitherto. In addition, the present signaling unit achieves additional benefits by providing a visible visual signal that can be observed across a wide range of sites in relation to the land vehicle (11) and that to date had not been possible.

Claims (32)

1. CLAIMS 1. A signaling unit, comprising: a reflecting substrate having first and second opposing surfaces; an emitter of electromagnetic radiation for emitting visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation and which is supported by the second surface of the reflecting substrate; and a light channeling unit positioned near the electromagnetic radiation emitter, which directs the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation in a direction where it can be observed from a site that is in front of one of the first and / or the second surfaces of the substrate reflector. A signaling unit according to claim 1, and further including: - a housing defining an internal cavity, and further defining the first and second openings, and wherein the reflecting substrate partially occludes the first opening, and wherein the second surface of the reflecting substrate is received within the cavity; and a translucent substrate placed in substantially occlusal relationship with respect to the second opening. 3. A signaling unit according to claim 2, and wherein a slit is defined between the reflecting substrate and the housing, and wherein the light channeling unit directs a first portion of the electromagnetic radiation visually perceptible through the slit, so that it can be observed from a site in front of the first surface, and a second portion of the electromagnetic radiation visually perceptible through the translucent substrate, so that it can be observed from a site in front of the second surface. A signaling unit according to claim 2, and wherein a slit is defined between the reflecting substrate and the housing, and wherein the light channeling unit directs a portion of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation through the translucent substrate, so that it can be observed from a site in front of the second surface, and that also practically inhibits the passage of visually emitted, visible electromagnetic radiation, through the slit. 5. A signaling unit according to claim 4, and further comprising: a plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation, supported by the second surface of the reflecting substrate, and wherein the reflecting substrate simultaneously reflects and passes visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation; and a reflector having first and second portions, and wherein the individual portions are positioned in a reflective relationship with respect to at least one of the plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the first portion of the reflector reflects electromagnetic radiation emitted by one. of the plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation in a first direction, so that it can pass through the reflecting substrate, and is observed from a first position, and the second portion of the reflector reflects electromagnetic radiation emitted by one of the plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation in a second direction, so that it can be observed from a second position that is practically opposite to the first position. 6. A signaling unit according to claim 5, and wherein each of the plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation is mounted in substantially the same orientation relative to the second surface of the reflecting substrate. 7. A signaling unit according to claim 5, and wherein the plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters are individually mounted in different orientations relative to the second surface of the reflecting substrate. A signaling unit according to claim 5, and wherein the first portion of the reflector is positioned in substantially eccentric relationship with respect to at least one emitter of electromagnetic radiation, and the second portion of the reflector is positioned in a substantially concentric reflective relationship with with respect to at least one emitter of electromagnetic radiation. 9. A signaling unit according to claim 5, and wherein the reflecting substrate has a reflective coating deposited thereon to a thickness that allows the passage of electromagnetic radiation through it. 10. A signaling unit according to claim 9, and wherein the reflector coating comprises chromium. 11. A signaling unit according to claim 9, and wherein the reflector coating comprises a dichroic coating. 12. A signaling unit, comprising: a housing ha a side wall defining an internal cavity, and first and second openings; a reflecting substrate having first and second opposing surfaces, and a peripheral edge, and which further partially occludes the first opening that is defined by the housing, and wherein a slot is defined between the reflecting substrate and the side wall; a translucent substrate placed in substantially occlusal relationship with respect to the second opening; an emitter of electromagnetic radiation mounted on the second surface of the reflecting substrate and which, when energized, emits visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation having first and second portions, and wherein the second portion of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passes through the substrate translucent; and a light channeling unit positioned, at least in part, against the side wall of the housing, and which reflects the first portion of the electromagnetic radiation visually perceptible through the slit that is defined between the side wall and the reflecting substrate. 13. A signaling unit according to claim 12, and wherein the first and second portions of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation form visually discrete visual signals that can be observed from practically opposite sites, with respect to the housing. 14. A signaling unit according to claim 13, and wherein the light channeling unit includes a side wall defining a passageway, and which has first and second opposite ends, and wherein the slot defined between the reflecting substrate and the The side wall of the housing has a wide dimension, and wherein the first end of the passage has a transverse sectional dimension that is smaller than the wide dimension of the slit. 15. A signaling unit according to claim 14, and wherein the side wall of the housing defines, in part to the corridor, and wherein the first end of the light channeling unit is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the reflecting substrate, and the second end of the light channeling unit is located in spaced relationship with respect to the second surface of the reflecting substrate. 16. A signaling unit according to claim 15, and wherein the second end of the passage defines a primary reflecting surface that reflects the first portion of the electromagnetic radiation visually perceptible along the passageway and through the slit to form a perceptible signal. visually. 17. A signaling unit, comprising: a housing having a side wall defining an internal cavity and first and second openings; a reflector substrate having a peripheral edge, and which is placed in substantially occlusal relationship with respect to the first aperture; and an emitter of electromagnetic radiation supported by the reflecting substrate and which emits electromagnetic radiation visually perceptible to the cavity, and wherein a first portion of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passes around the peripheral edge of the reflecting substrate and forms a first visually perceptible signal that it can be observed from a first position, and a second portion of the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passes through the second opening and forms a second visually perceptible signal which can be observed from a second site, and wherein the first and second sites they are angularly offset from each other by more than about 90 degrees. 18. A signaling unit for a land vehicle, comprising: a mirror housing, supported by the land vehicle and that can be visually perceived from a first position that is located laterally and behind the land vehicle, and a second position that is located laterally and in front of the land vehicle; a mirror having a peripheral edge, and which is supported by the mirror housing; and a light emitting unit, supported by the housing, and emitting light passing between the mirror and the mirror housing to form a first visually perceptible signal that can be observed from the first site, and which also passes through the housing to form a second visually perceptible signal that can be observed from the second site. 19. A signaling unit, comprising: a mirror housing having a side wall defining an internal cavity and first and second openings; a reflective substrate having a peripheral edge, and which is placed in partial occlusion relation with respect to the first aperture; an emitter of electromagnetic radiation, supported by the reflecting substrate, and located within the internal cavity of the housing, and which, when energized, emits visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passing through the second aperture and which can be visually perceived from a site at a distance from the mirror housing; and a light channeling unit placed in the cavity. internal and adjacent to the emitter of electromagnetic radiation and that directs electromagnetic radiation visually perceptible through the second opening and that also practically prevents the electromagnetic radiation visually perceptible, emitted pass around the peripheral edge of the mirror. 20. A signaling unit according to claim 19, and further comprising: a motor mounting bracket placed in the internal cavity, and wherein the light channeling unit is integrally manufactured with the bracket or mounting housing of the motor. A signaling unit according to claim 20, and wherein the light channeling unit has a main body defined by a peripheral edge, and wherein a portion of the peripheral edge of the main body is positioned adjacent to the side wall of the housing of a mirror 22. A signaling unit according to claim 21, and wherein the main body of the light channeling unit defines an aperture through which the visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation passes, and wherein the main body of the channeling unit of light is placed between the reflector substrate and the second opening that is defined by the side wall of the mirror housing. 23. A signaling unit according to claim 22, and wherein the peripheral edge of the light channeling unit has a first portion that is located at a first distance from the reflecting substrate, and a second portion that is located at a second distance from the substrate reflector, and where the first distance is greater than the second distance. 24. A signaling unit according to claim 22, and wherein the emitter of electromagnetic radiation includes a plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation, supported by the reflecting substrate and which are located within the internal cavity of the housing, and wherein the substrate reflector reflects simultaneously and passes visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation; and wherein the signaling unit further comprises a reflector having first and second portions, and wherein the individual portions are positioned in reflective relationship with respect to at least one of the plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the first portion of the reflector reflects electromagnetic radiation emitted by one of the plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation in a first direction, so that it can pass through the reflecting substrate, and is observed from a first position, and the second portion of the reflector reflects electromagnetic radiation by at least one of the plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation in a second direction, so that it can be observed from a second position that is practically opposite to the first position. 25. A signaling unit according to claim 24, and wherein each of the plurality of emitters of electromagnetic radiation is mounted substantially in the same orientation with respect to the reflecting substrate. 26. A signaling unit according to claim 24, and wherein the plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters are individually mounted in different orientations with respect to the reflector substrate. 27. A signaling unit according to claim 24, and wherein the first portion of the reflector is positioned in substantially eccentric reflective relationship with respect to at least one emitter of electromagnetic radiation, and the second portion of the reflector is positioned in substantially concentric reflective relation. at least one emitter of electromagnetic radiation. 28. A signaling unit according to claim 24, and wherein the reflecting substrate has a reflective coating deposited thereon, which permits the passage of visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation therethrough. 29. A signaling unit according to claim 24, and wherein the reflecting substrate has a first region having a reflective coating deposited thereon and practically preventing the passage of visually perceptible electromagnetic radiation therethrough, and a second region, which is adjacent to the first region, and which is substantially devoid of any reflective coating and which allows the passage of electromagnetic radiation visually perceptible therethrough, and wherein the average reflectance of the reflecting substrate including the first and second portions, It is greater than about 30%. 30. A signaling unit according to claim 28, and wherein the reflector coating comprises chromium. 31. A signaling unit according to claim 28, and wherein the reflector coating comprises a dichroic coating. 32. A signaling unit according to claim 19, and wherein the light channeling unit is made of a flexible, lightweight material or foam.