MXPA99004162A - Vehicular visual safety device - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicular visual safety device (100) including a pair of mirror assemblies (102). The mirror pair includes a planar reflecting foward-most mirror assembly (106) and a convex object rear-most mirror assembly (108) each having an upper edge that lies in respective vertical planes that are substantially parallel with each other. A frame assembly (104) is provided to adjustably secure the mirror pair within the interior of a vehicle. The frame assembly has substantially parallel forward and rear sides (110F, 110R) each having tracks that adjustably receive the forward-most and rear-most mirrors, respectively. The mirrors can be laterally rotated and secured at any one of many predetermined locations along their respective tracks so as to provide the driver with a view of a substantial area external to the opposite side of the vehicle lateral, forward and below the level of the front view window and the front portion of the vehicle.

Description

VISUAL VEHICULAR SAFETY DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to vehicular visual security devices and more particularly to a mirror apparatus mounted in the passenger compartment of the vehicle having a pair of mirrors arranged to provide the driver with a view of a blind area opposite the driver's position and ahead of the driver's position.

Related Technique In large trucks and other vehicles where the driver's position is located at a substantial distance above the floor level, there is a blind area on the outside of the vehicle located opposite the driver's position, in front of the window for frontal view. This blind area is essentially that area hindered by the vehicle's own structure.

Specifically, this area is obstructed primarily by the hood, the opposing front fender and fender and the vehicle panel and, depending on the size of the driver's compartment and cabin, may extend a significant distance away from the opposite front portion of the cabin. It is not uncommon for a pedestrian, motor vehicle or other fixed or moving object to be inside this blind area and therefore be unknown to the driver of the vehicle. Under these circumstances, when the driver turns the vehicle in the direction of the blind area, the vehicle may collide with the pedestrian, vehicle or unknown object. A number of conventional mirror devices have been used in an attempt to eliminate this dangerous blind spot. However, these devices, which are generally mounted outside the vehicle and in front of the windshield, provide visualization of only a small portion of this blind area. As a result, these mirror structures do not provide the driver with an image of a significant and therefore dangerous portion of the blind spot, in addition, devices mounted on the outside are subject to environmental effects that reduce visibility, thus they do not provide a Clear image of the observation area. In addition, these conventional mirrors are subject to damage and theft, making them expensive to maintain and may even contribute to the blind area by further obstructing the driver's view. In addition, these mirrors are at a considerable distance from the driver and only present a small and detailed field of view. Other conventional mirror devices include four or more mirrors mounted separately through the interior of the vehicle. These devices are often subject to misalignment of the mirrors due to the number of times the image is reflected from one of those mirrors. In addition, obstruction of the image path often occurs due to either passengers or items contained inside the vehicle. A conventional technique is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,459 issued to Arthur Strauss, and property of the assignee of the present invention. This device includes a pair of mirrors mounted internally to provide the driver with a view of a side area, forward and below the level of the front windshield. A disadvantage of this approach is that the relative position of the mirrors is such that they must be placed at an acute angle to each other in order to provide the driver with a view of a portion of the blind area. However, the front mirror is placed immediately adjacent to the front view window preventing it from turning completely about its vertical axis. This limits the available array of mirrors resulting in a dangerous portion of the blind spot being out of sight. In addition, the rear mirror is located laterally between the driver and the front mirror reducing the portion of the front mirror that is visible to the driver. This results in additional loss of visible area external to the vehicle. As a result of these disadvantages, even when positioned optimally, this mirror apparatus provides a limited view of the blind spot that exists laterally, forward and below the level of the front windshield. In this way, a dangerously large portion of this blind area that is obstructed by the vehicle is out of the view of the driver. In addition, the means used to attach the mirror structure to the front view window are unstable and susceptible to vibration, particularly in truck cabin applications. As a result, the mirror structure does not remain stationary or falls out of the window while the vehicle is in motion. Finally, the front window assemblies are unable to successfully assemble the mirror structure in certain truck cabins that have a front view window with little or no shelving or grilles. What is required therefore is a reliable vehicle visual safety device that allows the driver of the vehicle to see substantially all of the side area, front and below the front windshield level and the front portion of the vehicle on the side of the vehicle opposite the vehicle. driver who is otherwise obstructed by the vehicle.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a vehicular visual safety device having a pair of substantially parallel mirrors fastened inside the vehicle in fixed relation to the driver. The rearmost mirror is located to capture a lateral and forward image of the position of the device below the level of the front view window and the front portion of the vehicle. The frontmost mirror is displaced laterally towards the driver with respect to the rearmost mirror and is located in such a way that it captures a more rear mirror image and reflects said image on the driver. This novel mirror structure allows the driver to see the frontmost mirror substantially without being obstructed by the rearmost mirror, providing the driver with a view of a substantial area external to the opposite side of the vehicle, front and bottom at the window level of front view and front portion of the vehicle, the view of which would otherwise be obstructed by the vehicle's cab, fender, dashboard and other vehicle structures. This system of mirrors is mounted inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, safe against weathering, vandalism and in immediate proximity with the driver, so that the driver can easily take a look at the mirrors and understand the image that is presented. Specifically, the vehicular visual safety device of the present invention includes a mirror structure having a forward planar reflecting mirror and a rearmost mirror of convex objects, each having an upper edge that is in respective substantially parallel vertical planes each. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a frame structure is provided to adjustably hold the pair of mirrors within the vehicle. The frame structure preferably has substantially parallel leading and trailing tracks that adjustably receive the forwardmost and the rearmost mirrors respectively. The mirrors can be rotated laterally and held in any of many pre-determined locations on their respective tracks. The mirrors can also be adjusted pivotally with respect to any axis. In this way, the present invention is fully adjustable, accommodating the line of sight of individual conductors. These adjustments can be made manually or in a mechanized form. In another embodiment of the present invention, the frame is attached to a roof structure of the vehicle, such as with clamps. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clamps are pairs of adjustable opposite fasteners for removably supporting the frame to a visor on the passenger side inside the vehicle. One or more of the fasteners are adjustable over substantially parallel clamping channels in the frame, to allow or accommodate viewers of various widths and thicknesses. In alternate modes, other types of clamps can be used to attach the frame to a different roof structure. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the frame or the mirrors themselves are fastened directly to a roof structure, including for example a roof panel, rear panel or vehicle door frame. Significantly, this novel mirror structure allows a driver to see substantially all of the otherwise clogged side area, forward and below the level of the front view window and front portion of the opposite side of the vehicle. The ability to locate in an adjustable manner nevertheless ensures the mirrors on their respective tracks as well as the ability to pivot the mirrors with respect to any axis, allows the invention to provide a universal design is received in all vehicle cabins, fits all sizes of drivers, and is not susceptible to the vibrations experienced in most vehicles. This is particularly significant in truck cab applications where road vibrations can be severe, and constant for long periods of time. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment wherein the frame is connected to the sun visor for the passenger, the frame itself can be adjusted laterally on the visor to provide greater lateral views (when moving towards the driver) or (forward) when moves away from the driver). Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to easily adjust the mirrors laterally on the frame tracks and pivotally on any axis. In addition, these adjustments can be made manually, mechanically through the use of cables or with motors controlled remotely by a control panel adjacent to the driver's position. This side mode is particularly useful for unattended drivers and individuals who can not easily reach the mirrors from the driver's position. A further advantage of the present invention is that it is fastened to the interior of the vehicle cabin in a form that is less affected by vibration than conventional mirror structures. In addition, this interior application prevents the environment from deteriorating the view to the driver, prevents oxidation and corrosion and protects the mirrors against breakage and theft.

Further features and advantages of the present invention as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate functionally similar or identical elements. Additionally, the leftmost digit of a reference number identifies the drawing where the reference number appears first.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the vehicular visual security device 100 of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic top plan view of the mirror structure 100 in use in an exemplary vehicle cabin 200 / Figure 3 is a top plan view of the vehicular visual security device 100 of the present invention; Figure 4 is a left side view of the device 100 providing various cross-sectional views of the frame structure 104 and mirror hanger 116 and perspective views of the mirror structures 106 and 108; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the frame structure 104 taken on the section line 5-5 of Figure 3, with the frame structure 104 removed from the visor 118; and Figures 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams illustrating the relative size of an exemplary viewing area that is provided by the vehicular visual safety device of the present invention with respect to the blind area caused by the structure of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the vehicular visual security device 100 of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. In general, the visual security device of the vehicle 100 includes a pair of vehicle security structures. mirror 102 and a frame structure 104, for securing the pair of mirrors 102 to a roof structure in the passenger compartment of the vehicle cabin. The pair of mirrors 102 preferably includes a planar reflective mirror structure 106 and an opposing convex object mirror structure 108. As will be explained in detail below, the planar reflecting mirror 106 is located adjacent to the vehicle's front view window toward the front of the vehicle with respect to the mirror structure of convex object 108. In contrast, the convex object mirror 108 is positioned towards the rear of the vehicle with respect to the planar reflecting mirror 106. The planar reflective mirror structure 106 and the structure Opposite convex object mirror 108 are substantially parallel mirrors attached to the interior of the vehicle in fixed relation to the driver. The rearmost mirror structure 108 is positioned to capture a lateral and forward image of the position of the device below the level of the front view window and front portion of the vehicle. The more forward mirror structure 106 moves laterally towards the conductor with respect to the rearmost mirror and is positioned to capture a more rear mirror image and reflects it to the driver. As described below, this novel mirror structure allows the driver to see the forwardmost mirror substantially unobstructed by the rearmost mirror, providing the driver with a view of a substantial external area to the opposite side of the truck cabins "of superimposed cabin ", wherein the passenger compartment 202 is located vertically above the engine compartment 204. The vehicle cabin 200 has a front view window 206. The driver 208 is located at the position of the driver 210 inside 212 in the passenger compartment 202. On the opposite side of the vehicle 214 there is a passenger side 216 inside 212 of the passenger compartment 202. The visual security device of the vehicle 100 of the present invention is preferably secured to the passenger's viewfinder 118. (not shown in Figure 2 for clarity) placing the device 100 ahead of the position of the conductor 210 on the opposite side 21 4 of the passenger compartment 202. For ease of illustration, the frame structure 104 is illustrated with dotted lines in Figure 2, while the mirrors 106 and 108 are shown as thick lines. The conductor 208 has an unobstructed line of sight 217 of the planar reflective mirror structure 106. As noted, the mirror structure 106 is the most forward mirror with respect to the mirror structure 108 and is positioned to capture a mirror image. rearmost 108. The rearmost mirror structure 108 is positioned to capture a lateral and front image of the device 100 below the level of the front view window 206 and the engine compartment 204 of the vehicle cabin 200. As will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6A and 6B, this view area 218 includes a substantial portion of the blind area in the unassisted view of the driver caused by the obstruction of the vehicle structure. It will be understood that the field of view 218 shown in Figure 2 is exemplary only. For example, the rearmost mirror structure 108 can be adjusted to provide a view of an area that is located laterally to the opposite side 214 of the vehicle. This structure can be convenient in a superimposed cab vehicle, where there is a large blind spot on the side and a relatively small vehicle structure creating a blind area ahead of the driver's position. Alternatively, the rearmost mirror structure 108 may be adjusted to provide a view of an area that lies ahead of the driver's position. Such a structure may be convenient in a truck having a motor compartment in front of the passenger compartment as illustrated in Figure 2. Furthermore, in the embodiment wherein the frame 104 is mounted on a passenger sun visor with adjustable fasteners. , the frame structure 104 can be adjusted laterally on the visor to assist in obtaining the above fields of vision.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the vehicular visual security device 100 of the present invention. As noted above, the substantially parallel front and rear sides 110F and 110R laterally support the mirror structures 106 and 108 respectively. Integrals with the sides 110F and 110R, are substantially parallel sides 112L and 112R that provide means for attaching the frame structure 104 to the visor 118 (shown in dotted lines). The sides 110F and 110R contain integral mirror tracks 302F and 302R, respectively. Mirror tracks 302 contain numerous teeth 306 which engage a vertically adjustable clamp 308 of hangers 116 to hold the respective mirror structure in a desired lateral position. The top plan view of Figure 3 illustrates the relative lateral positions of the front mirror structure 106 and the rear mirror structure 108. The most front mirror structure 106 is laterally displaced towards the position of the conductor 210 with respect to the structure of the mirror. rear mirror 108. Correspondingly, the rearmost mirror structure 108 moves to the right side 214 of the car 200 relative to the forwardmost mirror 106. This relative side mirror position 106 and 108 provides the driver with a line of sight clear non-obstructing 217 of the most forward mirror 106. For ease of manufacture, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mirror tracks 302F and 302R have essentially the same length and extend over a large portion of their respective sides 110F and 110R , respectively. However, the mirror tracks 302F and 302R can be considerably shorter in length, while still achieving the preferred lateral displacement described above while providing sufficient lateral adjustment to conform to individual conductors. As noted above, sides 112L and 112R contain clamping channels 304L and 304R, respectively. In Figure 3, the fastener channels 304 are illustrated as dotted lines projecting on the sides 112L and 112R below the fasteners 114. The more front fasteners 114LF and 114RF are preferably fixed in position at a predetermined location to ensure that the frame structure 104 releases the front mirror window 206, while the more preferred fasteners 114LR and 114RR are adjustable over clamping channels 314L and 314R, respectively. The more front fasteners 114LF and 114RF of each pair of fasteners can be adjusted over the same or different clamping channels, before being clamped in their fixed position, such that the device 100 can be balanced in a substantially horizontal position, when clamped in place. relatively thin visors 118 while releasing the front view window. Having only one side of the adjustable opposing fasteners allows the device 100 to easily adjust to the size of the visor 118. The mirror structure 106 has an upper surface 310 while the mirror structure 108 has an upper surface 312. Significantly, the mirror structures 106 and 108 are substantially parallel to each other. That is, the upper surfaces 310 and 312 of the mirrors 106 and 108 reside in respective planes that are substantially parallel to each other. Thus, from the top plan view of Figure 3, the mirror structures 106 and 108 are illustrated substantially parallel. The relative lateral position of the substantially parallel mirrors allows the driver 208 to see the forwardmost mirror 106 substantially unobstructed by the rearmost mirror and allows the driver to adjust the mirrors in any convenient manner to obtain a view of a substantial area 218 external to the mirror. opposite side of the cab of the vehicle side, front and by below the level of the front view window 206 and the front portion of the vehicle 200. This is further described in detail below. Figure 4 is a left side view of the device 100 that provides cross-sectional views of the structure of the frame 104 and the mirror hangers 116 and perspective views of the mirror structures 106 and 108. Vertically adjustable fasteners 308F and 308R reside in Mirror tracks 312F and 312R respectively. As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of the adjustable fastener 308F, the hexagonal shaped bolt head 309 is recessed and captures the clamp 308. The hex nut 309 is part of a vertically adjustable bolt 402 that extends through the hangers 116. A wheel to move with the thumb 404 with a nut captured 406, controls the height of the bolt 402 and thus the clamp 308. When the thumb wheel 404 is turned clockwise, the clamp 308 with opposing teeth (not shown) is clamped against the teeth 306 of the channels 302. Similarly, when the thumb wheel 404 is turned counterclockwise, the teeth of the hanger 308 detach from the teeth 306 to detach the hanger 116. The The associated mirror structure can then be adjusted laterally on its respective track 302. This structure allows the driver to easily adjust the mirror structures on their respective mirror tracks 302, while it provides a simple means for holding the mirror structures in a desired lateral position that is not adversely affected by the vibrations experienced in the vehicle. Each of the mirror structures 106 and 108 has a post projecting vertically from its upper surface 310 and 312, respectively. As noted, the most forward mirror structure 106 is positioned to capture an image of the rearmost mirror structure 108. In this manner, the most forward mirror structure 106 'is generally located vertically since the eyes of the driver and the Further rear mirror structure 108 are generally at the same level with respect to the forwardmost mirror 106 and can be located at approximately -20 degrees to +20 degrees relative to the vertical axis in their associated hanger 116F. On the other hand, the rearmost mirror structure 108 is positioned to capture a lateral and forward image of the device position 100 below the level of the front view window 206 and the front portion 204 of the vehicle 200. Therefore, the rearmost mirror 108 may be located approximately 0 degrees to 40 degrees from the vertical axis of its associated hanger 116R. Accordingly, the post 410 extends from the upper surface 312 of the mirror structure 108 at approximately 20 degrees. This angle between a vertical axis of the hanger 116R and the plane of the mirror 108 allows the range of adjustment experienced by the mirror structure due to different vehicle configurations as well as due to the characteristic dimensions and preferred seating style of different conductors. At the end of the posts 410 opposite the mirror structure is a ball 412 configured to receive a corresponding plug 414 on the respective hanger 116. A pivot ball fastening means 416 preferably in the form of a clamp C and an associated screw 418 are provided for holding the ball 412 in its associated cavity 414 when the mirror structures 106 and 108 are pivotally positioned in their desired position. This structure allows the driver to easily and reliably hold the mirrors in a desired optimal position. This position can then be safely supported by the driver for extended periods of time regardless of the vibration experienced by the vehicle. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the frame structure 104 that is taken on the line in section 5-5 of Figure 3, with the frame structure 104 removed from the visor 118, for clarity. Adjustable C-fasteners 114 have a central rib 502 that is C-shaped, with a U-shaped upper spring clamp 504 at its distal end 506. The upper spring clamp 504 is integral with the center rib 502, with a side of the clamp which is the center rib 502. The upper spring clamp 504 has a retaining ear 508 at its distal end to capture one end of the flat spring 510. The spring 510 can be attached to the clamp C 114., such as by sonically upsetting an integral pillar projecting upwardly from the fastener C through a channel in the spring 510. The center rib 502 has an integral base that includes a guide track 514, lower spring clamp 516 and interlocking means 518. The guide track 514 directs the fastener 114 on its respective fastening channel 304. The lower spring clamp 516 is a rectangular slot configured to receive the flat spring 510 and has a retaining flange 520 for holding one end of spring 510 in position. Interlocking means 518 comprise a flexible input projection, which projects downward from the base 512 to engage the teeth 522 of the clamping channel 304. The teeth of the projection 518 are one-way ratchet teeth configured to engage ratchet teeth of an opposed path 522 of the fastener channel. The fastener channels 304 have an access channel through which an elongate object such as a screwdriver can be inserted to lift the projection 518, to detach the opposing teeth. The fastener 114 can then be adjusted over its respective fastener channel away from the opposite fastener while the locking means 518 is in its released position. When released, the projection gain projects downward to its naturally relaxed position to again engage the fastener channel teeth. The one-way ratchet teeth allow the 114LR fastener to fit into its opposite 114LF clip without having to manually pull off the teeth. As noted above, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, one of the opposing fasteners is fastened to the frame 104 while the other opposing fastener is adjustable over its respective fastener channels. However, as noted above in an alternate embodiment, a second fastener channel is provided on each of the sides 112 to provide the capability by initially adjusting the stationary fasteners 114LF and 114RF before holding them in their fixed position. Accordingly, as illustrated in Figure 5, a second fastener channel 524 is provided on the side 112L (a corresponding channel in 112R is not illustrated). The fastener channel 524 provides a limited distance for the fastener 114LF to travel as illustrated by the stop 526. As noted, this allows the pair of opposed fasteners 114LF and 114RF to be adjusted such that the device 100 is optimally balanced in the visor 118. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary viewing area 218 that is provided by the device 100 of the present invention and a blind area 601 associated with an exemplary vehicle cabin 200. As noted, the vehicle cab 200 is an illustrative vehicle cab having a width of approximately 241.3 cm (95") and the front wheels approximately 76.2 cm (30") displaced from the front bumper. As illustrated in Figure 6B, the height of the vehicle cab chest 200 is approximately 1.83 (6 feet) and the present invention approximately 2.44 m (8 feet) above the floor level. As illustrated in Figure 6A, the forwardmost point of center line 602 of the chest is aligned with point 606. Although the area that is obstructed by the vehicle extends to the driver's side of the vehicle, a boundary line 604 of the area blind 601 is illustrated in Figure 6A to emphasize that portion of the blind area pertinent to the present invention. This boundary line 604 projects from the front cabin 200 to the point 606 in front of the cabin. Blind area 601 has a boundary line 608 that is visually aligned with the corner of the hood and extends from point 606 to point 609. A boundary line 610 of blind area 601 is visually aligned with the side of the hood opposite the driver and is extends from point 609 to a point 612. Blind area 601 has a boundary line 614 that is visually aligned with a lower edge of front view window 206 and extends from point 612 to a point 615. In illustrative mode shown in Figure 6A, the field-level viewing area 218 that is provided by the device 100 of the present invention is illustrated by a trapezoid with a solid line. As shown in Figure 6A, the viewing area 218 is provided by the device 100 starting approximately 165.1 cm (65") away from the vehicle side at point 616. The exposed area 218 extends approximately 472.4 cm (186"). ) ahead of point 616 on boundary line 620 to a point 618. A boundary line 626 extends from point 618 to a point 622 approximately 508 cm (200") from point 618. A boundary line 628 extends from approximately 749.3 cm (295") from point 622 to point 624. Finally, a boundary line 630 extends approximately 845.8 cm (333") from point 624 to return to point 616.

This area of vision 218 includes a significant portion of the blind area 601 as illustrated in Figure 6A. In addition, in the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 6A, the viewing area 218 also includes a portion of the ground, not included in the blind area 601. In this manner, the mirror structures 106 and 108 can be adjusted to move the viewing area. view 218 closer to the truck cabin 200, without having to sacrifice any portion of the blind area 601. In this manner, the distance of 165 cm (65") from the viewing area 218 of the truck cab 200 in Figure 6A In addition, the viewing area 218 illustrated in Figure 6A, includes only the area of land that is encompassed in the image captured by the device 100. Typically, however, a driver is concerned or interested in An area that has a certain minimum height For example, if motorized vehicles are of interest, then the blind area of interest can range from 1.83 meters (6") to .60 cm (2 feet) above the ground level. The corresponding change in vision area 218 is illustrated in Figure 6B.

In a conventional truck cab, as illustrated in Figure 2, the structure of the vehicle that obstructs the driver's view of approximately a height of 1.83 m (6 feet). The mirror apparatus of the present invention would be approximately 2.44 m (8 ft.) From the floor level. As illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, at the lower boundary line 650 of the field of view that is provided by the mirror apparatus 100 extends approximately 165 cm (65") from the side panel 652 of the vehicle. in Figure 6B, the mirror apparatus 100 is approximately .60 i (2 ft.) from the side panel 652 (inside the passenger compartment.) A portion of the vehicle is included within the field of view as illustrated by the upper right corner of the vehicle extending over the inner boundary line 650. As noted above, the field of view 218 illustrated in Figure 6A is that of an area at the level of the floor or ground. 60.96 cm (24") from the floor level, the field of view extends to the vehicle approximately 170 cm (67") from the mirror or 109 cm (43") from the side panel of the vehicle as illustrated by the dotted line 654. Equally to 122 cm (48") from the floor level, the field of view that is provided by the mirror apparatus of the present invention may extend as close as 107 cm (42") from the mirror or 45.7 cm (18") from the side of the vehicle as illustrated by dotted line 656. In this way, a considerably larger area and closer to the vehicle, can be provided by the mirror apparatus of the present invention when the area of interest has a minimum height that is above the floor level. As noted above, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair of mirrors 102 is attached to a roof structure, preferably to the visor 118, by a frame structure 104. In anr preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mirror couplers 116F and 116R are directly attached to tracks residing in the roof structure of the vehicle cabin 102. In alternate embodiments, the device 100 of the present invention can be attached to r portions of the roof structure, including the wall rear or the passenger door of the vehicle cabin. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the clamps used to attach the frame apparatus 104 to the roof structure are pairs of opposed fasteners 114. However, it will be appreciated that r types of clamps may be employed, which are suitable for the selected roof structure to which the frame structure connects. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mirror structures 106 and 108 are constituted by a frame structure that provides an adhesive foam or surface layer of backing adhesive, to which mirrors of convex and planar objects are fastened.

This prevents the mirrors from fragmenting when subjected to a severe shock. However, as you will find apparent a person with skill in the relevant specialty, mirror structures 106 and 108 can take any configuration that allows them to be pivotally adjusted. In addition, the mirror structures 106 and 108 are adjusted laterally or pivotally in a manual manner in the illustrated embodiment. However, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, mirror structures 106 and 108 can be controlled by any well-known motorized or mechanical form such as a system under the control of a switchboard adjacent to the driver's position. Alternatively, the motors may include an infrared detector and associated decoder that responds to infrared signals. The apparatus 100 will also include a portable or manual control unit that generates appropriate infrared signals responsive to activation of a control panel in the control unit. Said mechanized control unit can provide the driver with the ability to manually adjust the mirror structures on their respective tracks and as to pivotally adjust the mirror structures. It will also be appreciated that the mirrors 106 and 108 may take other configurations. For example, the frontmost or front mirror 106 may be slightly concave to compensate for the reduction of the reflected image due to the distance between the mirrors 106 and 108. Other configurations and sizes of mirrors are considered apparent to those with skill in the relevant specialty . In addition, the mirror tracks 302 and the fastener channels 604 may have other relative positions. For example, they can be substantially parallel, they can reside in a common vertical plane, etc.

Claims (23)

1. A mirror apparatus for providing a view, from the position of a driver on one side of a vehicle, of an external area to an opposite side of the vehicle, lateral to, lower and forward of a front view window of the vehicle, ie , providing unattended view of an area that is obstructed by the vehicle, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: a first mirror having an upper edge that resides in a vertical first plane; a second mirror having an upper edge that resides in a second vertical plane substantially parallel with the first plane; and means for holding the first and second mirrors and in fixed relation to the vehicle in such a way that the first mirror is located adjacent to the front view window and the second mirror is located towards the rear of the vehicle with respect to the first mirror, where the first mirror moves laterally towards the position of the conductor with respect to the second mirror, in such a way that the second mirror does not significantly obstruct the view of the first mirror of the position of the conductor, the first mirror is placed to reflect the image of the second mirror to the conductor and the second mirror is positioned to provide the first mirror with an image of the obstructed area, thereby providing the driver with a substantially view of the entire otherwise obstructed area.

2. The mirror apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening means comprise: a frame having substantially parallel front and rear tracks contemplated to receive in an adjustable manner the first and second mirrors respectively wherein the first and second mirrors are fastened removably at any of a plurality of locations on the respective front and rear tracks, such that the first and second mirrors can be adjusted laterally to accommodate a particular conductor.

3. The mirror apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the mirror is a mirror of convex objects.

4. The mirror apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first mirror is a planar reflecting mirror.

5. The mirror apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening means further comprise: clamps for securing the frame inside the vehicle.

6. The mirror apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the one or more clamps comprise: one or more pairs of opposite fasteners for removably attaching the frame to a visor inside the vehicle.

7. The mirror apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the one or more clamps further comprise: one or more flat springs each configured to fit a surface of a respective one of the one or more fasteners.

8. The mirror apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the one or more flat fasteners are sonically stressed in each of the respective one or more surfaces of fasteners.

9. The mirror apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the frame further comprises first and second tracks of fasteners; and wherein the one or more pairs of opposed fasteners comprise a first pair of opposed fasteners configured to travel within the first fastener track, and a second pair of opposed fasteners configured to travel within the second fastener track, wherein the first and second pair of fasteners are removably fastened at any of a plurality of locations on the first and second respective fastener tracks.

10. The mirror apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the frame further comprises first and second tracks of fasteners, the one or more pairs of opposite fasteners comprise a first pair of opposed fasteners held at one end of each of the first and second fastener tracks and a second pair of opposed fasteners, each configured to travel within a respective first and second fastener track, wherein the second pair of fasteners is removably held in any of a plurality of locations on the first and second fastener tracks. second tracks of respective fasteners.

11. The mirror apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and second mirrors are rotatably held in the frame.

12. The mirror apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising means for remotely adjusting the first and second mirrors by appropriate motors and controls.

13. The mirror apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the automatic adjustment means comprise: lateral adjustment means for adjusting the first and second mirrors on the respective front and rear tracks; mirror adjustment means for adjusting each of the first and second mirrors relative to any desired axis; and a controller-operated control panel electrically coupled with the lateral adjustment means and the mirror adjustment means, the panel is configured to implement command feeds to effect adjustments of positions and angles of the first and second mirrors.

14. The mirror apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the convex object mirror has a spherical radius of curvature sufficient to provide an image of the external area to an opposite side of the side vehicle a and in front of a front view window of the vehicle.

15. The mirror apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises: first and second hangers, each interposed between a respective first and second mirrors and the respective front and rear frame tracks, wherein the first and second mirrors are rotatably hold with the resepctive hanger and the counter is set to travel over the front and third frame tracks.

16. The mirror apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the respective hangers and mirrors are rotatably coupled by a ball-and-socket joint.

17. A vehicle cab having a front view window and a restricted view of one side of the driver's remote cabin, characterized in that it comprises: a roof structure; a structure of mirrors to provide the driver with a view of the side of the. remote cabin of the driver; and means for holding a pair of mirrors in fixed relation to the cabin, the mirrors have substantially parallel planes and placed in such a way that one mirror is displaced laterally from the other mirror with respect to the side of the cabin.

18. The vehicle cabin according to claim 17, characterized in that the roof structure includes a roof panel of the cabin.

19. The vehicle cabin according to claim 17, characterized in that the roof structure includes a rear wall of the cabin.

20. The vehicle cab according to claim 17, characterized in that the roof structure includes a door frame opposite the driver.

21. A mirror apparatus for providing a view, from the position of the driver on one side of the vehicle, from an external area to an opposite side of the side vehicle a and in front of the driver's position, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: mirror that has left and right sides and an upper edge that resides in a vertical first plane; a second mirror structure having left and right sides and an upper edge residing in a second vertical plane substantially parallel to the first plane; and means for holding first and second mirror structures in fixed relation to the position of the driver so that the first mirror 'is located adjacent to the front view window and the second mirror is located toward the rear of the vehicle with respect to the first mirror, wherein the left side of the second mirror does not substantially overlap or superimpose with the right side of the first mirror, thereby providing a substantially complete view of the first image in the first mirror reflected to the position of the driver.

22. A truck cab having a roof structure and a front view window and having a restricted view of one side of the cabin remote from the driver's position, characterized in that it comprises means for securing a pair of mirrors to the roof structure of the cabin inside the cabin and in fixed relation to the position of the driver, the mirrors have sub-substantially parallel planes and placed in such a way that a rear mirror moves laterally from the driver with respect to the frontmost mirror, so as not to interfere with a view of the frontmost mirror of the driver's position.

23. A mirror apparatus for providing a view, from the position of a driver on one side of a vehicle having a driver compartment, from an external area to an opposite side of the front of the vehicle from and below the mirror apparatus , characterized in that it comprises: a first mirror having an upper edge residing in a first vertical plane; a second mirror having an upper edge residing in a second vertical plane substantially parallel with the first plane; and a frame structure configured to hold the first and second mirrors within the driver's compartment, in fixed relation to the driver's position, such that the first mirror is indicated adjacent to the front view window and the second mirror is located towards the rear of the vehicle with respect to the first mirror, and wherein the second mirror is displaced laterally towards the position of the driver relative to the first mirror, such that the second mirror does not obstruct a view of the first mirror from the driver's position .