US20020064052A1 - Mirror head assembly - Google Patents
Mirror head assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020064052A1 US20020064052A1 US09/727,348 US72734800A US2002064052A1 US 20020064052 A1 US20020064052 A1 US 20020064052A1 US 72734800 A US72734800 A US 72734800A US 2002064052 A1 US2002064052 A1 US 2002064052A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- mirror head
- mirror
- outer shell
- mirrors
- head assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
- B60Q1/2665—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on rear-view mirrors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
- B60R1/0605—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior specially adapted for mounting on trucks, e.g. by C-shaped support means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/12—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
- B60R1/1207—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks with lamps; with turn indicators
Definitions
- the present invention relates to mirror mounting assemblies for mounting mirrors adjacent to or at a distance from exterior surfaces of a vehicle. It is well known to mount mirrors adjacent to or at a distance from exterior surfaces of a vehicle so that individuals may more easily view in the mirrors areas surrounding the vehicle that they could not easily see via a direct line of sight.
- Mirror mounting assemblies of vehicles generally comprise a mirror head assembly and mirror head mounting components. The mirrors of most mirror mounting assemblies are included in the mirror head assembly.
- the mirror head assembly provides protection for the mirror(s), which is/are often relatively fragile.
- the mirror head assembly may also be constructed in a manner such that the mirror head assembly has relatively little aerodynamic drag when the vehicle it is attached travels at speeds on roadways.
- Mirror head assemblies are generally mounted adjacent to or at a distance from the exterior surfaces of the vehicle by the mirror head mounting components, which generally include various members and brackets.
- Mirror mounting assemblies may have many different designs, which are well known, and which include many different constructions of and engagements to one another of the mirror head mounting components and the mirror head assembly.
- the mirror mounting assembly of the present invention includes mirror head assembly mounting components and a mirror head assembly.
- the mirror head assembly of the present invention is mounted to the mirror head mounting components which, are, in turn, mounted to the vehicle.
- the mirror head assembly of the present invention includes a mirror head outer shell.
- the mirror head assembly also includes one or more mirrors are mounted adjacent the mirror head outer shell of the mirror head assembly. A majority of the mirror head outer shell is disposed on a side of each of the mirrors opposite their reflecting surfaces.
- the mirror head outer shell comprises a shell wall that is substantially continuous and is disposed primarily on a side of the mirrors of the mirror head assembly opposite their reflecting surfaces.
- the mirror head outer shell is constructed and positioned such that some portion of the shell wall is in line with substantially every portion of the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors of the mirror head assembly in directions perpendicular to the reflecting surfaces. In other words, some portion of the shell wall is disposed near substantially every portion of the peripheries of each of the mirrors of the mirror head assembly.
- a portion of the shell wall opposite the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors extends continuously and substantially unbroken between these portions of the shell wall disposed adjacent the peripheries of the mirrors.
- the mirror head outer shell protects the mirrors, with the exception of their reflecting surfaces, from being impacted by foreign objects.
- the mirror head assembly of the present invention includes one or more accessories such as lights or antennas mounted to the mirror head assembly in a position adjacent the mirror head outer shell.
- a mirror head assembly that has one or more accessories mounted directly to it has a number of advantages. Such a mirror head assembly provides for a mirror mounting assembly that is cost effective, easy to assemble, presents relatively little obstruction to the view of the driver and passengers of the vehicle, and has relatively little aerodynamic drag.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mirror head assembly with a flush mounted light and mirror head mounting components according from a side of the mirror head assembly opposite the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mirror head assembly and mirror head mounting components of the invention in a direction facing the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mirror head assembly that does not have lights mounted to it and mirror head mounting components from a side of the mirror head assembly opposite the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a partially assembled mirror head assembly mounted to mirror head mounting components.
- FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a mirror head assembly in a direction facing the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors.
- FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the mirror head assembly in a direction parallel to the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mirror head assembly.
- FIG. 7 is a close up perspective view from a first angle of the light reception recess of the mirror head outer shell.
- FIG. 8 is a close up perspective view from a second angle of the light reception recess of the mirror head outer shell.
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the mirror head assembly through line 9 - 9 of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 10 shows close up views of a section of the light reception recess and a light of the mirror head outer shell through line 9 - 9 of FIG. 6 during different phases of insertion of the light into the light reception recess.
- FIG. 11 is a plan view in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the mirror head assembly.
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the mirror head assembly through line 12 - 12 of FIG. 11.
- FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a vehicle with the mirror head assembly and mirror head mounting components of the present invention mounted to it.
- FIG. 14 is a close up view of a section of the light reception recess and a light of the mirror head outer shell through line 9 - 9 of FIG. 6.
- the mirror mounting assembly 12 of the present invention includes a mirror head assembly 11 and mirror head mounting components 16 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 is mounted to the mirror head mounting components 16 of the mirror mounting assembly 12 .
- the mirror head mounting components 16 are, in turn, mounted to a vehicle 13 such that the mirror head assembly 11 is positioned adjacent to or at a distance from exterior surfaces 14 of the vehicle 13 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 includes one or more mirrors 17 and a mirror head outer shell 15 .
- the purpose of the mirrors 17 of the mirror head assembly 11 is to allow individuals to view, in the mirrors 17 , areas surrounding the vehicle 13 that they could not easily view via a direct line of sight.
- the primary purpose of the mirror head outer shell 15 is protection of the mirrors 17 of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- the mirror head outer shell 15 is constructed and positioned such that a majority of the mirror head outer shell 15 is disposed on a side of each of the mirrors 17 opposite a reflecting surface 29 of each of the mirrors 17 .
- the mirror head outer shell 15 comprises a shell wall 57 that is substantially continuous and is disposed primarily on a side of the mirrors 17 of the mirror head assembly 11 opposite their reflecting surfaces 29 .
- the mirror head outer shell 15 is constructed and positioned such that some portion of the shell wall 57 is in line with substantially every portion of the reflecting surfaces 29 of the mirrors 17 of the mirror head assembly 11 in directions perpendicular to the reflecting surfaces 29 .
- substantially any line that is perpendicular to and intersects a reflecting surface 29 of a mirror 17 also intersects a portion of the mirror head outer shell 15 at a point on a side of the mirror 17 opposite the reflecting surface 29 .
- the mirror head outer shell 15 protects the mirrors 17 of the mirror head assembly 11 from impacts (with the exception of impacts to the reflecting surface 29 of each of the mirrors 17 ).
- the mirrors 17 , the mirror head outer shell 15 , and the mirror head mounting components 16 of the mirror mounting assembly 12 may be constructed and engaged to one another in any of a number of ways that are well known. One possible construction and engagement to one another of the components of the mirror head assembly 11 and the mirror head mounting components 16 is exemplified in the figures.
- the mirror head mounting components 16 include a c-shaped mirror head mounting member 19 that is pivotally mounted to the vehicle 13 .
- Mirror head mounting base components 20 are included in the mirror head assembly 11 in the embodiment shown in the figures.
- the mirror head mounting base components 20 are mounted to the c-shaped mirror head mounting member 19 .
- the mirrors 17 and the mirror head outer shell 15 are, in turn, mounted to the mirror head mounting base components 20 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 preferably includes one or more lights 18 .
- the lights 18 of the mirror head assembly 11 would be mounted to the mirror head assembly 11 adjacent the shell wall 57 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- Lights 18 may be mounted adjacent to the mirror head outer shell 15 of the mirror head assembly 11 in any of a number of ways.
- the lights 18 may be mounted directly to the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- the lights 18 may, alternatively, be mounted to other components of the mirror head assembly 11 directly or indirectly.
- the lights 18 may be mounted adjacent to the shell wall 57 of the mirror head outer shell 15 through other components of the mirror head assembly 11 to structure such as the mirror head mounting base components 20 .
- Mounting lights 18 to the mirror head assembly 11 as opposed to the mirror head mounting components 16 has a number of advantages.
- Mounting lights 18 to the mirror head assembly 11 is generally relatively cost effective because less parts are necessary to mount the lights 18 to the mirror mounting assembly 12 and less labor is generally required to assemble the mirror mounting assembly 12 .
- the aerodynamic drag of a mirror mounting assembly 12 that includes lights 18 mounted to the mirror head assembly 11 is relatively lower than a mirror mounting assembly 12 that has the lights 18 mounted to the mirror head mounting components 16 .
- a mirror mounting assembly 12 with lights 18 mounted to the mirror head assembly 11 as opposed to the mirror head mounting components 16 also presents less obstructions to the view of the driver and the passengers of the vehicle 13 .
- the lights 18 mounted adjacent to the shell wall 57 of the mirror head outer shell 15 may have many different purposes.
- the lights 18 mounted to the mirror head assembly 11 may be of many different types, including but not limited to incandescent lights and light emitting diodes.
- the lights 18 mounted to the mirror head assembly 11 are of the light emitting diode type because they have a much longer service life than incandescent lights.
- the mirror head assembly 11 may be constructed such that the light body 59 of one or more of the lights 18 of the mirror head assembly 11 is/are disposed partially inwardly of the outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- the shell wall 57 of the mirror head outer shell 15 would define one or more light reception opening(s) 60 .
- One or more of the light bodies 59 of the lights 18 may be disposed within the light reception openings 60 defined by the shell wall 57 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- the light bodies 59 of the lights 18 that are disposed in the one or more light reception openings 60 protrude relatively little outwardly of the outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- the light bodies 59 of one or more of the lights 18 are positioned such that an outer lens surface 22 of each of the light bodies 59 is disposed generally contiguous and flush with outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 . It is also preferable that no part of the light body 59 , of lights 18 that have their outer lens surface 22 so disposed, protrudes outwardly of the outer lens surface 22 in directions away from the outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- a mirror head assembly 11 with lights 18 mounted in such a flush manner generally has a better appearance and is more aerodynamically efficient than a mirror head assembly 11 with lights 18 mounted partially outboard of the outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- any light reception openings 60 of the mirror head outer shell 15 and any light bodies 59 of lights 18 mounted within light reception openings 60 be of a complimentary shape so that the light reception openings 60 are filled by light bodies 59 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 be constructed such that there are no substantial gaps between adjacent lights 18 disposed within light reception openings 60 or between light bodies 59 and adjacent reception opening peripheries 61 of the light reception openings 60 .
- a single light body 59 is disposed within each of the light reception openings 60 of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- the outer lens surface 22 of each of the light bodies 59 is of the same shape and is sized just slightly smaller than the light reception opening 60 within which the light body 59 is disposed.
- the mirror head outer shell 15 defines a light reception recess 21 inwardly of each of the light reception openings 60 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- Each light reception recess 21 would be defined between recess walls 26 that are a portion of the shell wall 57 and extend inwardly of outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- each of the light bodies 59 of the lights 18 mounted within the light reception openings 60 is mounted to the mirror head assembly 11 via engagement of the light body 59 to the recess walls 26 of a respective light reception recess 21 .
- the engagement of light bodies 59 to the recess walls 26 of a respective light reception recess 21 may be any of a number of designs.
- each of the light bodies 59 to the recess walls 26 of a respective light reception recess 21 is of a snap-fit design.
- a light body 59 and recess walls 26 of a respective light reception recess 21 that are constructed with such a snap-fit are brought into engagement with one another by simply inserting the light body 59 into the light reception recess 21 to its intended installed position.
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view through a light reception recess 21 and a light body 59 of the preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 10 illustrates the process of inserting a light body 59 that has a snap-fit with the recess walls 26 of a light reception recess 21 and an example of a construction of the light body 59 and the recess walls 26 that would constitute a snap-fit.
- the light body 59 is moved from a point outside the light reception recess 21 toward the light reception recess 21 .
- camming surfaces 62 of the light body 59 and the recess walls 26 eventually abut one another. Once these camming surfaces 62 abut one another further insertion of the light body 59 into the light reception recess 21 is prevented until the light body 59 and/or the recess walls 26 deform elastically.
- the light body 59 and the recess walls 26 are constructed such that, at a point of engagement between the camming surfaces 62 of the two components the camming surfaces 62 are disposed at a relatively small angle relative to the direction of insertion of the light body 59 .
- the camming surfaces 62 wedge away from one another as the light body 59 and/or the recess walls 26 deform elastically, allowing further insertion of the light body 59 .
- the construction of the light body 59 and the recess walls 26 is such that, as insertion of the light body 59 into the light reception recess is continued the camming surfaces 62 eventually completely pass each other and no longer engage one another. When the camming surfaces 62 pass each other completely the light body 59 and the recess walls 26 snap from their elastically deformed state back toward their free state.
- the light body 59 and the recess walls 26 are constructed such that the camming surfaces 62 completely pass and no longer engage each other at a point of insertion of the light body 59 where the light body 59 is approximately in its intended installed position.
- the light body 59 and the recess walls 26 would be constructed with retention surfaces 63 which are each disposed substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the light body 59 into the light reception recess 21 .
- the retention surfaces 63 of the light body 59 would be adjacent to the retention surfaces 63 of the recess walls 26 .
- the retention surfaces 63 of the light body 59 would be disposed upon a side of the retention surfaces 63 of the recess walls 26 in the direction of insertion of the light body 59 into the light reception recess 21 .
- snap tabs 64 protrude from the light body 59 in the direction in which the light body 59 is to be inserted into the light reception recess 21 .
- a snap head 66 is disposed at a forward end 65 of each of the snap tabs 64 .
- Each of the snap heads 66 defines a camming surface 62 on a side of the snap head 66 in the direction of insertion of the light body 59 into the light reception recess 21 .
- the camming surfaces 62 defined upon snap heads 66 disposed upon opposite sides of the light body 59 angle away from each other in a direction opposite the direction of insertion of the light body 59 into the light reception recess 21 .
- Each of the snap heads 66 defines a retention surface 63 on a side of the snap head 66 opposite the direction of insertion of the light body 59 into the light reception recess 21 .
- Recess walls 26 on opposite sides of each light reception recess 21 define camming surfaces 62 that are disposed at a relatively small angle relative to the direction of insertion of the light body 59 into the light reception recess 21 .
- the camming surfaces 62 of the recess walls 26 are disposed such that the camming surfaces 62 of the light body 59 will engage the camming surfaces 62 of the recess walls when the light body 59 is inserted into the light reception recess 21 .
- the recess walls 26 define retention surfaces 63 that are disposed substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the light body 59 into the light reception recess 21 .
- the retention surfaces 63 of the recess walls 26 are disposed on a side of the camming surfaces 62 of the recess walls 26 in the direction of insertion of the light body 59 into the light reception opening 21 .
- a distance between outermost points 67 of camming surfaces 62 on opposite sides of the light body 59 is greater than a distance between innermost points 68 of camming surfaces 62 on opposing recess walls 26 .
- the camming surfaces 62 on the snap heads 66 and the camming surfaces 62 on the recess walls 26 abut one another.
- the snap tabs 64 and/or recess walls 26 deform elastically away from one another as the camming surfaces 62 pass one another.
- the camming surfaces 62 of the light body 59 pass an inner end 69 of the camming surfaces 62 of the recess walls 26 .
- the snap tabs 64 and/or recess walls 26 rebound toward their free state.
- the retention surfaces 63 of the light body 59 are disposed adjacent to and on a side of the retention surfaces 63 of the recess walls 26 in the direction of insertion of the light body 59 .
- Each of the lights 18 mounted to the mirror head assembly 11 has an electrical connection portion 42 that is electrically connected to electricity conducting components 43 .
- the electricity conducting components 43 are, in turn, electrically connected to the electrical system of the vehicle 13 so that electrical power can be provide to the lights 18 by the electrical system of the vehicle 13 .
- points of connection 44 between the electrical connection portions 42 of the lights 18 and the electricity conducting components 43 are concealed within either a light reception recess 21 or the interior 28 of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- recess walls 26 of the light reception recess 21 define one or more electrical connection openings 27 .
- the electrical connection portions 42 of the lights 18 or the electricity conducting components 43 connected to them may protrude through the one or more electrical connection openings 27 .
- the points of connection 44 between the lights 18 and the electricity conducting components 43 may be concealed either within the light reception recess 21 or the interior 28 of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- the mirror head assembly may be constructed with lights 18 mounted with their light bodies 59 outward of the outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- one or more electrical connection openings 27 may be defined by the mirror head outer shell 15 at points behind lights 18 mounted adjacent the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- the electrical connection portions 42 of the lights 18 may protrude through these electrical connection openings 27 defined in the mirror head outer shell 15 into the interior 28 of the mirror head assembly 15 .
- the points of connection 44 between the lights 18 and the electricity conducting components 43 may be concealed within the interior 28 of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- the electricity conducting components 43 preferably extend from the points of connection 44 between the electricity conducting components 43 and the lights 18 through the interior 28 of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- the electricity conducting components 43 eventually extend out of the interior 28 of the mirror head assembly 11 through one or more openings defined by the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- Concealing the points of connection 44 between the electrical connection portion 42 of the lights 18 and the electricity conducting components 43 as well as concealing a portion of the electricity conducting components 43 within the mirror head assembly has a number of benefits. Concealing these components within the mirror head assembly 11 gives the mirror head assembly 11 an appearance that is generally considered to be more favorable than if the components were not concealed.
- the lights 18 , the electricity conducting components 43 , and the connections therebetween are protected from undesirable features of the environment as a result of concealing these components within the mirror head assembly 11 .
- the mirror mounting assembly 12 of the present invention may include more than one mirror 17 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 includes a first mirror 31 and a second mirror 32 .
- the first mirror 31 and the second mirror 32 are positioned such that the reflective surfaces 29 of the first mirror 31 and second mirror 32 face in a substantially similar direction. This is so that an individual might be able to simultaneously look at the reflecting surface 29 of both of the mirrors 17 .
- a longitudinal axis 35 of the mirror head assembly 11 is disposed substantially in the plane of the reflective surfaces 29 of the mirrors 17 and also in a direction such that each of the mirrors 17 occupies a different position along the longitudinal axis 35 .
- a mirror head width 34 is a distance in directions substantially parallel to the reflective surfaces 29 of the mirrors 17 and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 35 of the mirror head assembly 11 between outer points of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- portions of the mirror head outer shell 15 constitute the outermost portions of the mirror head assembly 11 in the direction of the mirror head width 34 .
- the mirror head width 34 is a distance between outer portions of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- the mirror head width 34 of the narrow waistline portion 33 of the mirror head outer shell 15 is considerably less than the mirror head width 34 of the mirror head outer shell 15 at portions adjacent the mirrors 17 .
- the narrow waistline 33 of the mirror head outer shell 15 is effected by a waistline groove 36 that is defined by the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- the waistline groove 36 is a portion of the shell wall 57 which is substantially closer to the longitudinal axis 35 of the mirror head assembly 11 than other portions of the shell wall 57 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- this waistline groove 36 extends continuously along the mirror head outer shell 15 between its terminal ends 37 that are disposed between the first mirror 31 and the second mirror 32 and at points near the plane of the reflective surfaces 29 of the mirrors 17 .
- the portion of the mirror head outer shell 15 that defines the waistline groove 36 is disposed primarily upon a side of the mirrors 17 opposite the reflecting surfaces 29 of the mirrors 17 .
- This portion of the mirror head outer shell 15 that defines the waistline groove 36 and is disposed on a side of the mirrors 17 opposite the reflecting surfaces 29 extends a substantial distance from the mirrors 17 in directions perpendicular to and away from the reflecting surfaces 29 .
- Such a mirror head assembly 11 presents less obstruction to the view of a driver and passengers of the vehicle 13 than would a mirror head assembly 11 that did not have a narrow waistline portion 33 between the first mirror 31 and the second mirror 32 . It is also contemplated that the mirror head assembly 11 could have more than two mirrors 17 . Obviously it would be advantageous for such a mirror head assembly 11 to define narrow sections between each of the mirrors 17 in a manner similar to that of the mirror head assembly 11 of the preferred embodiment.
- the mirror head assembly 11 is an “aero style” mirror head assembly 11 .
- Such an “aero style” mirror head assembly 11 is constructed with such a shape and is mounted to the vehicle 13 in such a position and orientation that as the vehicle 13 travels at speed on roadways, the mirror head assembly 11 presents relatively little aerodynamic drag.
- the shape of the mirror head outer shell 15 of the preferred embodiment has a few characteristics that make qualify it as an “aero style” mirror head assembly 11 .
- the mirror head outer shell 15 is constructed in such a manner that the outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 define rear shell portions 38 that are disposed relatively close to and substantially perpendicular to reflecting surface peripheries 39 of the mirrors 17 .
- the outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 extend from the rear shell portions 38 , away from the mirrors 17 on a side of the mirrors 17 opposite the reflecting surfaces 29 , and meet at forward shell portions 40 .
- the forward shell portions 40 are a portion of the outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 distant from the rear shell portions 38 .
- the outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 curve gently as they extend from the rear shell portions 38 to the forward shell portions 40 .
- a mirror head depth 41 is a distance between forward shell portions 40 and rear shell portions 38 of the mirror head outer shell 15 in directions generally perpendicular to the reflecting surfaces 29 of the mirrors 17 .
- the mirror head outer shell 15 of the preferred embodiment is constructed such that the mirror head assembly 11 has a considerable mirror head depth 41 at a majority of sections of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- the mirror head depth 41 is at least 1 ⁇ 3 of a corresponding mirror head width 34 of the section of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 is preferably mounted to the vehicle 13 with the forward shell portions 40 forward of the rearward shell portions 38 . As a vehicle 13 , that has a mirror head assembly 11 according to the preferred embodiment mounted to it moves forward, an airflow is present past the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- This airflow past the mirror head outer shell 15 first contacts the forward shell portions 40 , then travels along the gently curved outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 , and eventually reaches and passes the rear shell portions 38 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 of the preferred embodiment has a relatively large mirror head depth 41 and gently curving outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 , the direction of the airflow past the mirror head assembly 11 changes relatively gradually.
- a mirror head assembly 11 constructed and mounted to the vehicle 13 according to the preferred embodiment presents a relatively small aerodynamic drag as the vehicle 13 that the mirror head assembly 11 is mounted to travels at speed on roadways.
- the mirror head assembly 11 of the present invention may further have other accessories mounted to it.
- One accessory that may be mounted to the mirror head assembly 11 is an antenna 45 .
- the antenna 45 may be connected through a connection device 46 to a signal receiving and/or generating device mounted to the vehicle 13 .
- the connection device 46 may have many different forms. In many cases the connection device 46 would be some sort of cable or wire capable of conducting electricity.
- the signal receiving and/or generating device would receive signals from or send signals to the antenna 45 through the connection device 46 .
- the antenna 45 would be constructed to receive and/or generate signals through a medium such as electromagnetic waves.
- the antenna 45 could potentially be constructed to receive such signals from and/or produce such signals for reception by a remote signal generating and/or receiving device.
- a signal receiving and generating device that could be connected to the antenna 45 via the connection device 46 is a citizens band radio.
- Many other types of signal receiving and/or generating devices could be connected to the antenna 45 mounted to the mirror head assembly 11 .
- an antenna base 47 is mounted to the mirror head assembly 11 at a point such that the antenna base 47 is disposed within the interior 28 of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- a mast 49 of the antenna 45 extends through an antenna opening 48 defined by the mirror head outer shell 15 and away from the outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- the mast 49 of the antenna 45 being a portion of the antenna 45 the purpose of which is signal reception and/or generation as opposed to antenna mounting components 50 the purpose of which is to mount the mast 49 to the mirror head assembly 11 .
- the mast 49 of antennas 45 has a length that is considerably greater than sectional widths of the mast 49 in directions perpendicular to the length of the mast 49 .
- the mast 49 is the only portion of the antenna 45 that extends beyond the outer surfaces 23 of the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- a portion of the connection device 46 that is near the antenna 45 is disposed within the interior 28 of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- the connection device 46 extends from the portion that is near the antenna 45 , through the interior 28 of the mirror head assembly 11 , and out of the interior 28 of the mirror head assembly 11 through an opening defined by the mirror head outer shell 15 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 of the present invention may be constructed in one of many different ways and mounted to the vehicle 13 at one of many different locations to accommodate viewing of many different areas surrounding the vehicle 13 .
- the mirrors 17 of the mirror head assembly 11 are intended to be used as rear view mirrors for the vehicle 13 as is well known. Accordingly, the mirror head assembly 11 of the preferred embodiment is mounted to the vehicle 13 adjacent to or at a distance from exterior surfaces 14 of a door 52 of an occupant cabin 51 of the vehicle 13 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 is also preferably mounted at a height similar to that of a window 53 of the door 52 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 is positioned such that the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors 17 face in a general direction of a driver of the vehicle 13 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 includes a first mirror 31 that has a reflecting surface 29 that is generally planar. This first mirror 31 is intended for viewing an area behind, to the side of, and relatively distant from the vehicle 13 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 includes a second mirror 32 that has a reflecting surface 29 that is convex. The purpose of the second mirror 32 is viewing an area behind, to the side of and relatively close to the vehicle 13 .
- the mirror head assembly 11 may have any of a number of constructions and may be positioned in a number of places and orientations relative to the vehicle 13 .
- first mirror 31 and the second mirror 32 may be positioned relative to one another in any of a number of ways.
- first mirror 31 and the second mirror 32 are positioned such that their reflecting surfaces 29 are substantially parallel to one another and are disposed one vertically above the other.
- the longitudinal axis 35 of the mirror head assembly 11 is disposed substantially vertically.
- the mirror head assembly 11 may have a number of other features that are fairly well known.
- the first mirror 31 and the second mirror 32 are both engaged to the mirror head assembly 11 in a manner allowing small adjustments of the angle of their reflecting surfaces 29 relative to the other components of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- Some mirror head assemblies 11 may be constructed to allow for remote, power adjustment of the angle of the reflecting surfaces 29 of the mirrors 17 relative to the other components of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- Mirror head assemblies 11 constructed to operate in such a manner generally have electric motors connected to the mirrors 17 via connecting linkages and connected to operator controls within the occupant cabin 51 of the vehicle 13 . Any known construction of such a power adjustable mirror system could be utilized in the mirror head assembly 11 of the present invention.
- any known type of mirror heating system could be included in the mirror head assembly 11 of the present invention.
- any electricity conducting devices 43 and/or connection devices 46 that are to be connected to such devices as lights 18 , antennas 45 , electric motors of power mirrors, or mirror heaters are concealed at least partially within the interior of the mirror head assembly 11 .
- the vehicle 13 would likely have a frame 54 that is directly or indirectly engaged to a large percentage of the components of the vehicle 13 and which would serve to locate these components relative to one another.
- the vehicle 13 would also likely have an occupant cabin 51 within which people and or things may reside and be at least partially isolated from undesirable elements of the environment.
- the occupant cabin 51 would be engaged to and supported by the frame 54 .
- the vehicle 13 would likely have a suspension system 55 , engaged to the frame 54 , for supporting the frame 54 and, thus, other components of the vehicle 13 and for providing a relatively low resistance to forward motion of the vehicle 13 along the ground.
- the vehicle 13 may have a powertrain 56 , engaged to the frame 54 and the suspension system 55 , for providing motivation for the vehicle 13 .
- the vehicle 13 would likely have an electrical system to which electrical components would be connected in a manner that they could receive electrical power from the electrical system.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to mirror mounting assemblies for mounting mirrors adjacent to or at a distance from exterior surfaces of a vehicle. It is well known to mount mirrors adjacent to or at a distance from exterior surfaces of a vehicle so that individuals may more easily view in the mirrors areas surrounding the vehicle that they could not easily see via a direct line of sight. Mirror mounting assemblies of vehicles generally comprise a mirror head assembly and mirror head mounting components. The mirrors of most mirror mounting assemblies are included in the mirror head assembly. The mirror head assembly provides protection for the mirror(s), which is/are often relatively fragile. The mirror head assembly may also be constructed in a manner such that the mirror head assembly has relatively little aerodynamic drag when the vehicle it is attached travels at speeds on roadways. Mirror head assemblies are generally mounted adjacent to or at a distance from the exterior surfaces of the vehicle by the mirror head mounting components, which generally include various members and brackets. Mirror mounting assemblies may have many different designs, which are well known, and which include many different constructions of and engagements to one another of the mirror head mounting components and the mirror head assembly.
- It is fairly well known to mount more than one mirror and also other components to a single mirror mounting assembly of a vehicle. In addition to mirror head assemblies, various antennas and lights are often mounted to the mirror head mounting components of a vehicle. Mounting increasing numbers of separate independent components to the mirror head mounting components of a mirror mounting assembly may have a number of disadvantages. The amount of labor need to assemble the mirror mounting assembly and the components that are mounted to it increases as the number of separate independent components that are mounted to the mirror mounting assembly increases. Components necessary to mount each separate independent accessory to mirror mounting assemblies also add to the cost of the mirror mounting assembly and the vehicle. The aerodynamic drag of the mirror mounting assembly also generally increases as an increasing number of separate independent components are mounted to the mirror mounting assemblies of the vehicle. Each separate independent accessory that is mounted to the mirror mounting assemblies of a vehicle also obstructs the driver's and the passenger's view of the area surrounding the vehicle.
- It is thus,—an object of the present invention to provide a mirror mounting assembly to which accessories such as antennas and lights may be mounted and which is relatively easy to assemble, aerodynamically efficient, relatively inexpensive, and presents relatively little viewing obstruction to the driver and passengers of the vehicle. The mirror mounting assembly of the present invention includes mirror head assembly mounting components and a mirror head assembly. The mirror head assembly of the present invention is mounted to the mirror head mounting components which, are, in turn, mounted to the vehicle. The mirror head assembly of the present invention includes a mirror head outer shell. The mirror head assembly also includes one or more mirrors are mounted adjacent the mirror head outer shell of the mirror head assembly. A majority of the mirror head outer shell is disposed on a side of each of the mirrors opposite their reflecting surfaces. The mirror head outer shell comprises a shell wall that is substantially continuous and is disposed primarily on a side of the mirrors of the mirror head assembly opposite their reflecting surfaces. The mirror head outer shell is constructed and positioned such that some portion of the shell wall is in line with substantially every portion of the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors of the mirror head assembly in directions perpendicular to the reflecting surfaces. In other words, some portion of the shell wall is disposed near substantially every portion of the peripheries of each of the mirrors of the mirror head assembly. A portion of the shell wall opposite the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors extends continuously and substantially unbroken between these portions of the shell wall disposed adjacent the peripheries of the mirrors. Thus, the mirror head outer shell protects the mirrors, with the exception of their reflecting surfaces, from being impacted by foreign objects. The mirror head assembly of the present invention includes one or more accessories such as lights or antennas mounted to the mirror head assembly in a position adjacent the mirror head outer shell. A mirror head assembly that has one or more accessories mounted directly to it has a number of advantages. Such a mirror head assembly provides for a mirror mounting assembly that is cost effective, easy to assemble, presents relatively little obstruction to the view of the driver and passengers of the vehicle, and has relatively little aerodynamic drag.
- Thus, it can be seen that all of the above mentioned objects of the invention, as well as other objects not mentioned, have been met.
- Other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon perusal of the detailed description thereof and upon inspection of the drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mirror head assembly with a flush mounted light and mirror head mounting components according from a side of the mirror head assembly opposite the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mirror head assembly and mirror head mounting components of the invention in a direction facing the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mirror head assembly that does not have lights mounted to it and mirror head mounting components from a side of the mirror head assembly opposite the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a partially assembled mirror head assembly mounted to mirror head mounting components.
- FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a mirror head assembly in a direction facing the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors.
- FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the mirror head assembly in a direction parallel to the reflecting surfaces of the mirrors and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mirror head assembly.
- FIG. 7 is a close up perspective view from a first angle of the light reception recess of the mirror head outer shell.
- FIG. 8 is a close up perspective view from a second angle of the light reception recess of the mirror head outer shell.
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the mirror head assembly through line9-9 of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 10 shows close up views of a section of the light reception recess and a light of the mirror head outer shell through line9-9 of FIG. 6 during different phases of insertion of the light into the light reception recess.
- FIG. 11 is a plan view in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the mirror head assembly.
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the mirror head assembly through line12-12 of FIG. 11.
- FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a vehicle with the mirror head assembly and mirror head mounting components of the present invention mounted to it.
- FIG. 14 is a close up view of a section of the light reception recess and a light of the mirror head outer shell through line9-9 of FIG. 6.
- The
mirror mounting assembly 12 of the present invention includes amirror head assembly 11 and mirrorhead mounting components 16. Themirror head assembly 11 is mounted to the mirrorhead mounting components 16 of themirror mounting assembly 12. The mirrorhead mounting components 16, are, in turn, mounted to avehicle 13 such that themirror head assembly 11 is positioned adjacent to or at a distance fromexterior surfaces 14 of thevehicle 13. Themirror head assembly 11 includes one ormore mirrors 17 and a mirror headouter shell 15. The purpose of themirrors 17 of themirror head assembly 11 is to allow individuals to view, in themirrors 17, areas surrounding thevehicle 13 that they could not easily view via a direct line of sight. The primary purpose of the mirror headouter shell 15 is protection of themirrors 17 of themirror head assembly 11. The mirror headouter shell 15 is constructed and positioned such that a majority of the mirror headouter shell 15 is disposed on a side of each of themirrors 17 opposite a reflectingsurface 29 of each of themirrors 17. The mirror headouter shell 15 comprises ashell wall 57 that is substantially continuous and is disposed primarily on a side of themirrors 17 of themirror head assembly 11 opposite their reflectingsurfaces 29. The mirror headouter shell 15 is constructed and positioned such that some portion of theshell wall 57 is in line with substantially every portion of thereflecting surfaces 29 of themirrors 17 of themirror head assembly 11 in directions perpendicular to thereflecting surfaces 29. In other words, substantially any line that is perpendicular to and intersects a reflectingsurface 29 of amirror 17 also intersects a portion of the mirror headouter shell 15 at a point on a side of themirror 17 opposite thereflecting surface 29. Thus, the mirror headouter shell 15 protects themirrors 17 of themirror head assembly 11 from impacts (with the exception of impacts to the reflectingsurface 29 of each of the mirrors 17). Themirrors 17, the mirror headouter shell 15, and the mirrorhead mounting components 16 of themirror mounting assembly 12 may be constructed and engaged to one another in any of a number of ways that are well known. One possible construction and engagement to one another of the components of themirror head assembly 11 and the mirrorhead mounting components 16 is exemplified in the figures. In this example, the mirrorhead mounting components 16 include a c-shaped mirrorhead mounting member 19 that is pivotally mounted to thevehicle 13. Mirror headmounting base components 20 are included in themirror head assembly 11 in the embodiment shown in the figures. The mirror headmounting base components 20 are mounted to the c-shaped mirrorhead mounting member 19. Themirrors 17 and the mirror headouter shell 15, are, in turn, mounted to the mirror head mountingbase components 20. - The
mirror head assembly 11 preferably includes one ormore lights 18. Thelights 18 of themirror head assembly 11 would be mounted to themirror head assembly 11 adjacent theshell wall 57 of the mirror headouter shell 15.Lights 18 may be mounted adjacent to the mirror headouter shell 15 of themirror head assembly 11 in any of a number of ways. Thelights 18 may be mounted directly to the mirror headouter shell 15. Thelights 18 may, alternatively, be mounted to other components of themirror head assembly 11 directly or indirectly. For instance, thelights 18 may be mounted adjacent to theshell wall 57 of the mirror headouter shell 15 through other components of themirror head assembly 11 to structure such as the mirror head mountingbase components 20. Mountinglights 18 to themirror head assembly 11 as opposed to the mirrorhead mounting components 16 has a number of advantages. Mountinglights 18 to themirror head assembly 11 is generally relatively cost effective because less parts are necessary to mount thelights 18 to themirror mounting assembly 12 and less labor is generally required to assemble themirror mounting assembly 12. The aerodynamic drag of amirror mounting assembly 12 that includeslights 18 mounted to themirror head assembly 11 is relatively lower than amirror mounting assembly 12 that has thelights 18 mounted to the mirrorhead mounting components 16. Amirror mounting assembly 12 withlights 18 mounted to themirror head assembly 11 as opposed to the mirrorhead mounting components 16 also presents less obstructions to the view of the driver and the passengers of thevehicle 13. Thelights 18 mounted adjacent to theshell wall 57 of the mirror headouter shell 15 may have many different purposes. One purpose for thelights 18 mounted to themirror head assembly 11 is as an aid in judging clearance between themirror head assembly 11 and objects in the environment. Thelights 18 mounted to themirror head assembly 11 may be of many different types, including but not limited to incandescent lights and light emitting diodes. Preferably, thelights 18 mounted to themirror head assembly 11 are of the light emitting diode type because they have a much longer service life than incandescent lights. - The
mirror head assembly 11 may be constructed such that thelight body 59 of one or more of thelights 18 of themirror head assembly 11 is/are disposed partially inwardly of theouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15. In order to make this possible, theshell wall 57 of the mirror headouter shell 15 would define one or more light reception opening(s) 60. One or more of thelight bodies 59 of thelights 18 may be disposed within thelight reception openings 60 defined by theshell wall 57 of the mirror headouter shell 15. Thus, thelight bodies 59 of thelights 18 that are disposed in the one or morelight reception openings 60 protrude relatively little outwardly of theouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15. Preferably, thelight bodies 59 of one or more of thelights 18 are positioned such that anouter lens surface 22 of each of thelight bodies 59 is disposed generally contiguous and flush withouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15. It is also preferable that no part of thelight body 59, oflights 18 that have theirouter lens surface 22 so disposed, protrudes outwardly of theouter lens surface 22 in directions away from theouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15. Amirror head assembly 11 withlights 18 mounted in such a flush manner generally has a better appearance and is more aerodynamically efficient than amirror head assembly 11 withlights 18 mounted partially outboard of theouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15. It is also preferable that anylight reception openings 60 of the mirror headouter shell 15 and anylight bodies 59 oflights 18 mounted withinlight reception openings 60 be of a complimentary shape so that thelight reception openings 60 are filled bylight bodies 59. In other words, it is preferable that themirror head assembly 11 be constructed such that there are no substantial gaps betweenadjacent lights 18 disposed withinlight reception openings 60 or betweenlight bodies 59 and adjacentreception opening peripheries 61 of thelight reception openings 60. In the preferred embodiment, a singlelight body 59 is disposed within each of thelight reception openings 60 of themirror head assembly 11. In this embodiment, theouter lens surface 22 of each of thelight bodies 59 is of the same shape and is sized just slightly smaller than thelight reception opening 60 within which thelight body 59 is disposed. - In the preferred embodiment, the mirror head
outer shell 15 defines alight reception recess 21 inwardly of each of thelight reception openings 60 of the mirror headouter shell 15. Eachlight reception recess 21 would be defined betweenrecess walls 26 that are a portion of theshell wall 57 and extend inwardly ofouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15. In the preferred embodiment, each of thelight bodies 59 of thelights 18 mounted within thelight reception openings 60 is mounted to themirror head assembly 11 via engagement of thelight body 59 to therecess walls 26 of a respectivelight reception recess 21. The engagement oflight bodies 59 to therecess walls 26 of a respectivelight reception recess 21 may be any of a number of designs. - Preferably the engagement of each of the
light bodies 59 to therecess walls 26 of a respectivelight reception recess 21 is of a snap-fit design. Alight body 59 andrecess walls 26 of a respectivelight reception recess 21 that are constructed with such a snap-fit are brought into engagement with one another by simply inserting thelight body 59 into thelight reception recess 21 to its intended installed position. FIG. 10 is a sectional view through alight reception recess 21 and alight body 59 of the preferred embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates the process of inserting alight body 59 that has a snap-fit with therecess walls 26 of alight reception recess 21 and an example of a construction of thelight body 59 and therecess walls 26 that would constitute a snap-fit. Thelight body 59 is moved from a point outside thelight reception recess 21 toward thelight reception recess 21. As thelight body 59 is inserted into thelight reception recess 21, camming surfaces 62 of thelight body 59 and therecess walls 26 eventually abut one another. Once these camming surfaces 62 abut one another further insertion of thelight body 59 into thelight reception recess 21 is prevented until thelight body 59 and/or therecess walls 26 deform elastically. Thelight body 59 and therecess walls 26 are constructed such that, at a point of engagement between the camming surfaces 62 of the two components the camming surfaces 62 are disposed at a relatively small angle relative to the direction of insertion of thelight body 59. With a relatively insubstantial urging of thelight body 59 in the direction of insertion of thelight body 59, the camming surfaces 62 wedge away from one another as thelight body 59 and/or therecess walls 26 deform elastically, allowing further insertion of thelight body 59. The construction of thelight body 59 and therecess walls 26 is such that, as insertion of thelight body 59 into the light reception recess is continued the camming surfaces 62 eventually completely pass each other and no longer engage one another. When the camming surfaces 62 pass each other completely thelight body 59 and therecess walls 26 snap from their elastically deformed state back toward their free state. Thelight body 59 and therecess walls 26 are constructed such that the camming surfaces 62 completely pass and no longer engage each other at a point of insertion of thelight body 59 where thelight body 59 is approximately in its intended installed position. Thelight body 59 and therecess walls 26 would be constructed withretention surfaces 63 which are each disposed substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of thelight body 59 into thelight reception recess 21. When thelight body 59 is in its intended installed position, the retention surfaces 63 of thelight body 59 would be adjacent to the retention surfaces 63 of therecess walls 26. When thelight body 59 is so positioned, the retention surfaces 63 of thelight body 59 would be disposed upon a side of the retention surfaces 63 of therecess walls 26 in the direction of insertion of thelight body 59 into thelight reception recess 21. Thus, when thelight body 59 is in its intended installed position, movement of thelight body 59 in a direction opposite the direction of insertion is prevented by abutment of the retention surfaces 63 of thelight body 59 and the retention surfaces 63 of therecess walls 26. In the preferred embodiment,snap tabs 64 protrude from thelight body 59 in the direction in which thelight body 59 is to be inserted into thelight reception recess 21. Asnap head 66 is disposed at aforward end 65 of each of thesnap tabs 64. Each of the snap heads 66 defines acamming surface 62 on a side of thesnap head 66 in the direction of insertion of thelight body 59 into thelight reception recess 21. The camming surfaces 62 defined upon snap heads 66 disposed upon opposite sides of thelight body 59 angle away from each other in a direction opposite the direction of insertion of thelight body 59 into thelight reception recess 21. Each of the snap heads 66 defines aretention surface 63 on a side of thesnap head 66 opposite the direction of insertion of thelight body 59 into thelight reception recess 21.Recess walls 26 on opposite sides of eachlight reception recess 21 definecamming surfaces 62 that are disposed at a relatively small angle relative to the direction of insertion of thelight body 59 into thelight reception recess 21. The camming surfaces 62 of therecess walls 26 are disposed such that the camming surfaces 62 of thelight body 59 will engage the camming surfaces 62 of the recess walls when thelight body 59 is inserted into thelight reception recess 21. Therecess walls 26 defineretention surfaces 63 that are disposed substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of thelight body 59 into thelight reception recess 21. The retention surfaces 63 of therecess walls 26 are disposed on a side of the camming surfaces 62 of therecess walls 26 in the direction of insertion of thelight body 59 into thelight reception opening 21. When the components are in their free state a distance betweenoutermost points 67 of camming surfaces 62 on opposite sides of thelight body 59 is greater than a distance betweeninnermost points 68 of camming surfaces 62 on opposingrecess walls 26. As thelight body 59 is inserted into thelight reception recess 21 the camming surfaces 62 on the snap heads 66 and the camming surfaces 62 on therecess walls 26 abut one another. As a result, thesnap tabs 64 and/orrecess walls 26 deform elastically away from one another as the camming surfaces 62 pass one another. When thelight body 59 reaches its intended installed position within thelight reception recess 21 the camming surfaces 62 of thelight body 59 pass aninner end 69 of the camming surfaces 62 of therecess walls 26. Once the camming surfaces 62 of thelight body 59 are past the camming surfaces 62 of therecess walls 26, thesnap tabs 64 and/orrecess walls 26 rebound toward their free state. At this point the retention surfaces 63 of thelight body 59 are disposed adjacent to and on a side of the retention surfaces 63 of therecess walls 26 in the direction of insertion of thelight body 59. Thus, movement of thelight body 59 in the direction opposite the direction of insertion of thelight body 59 is prevented by abutment of the retention surfaces 63 of thelight body 59 against the retention surfaces of therecess walls 26. The example provided herein of the construction of the preferred embodiment is exemplary of one of many different constructions easily imagined by one of ordinary skill in the art of thelight body 59 andrecess walls 26 which would effect a snap-fit of the components. - Each of the
lights 18 mounted to themirror head assembly 11 has anelectrical connection portion 42 that is electrically connected toelectricity conducting components 43. Theelectricity conducting components 43 are, in turn, electrically connected to the electrical system of thevehicle 13 so that electrical power can be provide to thelights 18 by the electrical system of thevehicle 13. Preferably, points ofconnection 44 between theelectrical connection portions 42 of thelights 18 and theelectricity conducting components 43 are concealed within either alight reception recess 21 or the interior 28 of themirror head assembly 11. In the preferred,embodiment recess walls 26 of thelight reception recess 21 define one or moreelectrical connection openings 27. Theelectrical connection portions 42 of thelights 18 or theelectricity conducting components 43 connected to them, may protrude through the one or moreelectrical connection openings 27. Thus, the points ofconnection 44 between thelights 18 and theelectricity conducting components 43 may be concealed either within thelight reception recess 21 or the interior 28 of themirror head assembly 11. As was mentioned earlier, the mirror head assembly may be constructed withlights 18 mounted with theirlight bodies 59 outward of theouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15. In such cases, one or moreelectrical connection openings 27 may be defined by the mirror headouter shell 15 at points behind lights 18 mounted adjacent the mirror headouter shell 15. Theelectrical connection portions 42 of thelights 18 may protrude through theseelectrical connection openings 27 defined in the mirror headouter shell 15 into the interior 28 of themirror head assembly 15. Thus, the points ofconnection 44 between thelights 18 and theelectricity conducting components 43 may be concealed within theinterior 28 of themirror head assembly 11. Theelectricity conducting components 43, preferably extend from the points ofconnection 44 between theelectricity conducting components 43 and thelights 18 through the interior 28 of themirror head assembly 11. Theelectricity conducting components 43 eventually extend out of the interior 28 of themirror head assembly 11 through one or more openings defined by the mirror headouter shell 15. Concealing the points ofconnection 44 between theelectrical connection portion 42 of thelights 18 and theelectricity conducting components 43 as well as concealing a portion of theelectricity conducting components 43 within the mirror head assembly has a number of benefits. Concealing these components within themirror head assembly 11 gives themirror head assembly 11 an appearance that is generally considered to be more favorable than if the components were not concealed. Thelights 18, theelectricity conducting components 43, and the connections therebetween are protected from undesirable features of the environment as a result of concealing these components within themirror head assembly 11. - As was mentioned above, the
mirror mounting assembly 12 of the present invention may include more than onemirror 17. In the preferred embodiment themirror head assembly 11 includes afirst mirror 31 and asecond mirror 32. Thefirst mirror 31 and thesecond mirror 32 are positioned such that thereflective surfaces 29 of thefirst mirror 31 andsecond mirror 32 face in a substantially similar direction. This is so that an individual might be able to simultaneously look at the reflectingsurface 29 of both of themirrors 17. In this preferred embodiment, alongitudinal axis 35 of themirror head assembly 11 is disposed substantially in the plane of thereflective surfaces 29 of themirrors 17 and also in a direction such that each of themirrors 17 occupies a different position along thelongitudinal axis 35. It is desirable to enable the driver and passenger of thevehicle 13 to see as much of the area surrounding thevehicle 13 as possible. For this reason it is preferred that components of themirror head assembly 11 extend a minimal amount in directions perpendicular to the reflectingsurfaces 29 of each of themirrors 17 beyond the reflecting surfaceouter boundary 30 of each of themirrors 17. For this reason, the mirror headouter shell 15 of the preferred embodiment defines anarrow waistline portion 33 that is positioned between thefirst mirror 31 and thesecond mirror 32. For purposes of this disclosure amirror head width 34 is a distance in directions substantially parallel to thereflective surfaces 29 of themirrors 17 and substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 35 of themirror head assembly 11 between outer points of themirror head assembly 11. In the preferred embodiment, portions of the mirror headouter shell 15 constitute the outermost portions of themirror head assembly 11 in the direction of themirror head width 34. In such a case, themirror head width 34 is a distance between outer portions of the mirror headouter shell 15. In the preferred embodiment, themirror head width 34 of thenarrow waistline portion 33 of the mirror headouter shell 15 is considerably less than themirror head width 34 of the mirror headouter shell 15 at portions adjacent themirrors 17. In fact, in the preferred embodiment, thenarrow waistline 33 of the mirror headouter shell 15 is effected by awaistline groove 36 that is defined by the mirror headouter shell 15. Thewaistline groove 36 is a portion of theshell wall 57 which is substantially closer to thelongitudinal axis 35 of themirror head assembly 11 than other portions of theshell wall 57 of the mirror headouter shell 15. In the preferred embodiment, thiswaistline groove 36 extends continuously along the mirror headouter shell 15 between its terminal ends 37 that are disposed between thefirst mirror 31 and thesecond mirror 32 and at points near the plane of thereflective surfaces 29 of themirrors 17. The portion of the mirror headouter shell 15 that defines thewaistline groove 36 is disposed primarily upon a side of themirrors 17 opposite the reflectingsurfaces 29 of themirrors 17. This portion of the mirror headouter shell 15 that defines thewaistline groove 36 and is disposed on a side of themirrors 17 opposite the reflecting surfaces 29 extends a substantial distance from themirrors 17 in directions perpendicular to and away from the reflecting surfaces 29. Such amirror head assembly 11 presents less obstruction to the view of a driver and passengers of thevehicle 13 than would amirror head assembly 11 that did not have anarrow waistline portion 33 between thefirst mirror 31 and thesecond mirror 32. It is also contemplated that themirror head assembly 11 could have more than two mirrors 17. Obviously it would be advantageous for such amirror head assembly 11 to define narrow sections between each of themirrors 17 in a manner similar to that of themirror head assembly 11 of the preferred embodiment. - In the preferred embodiment, the
mirror head assembly 11 is an “aero style”mirror head assembly 11. Such an “aero style”mirror head assembly 11 is constructed with such a shape and is mounted to thevehicle 13 in such a position and orientation that as thevehicle 13 travels at speed on roadways, themirror head assembly 11 presents relatively little aerodynamic drag. The shape of the mirror headouter shell 15 of the preferred embodiment has a few characteristics that make qualify it as an “aero style”mirror head assembly 11. The mirror headouter shell 15 is constructed in such a manner that theouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15 definerear shell portions 38 that are disposed relatively close to and substantially perpendicular to reflecting surface peripheries 39 of themirrors 17. Theouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15 extend from therear shell portions 38, away from themirrors 17 on a side of themirrors 17 opposite the reflectingsurfaces 29, and meet atforward shell portions 40. Theforward shell portions 40 are a portion of theouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15 distant from therear shell portions 38. Theouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15 curve gently as they extend from therear shell portions 38 to theforward shell portions 40. For purposes of this disclosure, amirror head depth 41 is a distance betweenforward shell portions 40 andrear shell portions 38 of the mirror headouter shell 15 in directions generally perpendicular to the reflectingsurfaces 29 of themirrors 17. The mirror headouter shell 15 of the preferred embodiment is constructed such that themirror head assembly 11 has a considerablemirror head depth 41 at a majority of sections of themirror head assembly 11. In the preferred embodiment, for a majority of sections of themirror head assembly 11 through planes perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 35, themirror head depth 41 is at least ⅓ of a correspondingmirror head width 34 of the section of themirror head assembly 11. Themirror head assembly 11 is preferably mounted to thevehicle 13 with theforward shell portions 40 forward of therearward shell portions 38. As avehicle 13, that has amirror head assembly 11 according to the preferred embodiment mounted to it moves forward, an airflow is present past the mirror headouter shell 15. This airflow past the mirror headouter shell 15 first contacts theforward shell portions 40, then travels along the gently curvedouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15, and eventually reaches and passes therear shell portions 38. Because themirror head assembly 11 of the preferred embodiment has a relatively largemirror head depth 41 and gently curvingouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15, the direction of the airflow past themirror head assembly 11 changes relatively gradually. Thus, amirror head assembly 11 constructed and mounted to thevehicle 13 according to the preferred embodiment, presents a relatively small aerodynamic drag as thevehicle 13 that themirror head assembly 11 is mounted to travels at speed on roadways. - The
mirror head assembly 11 of the present invention may further have other accessories mounted to it. One accessory that may be mounted to themirror head assembly 11 is anantenna 45. Theantenna 45 may be connected through aconnection device 46 to a signal receiving and/or generating device mounted to thevehicle 13. Dependent partially upon what type of signal receiving and/or generating device is connected to theantenna 45, theconnection device 46 may have many different forms. In many cases theconnection device 46 would be some sort of cable or wire capable of conducting electricity. The signal receiving and/or generating device would receive signals from or send signals to theantenna 45 through theconnection device 46. Theantenna 45 would be constructed to receive and/or generate signals through a medium such as electromagnetic waves. Theantenna 45 could potentially be constructed to receive such signals from and/or produce such signals for reception by a remote signal generating and/or receiving device. One example of a signal receiving and generating device that could be connected to theantenna 45 via theconnection device 46 is a citizens band radio. Many other types of signal receiving and/or generating devices could be connected to theantenna 45 mounted to themirror head assembly 11. In the preferred embodiment, anantenna base 47 is mounted to themirror head assembly 11 at a point such that theantenna base 47 is disposed within theinterior 28 of themirror head assembly 11. Amast 49 of theantenna 45 extends through anantenna opening 48 defined by the mirror headouter shell 15 and away from theouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15. Themast 49 of theantenna 45 being a portion of theantenna 45 the purpose of which is signal reception and/or generation as opposed toantenna mounting components 50 the purpose of which is to mount themast 49 to themirror head assembly 11. Generally, themast 49 ofantennas 45 has a length that is considerably greater than sectional widths of themast 49 in directions perpendicular to the length of themast 49. In the preferred embodiment, themast 49 is the only portion of theantenna 45 that extends beyond theouter surfaces 23 of the mirror headouter shell 15. In the preferred embodiment, a portion of theconnection device 46 that is near theantenna 45 is disposed within theinterior 28 of themirror head assembly 11. In this embodiment, theconnection device 46 extends from the portion that is near theantenna 45, through the interior 28 of themirror head assembly 11, and out of the interior 28 of themirror head assembly 11 through an opening defined by the mirror headouter shell 15. - The
mirror head assembly 11 of the present invention may be constructed in one of many different ways and mounted to thevehicle 13 at one of many different locations to accommodate viewing of many different areas surrounding thevehicle 13. In the preferred embodiment, themirrors 17 of themirror head assembly 11 are intended to be used as rear view mirrors for thevehicle 13 as is well known. Accordingly, themirror head assembly 11 of the preferred embodiment is mounted to thevehicle 13 adjacent to or at a distance fromexterior surfaces 14 of adoor 52 of anoccupant cabin 51 of thevehicle 13. Themirror head assembly 11 is also preferably mounted at a height similar to that of awindow 53 of thedoor 52. In this embodiment, themirror head assembly 11 is positioned such that the reflecting surfaces of themirrors 17 face in a general direction of a driver of thevehicle 13. In the preferred embodiment themirror head assembly 11 includes afirst mirror 31 that has a reflectingsurface 29 that is generally planar. Thisfirst mirror 31 is intended for viewing an area behind, to the side of, and relatively distant from thevehicle 13. In the preferred embodiment, themirror head assembly 11 includes asecond mirror 32 that has a reflectingsurface 29 that is convex. The purpose of thesecond mirror 32 is viewing an area behind, to the side of and relatively close to thevehicle 13. Themirror head assembly 11 may have any of a number of constructions and may be positioned in a number of places and orientations relative to thevehicle 13. Thus, thefirst mirror 31 and thesecond mirror 32 may be positioned relative to one another in any of a number of ways. In the preferred embodiment, thefirst mirror 31 and thesecond mirror 32 are positioned such that their reflectingsurfaces 29 are substantially parallel to one another and are disposed one vertically above the other. In this embodiment, thelongitudinal axis 35 of themirror head assembly 11 is disposed substantially vertically. - In the preferred embodiment, the
mirror head assembly 11 may have a number of other features that are fairly well known. Thefirst mirror 31 and thesecond mirror 32 are both engaged to themirror head assembly 11 in a manner allowing small adjustments of the angle of their reflectingsurfaces 29 relative to the other components of themirror head assembly 11. Somemirror head assemblies 11 may be constructed to allow for remote, power adjustment of the angle of the reflectingsurfaces 29 of themirrors 17 relative to the other components of themirror head assembly 11.Mirror head assemblies 11 constructed to operate in such a manner generally have electric motors connected to themirrors 17 via connecting linkages and connected to operator controls within theoccupant cabin 51 of thevehicle 13. Any known construction of such a power adjustable mirror system could be utilized in themirror head assembly 11 of the present invention. It is also well known to mount heating elements tomirrors 17 ofmirror head assemblies 11 in order to defog or defrost themirrors 17. Any known type of mirror heating system could be included in themirror head assembly 11 of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, anyelectricity conducting devices 43 and/orconnection devices 46 that are to be connected to such devices aslights 18,antennas 45, electric motors of power mirrors, or mirror heaters are concealed at least partially within the interior of themirror head assembly 11. - There are some components that
most vehicles 13 that themirror head assembly 11 would be mounted to would have. Thevehicle 13 would likely have aframe 54 that is directly or indirectly engaged to a large percentage of the components of thevehicle 13 and which would serve to locate these components relative to one another. Thevehicle 13 would also likely have anoccupant cabin 51 within which people and or things may reside and be at least partially isolated from undesirable elements of the environment. Theoccupant cabin 51 would be engaged to and supported by theframe 54. Thevehicle 13 would likely have asuspension system 55, engaged to theframe 54, for supporting theframe 54 and, thus, other components of thevehicle 13 and for providing a relatively low resistance to forward motion of thevehicle 13 along the ground. Thevehicle 13 may have apowertrain 56, engaged to theframe 54 and thesuspension system 55, for providing motivation for thevehicle 13. As mentioned above thevehicle 13 would likely have an electrical system to which electrical components would be connected in a manner that they could receive electrical power from the electrical system. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications could be made to the invention as described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and thus the scope of the invention is limited only by the following claims.
Claims (46)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/727,348 US6406170B1 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2000-11-30 | Mirror head assembly |
MXPA01012219A MXPA01012219A (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2001-11-28 | Mirror head assembly. |
CA2364118A CA2364118C (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2001-11-29 | Mirror head assembly |
US10/102,138 US6764207B2 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2002-03-20 | Mirror head assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/727,348 US6406170B1 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2000-11-30 | Mirror head assembly |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/102,138 Division US6764207B2 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2002-03-20 | Mirror head assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020064052A1 true US20020064052A1 (en) | 2002-05-30 |
US6406170B1 US6406170B1 (en) | 2002-06-18 |
Family
ID=24922305
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/727,348 Expired - Lifetime US6406170B1 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2000-11-30 | Mirror head assembly |
US10/102,138 Expired - Lifetime US6764207B2 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2002-03-20 | Mirror head assembly |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/102,138 Expired - Lifetime US6764207B2 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2002-03-20 | Mirror head assembly |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6406170B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2364118C (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA01012219A (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8425095B2 (en) | 2011-06-27 | 2013-04-23 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Mirror assembly |
US20170267179A1 (en) * | 2012-01-24 | 2017-09-21 | SMR Patents S.à.r.l. | Head section for a rear view device |
US11833965B2 (en) | 2007-08-09 | 2023-12-05 | Donnelly Corporation | Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly with a mirror reflective element assembly having a main reflective element and an auxiliary wide angle reflective element |
Families Citing this family (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6511192B1 (en) * | 1999-12-17 | 2003-01-28 | Britax Vision Systems (North America) Inc. | Side view mirror with integral lighting |
US6406170B1 (en) * | 2000-11-30 | 2002-06-18 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C. | Mirror head assembly |
WO2004009408A1 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2004-01-29 | Magna Donnelly North America, L.L.C. | Rear view mirror with snap connection |
US20050047158A1 (en) * | 2003-08-29 | 2005-03-03 | Karsten Koehler | Combination indicator and blind spot mirror |
US7002524B1 (en) | 2004-09-28 | 2006-02-21 | Lang Mekra, North America, Llc | Conductive bracket mount for mirror and antenna assemblies |
DE102005053002B4 (en) * | 2005-11-07 | 2009-11-12 | Mekra Lang Gmbh & Co. Kg | Exterior mirrors for motor vehicles, in particular for commercial vehicles |
US7856693B1 (en) * | 2007-06-07 | 2010-12-28 | Archie Johnson | Self-cleaning exterior mirror for trucks and like vehicles and associated method |
US20090161378A1 (en) * | 2007-12-20 | 2009-06-25 | Andreas Enz | Slim profile light assembly for an exterior vehicle mirror |
EP2441620B1 (en) * | 2009-06-09 | 2014-05-07 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Device for viewing front-lateral area of vehicle |
WO2012135564A2 (en) * | 2011-03-31 | 2012-10-04 | Volvo Group North America, Llc | Air deflector for a vehicle a-pillar and side view mirror |
US8285457B1 (en) | 2011-04-29 | 2012-10-09 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Automatically adjusting side mirror assembly for a vehicle |
KR20130022606A (en) * | 2011-08-25 | 2013-03-07 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Illuminating device |
JP6193036B2 (en) * | 2013-07-24 | 2017-09-06 | ヤンマー株式会社 | Tractor |
WO2018217219A1 (en) | 2017-05-22 | 2018-11-29 | Peloton Technology, Inc. | Transceiver antenna system for platooning |
CN108973865B (en) * | 2018-07-26 | 2020-08-14 | 东风(十堰)林泓汽车配套件有限公司 | Reinforced truck rearview mirror |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4830326A (en) | 1987-08-05 | 1989-05-16 | Mirror Lite Company | Vehicle door mounted dual mirror assembly |
DE4302950A1 (en) * | 1993-02-03 | 1994-08-04 | Mekra Rangau Plastics | Adjustable rearview mirror assembly for motor vehicles |
US6059419A (en) * | 1996-09-10 | 2000-05-09 | Rosco, Inc. | Single shell, double view vehicular mirror having manual adjustability and precision hinge plate |
US5798882A (en) * | 1996-03-22 | 1998-08-25 | Sabine Lang | Rear-view mirror assembly with internal antenna mount |
US5687035A (en) * | 1996-03-22 | 1997-11-11 | Heinrich Lang | Rear-view mirror assembly having dual motor driven mirrors |
US5984496A (en) * | 1996-11-07 | 1999-11-16 | Malcomson; Kirk | Lighted mirror assembly |
US6049271A (en) * | 1999-06-29 | 2000-04-11 | Chu; Ching-Ti | Vehicle rearview mirror with multiple signal means |
US6406170B1 (en) * | 2000-11-30 | 2002-06-18 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C. | Mirror head assembly |
-
2000
- 2000-11-30 US US09/727,348 patent/US6406170B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-11-28 MX MXPA01012219A patent/MXPA01012219A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-11-29 CA CA2364118A patent/CA2364118C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2002
- 2002-03-20 US US10/102,138 patent/US6764207B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11833965B2 (en) | 2007-08-09 | 2023-12-05 | Donnelly Corporation | Vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly with a mirror reflective element assembly having a main reflective element and an auxiliary wide angle reflective element |
US8425095B2 (en) | 2011-06-27 | 2013-04-23 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Mirror assembly |
US20170267179A1 (en) * | 2012-01-24 | 2017-09-21 | SMR Patents S.à.r.l. | Head section for a rear view device |
US10744947B2 (en) * | 2012-01-24 | 2020-08-18 | SMR Patents S.à.r.l. | Head section for a rear view device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2364118A1 (en) | 2002-05-30 |
CA2364118C (en) | 2010-07-13 |
US20020097584A1 (en) | 2002-07-25 |
US6764207B2 (en) | 2004-07-20 |
US6406170B1 (en) | 2002-06-18 |
MXPA01012219A (en) | 2005-08-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6406170B1 (en) | Mirror head assembly | |
US6312135B1 (en) | Electric external rear view mirror | |
US5295021A (en) | Triple exterior rearview vehicle mirror | |
US5851064A (en) | Integrated warning light and rear-view mirror | |
US6572250B1 (en) | Exterior mirror having an attachment member including an approach light | |
US6511216B2 (en) | Interior-mounted emergency vehicle signal device | |
US4913542A (en) | Rear view mirror with two parallel displaced mirror parts | |
US5127700A (en) | Rear view mirror and sun visor assembly for a vehicle | |
US7001032B2 (en) | Automotive rear view mirror | |
US6986596B2 (en) | Exterior rearview mirror assembly | |
US20020075138A1 (en) | Portable object detection system | |
US20030081334A1 (en) | Combination side-view mirror with convex portion | |
US20040150900A1 (en) | Detachable remotely-adjustable extension mirror system | |
US7014327B2 (en) | Releasable mounting arm for a vehicle mirror | |
EP1135278B1 (en) | Rear-view mirror for a vehicle | |
KR100282715B1 (en) | Automotive Pest Control | |
CN214164857U (en) | Interior rear-view mirror and vehicle | |
US20230278497A1 (en) | Exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles | |
KR100510268B1 (en) | Side mirror | |
KR200256589Y1 (en) | observing able oblique area for side mirror of vehicles | |
JPH08230559A (en) | Door mirror with fog lamp | |
KR20050018420A (en) | Room mirror formed on wind shield glass for automobiles | |
US20040130811A1 (en) | Side view mirror | |
RU2140861C1 (en) | Forward view device of automobile with nonstandard arrangement of steering wheel | |
KR100285417B1 (en) | Automotive mirror device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND ENGINE CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:012641/0107 Effective date: 20001117 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
SULP | Surcharge for late payment |
Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT, NE Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:INTERNATIONAL ENGINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC;INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC;NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:028944/0730 Effective date: 20120817 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT, NEW Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION;INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC;INTERNATIONAL ENGINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC;REEL/FRAME:036616/0243 Effective date: 20150807 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION;NAVISTAR, INC.;REEL/FRAME:044418/0310 Effective date: 20171106 Owner name: INTERNATIONAL ENGINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT;REEL/FRAME:044780/0456 Effective date: 20171106 Owner name: INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT;REEL/FRAME:044780/0456 Effective date: 20171106 Owner name: NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT;REEL/FRAME:044780/0456 Effective date: 20171106 Owner name: NAVISTAR, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT;REEL/FRAME:044416/0867 Effective date: 20171106 Owner name: NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT;REEL/FRAME:044416/0867 Effective date: 20171106 Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT, NE Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION;NAVISTAR, INC.;REEL/FRAME:044418/0310 Effective date: 20171106 Owner name: INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT;REEL/FRAME:044416/0867 Effective date: 20171106 Owner name: INTERNATIONAL ENGINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT;REEL/FRAME:044416/0867 Effective date: 20171106 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC;INTERNATIONAL ENGINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC;NAVISTAR, INC. (F/K/A INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND ENGINE CORPORATION);REEL/FRAME:052483/0742 Effective date: 20200423 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT, ILLINOIS Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION;INTERNATIONAL ENGINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC;INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:053545/0443 Effective date: 20200427 Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, NEW YORK Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE CONVEYING PARTY DATA PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 052483 FRAME: 0742. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE SECURITY INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION;INTERNATIONAL ENGINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC;INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:053457/0001 Effective date: 20200423 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC, ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:056757/0136 Effective date: 20210701 Owner name: NAVISTAR, INC. (F/KA/ INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND ENGINE CORPORATION), ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:056757/0136 Effective date: 20210701 Owner name: INTERNATIONAL ENGINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC, ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:056757/0136 Effective date: 20210701 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NAVISTAR, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME 53545/443;ASSIGNOR:THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:057441/0404 Effective date: 20210701 Owner name: INTERNATIONAL ENGINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC, ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME 53545/443;ASSIGNOR:THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:057441/0404 Effective date: 20210701 Owner name: INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC, ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME 53545/443;ASSIGNOR:THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:057441/0404 Effective date: 20210701 Owner name: NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME 53545/443;ASSIGNOR:THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.;REEL/FRAME:057441/0404 Effective date: 20210701 |