US20190248296A1 - Mirror system for vehicle interiors - Google Patents
Mirror system for vehicle interiors Download PDFInfo
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- US20190248296A1 US20190248296A1 US15/895,065 US201815895065A US2019248296A1 US 20190248296 A1 US20190248296 A1 US 20190248296A1 US 201815895065 A US201815895065 A US 201815895065A US 2019248296 A1 US2019248296 A1 US 2019248296A1
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- Prior art keywords
- mirror
- vehicle interior
- connector
- retractor
- vehicle
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- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
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- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004606 Fillers/Extenders Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036461 convulsion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006223 plastic coating Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- 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
- B60R1/04—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted inside vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/005—Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles, e.g. dismountable auxiliary seats
- B60N2/01—Arrangement of seats relative to one another
-
- 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
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
- G02B7/18—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prisms; for mirrors
- G02B7/182—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prisms; for mirrors for mirrors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0001—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
- B60R2011/0003—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle
- B60R2011/0028—Ceiling, e.g. roof rails
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
- B60R2011/0049—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
- B60R2011/0064—Connection with the article
- B60R2011/007—Connection with the article using magnetic means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
- B60R2011/0049—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
- B60R2011/0064—Connection with the article
- B60R2011/0071—Connection with the article using latches, clips, clamps, straps or the like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
- B60R2011/008—Adjustable or movable supports
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
- B60R2011/008—Adjustable or movable supports
- B60R2011/0082—Adjustable or movable supports collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
- B60R2011/008—Adjustable or movable supports
- B60R2011/0085—Adjustable or movable supports with adjustment by rotation in their operational position
Definitions
- the interiors of vehicle such as autonomous vehicles, may have seating configurations in which all passengers face towards the interior's center.
- This round table seating configuration is useful when passengers desire to converse with each other.
- drawbacks For example, interior mirrors of known configurations may not be available to at least one passenger. Therefore, it is desirable for such interiors to provide a mirror system which is accessible to each of the passengers.
- One general aspect includes a mirror system including: a retractor module configured to be installed onto the ceiling of a vehicle interior; a retractor assembly positioned within the retractor module, the retractor assembly having a retractable connector attached at one end to a mirror positioned outside of the retractor module, the retractor assembly configured to releasably maintain the connector in a retracted position and at least one extended position; and the mirror being pivotably connected to the connector around a horizontal axis such that the mirror can be in a substantially horizontal orientation or substantially vertical orientation.
- Implementations may include one or more of the following features.
- the mirror system where, when in the substantially horizontal orientation, the mirror can releasably affix to the exterior of the retractor module via a snap clip.
- the mirror system where, when in the substantially horizontal orientation, the mirror can releasably affix to the exterior of the retractor module via a magnet.
- the mirror system where the retractor assembly is rotatably positioned within the retractor module such that the mirror can rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis.
- the mirror system where the vehicle interior is located in an autonomous vehicle and has by two rows of vehicle seats, where each vehicle seat row can face the other vehicle seat row.
- the mirror system where the retractable connector is a strip of fabric webbing.
- the mirror system where the mirror is pivotably connected to the connector via an axle hinge.
- the mirror system where the mirror is a two-sided mirror.
- One general aspect includes an vehicle interior including: a retractor assembly affixed to the ceiling of the vehicle interior, the retractor assembly having a retractable connector attached at one end to a mirror, the retractor assembly configured to releasably maintain the connector in a retracted position and at least one extended position; and the mirror being pivotably connected to the connector around a horizontal axis such that the mirror can be in a substantially horizontal orientation and substantially vertical orientation.
- Implementations may include one or more of the following features.
- the vehicle interior where, when in the substantially horizontal orientation, the mirror can releasably affix to the ceiling of the vehicle interior via a snap clip.
- the vehicle interior where, when in the substantially horizontal orientation, the mirror can releasably affix to the ceiling of the vehicle interior via a magnet.
- the vehicle interior where the retractor assembly is rotatably affixed ceiling of the vehicle interior such that the mirror can rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis.
- the vehicle interior where the vehicle interior in located in an autonomous vehicle and includes two rows of vehicle seats, where each vehicle seat row can face the other vehicle seat row.
- the vehicle interior where the retractable connector is a strip of fabric webbing.
- the vehicle interior where the retractable connector is a steel cord.
- the vehicle interior where the mirror is pivotably connected to the connector via an axle hinge.
- the vehicle interior where the mirror is a two-sided mirror.
- the autonomous vehicle interior includes: two rows of vehicle seats, where each vehicle seat can face towards a central location in the vehicle interior.
- the autonomous vehicle interior also includes a retractor assembly rotatably affixed to the vehicle interior ceiling and at a ceiling location generally centered between the vehicle seats, the retractor assembly having a retractable connector attached at one end to a two-sided mirror, the retractor assembly configured to releasably maintain the connector in a retracted position and at least one extended position; and the mirror being rotatably connected to the connector around a horizontal axis via an axle hinge such that the mirror can be in one of a substantially horizontal orientation, tilted orientation, or substantially vertical orientation, where, when in the substantially horizontal orientation, the mirror can releasably affix to the ceiling of the vehicle interior via a snap clip and, when in the tilted orientation or substantially vertical orientation, the mirror can rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis via the retractor assembly.
- Implementations may include one or more of the following features.
- the autonomous vehicle interior where the retractable connector is a steel cord.
- FIG. 1 shows an environmental view of an exemplary mirror system according to an aspect of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 shows a side view of an exemplary mirror system according to an aspect of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2A shows an exemplary rotary coupling feature of the exemplary mirror system of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 2B shows a an exemplary pivotable coupling feature and mirror assembly of the mirror system of FIG. 2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 shows a side view of the exemplary mirror system according to another aspect of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4 shows a side view of the exemplary mirror system according to another aspect of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4A shows an exemplary connector feature of the exemplary mirror system of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 4B shows another exemplary connector feature of the exemplary mirror system of FIG. 4 .
- mirror system 10 that incorporates a retractable mirror within the interior of an autonomous vehicle has been generally indicated by reference number 10 .
- mirror system 10 is adapted to be installed at a generally central location on the ceiling 12 of the interior 14 to the autonomous vehicle 16 .
- this ceiling location may be positioned between two rows of vehicle seats that face each other, a front row 18 and a back row 20 .
- these seats can be rotatable around a vertical axis (not shown) to allow each seat to face directly towards another seat being in the opposite row or towards a central location in the vehicle's interior 14 .
- Skilled artisans generally know this kind of vehicle seat orientation as a “round table” seating.
- mirror system 10 includes a retractor module 22 that is installed onto ceiling 12 , at the above discussed center location.
- Retractor module 22 is a housing which generally encapsulates and conceals the unsightly mechanical features of mirror system 10 such as, for instance, the retractor assembly 24 (discussed below).
- a layer of upholstery 23 can also be affixed to the underside of module 22 to conceal the module itself and provide an appearance that system's mirror feature retracts directly from ceiling 12 .
- mirror system 10 does not incorporate a retractor module 22 (see FIG. 1 ), or this module is positioned at some other location (e.g., at some location in the frame of the vehicle) while allowing the mirror to generally extend/retract from the center of ceiling 12 .
- Retractor assembly 24 is operatively positioned within module 22 and is similar to seat belt retractor assemblies generally used in vehicle seatbelt systems.
- retractor assembly 24 includes an internal spool 25 that is rotatable to wind a connector 26 .
- the spool 25 is biased, moreover, such as by a spring (not shown) mounted within retractor assembly 24 , to wind a portion of the connector 26 around the spool 25 .
- Retractor assembly 40 additionally includes a ratchet wheel and pawl (not shown) by which the rotation of the retractor spool 25 may be locked in place under certain circumstances such as when in one or more extender positions.
- retractor assembly 24 is rotatably coupled to ceiling 12 or within module 22 by means of a rotary union 28 (otherwise known as a rotary coupling).
- a rotary union 28 otherwise known as a rotary coupling.
- the roller bearing feature 29 of rotary union 28 enables retractor assembly 24 to rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis 30 with ease.
- one or more brakes can be incorporated into rotary union 28 to restrict the rotation of retractor assembly 24 to something less than 360 degrees. Skilled artisans would also see the independent shaft and housing components of rotatory union 28 will also help to allow for the continuous rotation of rotary assembly 24 around vertical axis 30 .
- a mirror assembly 32 is joined to the free end of connector 26 .
- mirror assembly 32 is positioned entirely outside of retractor module 22 and can dangle below the module via the connector 26 , which protrudes through an opening at, for example, centrally of module 22 .
- mirror assembly 32 is pivotably joined to connector 26 around a horizontal axis 34 by means of an axle hinge 36 .
- axle hinge allows mirror assembly 32 to swing downwardly from a horizontal orientation, which is substantially parallel with ceiling 12 , to a vertical orientation, which generally conforms to vertical axis 30 , or one or more titled orientations, all which may be somewhere between 30 and 60 degrees relative to vertical axis 30 .
- axle hinge 36 is pinched to the end of connector 26 and the other part is joined to one side of mirror assembly 32 (e.g., via screws/bolts).
- An axle 37 (or pin) can be inserted through both hinge parts to operatively connect connector 26 to mirror assembly 32 .
- One or more stops may also be incorporated into axle hinge 36 to help establish the one or more tilted orientations.
- Skilled artisans will see that other embodiments of mirror system 10 may include pivotable joining devices other than an axle hinge (e.g., a cam lift hinge, spring hinge, overlay hinge, etc.).
- mirror assembly 32 When placed in the horizontal orientation, mirror assembly 32 can releasably affix to the exterior of module 22 or ceiling 12 by means of a snap clip device 38 .
- the male component of clip device 38 is located on mirror assembly 32 ; whereas, the female component of clip device 38 is located on module 22 and faces downward.
- the male component simply inserts into the female component.
- mirror assembly 32 can releasably affixed to a metallic embodiment of module 22 or metallic embodiment of ceiling 12 (or metallic plate affixed to either) by means of a magnet (see FIG. 3 ).
- an interior occupant may extend mirror assembly 32 downwardly from module 22 or ceiling 12 through a pulling action.
- the retractor assembly 24 can lock the connector 26 in place and mirror assembly 32 in an extended position.
- a first extended position may provide enough room for mirror assembly 32 to pivot downward and into the vertical orientation (as shown), or a tilted orientation being at a tilted angle (see FIG. 4 ), and allow for its usage.
- mirror assembly 32 may be rotated around the vertical axis 30 by means of rotator assembly 24 to enable each interior occupant usage of the mirror, especially when seated in the round table orientation.
- the interior user may also disconnect mirror assembly 32 from connector 26 via a detachment device 37 .
- the detachment device 37 may simply be two threaded elements that screw together connector 26 and mirror assembly 32 or a snap clip which releasably connects these features.
- connector 26 may be embodied as a strip of webbing, for example, made from canvas.
- Connector 26 may alternatively be embodied as a steel cord, for example, having a plastic coating, referring to FIG. 4B .
- mirror assembly 32 may include mirrors on both sides (i.e., two sided) or on one side (i.e., one sided). A two-sided embodiment of mirror assembly 32 is shown in FIG. 4 .
- Spatially relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
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Abstract
Description
- The interiors of vehicle, such as autonomous vehicles, may have seating configurations in which all passengers face towards the interior's center. This round table seating configuration is useful when passengers desire to converse with each other. However, it also comes with drawbacks. For example, interior mirrors of known configurations may not be available to at least one passenger. Therefore, it is desirable for such interiors to provide a mirror system which is accessible to each of the passengers. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- One general aspect includes a mirror system including: a retractor module configured to be installed onto the ceiling of a vehicle interior; a retractor assembly positioned within the retractor module, the retractor assembly having a retractable connector attached at one end to a mirror positioned outside of the retractor module, the retractor assembly configured to releasably maintain the connector in a retracted position and at least one extended position; and the mirror being pivotably connected to the connector around a horizontal axis such that the mirror can be in a substantially horizontal orientation or substantially vertical orientation.
- Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The mirror system where, when in the substantially horizontal orientation, the mirror can releasably affix to the exterior of the retractor module via a snap clip. The mirror system where, when in the substantially horizontal orientation, the mirror can releasably affix to the exterior of the retractor module via a magnet. The mirror system where the retractor assembly is rotatably positioned within the retractor module such that the mirror can rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis. The mirror system where the vehicle interior is located in an autonomous vehicle and has by two rows of vehicle seats, where each vehicle seat row can face the other vehicle seat row. The mirror system where the retractable connector is a strip of fabric webbing. The mirror system where the mirror is pivotably connected to the connector via an axle hinge. The mirror system where the mirror is a two-sided mirror.
- One general aspect includes an vehicle interior including: a retractor assembly affixed to the ceiling of the vehicle interior, the retractor assembly having a retractable connector attached at one end to a mirror, the retractor assembly configured to releasably maintain the connector in a retracted position and at least one extended position; and the mirror being pivotably connected to the connector around a horizontal axis such that the mirror can be in a substantially horizontal orientation and substantially vertical orientation.
- Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The vehicle interior where, when in the substantially horizontal orientation, the mirror can releasably affix to the ceiling of the vehicle interior via a snap clip. The vehicle interior where, when in the substantially horizontal orientation, the mirror can releasably affix to the ceiling of the vehicle interior via a magnet. The vehicle interior where the retractor assembly is rotatably affixed ceiling of the vehicle interior such that the mirror can rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis. The vehicle interior where the vehicle interior in located in an autonomous vehicle and includes two rows of vehicle seats, where each vehicle seat row can face the other vehicle seat row. The vehicle interior where the retractable connector is a strip of fabric webbing. The vehicle interior where the retractable connector is a steel cord. The vehicle interior where the mirror is pivotably connected to the connector via an axle hinge. The vehicle interior where the mirror is a two-sided mirror.
- One general aspect includes an autonomous vehicle interior including: two rows of vehicle seats, where each vehicle seat can face towards a central location in the vehicle interior. The autonomous vehicle interior also includes a retractor assembly rotatably affixed to the vehicle interior ceiling and at a ceiling location generally centered between the vehicle seats, the retractor assembly having a retractable connector attached at one end to a two-sided mirror, the retractor assembly configured to releasably maintain the connector in a retracted position and at least one extended position; and the mirror being rotatably connected to the connector around a horizontal axis via an axle hinge such that the mirror can be in one of a substantially horizontal orientation, tilted orientation, or substantially vertical orientation, where, when in the substantially horizontal orientation, the mirror can releasably affix to the ceiling of the vehicle interior via a snap clip and, when in the tilted orientation or substantially vertical orientation, the mirror can rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis via the retractor assembly.
- Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The autonomous vehicle interior where the mirror is detachable from the connector. The autonomous vehicle interior where the retractable connector is a steel cord.
- The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description for carrying out the teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
- The disclosed examples will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 shows an environmental view of an exemplary mirror system according to an aspect of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 shows a side view of an exemplary mirror system according to an aspect of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2A shows an exemplary rotary coupling feature of the exemplary mirror system ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 2B shows a an exemplary pivotable coupling feature and mirror assembly of the mirror system ofFIG. 2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 shows a side view of the exemplary mirror system according to another aspect of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 shows a side view of the exemplary mirror system according to another aspect of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4A shows an exemplary connector feature of the exemplary mirror system ofFIG. 4 ; and -
FIG. 4B shows another exemplary connector feature of the exemplary mirror system ofFIG. 4 . - Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments can take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.
- As can be seen in
FIG. 1 , a mirror system that incorporates a retractable mirror within the interior of an autonomous vehicle has been generally indicated byreference number 10. Under normal circumstances,mirror system 10 is adapted to be installed at a generally central location on theceiling 12 of theinterior 14 to theautonomous vehicle 16. As known for certain types ofautonomous vehicles 16, this ceiling location may be positioned between two rows of vehicle seats that face each other, afront row 18 and aback row 20. In many instances, these seats can be rotatable around a vertical axis (not shown) to allow each seat to face directly towards another seat being in the opposite row or towards a central location in the vehicle'sinterior 14. Skilled artisans generally know this kind of vehicle seat orientation as a “round table” seating. - As can be seen in
FIG. 2 , one embodiment ofmirror system 10 includes aretractor module 22 that is installed ontoceiling 12, at the above discussed center location.Retractor module 22 is a housing which generally encapsulates and conceals the unsightly mechanical features ofmirror system 10 such as, for instance, the retractor assembly 24 (discussed below). A layer ofupholstery 23 can also be affixed to the underside ofmodule 22 to conceal the module itself and provide an appearance that system's mirror feature retracts directly fromceiling 12. In other embodiments, it has been envisioned,mirror system 10 does not incorporate a retractor module 22 (seeFIG. 1 ), or this module is positioned at some other location (e.g., at some location in the frame of the vehicle) while allowing the mirror to generally extend/retract from the center ofceiling 12. -
Retractor assembly 24 is operatively positioned withinmodule 22 and is similar to seat belt retractor assemblies generally used in vehicle seatbelt systems. As such,retractor assembly 24 includes aninternal spool 25 that is rotatable to wind aconnector 26. Thespool 25 is biased, moreover, such as by a spring (not shown) mounted withinretractor assembly 24, to wind a portion of theconnector 26 around thespool 25. Retractor assembly 40 additionally includes a ratchet wheel and pawl (not shown) by which the rotation of theretractor spool 25 may be locked in place under certain circumstances such as when in one or more extender positions. - In one or more embodiments,
retractor assembly 24 is rotatably coupled toceiling 12 or withinmodule 22 by means of a rotary union 28 (otherwise known as a rotary coupling). With reference toFIG. 2A , the roller bearing feature 29 ofrotary union 28 enablesretractor assembly 24 to rotate 360 degrees around a vertical axis 30 with ease. It has also been envisioned that one or more brakes can be incorporated intorotary union 28 to restrict the rotation ofretractor assembly 24 to something less than 360 degrees. Skilled artisans would also see the independent shaft and housing components ofrotatory union 28 will also help to allow for the continuous rotation ofrotary assembly 24 around vertical axis 30. - A
mirror assembly 32 is joined to the free end ofconnector 26. As shown, in this embodiment,mirror assembly 32 is positioned entirely outside ofretractor module 22 and can dangle below the module via theconnector 26, which protrudes through an opening at, for example, centrally ofmodule 22. With reference toFIG. 2B ,mirror assembly 32 is pivotably joined toconnector 26 around a horizontal axis 34 by means of anaxle hinge 36. As such, axle hinge allowsmirror assembly 32 to swing downwardly from a horizontal orientation, which is substantially parallel withceiling 12, to a vertical orientation, which generally conforms to vertical axis 30, or one or more titled orientations, all which may be somewhere between 30 and 60 degrees relative to vertical axis 30. What is more, one part ofaxle hinge 36 is pinched to the end ofconnector 26 and the other part is joined to one side of mirror assembly 32 (e.g., via screws/bolts). An axle 37 (or pin) can be inserted through both hinge parts to operatively connectconnector 26 to mirrorassembly 32. One or more stops may also be incorporated intoaxle hinge 36 to help establish the one or more tilted orientations. Skilled artisans will see that other embodiments ofmirror system 10 may include pivotable joining devices other than an axle hinge (e.g., a cam lift hinge, spring hinge, overlay hinge, etc.). - When placed in the horizontal orientation,
mirror assembly 32 can releasably affix to the exterior ofmodule 22 orceiling 12 by means of asnap clip device 38. The male component ofclip device 38 is located onmirror assembly 32; whereas, the female component ofclip device 38 is located onmodule 22 and faces downward. As a result, to releasably affixmirror assembly 32 tomodule 22, the male component simply inserts into the female component. In one or more alternative embodiments,mirror assembly 32 can releasably affixed to a metallic embodiment ofmodule 22 or metallic embodiment of ceiling 12 (or metallic plate affixed to either) by means of a magnet (seeFIG. 3 ). - As shown in
FIG. 3 , an interior occupant may extendmirror assembly 32 downwardly frommodule 22 orceiling 12 through a pulling action. Once pulled down to a proper location, theretractor assembly 24 can lock theconnector 26 in place andmirror assembly 32 in an extended position. For example, as shown, a first extended position may provide enough room formirror assembly 32 to pivot downward and into the vertical orientation (as shown), or a tilted orientation being at a tilted angle (seeFIG. 4 ), and allow for its usage. When pulled to this first extended position,mirror assembly 32 may be rotated around the vertical axis 30 by means ofrotator assembly 24 to enable each interior occupant usage of the mirror, especially when seated in the round table orientation. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , pulling down onmirror assembly 32 after it is already in the first extended position will place it in a second extended position. This second extended position allows for interior occupants to bring the mirror up close to their person while seated. Moreover, to retract themirror assembly 32 to its default retracted position (seeFIG. 2 ), an interior occupant is simply required to give a quick jerk when in the second extended position andretractor assembly 24 will retractconnector 26 by causing it to be wound back aroundspool 25. In certain embodiments, for more freedom of use, the interior user may also disconnectmirror assembly 32 fromconnector 26 via adetachment device 37. Thedetachment device 37 may simply be two threaded elements that screw togetherconnector 26 andmirror assembly 32 or a snap clip which releasably connects these features. With reference toFIG. 4A ,connector 26 may be embodied as a strip of webbing, for example, made from canvas.Connector 26 may alternatively be embodied as a steel cord, for example, having a plastic coating, referring toFIG. 4B . It should be understoodmirror assembly 32 may include mirrors on both sides (i.e., two sided) or on one side (i.e., one sided). A two-sided embodiment ofmirror assembly 32 is shown inFIG. 4 . - While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes can include, but are not limited to cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and can be desirable for particular applications.
- Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- None of the elements recited in the claims are intended to be a means-plus-function element within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless an element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for,” or in the case of a method claim using the phrases “operation for” or “step for” in the claim.
Claims (20)
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US15/895,065 US10399507B1 (en) | 2018-02-13 | 2018-02-13 | Mirror system for vehicle interiors |
CN201910089285.3A CN110154916B (en) | 2018-02-13 | 2019-01-30 | Mirror system for vehicle interior |
DE102019102988.0A DE102019102988A1 (en) | 2018-02-13 | 2019-02-06 | MIRROR SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE INTERIORS |
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US15/895,065 US10399507B1 (en) | 2018-02-13 | 2018-02-13 | Mirror system for vehicle interiors |
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US10399507B1 US10399507B1 (en) | 2019-09-03 |
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US15/895,065 Active 2038-04-01 US10399507B1 (en) | 2018-02-13 | 2018-02-13 | Mirror system for vehicle interiors |
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US11623522B2 (en) | 2021-03-30 | 2023-04-11 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Overhead display system for vehicles |
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US7303295B1 (en) * | 2004-06-24 | 2007-12-04 | Press Irving D | Rear view mirror assembly and system |
JP3108678U (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2005-04-28 | 栄子 綾野 | Sun visor aimed at sunlight |
JP2007261558A (en) * | 2006-03-28 | 2007-10-11 | Kmc Kk | Flexible arm sun visor for automobile |
US7717655B2 (en) * | 2006-09-26 | 2010-05-18 | Sure-Lok, Inc. | Compact wheelchair restraint system with housing and release |
US8052311B2 (en) * | 2008-11-26 | 2011-11-08 | Ilo Kristo Xhunga | Pull-down self-supportive lighting mounted on hand-reachable ceilings |
US20110062741A1 (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2011-03-17 | Ilo Kristo Xhunga | Palm-like Sun Visor |
US8943978B2 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2015-02-03 | Rgb Systems, Inc. | Modular surface mountable enclosure |
DE102014224560B4 (en) * | 2014-12-01 | 2022-12-29 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Arrangement for a vehicle interior, motor vehicle |
US10059296B2 (en) * | 2016-03-14 | 2018-08-28 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle table with deployable airbag |
KR101963617B1 (en) * | 2017-05-08 | 2019-03-29 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Room mirror for vehicle |
GB2563286B (en) * | 2017-06-09 | 2019-11-20 | Ford Global Tech Llc | A motor vehicle seating system with increased flexibility of seating arrangements |
US10343558B2 (en) * | 2017-10-19 | 2019-07-09 | Nio Usa, Inc. | Fixed structure seat |
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