WO1984000728A1

WO1984000728A1 - Multi-angular panoramic automotive rearview mirror

Info

Publication number: WO1984000728A1
Application number: PCT/US1982/001134
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antony-Euclid C Villa-Real
Original assignee: Villa Real Antony Euclid C
Priority date: 1982-08-23
Filing date: 1982-08-23
Publication date: 1984-03-01
Also published as: EP0116539A1; AU8959582A

Abstract

A centrally placeable multi-angularly manipulatable combination automotive rearview mirror having a plurality of integral flat optically non-distorting reflective faces (1, 2) inter-connected by movable but firm connecting means (8), each respective face capable of being positioned optimally by the driver to provide him with a much greater than ordinary scope of vision from both the rear-left side to the rear-right side including the direct rear view of the traffic environment, thus solving the risk factors such as the so-called right-sided rear blind-spot and also diminishing the frequent head turning and common visual disruption to the driver relevant to his important frontal attention during driving. Each corresponding integral face (1, 2) is provided with respective arrow indicia (6, 7) both for instructional purposes to the driver on the proper directional tilt required for each said integral face and also to effectively achieve the functional capability of constantly reminding the driver regarding the proper directional right or left rear view conditions relative to the correspondingly tilted mirror face he is watching.

Description

MULTI-ANGULAR PANORAMIC AUTOMOT IVE REARVIEW MIRROR

Background of the Invention

Since it is of utmost importance to the driver to have his attention to driving to its maximum, the unnecessary randomized shifting of the eyes and head movements, as in the case of his utilization of a combination of the variously located fixed rear view mirrors common to the most automobiles, should definitely be solved.

Currently, before shifting to the right lane or before turning right, it is the routine practice among drivers to turn his head to the right as quickly as possible to ensure him that no immediate vehicle or vehicles at and around the so-called right blind-spot are within dangerous range before he can make the right decision. Meanwhile, the time lapse during this shift of visual and mental attention creates a hazardous condition because of the diminution of his attention to frontal driving. This condition becomes even more blown into greater proportion especially during fast driving, thus increasing the danger of possible accident. Although there are several rear view mirrors used in combination as mentioned above, the locations of the said various mirrors are not centralized, so that the driver must frequently shift his eyes from one mirror to the others; one mirror having its usual location to his left side, another being situated centrally inside the vehicle, and yet another one located exteriorly and to his extreme right. This combination of mirrors in various locations that are far apart is not conductive to safe driving.

There are mirrors that are convex in facial config¬ uration to provide a wider view of the rearward traffic conditions, however, the images of the other vehicles as well as the pedestrians become distorted, and, at the same time there results an alteration in visual reflections of

C^l'."I extra-vehicular objects therearound the lateral and rearward traffic environment that oftentimes lead to miscalculations on the part of the driver.

Certain mirror systems consist of a composite of several differently angled fixed reflective faces that are altogether set on a singular back plate. But the problem is the lack of independent flexibility of angular positioning of each reflective face.

There are other mirrors that are longer than ordinary. Some of which are even made to occupy the entire frontal section of the vehicle. However though the aim of many manuf cturers is to solve the problem of the said blind spot, and to provide greater range of visibility, this kind of solution alone cannot bring forth optimal provi¬ sion for wider visual angular scope. This is because of the lack of manipulative flexibility of the mirror systems .

Another problem that arises from the use of the described latter existing mirrors is their greater total length which adds to the obstruction to the frontal view of the driver. Other rear view mirrors employ an exterior protrusion at the automobile's front roofing utilizing the periscope principle. This can be quite expensive. The latter kinds of above mentioned rear view mirrors defin¬ itely bring forth negative reactions to the driver because the frontal interior section of the vehicle immediately before his eyes become very busy due to intensified visual counteractions with regard to the traffic conditions thus taking away part of his frontal attention to driving.

From the neuro-physiological standpoint, the total bombardment of nervous impulses reaching the visual area of the brain creates a rather psychological confusion to the driver because of the randomized visual feedback to his brain. Summary of the Invention

It is one object of the instant invention to provide a mirror system which affords a greater range of visibility towards the rear right and left sides of the automobile simultaneously with direct rear vision of the road traffic conditions.

It is another object of the invention to provide a mirror system having at least a pair of mirrors which can be moved simultaneously or relative to each other to vary or enlarge the reflective field.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mirror system which eliminates the so-called blind-spot area at the rear right side of the automobile in order to minimize the frequent head turning to the rear right of the driver.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mirror system which can either be of a permanent type mounting or an easily attachable and removable clip-on mounting.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide indicia means on the respective mirrors to indicate to the driver the direction of view of the respective mirrors.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide indicia means to indicate to the driver the proper directional tilt of each respective mirrors.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable mirror system which is simple and durable in construction, economical to manufacture, and neat and attractive in appearance.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description and appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a rear view mirror system illustrative of the invention;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the mirror system in an angular adjusted position;

Figure 3 is a rear elevational view of the instant

-__-__^:?__. mirror system shown in Figure 1 attached to an existing rear view mirror by clip-on means;

Figure is a top view of the mirror system showing the mirrors adjusted relative to each other, as well as showing the clip-on means;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the instant mirror system as applied to an automobile;

Figure 6 is a rear elevational view of the mirror system of the present invention showing a permanent-type connection for application to the internal face of the front windshield of an automobile;

Figures 7 and 8 are front elevational views of a mirror system of the present invention for use on a smaller or sports car type automobiles;

Figure 9 is a top view of the mirror system of Figure 8 showing the mirrors adjusted relative to each other and showing the clip-on means;

Figure 10 is a rear elevational view of the mirror system of Figure 7 and Figure 8 showing a clip-on attach¬ ment of an existing mirror;

Figure 11 is a rear elevational view of the mirror system of Figures 7 and 8 showing a single post-type permanent windshield mounting;

Figures 12, 13, 17, 18, and 19 are front elevational views of stylized shapes of the mirror system of the present invention;

Figures 14 and 20 are top views of the associated mirror system adjusted relative to each other, and show¬ ing the clip-on means;

Figures 15 and 21 are rear elevational views of Figures 13 and 19 showing a clip-on attachment to an existing mirror;

Figures 16 and 22 are rear elevational views of stylized shapes of the mirror system showing a single post-type permanent windshield mounting, and showing the central adjustable connecting means between the two mirror frames; Figures 23 and 24 are front elevational views of the present mirror system wherein two mirrors are attached independently of the main mirror;

Figure 25 is a top view of the mirror system of Figures 23 and 24 showing two dependent mirrors adjusted relative to the main mirror, and showing the clip-on means ;

Figure 26 is a rear elevational view of Figure 24 showing a clip-on type attachment;

Figure 27 is a rear elevational view of Figure 24 showing a single post-type permanent windshield mounting;

Figures 28 through 33 are front elevational views of other stylized shapes of the present mirror system showing the dependent mirror attached to the main mirror at various locations;

Figure 34 is a front elevational view of another general type of the present invention wherein the larger main mirror is now located at the lower portion of the mirror system and the smaller dependent mirror is located centrally at the top portion of the main mirror; the inter-connecting joint between the lower and the upper mirror portions is offset from the center;

Figure 35 is a rear elevational view of the mirror system of Figure 34 which shows its correct clipping engagement with a current existing mirror that is usually seen already mounted onto the windshield of present automobiles;

Figure 36 is the side elevational view of Figure 35; Figure 37 is a front elevational view of yet another style and type of the present invention wherein the larger main mirror is located at the lower portion of the mirror system and the smaller dependent mirror is non-centrally located at the left top portion of the main mirror;

Figure 38 is a front elevational view of an oval style of the invention of the general type as in Figure 35 with central connecting joint between the lower larger main mirror and the upper smaller dependent mirror;

Figure 39 is the top elevational view of the style and type of the invention of Figure 37 and showing its clipping engagement onto an existing mirror that is usually seen already mounted onto the windshield of present automobiles;

Figure 40 is a top elevational view of the style and type of the invention illustrated in Figure 38 having mounting means for attaching onto the windshield of new automobiles during assembly and mass production. Description of the Invention

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals and like letter-numeral combinations refer to like elements there is shown at Figure 1, one preferred embodiment of the rearview mirror system. The mirror system includes a main or upper front mirror 1 including portions la and lb enclosed by frame 3 continuing at the back as 3a and 3b shown in Figure 3. Adjoined to frame 3 as shown in Figure 1, there is a raised portion 5 which includes indicia means 6 thereon. The indicia means is shown in the form of a leftwise directed arrow to indicate the left side viewing and may be of luminous material to be seen by the driver during operation of the vehicle 'at night. The dependent mirror indicated generally at 2 is enclosed by frame 4 which is attached to the main frame 3 by means of a movable joint 8 which is shown to be off-centered with respect to frames 3 and 4. Frame 4 includes a central lower protrusion 10 which includes a rightwise directed arrow indicia that may also be made of luminous material for night-time driving. Both the leftwise and the rightwise directed arrow indicia having the function of instructing the driver of the correct directional tilt of the respective mirrors as well as to constantly remind the driver of the corresponding direc¬ tion of viewing.

Main mirror 1 includes a cut-out or indented portion

9 which is complimentary to the shape of the dependent mirror 2 allowing the overall width of the two mirrors when linked together, to be only slightly wider that the main mirror 1. The attachment means shown in Figure 3 includes a pair of clips 11a and lib which clip over the existing rearview mirror 13 dependent from conventional attach¬ ment means 14. The clip-on attachment provides for easy and quick attachment and removal of the mirror system from a single conventional rearview mirror.

In Figure 4, X is shown as the clockwise direction of angular adjustment of the main mirror 3, and Y represents the counter-clockwise direction of angular adjustment of the same main mirror 3; whereas X. illus- trates the clockwise direction of the angular adjustment of the dependent frame 4, and Y.. designates the counter¬ clockwise direction of angular adjustment of the frame 4.

In Figure 5, is shown the mirror system of the present invention as attached to the automobile, and wherein the main mirror and dependent mirror are respec¬ tively correctly tilted and angled with respect to each other and relative to the vehicle, the combination of said mirror arrangement resulting in greater multi- angular panoramic scope of rear and lateral vision. Main mirror 1 gives a scope of vision approximately ranging from A to B as represented by the respective broken lines emanating from the main mirror. Dependent mirror 2 gives an additional scope of angular vision ranging from C to D as represented by broken lines emanating from dependent mirror 2 which is generally used to eliminate the dangerous right-sided rear blind- spot.

The attachment means shown in Figure 6 includes a pivotal connection 15 attached to single central post 16 connected by pivotal means 17 and attached by adhesive portion 18 to the internal face of the front windshield indicated by the series of slanted shadings. This type

^» of attachment is used when a permanent mirror system would be installed, for example, on new automobiles. The mirror system shown in Figures 7 through 11 employs the same features described in Figure 17, but on a smaller scale and of a different shape so as to be adapted for use on smaller or sports car size auto¬ mobiles. The main mirror 1 supported by frame 20 is generally of an oval shape and has a front viewing area extending from la to lb, including a cut-out or recess portion to receive the dependent mirror 2 supported by frame 21 attached by central pivotal connection 19. The variously adjusted angles for each respective mirror are accomplished by clockwise directed movement X, and counter-clockwise direction Y for the main mirror 20, and by clockwise direction X. and counter-clockwise direction Y_ for the dependent mirror frame 21.

The mirror system shown in Figures 12 through 15 employs the same features described in Figure 1 with off- centered pivotal connection means, but is shaped gener- ally rectangular. However, in Figures 16 and 17 which also feature the rectangular shape, differ in that the pivotal connecting means between the two mirror frames are located centrally as show by 19. Again the main mirror portions la and lb enclosed in frame 23 are provided with a cut-out or indented portions to receive the dependent mirror 2 in frame 24 attached by pivotal connection means. The functions and general structures are basically the same as previously described.

The mirror system shown in Figures 18 through 22 is similar to the above described systems and includes a main mirror portion la and lb in a frame 26 having back portions 26a and 26b. There is a central arc-like indentation at the lower portion of the main mirror 1 and frame 26 accommodate the circular dependent mirror 2 in frame 27 which is centrally attached by pivotal connect¬ ing means 19 to the main mirror frame 26. In Figure 21 is shown the present invention in rear view and clipped- on to existing mirror by a dual clip-on means 11a and lib, but in Figure 22 the rear view of the present invention is shown with direct attachment for new automobiles as in Figures 6, 11, and 16 with similar attachment parts.

At Figures 23 through 27 is shown a mirror system wherein the front main mirror 1 including portions la, lb, and lc in frame 29 is provided with a pair of dependent mirrors 2a and 2b in frames 31 and 30 respec¬ tively, and are received in complimentary recesses or cut-outs and separated by portion lc and connection by central pivotal means 19. Main mirror 1 is provided with leftwise directed arrow indicia 6 in raised portion 5. Each dependent mirror .is also provided with separate indicia 7a and 7b indicating direction of angular tilt as well as direction of vision. The various adjusted angles of the three mirrors can be achieved by movements indicated by X, Y: X , Y., and X-, Y„ at Figure 25. In Figure 26 which is the rear view of the mirror system of Figure 24, the proper angular perspective of the various mirrors are shown and the entire mirror system illustrat¬ ed by dual clip-on means 11a and lib for easy application to existing single mirrors. Figure 27 shows rear view of the same mirror system in proper angular perspective of the same various mirrors, but the difference is that the entire mirror system is attached by a permanent attachment means for application to new automobiles: 10a is the back portion of 10 which contains the arrow indicia of the dependent mirrors. The main advantage of this three-mirror system is the greatest multi- angular scope of side and lateral vision it encompasses.

At Figure 28 through 33 is shown a mirror system wherein the main mirror 1 including portions la and lb in frame 35 is provided with a single dependent mirror 2 in frame 36. The location of the dependent mirror 2 in these alternative constructions may either be central or offset to the left or right as desired. Correspond- ing arrow indicia are also provided for the respective angular tilt and visual reference.

In Figure 34, the main mirror 1 is in the lower part of the mirror system and is larger than the smaller dependent mirror 2 which is situated on the upper part of the mirror system. A cut-out portion or indentation 9 found at the upper portion of the main mirror accommo¬ dates the lower part of the upper smaller dependent mirror and is complimentary in shape with each other. The indentation 9 is_. found in-between portions la and lb of the main mirror. Attachment 8 which is ideally a ball- and-socket joint connects the main mirror 1 to the dependent mirror 2 and allows for a firm but movable adjustment by the driver in order to achieve the optimal angular arrangement between the two mirror portions from the driver's point-of-view which is conducive to better and safer rear and lateral visibility of the traffic conditions exterior to his vehicle. Around the main mirror 1 is frame 3, and around dependent mirror 2 is frame 4, both of which respectively put the respective mirrors in properly safer placement with firm backing as well illustrated in Figure 35. The main mirror is provided with a bottom central area 5' which contains the leftwardly directed arrow indicia 6 for reminding the driver about the left rear direction of vision as well as the leftward tilt adjustment of the main mirror. Below the central bottom portion of the main mirror is the night and day adjustment lever 12 of the existing mirror currently used in present vehicles and also illustrated in Figures 35, 36, 37, and 38. The upper smaller dependent mirror is provided with a central upper area 10' containing the rightwardly directed arrow indicia 7 which reminds the driver about the right rear direction of vision as well as the rightward tilt adjust¬ ment of the smaller upper dependent mirror.

In Figure 35, the mirror system of Figure 34 is shown to be in the proper clip-on engagement with the C__? existing mirror 13 of conventional existing single mirror. A dual clip 11a and lib attached to the upper back portion of the larger main mirror are shown to be engaged over the conventional existing single mirror, and this relationship between the above mentioned parts are also shown in Figure 36. A post-type mounting^'14 having pivotal connection 15 and attachment portion 18 are all shown attached to the conventional existing mirror.

In Figure 36 the side view of frame 4 of the upper dependent mirror is shown as well as the side view of the clip lib in correct engaging relationship over the existing mirror 13 also shown in side view. The post- type mounting 14 having pivotal connection 15 and 17 with attachment portion 18 of the conventional existing mirror are also all shown in the side view.

In Figure 37 the larger main mirror 1 with frame 3 has a left upper indentation or cut-out portion 9' which accommodates part of the lower portion of the smaller upper dependent mirror 2 having frame 4. Ball- and-socket joint 8 connecting the two mirror frames is shown to be offset to the right from the center of the dependent mirror. Area 10' of the dependent framed mirror contains the rightwardly directed arrow indicia 7 and area 5' of the larger main mirror contains the leftwardly directed arrow indicia 6. IX is the upper right portion of main mirror 1 resulting from the structural indentation 9'. The main advantage of this type of arrangement in this mirror system is the better proximity of the dependent upper mirror to the view of the driver when properly adjusted as compared to the mirror systems of Figures 34 and 38, thus better visibility of the right rear traffic conditions exterior to his vehicle.

In Figure 38 is shown a generally oval style of both main mirror 1 having frame 3 and dependent mirror 2 having frame 4 except that the upper central portion of the main framed mirror has a structural indentation 9 which accommodates the lower portion of the upper framed mirror. A ball-and-socket joint 8 is centrally located between the two framed mirror portions that are attached to each other by this joint means. The rightwardly directed arrow indicia 7 contained in area 10' of the dependent mirror and the leftwardly directed arrow indicia contained in area 5' of the main mirror have the same functions as the other mirror systems of Figures 34 and 37.

In Figure 39 the top view of the mirror system of Figure 37 is shown. This view illustrates the top view of frame 4 of the upper dependent mirror which can be turned clockwisely as shown by arrows X, , and counter-clockwisely as shown by arrows Y .. Also shown is the top view of the lower larger main mirror frame 3 which can be adjusted clockwisely as shown by arrows X and counter-clockwise ly as shown by arrows Y. The dual clips 11a and lib attached to the main mirror frame are shown in top view and illustrated in clipping engagement over the conventional existing mirror 13 also shown in top view. Post-type attachment 14 including pivotal joint 15 of the existing mirror are also shown.

In Figure 40, the top view of Figure 38 is shown, wherein the mirror system is connected to a permanent post-type mounting 16 having pivotal connection 15 and 17, and provided with attachment surface 18 for adhes¬ ively installing the device onto the internal surface of the windshield of new automobiles. The lower larger main mirror frame 3 is illustrated as capable of being adjusted clockwisely by arrows X and counter-clockwise ly by arrows Y. The upper smaller dependent mirror frame 4 is shown to be capable of clockwise adjustment indicated by arrows X, and counter-clockwise adjustment indicated by arrows Y. ,

The main advantage of these other mirror systems from Figures 34 to 40 is the proper utilization of the 1 _

unused space at and around the upper central sector of the internal section of the windshield for the proper occupancy of the dependent smaller framed mirror for viewing of the right-sided rear blind spot experior to the vehicle.

Although not shown in the drawings, there can be two or more upper dependent smaller framed mirrors with proper respective arrow indicia which can be accommodated in two or more respective cut-out portions at the upper portion of the lower larger- main framed mirror. Also a combination of smaller upper dependent mirror and a lower dependent framed mirror with respective arrow indicia can be installed in coordination with the upper and lower indentations or cut-out portions of the larger main mirror which now becomes the central main mirror.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that several preferred embodiments of the rear view mirror system have been provided which will aid the driver with simultaneous rear and side vision enabling him to view rearward and to the right or left of the automobile during forward and rearward operation of the vehicle, the advan¬ tages of which will become clearly manifested.

The invention, as described is susceptible to modifications without departing from the inventive concept, and right is herein reserved to such modifica¬ tions as may fall within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rearview mirror system for a vehicle adapted to be mounted on the vehicle and including at least a pair of adjustably interconnected framed mirrors which can be moved simultaneously or independently relative to each other, including an upper or main mirror adjustably connected to at least one lower or dependent mirror to collectively vary the reflective angles thereof, and wherein the lower section of the main mirror has a structural indentation or cut-out portion to accommodate part of the lower dependent mirror, the combination of said mirrors altogether provide adjustable rearward and lateral field of vision without substantial obstruction to the forward field of vision.

2. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein on at least one of the said mirrors is provided with indicia means to direct the proper right or left side tilt of the corresponding mirror having said indicia.

3. A mirror system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the said mirrors is provided with indicia means to assist the driver with directional reminder for the correct lateral and rearward traffic conditions relevant to his vehicle.

4. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable connecting means is centered with respect to the upper or main mirror.

5. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable connecting means is offset from center with respect to the upper or main mirror.

6. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein both of said mirrors are provided with indicia to locate the right or left side of the vehicle in conjunction with the lateral and rearward traffic conditions .

7. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the cut-out portion or structural indentation is complimentary in shape to the lower or dependent mirror.

8. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the upper or main mirror is provided with mounting means for attaching said system to the wind- shield of a vehicle.

9. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the upper main mirror is provided with mounting means for attaching said system to an existing mirror on said vehicle .

10. A rearview mirror system according to claim 9, wherein the mounting means is a plurality of clips for securely attaching said mirror system over the existing rearview mirror already mounted on the vehicle.

11. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the mirrors are generally rectangular in shape.

12. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the mirrors -are generally oval in shape.

13. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the lower or dependent mirror is circular in shape .

14. A rearview mirror system for a vehicle adapted to be mounted on the vehicle, and including a plurality of adjustable interconnected fr.amed mirrors which can be moved simultaneously or independently relative to each other, including a larger upper or main mirror adjustably connected to a pair of smaller lower or dependent mirrors to accomplish a variety of reflective angles thereof, to adjustably enlarge or widen the scope of view of the driver relative to the rearward and right and leftlateral fields of vision without substantial obstruction to the forward field of vision; and, wherein the lower section of the larger upper or main mirror is provided with a pair of structural indentations or cut-out portions to correspondingly accommodate each part of the respective smaller mirrors.

15. A rearview mirror system according to claim 14, wherein on each of the corresponding mirrors there is provided a respective arrow indicia to correspondingly locate the respective right or left side of the vehicle.

16. A rearview mirror system according to claim 14, wherein the adjustable connecting means is centered with respect to at least one on the lower or dependent mirrors

17. A rearview mirror system according to claim 14, wherein the adjustable connecting means is offset from center with respect to at least one of the lower or dependent mirrors.

18. A rearview mirror system according to claim 14, wherein all of said mirrors are provided with indicia means to locate the right or left side of the vehicle in proper coordination with the lateral and rearward traffic conditions.

19. A rearview mirror system according to claim 14, wherein the cut-out portions or structural indentations of the upper mirror are complimentary in shape to the respective lower or dependent mirrors.

20. A rearview mirror system according to claim 14, wherein the upper or main mirror is provided with mount¬ ing means for attaching said system to the windshield of the respective vehicle.

21. A rearview mirror system according to claim 14, wherein the upper larger or main mirror is provided with mounting means for attaching said system to an existing mirror on said vehicle.

22. A rearview mirror system according to claim 21, wherein the mounting means is clip means.

23. A rearview mirror system according to claim 14, wherein the lower or smaller or dependent mirrors are differently shaped.

24. A rearview mirror system for a vehicle adapted to mounted on the vehicle and including at least a pair of adjustably interconnected framed mirrors which can be moved simultaneously or independently relative to each— _ other, including a lower or main mirror adjustably connected to at least one upper or dependent mirror to _. ^'/-

collectively vary the reflective angles thereof, and wherein the upper section of the main mirror has a structural indentation or cut-out portion to accommodate part of the upper dependent mirror, the combination of said mirrors altogether provide adjustable rearward and lateral field of vision without substantial obstruction to the forward field of vision.

25. A rearview mirror system according to claim 24, wherein on at least one of the said mirrors is provided with indicia means to direct the proper right or left side tilt of the corresponding mirror having said indicia

26. A mirror system according to claim 24, wherein at least one of the said mirrors is provided with indicia means to assist the driver with directional reminder for the correct lateral and rearward traffic conditions relevant to the vehicle.

27. A rearview mirror system according to claim 24, wherein the adjustable connecting. means is centered with respect to the lower or main mirror.

28. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable connecting means is offset from center with respect to the lower or main mirror.

29. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein both of said mirrors are provided with corres- ponding indicia to locate the right or left side of the vehicle in conjunction with the lateral and rearward traffic conditions.

30. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the cut-out portion or structural indentation is complimentary in shape to the upper or dependent mirror.

31. A rearview mirror system according to claim 24, wherein the lower or main mirror is provided with mount¬ ing means for attaching said system to the windshield of a vehicle.

32. A rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein the lower or main mirror is provided with mount¬ ing means for attaching said system to an existing mirror on said vehicle.

33. A rearview mirror system according to claim 32 wherein the mounting means is a plurality of clips for securely attaching said mirror system over the existing rearview mirror already mounted on the vehicle.