WO2013124847A1

WO2013124847A1 - Protective covering for a mirror mounted on a motorized vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2013124847A1
Application number: PCT/IL2013/050149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel KIRSCHENBAUM
Original assignee: Kirschenbaum Daniel
Priority date: 2012-02-22
Filing date: 2013-02-19
Publication date: 2013-08-29
Also published as: IL218250A; IL218250A0

Abstract

A mirror-protecting device for protecting the housing of a side mirror of a vehicle, including an elastic and hollow dish like body, made of a single piece. The body includes an enclosed side wall, a base enclosing the first open end of the side wall, and a ring-like embracer, securely disposed at the second open end. An insertion-opening is formed in the body. The body further includes a locking-loop, being a continuous extension of the enclosed rim of the insertion-opening, adapted to mount the mirror-protecting device onto the housing. The inner surfaces of the base and the side-wall adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side mirror. The stem of the side mirror is passed through the locking-loop, wherein the stem needs to be detached from the motorized vehicle in order to insert the stem through the locking-loop.

Description

PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR A MIRROR MOUNTED ON A

MOTORIZED VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of mirror devices and more particularly, the present invention is related to a protective covering for a housing or support for a rearview mirror mounted on the steering bar of a two wheeled motorized vehicle or for a housing or support for an exteriorly mounted mirror on an automobile or the like vehicles, the protective covering being removably attached thereto and provided to protect the exposed surfaces of the support or housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of side-view mirrors in two wheeled motorized vehicles, as well as in other motorized vehicles, is very common and is mandatory in some countries. However, being exteriorly mounted brings about an increased chance for a demand to the exposed surfaces of the mirror and the mirror's supporting structure by debris, dirt, grease, insects, dentation, scratching, abrasion, etc., which may physically strike or impinge against the exposed surface of such mirror mounts.

There is therefore a need, and it would be advantageous to provide a device for protecting certain exterior surfaces of the mirror and the mirror's support structure.

A conventional side mirror assembly of a two wheeled motorized vehicle includes the mirror, a body supporting the mirror, an attaching mechanism for securing the side mirror assembly to the vehicle (typically to the steering bar) and an elongated stem. The body of the mirror is pivotally or securely attached to a first end of the stem and the attaching mechanism is disposed at the other end of the stem.

Protection may also be provided to cars. United states patent 6325121, given to Shea D. Hudnall, discloses a side view mirror. The mirror cover includes a bonnet-like cover portion designed to conform to the exterior shape of the side view mirror housing. An elastic gather is provided along the open rear of the cover. A first pair of securement straps is provided for bringing together the ends of the elastic gather. A separate securement is provided for the open base of the cover about the stem attaching the mirror housing to the vehicle. United states patent application 20110168309, by Jimmy Wan et al, discloses a rear view mirror protective cover includes a main body made of an elastic material and a trimmed edge arranged at one end of the main body that is folded towards the inside of said cover. Another end of the main body opposite to the trimmed edge is in the shape of a circular arc. The main body includes a mirror opening, also formed with a trimmed edge, that is arranged to accommodate a rear view mirror. Securing bands are arranged on the trimmed edge. The protective cover is suitable for various kinds of rear view mirror due to its use of elastic material. The trimmed edge can effectively prevent the cover from sliding from the rear view mirror. The cover can effectively protect the rear view mirror from external scuffing and damage caused by collision.

United States patent 4834157, given to Gerard Smith, discloses a cover assembly designed specifically to removably cover and thereby protect the exterior exposed surface of a housing or support for an exteriorly mounted mirror on an automobile or like vehicle commonly known as rear-view mirrors or side mirrors thereby protecting the finish of the exposed surface of the mirror mount from blemishes, stains, scratches, and generally the harsh environment to which such surface is subjected during the normal travel of a vehicle without detracting from the appearance of the mirror mount or the vehicle itself.

United States patent 5421628, given to Hyong K. Nahm, discloses a water- repellant shield for an automobile side mirror, which includes a water-repellant cover and an extension cover or a collapsible extension cover extending from the water-repellant covering whereby the extension cover or collapsible extension cover can effectively protect the side mirror from water such as rain.

United States patent 6811269, given to Johnathan C. Strode et al, discloses a device for displaying indicia is constructed to fit onto a mirror housing of an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle. The device, upon installation, displays a desired indicia facing the front of the vehicle without obstructing the view of the mirrored surface facing the rear of the vehicle. Variations in structure are provided, including connectors to the mirror housing that slidably engage with respect to a base that supports the indicia. Embodiments provide for removal of the device without harm to the mirror housing, and also provide for ready change-out of indicia. Slidably engaging connectors in various embodiments provides for easy adaptation to a range of sizes and shapes of mirror housings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It should be noted that the present invention will now be described in terms of protecting the supporting structure of a side mirror of a two wheeled motorized vehicle, but the device of the present invention is not limited in be used for a side mirror of a two wheeled motorized vehicle and can be used for side, rearview mirrors of other vehicles.

The principle intentions of the present invention include providing a mirror- protecting device for protecting the housing of a side-mirror-assembly of a vehicle, preferably a two wheeled motorized vehicle, which side-mirror-assembly further includes a mirror, a stem and an attaching mechanism. The mirror-protecting device includes an elastic and hollow dish-like-body, made of a single piece. The dish-like -body includes an enclosed side wall having a first and a second open ends; a base enclosing the first open end of the side wall; and a ring-like embracer, securely disposed at the second open end of the dish-like -body, extending from the edge of the second open end, inwardly, enclosing a small portion of the second open end.

An insertion-opening, having preconfigured dimensions, is formed in the dish- like-body, wherein the insertion-opening extends from a location proximal to the ring-like embracer, generally towards the center of the base, and wherein the preconfigured dimensions of the periphery of the insertion-opening are smaller than the peripheral dimensions of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly.

Preferably, the elasticity of the enclosed rim of the insertion-opening is lower than the elasticity of the side-wall and the base.

The insertion-opening is adapted to facilitate mounting the mirror-protecting device onto the housing of the side-mirror-assembly, by forcefully inserting the housing of the side-mirror-assembly through the insertion-opening, wherein the inner surfaces of the base and the side -wall adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly, and wherein the ring-like embracer embraces the periphery of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly to thereby hold the dish- like-body adjacently to the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly.

When mounting the mirror-protecting device onto the housing of the side-mirror- assembly, the dish-like-body deforms to fit to the exterior dimensions of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly. Optionally, the inner surface of the dish-like-body is glued to the external surface of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly.

Optionally, the dish-like-body further includes at least one accessory holder.

Optionally, the dish-like -body further comprises at least one led light integrated thereto.

Optionally, the dish-like-body further comprises a communication connector such as a USB connector.

Optionally, the dish-like-body further comprises a locking-loop, being a continuous extension of the enclosed rim of the insertion-opening. The insertion-opening is adapted to facilitate mounting the mirror-protecting device onto the housing of the side- mirror-assembly, by forcefully inserting the housing of the side-mirror-assembly through the insertion-opening. The inner surfaces of the base and the side -wall adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly, wherein the ring-like embracer embraces the periphery of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly to thereby hold the dish- like-body adjacently to the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side- mirror-assembly. The stem of the side-mirror-assembly is passed through the locking- loop, wherein the stem needs to be detached from the motorized vehicle in order to insert the stem through the locking-loop.

Preferably, the elasticity of the locking-loop is lower than the elasticity of the side-wall and said base. The mirror-protecting device, having a locking-loop, can be attached to and removed from the side-mirror-assembly, only when the side-mirror- assembly is detached from the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which drawings are generally not drawn to scale and are given by way of illustration only and thus, not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a top isometric view of a mirror-protector, according to embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view illustration of mirror-protector shown in Fig. 1, mounted on of a side mirror, typically of a two wheeled motorized vehicle.

Fig. 4 is a top isometric view of a mirror-protector, according to other embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a cross-section (ΑΑ') view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7a is a front view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7b is a side view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7c is a top view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7d is a bottom view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view illustration of the mirror-protector shown in Fig. 4, mounted on of a side mirror of a two wheeled motorized vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the host description or illustrated in the drawings.

An embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "some embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. The present invention can be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein. Reference is now made to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a top isometric view of a mirror- protector 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. Mirror-protector 100 includes an elastic and hollow dish-like-body 110, having a typically concave base 112 (with respect to the inner surfaces of dish-like-body 110) and side -wall 114. Reference is also made to Fig. 2 showing a bottom perspective view of mirror-protector 100. Dish- like-body 110 further includes a ring-like-embracer 116, securely disposed at the open end of dish-like-body 110, extending from the open end of dish-like-body 110, inwardly, enclosing a small portion of the open end of dish-like-body 110. An insertion-opening 120, having preconfigured dimensions, is formed in dish-like -body 110. Insertion- opening 120 extends from a location proximal to ring-like-embracer 116, generally towards the center of base 112 but typically, not reaching the center of base 112. Insertion-opening 120 has an enclosed rim including a peripheral-rim-portion 124, proximal to ring-like-embracer 116, and an internal-rim-portion 122, proximal to the center of base 112.

Mirror-protector 100 is made of elastic materials, wherein the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 120 is made of flexible materials but with lower elasticity. Reference is also made to Fig. 3, showing a bottom perspective view of mirror-protector 100, mounted on of a side-mirror-assembly 20 of a two wheeled motorized vehicle (not shown). Side- mirror-assembly 20 includes a mirror-body 22 for supporting the mirror (not shown) and an elongated stem 24. The preconfigured dimensions of the enclosed rim of insertion- opening 120 are smaller than the peripheral dimensions of mirror-body 22.

To mount mirror-protector 100 onto side-mirror-assembly 20, mirror-body 22 is forcefully inserted through insertion-opening 120, stretching the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 120, wherein the mirror faces towards the open end of dish-like -body 110. Dish-like-body 110 deforms to fit the exterior dimensions of mirror-body 22, wherein the inner surfaces of base 112 and side-wall 114 adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the mirror-body 22, and wherein ring-like-embracer 116 embraces the periphery of mirror-body 22 to hold dish-like-body 110 adjacently to the exterior surfaces of the mirror-body 22. Reference is now made to Fig. 4, showing a top isometric view of a mirror- protector 200, according to embodiments of the present invention. Mirror-protector 200 includes a hollow, dish-like-body 210, having a typically concave base 212 (with respect to the inner surfaces of dish-like-body 210) and side-wall 214. Reference is also made to Fig. 5, showing a cross-section (ΑΑ') view of the mirror-protector 200, and to Fig. 6, showing a bottom perspective view of mirror-protector 200. Dish-like-body 210 further includes a ring-like-embracer 216, securely disposed at the open end of dish-like-body 210, extending from the open end of dish-like-body 210, inwardly, enclosing a small portion of the open end of dish-like-body 210. An insertion-opening 220, having preconfigured dimensions, is formed in dish-like-body 210. Insertion-opening 220 extends from a location proximal to ring-like-embracer 216, generally towards the center of base 212 but typically, not reaching the center of base 212. Insertion-opening 220 has an enclosed rim including a peripheral-rim-portion 224, proximal to ring-like-embracer 216, and an internal-rim-portion 222, proximal to the center of base 212.

Reference is also made to Fig. 7a, showing a front view illustration of the mirror- protector 200; to Fig. 7b, showing a side view illustration of the mirror-protector 200; to Fig. 7c, showing a top view illustration of the mirror-protector 200; and to Fig. 7d, showing a bottom view illustration of the mirror-protector 200. Dish-like-body 210 further includes a non-openable locking-loop 230, secured to the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 220, typically to peripheral-rim-portion 224. Locking-loop 230 is made of flexible materials but with low elasticity. Therefore, the dimensions of locking-loop 230 are preconfigured to prevent passing of a mirror-body 22 through locking-loop 230, even when locking-loop 230 is stretched as far the elasticity of the materials from which mirror-protector 200 is made from, including the materials from which locking-loop 230 is made from, allows, before tearing.

Mirror-protector 200 is made of elastic materials, wherein the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 220 is made of flexible materials but with lower elasticity. Reference is also made to Fig. 8, showing a bottom perspective view of mirror-protector 200, mounted on of a side-mirror-assembly 20 of a two wheeled motorized vehicle (not shown). Side- mirror-assembly 20 includes a mirror-body 22 for supporting the mirror (not shown) and an elongated stem 24. The preconfigured dimensions of the enclosed rim of insertion- opening 220 are smaller than the peripheral dimensions of mirror-body 22.

There are a few alternatives for mounting mirror-protector 200 onto side-mirror- assembly 20. In a first alternative, one may ignore locking-loop 230 by bending locking- loop 230 away from internal-rim-portion 222, and inserting mirror-body 22 through insertion-opening 220, stretching the enclosed rim of insertion-opening 220, wherein the mirror faces towards the open end of dish-like-body 210, as in the case of mirror- protector 100.

In a second alternative, to mount mirror-protector 200 onto side -mirror-assembly 20, one has to detach mirror-body 22 from elongated stem 24, thereby facilitating insertion of mirror-body 22 either through the open end of dish-like-body 210 or through insertion-opening 220. The attaching mechanism, of elongated stem 24 to mirror-body 22, is aligned to facilitate reattachment of elongated stem 24 to mirror-body 22, wherein the attachment is done through locking-loop 230.

In a third alternative, to mount mirror-protector 200 onto side-mirror-assembly 20, one has to detach side -mirror-assembly 20 from the vehicle, thereby facilitating insertion of elongated stem 24 through the open end of dish-like-body 210 and through locking- loop 230. Then, side-mirror-assembly 20 is reattached to the vehicle.

In all alternatives, mirror-body 22 is inserted such that the mirror faces towards the open end of dish-like-body 210. Dish-like-body 210 deforms to fit the exterior dimensions of mirror-body 22, wherein the inner surfaces of adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the mirror-body 22, and wherein ring-like-embracer 216 embraces the periphery of mirror-body 22 to hold dish-like-body 210 adjacently to the exterior surfaces of the mirror-body 22.

Referring back to Fig. 1, mirror-protector 100, as well as mirror-protector 200 (Fig. 4), may include a variety of accessories attached to the dish-like-body (110, 210), according to variations of the present invention, or example, a key chain holder 190 may be integrated onto the external surface of the dish-like-body (110, 210). Also at least one led light 192 may be integrated into the dish-like-body (110, 210). Also inlet devices, such as a USB connector, may be integrated into the dish-like-body (110, 210).

Optionally, the inner surface of the dish-like-body (110, 210) is glued to the external surface of the mirror-body 22.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A mirror-protecting device for protecting a housing of a side -mirror-assembly of a motorized vehicle, which side-mirror-assembly further includes a mirror, a stem and an attaching mechanism, the device comprising an elastic and hollow dish- like-body (210), made of a single piece, comprising: a) non-openable, enclosed side wall (214) having a first and a second open ends; b) a base (212) enclosing said first open end of said side wall; and c) a ring-like embracer (216), securely disposed at said second open end of said dishlike-body, extending from the edge of said second open end, inwardly, enclosing a small portion of said second open end such as to minimize occlusion of the mirror of the side-mirror-assembly, wherein the mirror-protecting device is can be attached to and removed from the side -mirror- assembly; wherein an insertion-opening (220), having preconfigured dimensions, is formed in said dishlike-body, wherein an enclosed rim (222 and 224) forms said insertion-opening; wherein said insertion-opening extends from a location proximal to said ring-like embracer, generally towards the center of said base; wherein said preconfigured dimensions of the periphery of said insertion-opening are smaller than the peripheral dimensions of the housing of the side -mirror-assembly; and wherein said dish-like-body further comprises a non-openable locking-loop (230), said locking- loop being a continuous extension of said enclosed rim that forms said insertion-opening, adapted to prevent removal of the mirror-protecting device during normal operation of the vehicle; and wherein the stem of the side-mirror-assembly is passed through said locking-loop, and wherein the stem is disassembled from the motorized vehicle in order to insert the stem through said locking-loop.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the elasticity of said enclosed rim, that forms said insertion-opening, is lower than the elasticity of said side-wall and said base.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said insertion-opening is adapted to facilitate mounting the mirror-protecting device, onto the housing of the side-mirror-assembly, by forcefully inserting the housing of the side-mirror-assembly through said insertion-opening, wherein the inner surfaces of said base and said side-wall adjacently embrace the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly, and wherein said ring-like embracer embraces the periphery of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly to thereby hold said dish-like-body adjacently to the exterior surfaces of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said dish- like -body deforms to fit to the exterior dimensions of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of said dish-like-body is glued to the external surface of the housing of the side-mirror-assembly.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said dish-like -body further comprises at least one accessory holder.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said dish-like-body further comprises at least one led light integrated thereto.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said dish- like-body further comprises a communication connector such as a USB connector.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the elasticity of said locking-loop is lower than the elasticity of said side -wall and said base.