Patents by Inventor Neil J. Francis

Neil J. Francis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7080913
    Abstract: A mirror assembly in which the mirror housing and multi-function backing plate provide various useful functions. The multi-function backing plate supports not only a conventional reflective element but also supports a wide angle reflective element. The wide angle reflective element may be adjustable. The multi-function backing plate supports an indicator light assembly so that the mirror assembly can provide an indicator light function. The multi-function backing plate also support a recessible spot or approach lamp which, when the mirror is in an operative position, is recessed within the housing. When the mirror is in an inoperative state, the multi-function backing plate can be rotated so as to expose the spot or approach light. Various light pipe configurations enable transmission of light projected from a light source mounted to and behind the multi-function backing plate to project light through the light pipe externally to the mirror housing to provide an indicator light function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Henion, James S. Sturek, Graham B. McCloy, Robert W. Gilbert, Bernard Duroux, Neil J. Francis
  • Patent number: 6981789
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly including an attachment member for supporting an approach light. The attachment member interconnects a mirror housing to a vehicle and includes an opening for receiving a lens. Light projects through the lens from the attachment member in order to illuminate a predetermined area in proximity to the vehicle. A light source may be housed within the support member or, alternatively, a light source may be housed interior to the vehicle and a light path transport light from the light source to the lens for projection from the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignees: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Neil J. Francis
  • Publication number: 20040257824
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly including an attachment member for supporting an approach light. The attachment member interconnects a mirror housing to a vehicle and includes an opening for receiving a lens. Light projects through the lens from the attachment member in order to illuminate a predetermined area in proximity to the vehicle. A light source may be housed within the support member or, alternatively, a light source may be housed interior to the vehicle and a light path transport light from the light source to the lens for projection from the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicants: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd., Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Neil J. Francis
  • Patent number: 6814476
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly including an attachment member for supporting an approach light. The attachment member interconnects a mirror housing to a vehicle and includes an opening for receiving a lens. Light projects through the lens from the attachment member in order to illuminate a predetermined area in proximity to the vehicle. A light source may be housed within the support member or, alternatively, a light source may be housed interior to the vehicle and a light path transports light from the light source to the lens for projection from the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignees: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Neil J. Francis
  • Publication number: 20040022065
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly including an attachment member for supporting an approach light. The attachment member interconnects a mirror housing to a vehicle and includes an opening for receiving a lens. Light projects through the lens from the attachment member in order to illuminate a predetermined area in proximity to the vehicle. A light source may be housed within the support member or, alternatively, a light source may be housed interior to the vehicle and a light path transports light from the light source to the lens for projection from the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Neil J. Francis
  • Patent number: 6572250
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly including an attachment member for supporting an approach light. The attachment member interconnects a mirror housing to a vehicle and includes an opening for receiving a lens. Light projects through the lens from the attachment member in order to illuminate a predetermined area in proximity to the vehicle. A light source may be housed within the support member or, alternatively, a light source may be housed interior to the vehicle and a light path transports light from the light source to the lens for projection from the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignees: Britax Wingard Limited, Britax Rainsford Pty Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Neil J. Francis
  • Patent number: 6511192
    Abstract: A mirror assembly in which the mirror housing and multi-function backing plate provide various useful functions. The multi-function backing plate supports not only a conventional reflective element but also supports a wide angle reflective element. The wide angle reflective element may be adjustable. The multi-function backing plate supports an indicator light assembly so that the mirror assembly can provide an indicator light function. The multi-function backing plate also support a recessible spot or approach lamp which, when the mirror is in an operative position, is recessed within the housing. When the mirror is in an inoperative state, the multi-function backing plate can be rotated so as to expose the spot or approach light. Various light pipe configurations enable transmission of light projected from a light source mounted to and behind the multi-function backing plate to project light through the light pipe externally to the mirror housing to provide an indicator light function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Britax Vision Systems (North America) Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Henion, James S. Sturek, Graham B. McCloy, Robert W. Gilbert, Bernard Duroux, Neil J. Francis
  • Patent number: 5432640
    Abstract: A spigot type breakaway mirror (10) for automobile exterior use includes both a supporting base (11) and a mirror subassembly (16), the base (11) having an upstanding spigot (12) which has a curved constraining surface (13), and the mirror subassembly (11) is provided with a locating surface (17) engageable over constraining surface (13) which constrains pivotal movement of the mirror subassembly to be about the spigot, but there are provided a cam pad (23) and recess surface (24) on the base and mirror subassembly respectively, and a spring (20) which cooperates between the base and mirror subassembly to retain the cam and recess surfaces in engagement, but the cam pad (23) and recess (24) surfaces cause the mirror subassembly (16) to cam outwardly away from the supporting base (11) if the mirror subassembly is caused to deflect upon striking an obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Britax Rainsfords Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert W. Gilbert, Neil J. Francis