Adjustable Patents (Class 362/141)
  • Patent number: 11549680
    Abstract: A mirror apparatus includes a reflective module defining an interior and an exterior, at least a first reflection surface provided in the reflective module, a plurality of LED packages provided on a flexible circuit board disposed within the reflective module interior along the periphery of the first reflection surface, a base configured to house power components, and a coupling arm coupled to the base and to the reflective module to support such module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: FEIT ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Feit, John D. Mitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10946728
    Abstract: A sun visor connector includes: a bracket attached to an attachment member; an arm portion rotatably supporting a sun visor main body and having an end inserted through the bracket to be rotatably arranged; a housing fixed to the bracket and arranged in a vicinity of the end of the arm portion inserted through the bracket; a connector terminal accommodated in the housing and connected to a counterpart terminal; an arm connection part provided in an elastically deformable manner on the connector terminal and connected to the end of the arm portion by a biasing force; an engaging portion including a projecting portion provided in the housing and a recessed portion provided in the bracket and engaged with the projecting portion; and a first restricting portion provided in the projecting portion and pressed against and abuts on the recessed portion in a deformation direction of the arm connection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohiko Shimizu, Kaname Hatano
  • Patent number: 10794557
    Abstract: A daylighting panel for integration into a building or larger vehicle comprises a translucent facade element (800) containing a glass sheet and a light transport channel (801) for guiding light about horizontally into an interior of the building, the light transport channel comprising one opening attached to the interior side of said facade element and at least one opening towards the interior of the building equipped with a luminaire (807), characterised in that the inner walls including the rear end are covered by a reflecting layer (808).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Cristobal Garrido Segura, Tobias Hintermann, Andre Kostro, Tatjana Vetter
  • Patent number: 10704776
    Abstract: An illuminating light switch with an integrated sliding member that, when actuated by a user, exposes led lighting elements to illuminate the area where the light switch is affixed. The light switch includes a front member having a light aperture aligned with a light source, a rear member with a first mounting member affixed, a second mounting member adapted to be coupled to both a support surface and the first mounting member, and an internal switch to selectively supply current to the light source. In the closed position, the sliding member obscures the light source and no current is supplied to the light source. In the intermediate position, the sliding member partially exposes a first extent of the light source that provides illumination through the light aperture. In the open position, the sliding member exposes a second extent of the light source to provide a greater amount of illumination through the light aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Promier Products Inc.
    Inventor: Cody Grandadam
  • Patent number: 10677400
    Abstract: An edgelit lamp structure is provided. The lamp structure may include at least one optical diffuser having textured surface to direct light; a frame present on at least a portion of a perimeter of the optical diffuser; and a plurality of solid state light emitters that are present between the frame and the optical diffuser, the solid state light emitters emitting light that is received by the optical diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: LEDVANCE LLC
    Inventors: Anil Jeswani, Valeriy Zolotykh, Soumya Kanta Ray
  • Patent number: 10473321
    Abstract: A treatment luminaire includes: a first light source; a second light source; a hinge for adjusting a crossing angle between the light distribution axis of the first light source and the light distribution axis of the second light source; and a controller which switches, according to the crossing angle, operation modes of the first light source and the second light source between a normal mode for emitting illumination light for illuminating a surrounding area and a treatment mode for emitting treatment light for therapeutic use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuri Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 10106074
    Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly is provided herein. The mirror assembly includes a housing. A first light source is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled with a first light output window disposed on an inboard portion of the housing. A second light source is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled with a second light output window disposed on a bottom portion of the housing. A third light source is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled with a third light output window disposed on an outboard portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Paul Kenneth Dellock, James J. Surman
  • Patent number: 9407261
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a medicine cabinet door. The medicine cabinet door has an outer glass layer, the outer glass layer has a front side and a back side, an information display is mounted on the back side of the outer glass layer, such that a user can view an image displayed on the information display while looking at the front side of the outer glass layer. A method includes placing an information display behind an outer glass layer of a medicine cabinet door and within a volume of the medicine cabinet door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRIC MIRROR, LLC
    Inventors: James V. Mischel, Jr., James V. Mischel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9232846
    Abstract: A mirror apparatus (10) includes a platform (12), a mirror support (14) depending from the platform (12), a mirror member (16) mounted to the mirror support (14) and an illuminating member (34) mounted about at least a peripheral segment of the mirror member (16) for providing illumination. The mirror member (16) may include a first mirror side (24) having a substantially planar mirror surface and a second mirror side (26) having a magnifying mirror surface. The mirror support (14) may be mounted for movement relative to the platform (12) between a first operative position and a second transport position. The mirror support (14) may be mounted for pivotal movement relative to the platform (12) between the first operative position and the second transport position. The mirror support (14) may be adapted to be releasably secured in the first operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Kam Fai Fung
  • Patent number: 8880360
    Abstract: A combination mirror and media display device assembly is provided. The combination mirror and media display device includes a mirror platform having a media display device viewing area and a media display device coupled to the mirror platform. The media display device is positioned to display images through the media display device viewing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Electric Mirror, LLC
    Inventors: James V. Mischel, Jr., James V. Mischel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8845156
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a long solid-core shaped light guide; a first light source that irradiates an end portion of the long solid-core shaped light guide in a longitudinal direction such that light is radiated long from an end side of the vehicle lamp toward another end side of the vehicle lamp; and a second light source that irradiates the another end side of the vehicle lamp to a lateral outer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Fukasawa, Yasushi Kawaji, Hitoshi Kurihara, Tatsuya Sugamoto
  • Publication number: 20140240964
    Abstract: An illuminated makeup mirror set includes: a mirror unit having a mirror surface; side plates having attached thereto surface light sources with adjustable color; and a controller for driving the surface light sources according to an input operation and adjusting emission color and brightness of the surface light sources. The side plates are foldably connected to side edge portions of the mirror unit such that the angles between the mirror surface and the side plates are adjustable. Therefore, optimal illumination conditions can be produced, and the illuminated makeup mirror set can be easily carried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Kazufumi Adachi, Kazunaga Ida, Taku Ito, Harumi Nakamura, Meiji Kitamura, Takeshi Nakamura, Yosuke Sato, Takuo Shinohara, Hiroyasu Shoji, Akane Kuroda
  • Patent number: 8770777
    Abstract: A spark plug having excellent load life performance even when the spark plug receives an impact or vibration. The spark plug includes an accommodated portion of a metallic terminal, which is accommodated in an axial hole of an insulator, having a plurality of bent portions formed as a result of proper bending of the accommodated portion. The bent portions are in close vicinity to an inner circumferential surface of the insulator at three or more locations, and are present without localizing in the radial direction of the axial hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruki Yoshida, Toshitaka Honda, Akira Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8735922
    Abstract: A LED mirror light assembly comprises a body having a through hole configured subject to a predetermined shape and located on a middle part thereof, a film-coated glass configured subject to shape of the through hole and supported on a first step, a LED holder holding a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and a reflector comprising a reflective surface located on a front side thereof and facing toward the light-emitting diodes and a light-shading coating coated on a rear side thereof The reflector being kept in a non-parallel manner relative to the film-coated glass and defining with the film-coated glass a predetermined contained angle so that the light spots of the light-emitting diodes are repeatedly reflected by the reflective back face of the film-coated glass and the reflective surface of the reflector, forming a curved tunnel of light spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Chien-Tsai Tsai
  • Patent number: 8727559
    Abstract: A beauty station formed as a cabinet adapted to be hung on a wall, the cabinet comprising a main structural frame generally shaped as a box having side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and a front wall defining an interior space. The front wall being formed as a flip down lid member pivotally connected at one edge to the bottom wall to thereby open and close the interior space. A mobile section adapted to move upwards and outwards from the interior space when the lid member is pivoted to open the interior space, and including a mirror, and at least one light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Boyer
  • Publication number: 20130027913
    Abstract: A makeup mirror having a light source configured to have output that not only enhances the visibility of objects as they are reflected by the mirror, but also optimizes visual acuity of the reflected image as captured by the human eye. In some cases, the makeup mirror allows for separate adjustment of the mirror and the light source, which, in combination with the light source, enables the reflected objects to be lit in uniform manner and for optimized human visual acuity while allowing for areas of the objects to be examined in detail as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: OTTLITE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Frisch, Kelly O'Brien Martelli, Kelly Shea Kuethe
  • Patent number: 8162502
    Abstract: A mirror for facilitating appearance related functions includes a circular ring-shaped frame holding therein back-to-back reflective mirror plates having different magnification factors, e.g. 1× and 5×, each plate having a circular central imaging reflective area and an outer concentric light transmissive window area. Continuously rotatable pivot joints support the frame between opposed arms of a yoke protruding upwardly from a stanchion and base for placement on a table, or an arm and wall bracket for mounting on a wall, enabling the frame to be rotated to interchangeably orient 1× and 5× mirror plates in a forward facing use position. A ring-shaped, printed circuit board with circumferentially spaced apart light emitting diodes (LED's) protruding radially outwards of an outer circumferential edge of the board is located between inner facing surfaces of the mirror plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Zlatko Zadro
  • Patent number: 7824074
    Abstract: A display with illumination function, comprising: a display body, including a display screen; a support, have a top and a base, said top includes at least one of the pivot member joint to one side of display body allow the display body to rotate freely; a light source disposed around the display screen; and a stand connected to the base of the support. When the surrounding environment has insufficient lighting for reading or using the display, the user can simply turn on the light source to illuminates the display screen and work area, without the needs of additional lamps or other lighting devices which can occupy extra desk space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventors: Guan-De Liou, Stephen Tsai, Li-Li Lai
  • Patent number: 7090378
    Abstract: A portable travel mirror device includes a base, a handle pivotably mounted to the base, and a dual mirror assembly mounted to the handle which is pivotable and telescopically extendable between compact transport and upright use configurations, and includes a circular primary mirror frame holding a magnifying mirror encircled by a ring-shaped lamp energized by a power source within the base, and overlain by a diffuser ring. A secondary mirror pivotably and swivelably attached to the primary mirror frame has a different magnification factor, e.g., 1×, and is pivotable upwards from a travel position overlying and protecting the primary mirror to an upright use position, and is also swivelable into contact with the primary mirror frame, whereby light from the lamp is transmitted through the diffuser ring and a transparent secondary mirror bezel to illuminate objects in front of the primary or secondary mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Zlatko Zadro
  • Patent number: 6932488
    Abstract: A vanity lighting system for concealing a lighting apparatus when a pivotally mounted cover is closed and positioning the lighting apparatus through movement of the cover as it is opened. The vanity lighting apparatus comprises a housing providing an opening, a mirror; an illumination lamp located within the housing, a cover pivotably movable between a closed position overlaying the opening and an open position at least partially spaced from the opening. The cover encloses the lamp such that when the cover is in the closed position the lamp is hidden from view. Additionally, the vanity lighting apparatus comprises a first support assembly including at least two pivotal points operably coupled with the cover and the lamp and a second support assembly including at least one pivotable point operably coupled with the housing and the lamp, wherein the first and second support assemblies provide movement of the lamp in response to the movement of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Dualume Cabinets, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald N. Horn
  • Patent number: 6877888
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a reflective mirror element for viewing by a user of the mirror assembly, a lip formed from moldable polymeric resin selected to expand sufficiently when heated to allow snap in insertion of the reflective mirror element while the lip is warm and flexable, a carrier located to the rear of the reflective element such that the carrier is closer to a windshield of the vehicle than the mirror element when the mirror element is mounted in the vehicle, at least one electrical accessory, and an electrical connector adapted to receive a connector from the vehicle electrical system with the electrical accessory connected to the electrical connector. Preferably, the electrical accessory is supported by the carrier and is selected from a variety of electrical devices, lamps, lights, sensors and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 6874905
    Abstract: A light fixture for use in low voltage outdoor lighting systems that comprises a lens assembly with a reflector, lens and lens support and a socket assembly with a lamp, socket and socket housing, which are mounted on a post. Connection of the lens assembly and socket assembly is provided by the combination of a taper fit and multiple O-rings which provide a frictional fit that is sealed against dirt and moisture intrusion, avoiding metal-to-metal contact. Attachment of the lens assembly to the socket assembly is achieved by pressing the two parts together in an axial direction. Disassembly is achieved by twisting to overcome the friction generated by the O-rings and pulling the two assemblies apart. A locking screw may be used to prevent accidental separation of the lens assembly and socket assembly. The post can be attached to a ground spike for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Joshua Z. Beadle
  • Patent number: 6672744
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a case having a reflective, prismatic mirror element, a support on the assembly for mounting the assembly on the interior of a vehicle, a day/night actuator mounted for movement between day and night positions on the case to change the amount of light reflected by the prismatic mirror element, and a lever mounted for movement on the case and engaging the actuator to move the actuator between the day and night positions. The lever includes a curved configuration adapted to mate and correspond with a portion of the case when the actuator is in the day and night positions. In a preferred embodiment, the lever is a pivot lever which extends outwardly through an aperture in the case and has concave and convex areas which mate with opposed portions of the aperture in which the lever is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 6533433
    Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a mirror that can be moved up and down by simply operating appropriate buttons and includes a light that can be dimmed as desired by operating a dimmer switch on a base unit. A storage drawer is also included and the angle of the mirror with respect to a user can also be easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Phyllis E. Stark, Sherri Ann LeClair
  • Patent number: 6416208
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light that provides an advanced notification system to approaching vehicles that the driver of the vehicle intends to turn or make a lane change. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element and a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing, and at least one signal light positioned in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and a light conduiting member which is adapted to project a pattern of light from the housing and yet restrict light from extending into the vehicle so that a driver seated in the vehicle does not directly observe the pattern of light. The light source may be provided by a light pipe which is optically coupled to a remote light source located, for example, in the vehicle. Preferably, the pattern of light extends at least rearwardly and laterally from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 6386742
    Abstract: A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates one or more integrated subassembly modules or carrier members to which are connected separate electrical components such as lamps, reflectors, switches, plug receptacles and the like to simplify mirror assembly and provide integral support, electrical connections, and an electrical distribution network for the mirror assembly having added, electrically operated features. The carrier member includes a circuit member secured to and/or at least partially encased or encapsulated within a support body such that electrical connections extend therefrom. Preferably, the carrier member may include recesses at opposite ends for receiving and supporting reflectors thereon to prevent vibration while allowing interchangeability for different vehicle types. The carrier member may form a stop for a toggle actuator to limit the movement of the mirror housing between day and night positions in the event a prismatic mirror element is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20020041497
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror for a vehicle. The rear-view mirror has a mirror body at which is formed an accommodating member. A lamp house containing a lamp bulb and a secondary battery is accommodated in the accommodating member by holders for holding the lamp house from below. The lamp house is pulled out from the accommodating member to illuminate a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Takashi Ichikawa, Masakazu Aoki, Tadashi Ejiri, Masami Hosono, Hiroyuki Kato, Kenichi Jinushi
  • Patent number: 6347876
    Abstract: A lighted mirror assembly for hands-free viewing of the back and sides of the head while cutting or styling hair. The lighted mirror assembly includes a base, a pole extending from the base, a mirror assembly with a plurality of mirrors, and a plurality of light assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Johnnie Burton
  • Patent number: 6318877
    Abstract: A portable vanity having an inverted U-shaped light bar frame with two spaced upright side light bars and a top horizontal light bar bridging and respectively hingedly connected at opposite ends to upper ends of the side light bars whereby the side bars hinge inwardly toward each other. The two side light bars and the top light bar are each comprised of two end to end light bar segment hinged together between segments whereby each segmented light bar folds inwardly at their segment hinge toward the inside of the U-shaped frame such that the frame collapses with the bar segments sequentially adjacent each other in parallel alignment. A securing mechanism is provided for securing the light bar segment hinge connections from hinge movement when the frame is fully assembled in its open position in its inverted U-shaped configuration. The light bar segments include electric light bulb sockets wired for energization of electric bulbs to be inserted in the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Corrina Sue Dehn
  • Patent number: 6276821
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light that provides an advanced notification system to approaching vehicles that the driver of the vehicle intends to turn or make a lane change. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element and a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing, and at least one signal light positioned in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and a light conduit member which is adapted to project a pattern of light from the housing and yet restrict light from extending into the vehicle so that a driver seated in the vehicle does not directly observe the pattern of light. The light source may be provided by a light pipe which is optically coupled to a remote light source located, for example, in the vehicle. Preferably, the pattern of light extends at least rearwardly and laterally from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 6270240
    Abstract: Illuminating light of an illuminating lamp 32 of a lamp socket 31 in a roof panel 1 is made incident on an incident end of a light guide 17 for the stay 16 at an end of a vertical shaft portion 16b of a stay 16. Illuminating light emitted from the emission end of the light guide 17 for the stay 16 at the end of the horizontal shaft portion 16a of the stay 16 is guided to an illuminating light guide 15 through a sunvisor-side light guide 19 so that the sunvisor is illuminated with the illuminating light guide 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignees: Harness Systems Technologies Research, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Inoue
  • Patent number: 6257746
    Abstract: A signaling assembly is described and which includes a semitransparent substrate, a light emitting assembly which is disposed in spaced relationship relative to the semitransparent substrate and which when energized emits electromagnetic radiation; and an opaque light orientation assembly which is positioned adjacent to the semitransparent substrate and which permits electromagnetic radiation to pass through the semitransparent substrate at an oblique orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: K. W. Muth Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Todd, Daniel J. Mathieu, Allen A. Bukosky, Jason J. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6193386
    Abstract: An inspection/pickup tool having a casing within which a telescopically extendible rod is mounted for telescopic extension in a direction away from the casing. A quick connect-disconnect coupler is provided on the outward end of the rod for removably coupling a selected inspection/pickup head to the rod. A light is mounted within the casing to emit light in the direction in which the rod extends. A focusing mechanism is provided for focusing the light. For example, a lens can be mounted over the light for selectable advancement and retraction of the lens with respect to the light. The casing is shaped for single-handed manipulation of the inspection/pickup head and for simultaneous single-handed activation and focusing of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Carica USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Franklin Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5651605
    Abstract: A vanity mirror assembly having a frame with a pair of opposed tracks. A panel includes a pair of parallel rails which are slidable in the opposed tracks. A mirror slidable in the opposed tracks is hinged to the panel. The panel and the mirror are moveable between a storage position wherein the mirror and panel are aligned in the same plane within the frame and a use position wherein the mirror is withdrawn from the frame and in angular relation to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Jack E. Corn
  • Patent number: 5560704
    Abstract: A vanity mirror assembly includes a flexible circuit which extends between a movable cover and a vanity mirror frame and provides circuit capabilities for mounting lamps on either the cover or vanity mirror frame. Other circuit elements such as control switches, dimming controls, and the like can be mounted on the opposite side of the vanity mirror package so that a relatively thin visor with spaced-apart circuit elements can be provided. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the circuit comprises a flexible insulative substrate which comprise first and second circuit panels integrally interconnected by a bridge. Conductive elements are screen printed on the first and second circuit panels and on the bridge which extends across the pivot connection of the cover to the mirror frame while coupling the first and second circuit panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Hiemstra, Paul T. Vander Kuyl
  • Patent number: 5428513
    Abstract: A vanity (mirror assembly includes a flexible circuit which extends between a movable cover and a vanity mirror frame and provides circuit capabilities for mounting lamps on either the cover or vanity mirror frame. Other circuit elements such as control switches, dimming controls, and the like can be mounted on the opposite side of the vanity mirror package so that a relatively thin visor with spaced-apart circuit elements can be provided. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the circuit comprises a flexible insulative substrate which comprise first and second circuit panels integrally interconnected by a bridge. Conductive elements are screen printed on the first and second circuit panels and on the bridge which extends across the pivot connection of the cover to the mirror frame while coupling the first and second circuit panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Hiemstra, Paul T. Vander Kuyl
  • Patent number: 5310377
    Abstract: An illuminated sound producing toy comprising a base frame, a drive mechanism, a sound producing mechanism, an opening formed in the base frame, a mirror fitted in the opening, an electric lamp, a switch and a first light transmitting board. The sound producing mechanism is capable of being driven by the drive mechanism and the switch turns the electric lamp ON and OFF. The first light transmitting board is positioned generally between the mirror and the electric lamp and is driven through a predetermined motion by the drive mechanism. The first light transmitting board comprises an illustration display area so that illustrations can be seen through the mirror means only when the electric lamp is ON.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Joja
  • Patent number: 5303125
    Abstract: A fiber optic aimable spotlight luminaire includes a generally cylindrical tubular housing having a proximal end, a distal end and an optical axis therethrough. A fiber optics light guide light has a first end receiving light from a remote source of illumination and a second, light-emitting end on the optical axis in the proximal end of the housing. An optical element on the optical axis of the housing has a focus generally at the second end of the fiber optics light guide, whereby light emitted by the light guide forms a generally collimated beam of light from the optical element. The position of the light guide within the housing is axially adjustable to de-collimate and zoom the beam. A rotatable and bendable bracket supports a mirror at the distal end of the housing with the mirror oriented at an angle whereby the collimated beam of light is reflected off aids as a transverse beam of light at an angle to the optical axis of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Jack V. Miller
  • Patent number: 5278736
    Abstract: Electric circuity (45) in a lighted vanity mirror module (5) for an automobile sun visor (40) is mounted on the backside of an appearance bezel (10), thereby obviating the necessity for a separate housing. A wire wound resistor (80) is employed in a lamp dimmer (37) and, with the bezel, retains a sliding contact which controls lamp intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Monte L. Falcoff, George Boguszewicz, John Swiatocha, Leonard E. Moriconi
  • Patent number: 5267090
    Abstract: A lighted vanity mirror module for an automobile sun visor comprises a housing (35) including a base (40), a bezel (45) covering the base and supporting a mirror (20), and electric lamps (25) supplied with electric current through circuitry (55) embedded within the base. A hinged cover (30) is unlatched and the lamps energized by actuation of a single, combined latch and on-off switch (60). Interfitting lamp compartments (135) and (150) minimize light leakage into the interior of the housing, align the bezel with the base and provide fastening of the bezel to the base. A light dimming control (65) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Dowd, Robert C. Burdick
  • Patent number: 5203623
    Abstract: A sun visor for motor vehicles has a trough in one large surface which supports a mirror and an illuminating device for the mirror. A swing cover over the trough exposes or hides the mirror. A light transmissive light panel in the trough is connected with the swing cover to selectively be moved over the electric illuminating device in the trough when the cover is opened and to be moved away from the illuminating device when the swing cover is closed down over the light panel. The light panel is swingably attached to the light cover and is slidingly guided in guide slots in the trough to both swing with respect to the trough and to translate with respect to the trough. A switch on the trough is activated by the translation of the light panel to turn on and off the electric illuminating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Gebr. Happich GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Viertel, Patrick Welter
  • Patent number: 5160203
    Abstract: A sun visor for motor vehicles has a flat sun visor body of foam material which has a recess on one main surface to receive a trough which holds a mirror cassette. A frame, in which the trough is clipped is inserted into the recess. The frame has claws which can be swung to be anchored in the foam body at the recess sidewalls. A cover over the body is also held in the recess by the installed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Gebr. Happich GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Viertel, Patrick Welter
  • Patent number: 5039153
    Abstract: A vanity mirror assembly includes a housing which is adapted to be mounted to the roof structure of a vehicle and a generally L-shaped pivot rod with one end locked to the housing and an opposite end pivotally mounted to a vanity mirror frame. The pivot rod includes an offset portion defining a cam which engages a cam surface on the frame to control the pivotal motion of the frame with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Lindberg, Craig Robbins
  • Patent number: 5014169
    Abstract: A sun visor for a motor vehicle is disclosed in which the sun visor (1) is movable from an in use position to a stored position. The sun visor (1) includes a vanity mirror (2) viewable when the sun visor (1) is in its in use position and illumination means (19) to selectively provide additional illumination of a user of the vanity mirror (2). The illumination means (19) is arranged to additionally supply illumination for the interior of the motor vehicle when the sun visor (1) is in its stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Rover Group Limited
    Inventor: Howard L. Chetwynd
  • Patent number: 5011212
    Abstract: A sun visor includes a sun visor body. A swivel mounting block and an outer support block, which respectively receive a swivel arm from one end of the visor body and a support part from the other end of the visor body, are joined by and are one piece with a connecting member which bridges over at least a part of the sun visor body and is disposed above the upper longitudinal edge of the visor body. The connecting member is also in one piece with a housing for an electrical illuminating unit and has an illumination window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Gebr. Happich GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Viertel, Patrick Welter
  • Patent number: 4995712
    Abstract: (1) A light radiation stand for holding a fiber optic cable which transmits light rays therethrough and emits the same from its light-emitting end is described. The light radiation stand has a pole removably mounted to the stand and a mirror rotatably mounted on said pole. The mirror has a concave surface on one side and a convex surface on the other side. Furthermore a plane mirror is rotatably mounted on the middle portion of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Kei Mori
  • Patent number: 4908740
    Abstract: An integral composite structure having predetermined electrically conductive networks on a non-conductive planar or non-planar support structure produced by the combination of a slurry of electrically conductive materials having a fluid carrier which includes an evaporative fluid and an elastomeric substance in which particles of an electrically conductive material are contained, the fluid carrier being chemically reactive with the material forming the relatively non-conductive support structure to secure one to the other, and upon evaporation of the evaporative portion of the fluid carrier, the unevaporated portion of the slurry formed of the elastomeric substance and the electrically conductive particles form a solid which is both flexible and electrically conductive and a method for producing same, including the steps of introducing the slurry into a container, the container having at least a portion of the wall forming the container consisting of an elastomeric material having at least one normally closed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventors: Richard D. Hudgins, Scott Carr
  • Patent number: 4884176
    Abstract: A lighted tri-view medicine cabinet which may be mounted on a wall surface. Three access doors are provided to the cabinet interior, each of which has an outer mirrored surface so that the two outer doors may be pivoted relative to the central door for facilitating full face reflective viewing. A soft diffused light is provided about the entire peripheral surface of the cabinet, such that the aesthetic appearance of the cabinet is enhanced as well as providing a source of soft diffused light which may be reflectively applied to the face of a person using the cabinet by the positioning of the outer reflective surface of the cabinet doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Pace Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Palka, Robert B. Rekart
  • Patent number: 4882467
    Abstract: A bathroom mirror defogger includes a translucent spherical psuedo light bulb-type housing having an electric plug base extending therefrom along the central axis of the housing and adapted to be screwed into a lamp socket in a light bar immediately juxtaposed to a side and/or top edge of a bathroom wall mirror. The housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet and encloses an electric heating coil and motor driven fan. The air outlet is positioned laterally of the central axis on a portion of the housing rotatable about the central axis so that the orientation of the outlet can be adjusted relative to the mirror surface. The fan aspirates air through the inlet across the heating coil and pumps the resultant warmed air out through the outlet and against the mirror surface to remove or prevent moisture condensation thereon from a shower or hot water present in the bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Keene P. Dimick
  • Patent number: RE45188
    Abstract: An electric field driving device, in which a plurality of pixels, each of which is formed of two or more sub-pixels that respectively correspond to different colors from one another, are arranged in a matrix in a pixel region on a substrate, includes pixel electrodes, a common electrode, an insulating layer, and a material. Each of the pixel electrodes is formed in correspondence with the sub-pixel on the substrate. The common electrode is formed above the pixel electrodes on the substrate so that at least part of the common electrode overlaps each of the pixel electrodes in plan view. The insulating layer is formed on the substrate between the pixel electrodes and the common electrode. The material is driven by an electric field that is generated on the basis of a difference in electric potential between each of the pixel electrodes and the common electrode. The common electrode has a plurality of slits that at least partly overlap the pixel electrodes in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Junichi Wakabayashi