Abstract: A lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly having a mountain portion, an exterior mirror housing and a reflective element. A signal light assembly is disposed at the exterior mirror housing and includes at least one light emitting source and a light conduiting element, which has a body portion having a plurality of light conduiting portions established therein. Each of the light conduiting portions has a light receiving end and a light emitting end. The light conduiting members are arranged in a generally radial fashion so that the light emitting ends are arranged to follow an exterior contour of the exterior mirror housing. The light emitted by the light emitting source is received at the light receiving ends and is emitted from the light emitting ends along the exterior contour of the exterior mirror housing at which the light conduiting element is disposed.

Abstract: A lighted exterior mirror system includes an exterior mirror assembly having a folding portion and a non-folding portion. The non-folding portion is configured to mount to a side of a vehicle and the folding portion includes a reflective element. The folding portion is movable relative to the non-folding portion and between a normal operating position and a folded position. A ground illumination light is configured to project a pattern of light from the exterior mirror assembly to provide a lighted zone on a ground area adjacent the side of the vehicle at least at a front door region at the side of the vehicle where occupants may enter/exit the vehicle. The pattern of light projected by the ground illumination light provides ground illumination of at least about one lux illumination intensity at least on the ground area adjacent the front door region at the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly having a first portion adapted for mounting to a vehicle, a second portion, and a reflective element. An actuator is operable to adjust the rearward field of view of the reflective element. A turn signal indicator assembly is provided that includes a single light emitting source. Light emitted by the single light emitting source is visible at least to a driver of another overtaking vehicle when actuated by an operator of the vehicle, and preferably not visible to at least one of (a) a driver of another vehicle approaching from a direction opposite to that of the direction of travel of the vehicle to which the exterior mirror assembly is mounted and (b) the operator of the vehicle to which the exterior mirror assembly is mounted.

Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light or security light that provides illumination at a side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element, and may include a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and may be adapted to project light from a non-folding portion or support member of the mirror housing.

Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light or security light that provides illumination at a side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element, and may include a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and may be adapted to project light from a non-folding portion or support member of the mirror housing.

Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light or security light that provides illumination at a side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element, and may include a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and may be adapted to project light from a non-folding portion or support member of the mirror housing.

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 rearwardly, forwardly, and laterally from the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior mirror assembly having a first portion adapted for mounting to a vehicle, a second portion, and a reflective element. An actuator is operable to adjust the rearward field of view of the reflective element when the exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a vehicle. A turn signal indicator assembly is provided that comprises a single non-incandescent light emitting source.

Abstract: A lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior mirror assembly having a first portion adapted for mounting to a vehicle and an actuator disposed at a second portion. A reflective element is supported by a reflective element support member mounted to the actuator to adjust the rearward field of view of the reflective element. The assembly includes a turn signal indicator disposed adjacent to and separate from the reflective element. The turn signal indicator emits a light beam at least generally laterally and rearwardly of the vehicle when the exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a vehicle. The turn signal indicator is adjusted tandem with the reflective element by the actuator. The light beam is substantially unobservable by the driver of the vehicle and does not pass through the reflective element.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a rearview mirror case, which is adapted to mount to a vehicle, and a reflective element. The mirror system further includes a carrier, which has at least either a display screen or a user-actuatable interface device, such as a user-actuatable button. The carrier is mechanically connected to the mirror case, for example by a snap-fit connection, whereby the mirror system is easier to assemble and optionally provides for a removable carrier for replacement, repair or upgrade.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror casing, a reflective element and a self-contained light module. The light module includes an illumination source, a user actuatable input for activating and deactivating the illumination source, and a first electrical connector. The light module is disposed at least partially within the mirror casing so that the first electrical connector is substantially aligned with an opening in the mirror casing. The casing includes a receiving structure at the opening that is configured to guide and/or at least partially receive a second electrical connector of a wire harness of the vehicle when the second electrical connector is being connected to the first electrical connector. The user actuatable input is operable by an occupant of the vehicle to apply an electrical power signal to the illumination source when the wire harness is connected to the interior mirror assembly.

Abstract: A light module for an interior rearview mirror assembly is positionable at least partially within the mirror casing. The light module includes an illumination source, a housing generally surrounding the illumination source, and a cover generally encasing the illumination source within the housing. The light module includes an electrical connector for electrically connecting the light module to an electrical conductor of the mirror assembly when the light module is positioned at least partially within the mirror casing. The light module may include a user actuatable input for activating and deactivating the illumination source. The electrical connector may comprise conductive elements that are molded within a polymeric housing. The conductive elements may include light contacts for electrically contacting the illumination source and may be configured to support the illumination source. The illumination source may comprise a festoon light source.

Abstract: A mirror assembly security system suitable for use in a vehicle comprises an exterior mirror assembly including a reflective element and a positioning device for adjustably positioning said reflective element. A light module is positioned substantially within the assembly and includes an enclosure having a light-transmitting opening generally facing downward when the exterior mirror assembly is mounted to a side of the vehicle. The light module includes a light source and a light-directing surface at least partially surrounding the light source. The light module projects a pattern of light from a bottom portion of the assembly to illuminate a ground area adjacent the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone when said light source is electrically powered.

Abstract: A light module for an interior rearview mirror assembly is positionable at least partially within the mirror casing. The light module includes an illumination source, a housing generally surrounding the illumination source, and a cover generally encasing the illumination source within the housing. The light module includes an electrical connector for electrically connecting the light module to an electrical conductor of the mirror assembly when the light module is positioned at least partially within the mirror casing. The light module may include a user actuatable input for activating and deactivating the illumination source. The electrical connector may comprise conductive elements that are molded within a polymeric housing. The conductive elements may include light contacts for electrically contacting the illumination source and may be configured to support the illumination source. The illumination source may comprise a festoon light source.

Abstract: A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and a light module removably positioned within the exterior mirror housing. The light module is moisture impervious and includes an enclosure, a light-emitting opening in the enclosure, a light source in the enclosure radiating light through the light-emitting opening, and a cover for the light-emitting opening adapted to direct the light from the light source to an area adjacent the vehicle to create a security area. The light source may be supported by a pair of electrical contacts provided on the inner surface of the enclosure. The enclosure wall supporting the electrical contacts is preferably flexible, in order to allow the light source to be captured by the contacts. Attachment of the cover adds rigidity to the enclosure to prevent further flexure of the enclosure wall in order to firmly retain the light source.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior mirror assembly having a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and is movable about the fixed portion between a normal viewing position where the movable portion is extended outwardly from the vehicle and a folded position where the movable portion is folded toward the side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes at least one light assembly projecting a light pattern from the exterior mirror assembly. A proximity detector is preferably provided that actuates a powerfold mechanism when the proximity detector detects an object so as to move the movable portion from the normal viewing position to the folded position.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly, which includes a fixed portion and a movable portion that is movable about the fixed portion for breakaway motion, and a turn signal indicator module. The turn signal indicator module includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. At least a portion of the light pattern projected from the module projects rearwardly of the vehicle, but does not directly intercept the driver of the vehicle. The turn signal indicator module is fixedly included in the exterior mirror assembly separate from the mirror assembly's reflective element, which is adjustable within the movable portion.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior mirror assembly having a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and is movable about the fixed portion between a normal viewing position where the movable portion is extended outwardly from the vehicle and a folded position where the movable portion is folded toward the side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes at least one light assembly projecting a light pattern from the exterior mirror assembly. A proximity detector is preferably provided that actuates a powerfold mechanism when the proximity detector detects an object so as to move the movable portion from the normal viewing position to the folded position.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly provides a display system for displaying light or information to a driver of a vehicle. The display includes a refractive light directing element, which may include a prismatic display lens which refracts and directs the light of the display message downwardly and/or sidewardly toward a driver of the vehicle for improved viewing of the display message by the driver of the vehicle. The display system is mountable to a printed circuit board positioned within the case of the mirror assembly. The printed circuit board may also be connected to a pair of illumination sources positioned at a lower portion of a casing of the mirror assembly.

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 rearwardly, forwardly, and laterally from the vehicle.