On Adjustable Diverse Vehicle Portion Or Accessory Patents (Class 359/844)
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Patent number: 8317346Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle that has a double curved mirror positioned next to a vehicle side view mirror and said double curved mirror along with said side view mirror allows a user to view the lower perimeter of the vehicle in the side view mirror while operating the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: Rick Corum
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Patent number: 8317343Abstract: A mirror assembly may include a middle portion having a first side, a second side, and a perimeter, where the first side comprises a reflective portion. A front portion may be substantially transparent and may be formed by injecting a first thermoplastic material into a mold on the first side of the middle portion. A back portion may be substantially opaque and may be formed by injecting a second thermoplastic material into the mold on the second side of the middle portion. The front portion and the back portion together may substantially encompass the perimeter of the middle portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Steven Thiele, Brent Gaertner
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Patent number: 8282225Abstract: A system and method to polarize a reflective layer on a vehicle mirror to reveal a convex mirror to view objects in a vehicle blindspot includes a primary mirror having first and second surfaces, an electrically polarizable reflective coating on at least a portion of the first surface reflective in a depolarized state and clear when polarized by an applied electric current, a blind zone viewing convex mirror adjacent to the second surface and proximal to the polarizable coating of the first surface; and a blind spot detection system electrically connected to the primary mirror and a power source to automatically apply current to the first surface when an object is detected in a blind spot and change the reflectivity polarizable coating on the first surface and expose the concave mirror and discontinuing current to the reflective coating once an object has passed out of the blind spot.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Kelly Michael Kohlstrand
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Patent number: 8272753Abstract: An indicator-integrated rearview mirror for a vehicle in which the number of components are reduced to simplify and lighten the structure thereof. A housing of a rearview mirror is divided into two of a front housing and a rear housing which are made of resin, an indicator system is supported by the front housing, and a mirror part is supported by the rear housing. Both housings are attached to each other by engagement of locking pawls with locking holes. A spherical-shaped engaging part supports the mirror part while the angle thereof can be adjusted. The rear housing is configured by integrally forming an accommodation part for the mirror part and an attachment stay part attached to the vehicle body-side, and the front housing is configured by integrally forming an accommodation part for the indicator system and a cover for covering the attachment stay part.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Kitajima, Masanori Nakamura, Ryohei Kitamura
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Patent number: 8242896Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly that includes a mirror reflective element fixedly attached to a mirror back plate attached to a mirror actuator. The mirror back plate includes a display indicator, fixedly secured thereto, having a light source that is activatable to emit light. The display indicator is associated with a blind spot detection system of the vehicle and the light source is activated responsive to sensing by the blind spot detection system of an object in a blind spot at a side of the vehicle at which the exterior mirror assembly is mounted. During daytime operation of the vehicle and when the light source is activated and with the exterior mirror assembly mounted at a side of the vehicle, the display indicator, as viewed by the driver of the vehicle, is operable to have a luminance of at least about 5,000 nits.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8190355Abstract: A data processing method for alerting a first vehicle when entering and/or residing in a blind spot of at least one second vehicle and a system and a computer program implementing such a method. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: determining and dynamically updating the position of second vehicle, the blind spot of the second vehicle, and the time for the first vehicle to enter the blind spot. An alarm signal is generated when the first vehicle is entering or residing in a blind spot of the second vehicle. The method also includes steps to generate direction for the first vehicle to avoid entering in or to leave the blind spot of the second vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ossama Emam, Dimitri Kanevsky
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Patent number: 8164817Abstract: A method of forming a mirrored bent cut glass shape includes bending a flat sheet of glass to establish a curved sheet of glass. A machine vision system determines a surface profile of the curved sheet of glass, and a computer numerical controlled cutting tool is positioned at the curved sheet of glass and its cutting wheel is maintained at or close to 90 degrees to the tangential plane of the curved sheet of glass. At least one of (a) the cutting wheel and (b) the curved sheet of glass is controlled in three dimensions to cut a bent cut glass shape from the curved sheet of glass, and such controlling is, at least in part, responsive to the surface profile of the curved sheet of glass. A mirror reflector is established at a surface of the bent cut glass shape to form a mirrored bent cut glass shape.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Mingtang Zhao, Craig A. Dornan, Anoop Agrawal, Pierr-Marc Allemand, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8157314Abstract: Provided is an overhead console for a vehicle including a housing installed in the front of an indoor ceiling of the vehicle, having an opening opened downward, and including a rotary shaft installed in the opening, a mirror case rotatably coupled to the rotary shaft of the housing and having an insertion part formed therein, a conversation mirror attached to the mirror case and including a mirror that enters and exits in a direction of a driver, and a spectacles-case inserted into the insertion part of the mirror case and rotatably coupled to the rotary shaft of the housing, to which the mirror case is coupled.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: GM Daewoo Auto & Technology CompanyInventor: Sung-jin Gwon
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Patent number: 8058977Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror back plate having a display receiving portion established thereat and being molded to have an integral light baffle at the display receiving portion. A display element attached to the display receiving portion of the mirror back plate and a light source is activatable to emit light through the display receiving portion and through the light baffle. The light baffle is configured to allow light emanating from the display element to pass through the light baffle at a predetermined angle so that light exiting the mirror reflective element when the light source is activated is viewable from one direction, while the light baffle substantially shields the light emanating from the display element so that the light is substantially non-viewable from another direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8049640Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with first and second surfaces and a circumferential edge along the periphery of the glass substrate. The mirror reflective element includes a mirror reflector established at a surface of the mirror reflective element other than the first surface of the glass substrate. The mirror assembly includes a plastic molding circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the first surface of the glass substrate. The plastic molding includes a portion that (a) abuts the circumferential edge of the glass substrate and (b) has an outer curved surface that extends from generally adjacent to the first surface of the glass substrate and that lacks a sharp edge. The plane of the first surface of the glass substrate may be generally flush with the outermost part of the plastic molding.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8029150Abstract: An outer mirror includes: a mirror base which is attached to a side surface of a vehicle body of a vehicle; a shaft which is erected on the mirror base; and a mirror housing which is rotatably attached to the shaft and is provided with a mirror for reflecting a rearward of the vehicle body. The shaft is exposed in a gap between a top surface of the mirror base and a bottom surface of the mirror housing. The shaft includes at least one of a concave portion or a convex portion on a part of an outer circumferential surface of the shaft which faces to a front side of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventors: Shuuzi Okamoto, Yoshikazu Terada, Hiroaki Horie
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Patent number: 7978094Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element assembly portion and at least one cap portion adapted to attach to the reflective element assembly portion. The reflective element assembly portion includes a reflective element. The reflective element assembly portion comprises a first molding that encompasses at least a perimeter portion of the reflective element. The first molding is formed by molding a first resinous material having a tool shrinkage factor equal to or greater than about 1%. The cap portion comprises at least one second molding formed by molding a second resinous material having a tool shrinkage factor of less than or equal to about 1%. The cap portion preferably includes internal structure for supporting at least one accessory.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7959309Abstract: A mirror assembly for trucks, vans and the like, for providing front or rear viewing as the vehicle is moving forward or is backing up, for example, into a truck loading dock area. The mirror assembly comprises a mirror unit that is connected by a mirror arm to a support structure, e.g., a flange or bracket, that is fixed to the vehicle. The support structure projects minimally sideways of the vehicle and pivotably supports the mirror arm in a manner whereby the mirror unit and its arm can swing about a pivot axis, enabling the mirror and its arm to lie alongside a side wall of the vehicle or tightly against the rear of the vehicle. A return or rebound mechanism returns the mirror unit to its normal operational position automatically, once contact with an obstruction that has pivoted the mirror unit from its normal position, has been removed.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Rosco Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Patent number: 7894117Abstract: A transparent window switchable rear vision mirror adapted to be secured to a motor vehicle for improved road safety, said switchable window/mirror including, a film suitable for use as a light modulating unit of suspended particle device (spd) light valve, said film comprising a matrix polymer material having droplets of a liquid light valve suspension comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a liquid suspending medium distributed within a matrix, said film characterized in that presence or lack thereof of an electric field results in the particles being aligned such that a beam of light may be reflected, transmitted or absorbed depending on the status of the electrical field applied thereto such a film; a switchable mirror device comprising a substrate and a mono layer film capable of undergoing a reversible change in light transmission or reflectance, said substrate including a film comprising a transmission metal composition; and a power supply device to provide an electrical charge to said film fType: GrantFiled: January 15, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventor: Andrew Finlayson
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Patent number: 7866835Abstract: An auxiliary mirror assembly for the sideview mirror of a car includes an auxiliary sideview mirror, an elongate hollow support post mounted on the auxiliary sideview mirror, two mounting brackets mounted on the support post, and two locking members each pivotally mounted on the support post and each releasably locked onto a respective mounting bracket to releasably lock the respective mounting bracket onto the support post. Each of the mounting brackets includes an adjusting member adjustably mounted on the support post and a clamping member pivotally connected with the adjusting member. The adjusting member of each of the mounting brackets has a serrated portion. Each of the locking members has a toothed portion detachably engaged with the serrated portion of the respective mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Inventor: Chin-Shu Liu
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Publication number: 20100321944Abstract: A vanity has a mirror and a cover panel that slides between an open position to reveal the mirror and a closed position to conceal the minor. The vanity includes an improved detent mechanism that is usable to maintain the cover panel in the open position, closed position and/or other positions A light source may be provided adjacent the mirror to illuminate an object to be viewed in the minor The vanity can be positioned in a visor that is attached to the vehicle using a slide-on-rod, where the visor rotates around the slide-on-rod between up and down positions The vanity can include an end cap assembly that activates and deactivates the light source depending on both the rotational position of the visor and the lateral position of the cover panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANYInventors: Taiyoh S. Afrik, Philip Lehman, Dennis J. Fennema, Kenneth Kreuze, Thomas D. Brookhouse
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Publication number: 20100290141Abstract: A rearview mirror includes a container, locating alternatively on the top or bottom of the rearview mirror, where the opening of the container is provided with a movable lid and a wide-angle mirror is embedded in the front side of the lid. By means of placing the container on top or bottom of the rearview mirror, things could be stored therein, and the wide-angle rear view would enable the driver to know well the status of the vehicles that follow.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventor: Wen Huang
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Patent number: 7775543Abstract: A trailer of the type that is intended to be towed with a towing vehicle has a trailer body with an elevated front portion. The towing vehicle has a vehicle hitch assembly, and the trailer body has an elevated front portion, with a mounting arrangement extending downward from beneath the front portion. A reflector is integral with the front portion of the trailer body. The reflector faces forward and downward such that the driver of the towing vehicle may view the reflection of the vehicle hitch assembly and the mounting arrangement extending from the trailer body as the towing vehicle is backed up. This facilitates positioning the towing vehicle for connection to said trailer.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Thor Tech, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Hermon, Robert W. Martin, Jeffrey M. Snyder
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Publication number: 20100195226Abstract: A vehicular accessory system includes an attachment element at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield. The attachment element accommodates a rain sensor, which has a field of view through an aperture of the attachment element towards the vehicle windshield. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a case that houses a reflective mirror element, and includes a base portion with a mirror mount for attaching the mirror assembly to the attachment element. The base portion encompasses the rain sensor when the mirror mount is attached to the attachment element at the vehicle windshield. The mirror assembly includes a video camera disposed at the base portion. Electrical wiring may, at least in part, connect the video camera in the base portion with circuitry in the case, and the electrical wiring may be routed through a pivot joint of the mirror assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Patrick Heslin, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7708300Abstract: A positioning guide for aiding connection of a fifth wheel towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, where the fifth wheel towed vehicle has a pin box assembly. A mirror is secured to a cover for the pin box assembly, the mirror being located at an orientation so that it is visible from the towing vehicle when the cover is attached to the pin box assembly. The mirror may be convex and located in a cowl forming part of a cover.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Paul, Andrew M. Murray
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Patent number: 7677741Abstract: An auxiliary accessory for a vehicle rearview mirror having a linking segment with an outer end, a casing formed on the outer end of the linking segment with an outer rim and a mirror mounted in the casing has a cover and an auxiliary mirror assembly. The cover is detachably mounted on the casing of the vehicle rearview mirror and has a body, a mounting gap and multiple retaining tabs. The body has a shape corresponding to the casing of the vehicle rearview mirror and two mounting recesses. The auxiliary mirror assembly is detachably connected to the cover and has an auxiliary mirror mounted in one of the mounting recesses of the body to increase the viewing range of the vehicle rearview mirror.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Ken Sean Factory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Peng-Kai Chuang
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Patent number: 7677775Abstract: An external rearview mirror assembly is designed for a motor vehicle. The external rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror housing. A mirror glass carrier is operatively connected to the mirror housing. A piece of mirror glass is fixedly secured to the mirror glass carrier and is movable with respect to the mirror housing. The mirror glass defines a peripheral edge. An attaching part is fixedly secured to the mirror glass carrier wherein the attachment part extends about a portion of the peripheral edge.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2005Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventor: Roland Oehmann
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Patent number: 7670014Abstract: An infant viewing auto mirror comprising a main panel having a reflective surface (i.e., mirror) exposed in the front side or surface thereof, and a flap affixed to the rear surface thereof. The flap is releasably secured to the rear surface of the main panel through the use of complimentary snaps. In addition to the main panel, the auto mirror comprises a mounting strap which is extensible about and removably attachable to a headrest through the use of a strip of Velcro disposed adjacent one end of the strap which is itself releasably engageable to a portion of the strap adjacent the opposite end thereof. Protruding from one side of the strap in the approximate center thereof is a dome-shaped support fabricated from hard foam. Extending diametrically across the support is a strip of fabric material. When the strap is properly secured to the headrest, the foam support (and hence the strip) is forwardly presented.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Infantino, LLCInventors: Michael A. Parness, Sarah J. Attwood, Kenneth B. Krankkala
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Patent number: 7621555Abstract: An assembly 10 which may be selectively and removably attached to a selectively movable assembly, such as a vehicle 90 and which provides the driver 94 of the selectively movable assembly 90 with an image of the trailer connection portion 99 of the selectively movable assembly 90 as the selectively movable assembly 90 is moved toward a trailer 102.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Inventor: Reginald D. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 7600879Abstract: A rear seat viewing system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The rear seat viewing system includes a mirror attached to a mirror mounting device. The mirror mounting device may retract the mirror into an exterior surface of a rear seat in a stowed position and extend the mirror outside of the exterior surface of the rear seat in an employed position. A linkage mechanism attached to the mirror mounting device can allow horizontal and vertical adjustment of the mirror.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Brian Reynolds
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Publication number: 20090244742Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror device for a sun visor of a vehicle, in which when a cover of a mirror mounted to a sun visor is opened or closed, the mirror can be operated smoothly and completely, comprising: a mirror housing having a mirror and a cover sliding from the mirror housing to open or close the mirror, wherein the mirror housing and the cover are coupled to each other by an elongation member. Accordingly, the cover moves smoothly in a semi-automatic sliding manner by means of an elastic body, thereby restraining noise from being generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyo Keun Kim
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Publication number: 20090237821Abstract: A rear mirror of a vehicle having a display includes a seat having a dynamic unit at one side thereof; the dynamic unit being connected to a power source through a power; a body having a display unit; the body being slideable along the seat; one side of the body being installed with a teeth strip engageable with a gear of the dynamic unit; and a mirror body having a mirror surface installed at a front side of the seat. When the body slides inwards, the mirror body can be hidden between the mirror body and the seat; and when the body slides outwards, the mirror body protrudes out of the mirror body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventor: Shin-Nan Li
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Publication number: 20090219394Abstract: An accessory mounting system includes an assembly adapted for mounting or attachment at a portion of the windshield of a vehicle. A light absorbing layer at the portion of the windshield of the vehicle at least partially hides the assembly from view by a viewer external the vehicle when the viewer is viewing through the windshield with the assembly at the portion of the windshield. The light absorbing layer includes a light transmitting portion, and a forwardly-viewing camera disposed at the assembly views through the light transmitting portion of the light absorbing layer at the portion of the windshield of the vehicle when the assembly is at the portion of the windshield. The assembly may comprise a pivot element for connecting to an interior mirror or the assembly may comprise a mirror assembly mount button received by a mirror mount of a single-pivot or double-pivot interior rearview mirror assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Patrick Heslin, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20090219637Abstract: A modular drive system, in particular for a driven angular adjustment of a rearview mirror support of a motor vehicle, comprising at least two drive modules, each provided with a housing with an electric motor and a drive portion driven by the electric motor, and a drivable portion for cooperation with a drive portion of another drive module, further comprising coupling means for attaching two drive modules to each other with one rotational degree of freedom by cooperation of a drive portion and a drivable portion, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: MCI (MIRROR CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL) NETHERLANDS BVInventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Publication number: 20090213480Abstract: A vehicle rear mirror having a display comprises a seat having an insertion rod which is controlled by an electromagnetic valve; a body having a display unit; the body being slideable along the seat; the body being capable of moving outwards by an elastic force; one side of the body corresponding to the insertion rod of the seat having an insertion hole; when the body is in front of the seat; the insertion hole can receive the insertion rod so as to fix the body; when the insertion rod is released from the insertion hole, the body can be pushed outwards by elastic force; and a mirror with a mirror surface, the mirror being installed at a front side of the seat; when the body slides inwards, the body being hidden between the mirror and the seat; and when the body slides outwards, the body exposes out.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventor: Shin-Nan LI
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Patent number: 7533998Abstract: An accessory system for a vehicle includes an accessory module, at least one accessory and an attachment member at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The at least one accessory comprises a camera having a lens, with the camera being disposed in the accessory module, and the accessory module comprising structure to angle the camera with respect to a windshield facing portion of the accessory module. The camera has a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield when the accessory module is mounted to the attachment member. The accessory system may include a resilient element disposed between the windshield facing portion and the interior surface of the vehicle windshield to cushion and/or seal the accessory module relative to the interior surface when the accessory module is mounted to the attachment member at the interior surface of the vehicle windshield.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Donnelly Corp.Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Joshua L. DeWard, Peter J. Whitehead, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20090091851Abstract: In a rear-view mirror system with display device in which a display device is attached to a rear-view mirror device disposed in a car room, a display device includes a display housing having a display window disposed at the periphery of a rear-view mirror and disposed in contiguous with a mirror housing, a light reflection device faced to the display window and disposed in the display housing, and a emission display device faced to the light reflection device and disposed in the display housing, in which a relative arrangement for the display window, the light reflection device, and the emission display device is determined such that emission display information displayed by the emission display device and reflected on the light reflection device transmits the display window, whereby the system can use an emission display device of low luminance while sufficiently ensuring the rearward view by the rear-view mirror, and can obtain emission information at the display window while decreasing the feeling of distaType: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventor: Hirosshi SAKAMOTO
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Publication number: 20090067050Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for a motor vehicle has a mirror housing, a wiper motor, and a wiper arm which is driven by the wiper motor via a wiper mechanism and bears a wiper blade for cleaning a mirror surface. The wiper mechanism generates an essentially parallel reciprocating movement of the wiper blade. It is essential here to the invention that the wiper mechanism has a first L-shaped pivot arm and a second L-shaped pivot arm which are respectively mounted rotatably in a fixed position at their elbows and are mounted rotatably, at their limbs on the wiper side, on an inner parallel wiper arm. Furthermore, an outer parallel wiper arm which is connected to the inner parallel wiper arm and bears the wiper blade is arranged on the inner parallel wiper arm. The two pivot arms are driven by the wiper motor to which they are connected in terms of drive at their limbs on the drive side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2004Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventor: Wolf Boll
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Patent number: 7500690Abstract: A trailer of the type that is intended to be towed with a towing vehicle has a trailer body with an elevated front portion. The towing vehicle has a vehicle hitch assembly, and the trailer body has an elevated front portion, with a mounting arrangement extending downward from beneath the front portion. A reflector is integral with the front portion of the trailer body. The reflector faces forward and downward such that the driver of the towing vehicle may view the reflection of the vehicle hitch assembly and the mounting arrangement extending from the trailer body as the towing vehicle is backed up. This facilitates positioning the towing vehicle for connection to said trailer.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Thor Tech, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Hermon, Robert W. Martin, Jeffrey M. Snyder
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Patent number: 7488099Abstract: A rearview mirror for a vehicle. The rearview mirror comprises a mirror housing having a bottom opening. A reflective element is located within the mirror housing, with the reflective element being configured to reflect an image having a reflecting component in a first direction out of the mirror housing. A light source is also located within the mirror housing. The light source emits light along a beam axis, with the beam axis having a directional component in a second direction. A deviator is configured to redirect the light emitted from the light source through the bottom opening of the housing. The first direction and the second direction are parallel and opposite.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jeremy A. Fogg, Steven G. Hoek
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Patent number: 7455413Abstract: A mirror assembly for trucks, vans and the like, for providing front or rear viewing as the vehicle is moving forward or is backing up, for example, into a truck loading dock area. The mirror assembly comprises a mirror unit that is connected by a mirror arm to a support structure, e.g., a flange or bracket, that is fixed to the vehicle. The support structure projects minimally sideways of the vehicle and pivotably supports the mirror arm in a manner whereby the mirror unit and its arm can swing about a pivot axis, enabling the mirror and its arm to lie alongside a side wall of the vehicle or tightly against the rear of the vehicle. A return or rebound mechanism returns the mirror unit to its normal operational position automatically, once contact with an obstruction that has pivoted the mirror unit from its normal position, has been removed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Rosco, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Englander
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Publication number: 20080266389Abstract: A video mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element and a video display screen module. The video display screen module may have a metallic enclosure and at least one of (a) a polarizer film and (b) a brightness enhancing film, and includes a liquid crystal display panel that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes. The video display screen module is fixedly disposed to the rear of the reflective element or near the reflective element or is extendable from a position at the rear of the reflective element to a position near the reflective element. The video display screen module, when activated, displays video images viewable by the driver and having a driver-viewable display luminance of at least about 700 candelas per square meter when viewable by the driver during daytime viewing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Darryl P. DeWind, Mark E. Kramer, Andrew D. Weller, Peter J. Whitehead, Rodney K. Blank, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20080259475Abstract: A two-mode mirror and entertainment device for use in vehicles, particularly for observing infants and children, and for the entertainment of infants and children. In a first mounting arrangement, a rear seating area attachment subsystem is employed to attach a mirror assembly including child entertainment devices generally near the rear seat back top surface for observing a child in a rear-facing child safety seat. When the child has grown older and is seated in a forward-facing manner, the mirror assembly including its child entertainment devices is moved so as to become a lap toy for a forward-facing seated child, typically, but not necessarily, s child in a forward-facing child seat. Two modes are provided for the child entertainment devices, selected by a mode switch. In “Mode 1” the child entertainment devices are actuated by a remote control unit. In “Mode 2” the child manually activates the entertainment devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: Blue Ridge International Products CompanyInventors: Mary Jean Bush, Jacquelyn R. Lynch
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Publication number: 20080259462Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element having a front surface, a rear surface and a reflector. A display element is disposed to the rear of the rear surface and is operable to emit light when actuated, the emitted light passing through the mirror reflective element to be viewable to a driver of the vehicle. A garage door opener device is included in the rearview mirror assembly, which includes at least one user actuatable input device associated with operation of the garage door opener device. Actuation of at least one user actuatable input device causes the display element to provide a visual indication to the driver viewing the front surface, when the mirror assembly is installed in the vehicle, of at least one of (i) operation of the garage door opener device and (ii) coding the garage door opener device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: John T. Uken, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20080212215Abstract: An information display mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an interior portion of a vehicle and having a casing, a mirror support arm and a reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an information display screen disposed separate from and independent of and lateral of the reflective element at a portion of the casing closer to a seating location of the vehicle driver or at a portion of the casing further from a seating location of the vehicle driver. The information display screen may be a touch-sensitive information display screen that displays information responsive to the driver of the vehicle at least one of touching its viewing surface and positioning a finger proximate its viewing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7416205Abstract: A hitch mirror assembly removably mounted onto a top edge of a vehicle's tailgate, comprising a housing assembly, a mirror assembly within the housing assembly, battery-powered illumination means and a clamp assembly. The vehicle has a hitch ball for towing a trailer that has a hitch ball coupler. When the hitch mirror assembly is mounted, a person is able to view the hitch ball from inside the vehicle's cab with the mirror assembly, while backing up the vehicle to align the hitch ball underneath the hitch ball coupler. The illumination means illuminate the hitch ball if required and reflective strips mounted to the hitch ball coupler reflect the light projecting from the illumination means to make the hitch ball coupler more visible from the driver's position. The clamp assembly removable secures the housing assembly to the vehicle's tailgate and includes an elongated member, a telescopic housing and a clamp member.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Inventor: Ernesto Roger Sam
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Publication number: 20080130150Abstract: A mirror module for a vehicle component, for example a sun visor, includes a module frame, a mirror connected to the module frame and a having a mirrored surface and a mirror cover supported at the mirrored surface of the mirror. The mirror cover includes a guide that allows the mirror cover to be selectively displaced along a track that is separate from the mirror module between a first position in which the mirrored surface is substantially covered by the mirror cover and a second position in which the mirrored surface is at least partially not covered by the mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2005Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Jacky Dolisy
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Patent number: 7370983Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a display screen that is extendable and retractable relative to a casing. The display screen is movably mounted at the casing and movable or slidable in a direction generally parallel to a length axis of the reflective element between a non-use position, where the video display screen is positioned substantially within the casing, and a use position, where the video display screen is substantially extended from a side of the casing for viewing. The display screen may be automatically extended in response to an activating event.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Darryl P. DeWind, Mark E. Kramer, Andrew D. Weller, Peter J. Whitehead, Rodney K. Blank, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7334905Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The motor vehicle includes a cab portion and a pair of pivotally movable lift arms that move up and down along the sides of the cab portion. The rear view mirror is disposed between the cab portion and the path of travel of the lift arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Inventor: Michael Houdyshell
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Patent number: 7320526Abstract: A portable wide-view mirror apparatus that allows a driver to see the rear half of the right blind-side of a trailer and right-side obstacles during a right blind-side backing maneuver. Generally, a notebook-like design wherein the mirror opens up from the attached base for use. The mirror is placed on the passenger side of the dashboard inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, is positioned by the driver at the beginning of the backing maneuver to provide a wide rearward view out the passenger side window, and is adjusted when necessary by the driver during the backing maneuver. The mirror is folded down when not in use. The portable mirror is especially useful to the commercial truck driver as an aid in the right blind-side backing maneuver of a semi-tractor trailer. In the event the driver changes trucks, the driver retains the portable mirror for use in the new truck.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Inventors: Louis Nickence, Donald Gokey, Sr.
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Patent number: 7316485Abstract: A flip-up convex mirror attachment for installation onto the original equipment mirror in vehicles with either a left-side or right-side driver. The flip-up convex mirror attachment attaches to the mirror surface of the original equipment interior mirror found in most motor vehicles. The flip-up convex mirror attachment contains an angled hinge block for creating a predefined offset angle between the flip-up convex mirror and the OEM mirror such that the reflected image on the side of the mirror nearest the driver is maintained at generally the same point behind the vehicle as the original equipment mirror. The wedge-based hinge assembly may be attached to the flat mirror surface on either a left-side or right-side driver vehicle and still maintain the desired angular offset between the OEM and flip-up convex mirrors.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Inventor: Alison L. Roose
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Patent number: 7296903Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror mechanism for a skid loader includes a support and a mirror attached to the support. The support is configured to extend from a movable lifting arm of the skid loader, and the mirror is attached to the support opposite the movable lifting arm and positioned to enable an operator of the skid loader to visualize substantially an entirety of a tail swing path on either rear side of the skid loader.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Iver Peterson
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Patent number: 7289037Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element assembly portion and at least one cap portion adapted to attach to the reflective element assembly portion. The reflective element assembly portion includes a reflective element. The reflective element assembly portion comprises a first molding that encompasses at least a perimeter portion of the reflective element. The first molding is formed by molding a first resinous material having a tool shrinkage factor equal to or greater than about 1 percent. The cap portion comprises at least one second molding formed by molding a second resinous material having a tool shrinkage factor of less than or equal to about 1 percent. The cap portion preferably includes internal structure for supporting at least one accessory.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: John T Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R Hook, Niall R Lynam
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Patent number: 7233230Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror system that has an interior reflective element, a drive circuit, a tire pressure monitoring system and a microcontroller. The drive circuit supplies a drive signal to the interior mirror reflective element, which assumes a partial reflectance level in response thereto. The tire pressure monitoring system includes a receiver for receiving signals indicative of vehicle tire pressure. The microcontroller controls at least in part the drive circuit and the tire pressure monitoring system, and may control at least one other vehicle function. The vehicular rearview mirror system may include a sound-processing system and the microcontroller may control at least in part the sound-processing system. The drive circuit may have one or more components in common with the tire pressure monitoring system, and the drive circuit and tire pressure monitoring system may be at least partially on a circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: John P Drummond, Niall R Lynam
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Patent number: 7210801Abstract: A mirror assembly for integration with a vehicle tailgate has a hatch assembly, upon which is mounted a preferably convex mirror, which is dependently secured through a plurality of arms to a rotating shaft mounted within an interior space of the tailgate. An actuator assembly is provided for rotating the shaft, thereby positioning the mirror either in a first position substantially above and outward from the tailgate, when in use, or secure within the tailgate, when in storage.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Jessie L. Hermes