US6000823A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rearview mirror assembly
Assignee: Magna Donnelly Eletronics Naas Ltd
•
Filing: 1998-10-12
•
Granted: 1999-12-14
•
Expires: 2018-10-12
Abstract
Abstract A rearview mirror for vehicles includes a mirror case, a reflective element, a support for mounting the assembly on a vehicle, at least one lamp assembly having a reflector member which substantially directs light in a predetermined direction in the vehicle, and a circuit board mounted within the mirror case and having at least one holder for holding a light source which projects into the reflector member. A lens provides shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of the reflector and includes a prescription region which focuses light from the reflector member to a particular target area of the vehicle, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region.
Inventors
- 👤 John P. Desmond
- 👤 Sean McCormack
- 👤 Patrick J. Lawlor
- 👤 Rick Mousseau
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 20:46
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2661; B60Q1/2665; B60Q3/00; B60Q3/20; B60Q3/258; B60R; B60R1/00; B60R1/02; B60R1/08; B60R1/083; B60R1/088; B60R1/12; B60R1/1207
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
220 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective element; a support for mounting said rearview mirror assembly on a vehicle; at least one lamp assembly having a light source and a reflector member to substantially direct light in a predetermined direction in the vehicle, said reflector member having top, front, rear and side walls forming a hollow enclosure, a downwardly directed opening, an aperture extending through at least one of said walls at a position spaced from said opening, and a lens mounted over said opening; at least one holder which holds said light source such that said light source projects into said reflector member, said holder located outside of said enclosure of said reflector member, said light source extending from said holder into said aperture and terminating within said enclosure to provide light within said hollow enclosure, said light being directed by said reflector member through said lens; said lens including at least two regions for passing light, one of said regions being a first prescription region which focuses light directed from said reflector member to a particular target area of the vehicle, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region, said lens providing shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of said reflector member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
220 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective element; a support for mounting said rearview mirror assembly on a vehicle; at least one lamp assembly having a light source and a reflector member to substantially direct light in a predetermined direction in the vehicle, said reflector member having top, front, rear and side walls forming a hollow enclosure, a downwardly directed opening, an aperture extending through at least one of said walls at a position spaced from said opening, and a lens mounted over said opening; at least one holder which holds said light source such that said light source projects into said reflector member, said holder located outside of said enclosure of said reflector member, said light source extending from said holder into said aperture and terminating within said enclosure to provide light within said hollow enclosure, said light being directed by said reflector member through said lens; said lens including at least two regions for passing light, one of said regions being a first prescription region which focuses light directed from said reflector member to a particular target area of the vehicle, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region, said lens providing shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of said reflector member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lens includes a third region having a prescription different from the respective prescriptions of said first and second regions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said lens includes an opaque area to reduce illumination in predetermined areas.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said light source is a bulb.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 4 wherein said bulb projects downwardly into said reflector member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 5 wherein said bulb projects downwardly at an inclined angle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reflector member is removably mounted within said mirror case.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reflector member has at least one resilient flange for engaging a complementary flange in said mirror case to releasably mount said reflector member in said mirror case.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reflective element is actuatable between at least two reflective conditions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reflective element is an electro-optic rearview mirror element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 10 wherein said electro-optic rearview mirror element is an electrochromic element.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 11 wherein a resilient layer abuts a rear surface of said electrochromic element.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 12 wherein said resilient layer comprises a layer of foam material adhered to a rear surface of said electrochromic element.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 13 wherein said foam material has an adhesive rear surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said lamp assembly is disposed in a bottom region of the mirror case.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 including A first and a second lamp assembly.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 16 wherein said first and second lamp assemblies comprise a driver's side lamp assembly and a passenger side lamp assembly, respectively.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
48 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 17 including a circuit board; said circuit board having a first electrical switch for controlling the reflective condition of said reflective element and second and third electrical switches for controlling driver's side and passenger side lamp assemblies.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reflector member comprises a metalised reflector member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
145 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective element; a support for mounting said rearview mirror assembly on a vehicle; at least one lamp assembly having a light source and a reflector member to substantially direct light in a predetermined direction in the vehicle; a circuit board having mounted thereon at least one switch; at least one holder which holds said light source such that said light source projects into said reflector member; and a lens including at least two regions for passing light, one of said regions being a first prescription region which focuses light directed from said reflector member to a particular target area of the vehicle, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region, said lens providing shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of said reflector member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
145 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective element; a support for mounting said rearview mirror assembly on a vehicle; at least one lamp assembly having a light source and a reflector member to substantially direct light in a predetermined direction in the vehicle; a circuit board having mounted thereon at least one switch; at least one holder which holds said light source such that said light source projects into said reflector member; and a lens including at least two regions for passing light, one of said regions being a first prescription region which focuses light directed from said reflector member to a particular target area of the vehicle, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region, said lens providing shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of said reflector member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 20 wherein said reflective element having has a variable reflective condition; said circuit board containing an electric circuit for controlling said reflective condition of said reflective element.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
199 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective element; said reflective element being an electro-optic rearview mirror element comprising an electrochromic element; a resilient layer of foam material abutting and adhered to a rear surface of said electrochromic element, said foam material having an adhesive rear surface; a support for mounting said rearview mirror assembly on a vehicle; at least one lamp assembly having a light source and a reflector member to substantially direct light in a predetermined direction in the vehicle; a circuit board having an electrical circuit for controlling the reflective condition of said electrochromic element, said circuit board being attached to said adhesive rear surface; at least one holder which holds said light source such that said light source projects into said reflector member; and a lens including at least two regions for passing light, one of said regions being a first prescription region which focuses light directed from said reflector member to a particular target area of the vehicle, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region, said lens providing shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of said reflector member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
199 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective element; said reflective element being an electro-optic rearview mirror element comprising an electrochromic element; a resilient layer of foam material abutting and adhered to a rear surface of said electrochromic element, said foam material having an adhesive rear surface; a support for mounting said rearview mirror assembly on a vehicle; at least one lamp assembly having a light source and a reflector member to substantially direct light in a predetermined direction in the vehicle; a circuit board having an electrical circuit for controlling the reflective condition of said electrochromic element, said circuit board being attached to said adhesive rear surface; at least one holder which holds said light source such that said light source projects into said reflector member; and a lens including at least two regions for passing light, one of said regions being a first prescription region which focuses light directed from said reflector member to a particular target area of the vehicle, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region, said lens providing shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of said reflector member.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
154 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including an electro-optic reflective element; a support for mounting said rearview mirror assembly on a vehicle; at least one lamp assembly having a light source and a reflector member to substantially direct light in a predetermined direction in the vehicle; a circuit board and an electrical spring contact to electrically connect said circuit board to said reflective element; at least one holder which holds said light source such that said light source projects into said reflector member; and a lens including at least two regions for passing light, one of said regions being a first prescription region which focuses light directed from said reflector member to a particular target area of the vehicle, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region, said lens providing shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of said reflector member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
154 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including an electro-optic reflective element; a support for mounting said rearview mirror assembly on a vehicle; at least one lamp assembly having a light source and a reflector member to substantially direct light in a predetermined direction in the vehicle; a circuit board and an electrical spring contact to electrically connect said circuit board to said reflective element; at least one holder which holds said light source such that said light source projects into said reflector member; and a lens including at least two regions for passing light, one of said regions being a first prescription region which focuses light directed from said reflector member to a particular target area of the vehicle, and a second region having a prescription different from said first prescription region, said lens providing shaping and directing properties for light emitting from different areas of said reflector member.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
33 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 23 including a flat electrical terminal on said circuit board; said spring contact abutting said flat electrical terminal on said circuit board.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
50 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including an electro-optic reflective element; a support for mounting said rearview mirror assembly on a vehicle; a circuit board mounted within said mirror case; an electrical spring contact to electrically connect said circuit board to said electro-optic reflective element.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
50 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including an electro-optic reflective element; a support for mounting said rearview mirror assembly on a vehicle; a circuit board mounted within said mirror case; an electrical spring contact to electrically connect said circuit board to said electro-optic reflective element.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
33 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 25 including a flat electrical terminal on said circuit board; said spring contact abutting said flat electrical terminal on said circuit board.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 25 wherein said electro-optic reflective element is actuatable between at least two reflective conditions.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 27 wherein said electro-optic rearview mirror element is an electrochromic element.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
39 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 25 wherein said electro-optic reflective element has a variable reflective condition; said circuit board containing an electrical circuit for controlling said reflective condition of said electro-optic reflective element.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The rearview mirror assembly of claim 25 including at least one lamp assembly having a light source and a reflective member to substantially direct light in a predetermined direction in the vehicle.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 30 wherein said reflector member has an aperture for receiving said light source.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 31 wherein said light source is a bulb.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 32 wherein said bulb projects downwardly into said reflector member.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 33 wherein said bulb projects downwardly at an inclined angle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
23 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 30 wherein said circuit board has at least one switch mounted thereon.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 30 including a first and a second lamp assembly.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
32 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 36 wherein said first and second lamp assemblies comprise a driver's side lamp assembly and a passenger side lamp assembly, respectively.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
43 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 37 wherein said circuit board has a first electrical switch for controlling said electro-optic reflective element and second and third electrical switches for controlling said driver's side and passenger side lamp assemblies.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle as claimed in claim 25 wherein a resilient layer abuts a rear surface of said electro-optic reflective element.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-12-13 | 2003-06-14 | 2003-12-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-13 | 2007-06-14 | 2007-12-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-13 | 2011-06-14 | 2011-12-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |