US6086229A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light assembly
Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Inc
•
Filing: 1999-02-26
•
Granted: 2000-07-11
•
Expires: 2019-02-26
Abstract
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-transmitting opening in the enclosure facing generally downwardly and/or rearwardly of the vehicle, a cover for the light-transmitting opening, and a light source in the enclosure radiating light through the light-transmitting opening. The light source may be received in a socket which removably engages another opening in the enclosure. In this manner, the light source may be replaced by removing the module from the exterior mirror housing, removing the socket from the enclosure and replacing the light source. The enclosure and mirror housing preferably are configured to self-retain the module in the exterior mirror moving with no, or fewer than one or two, separate fasteners.
Inventors
- 👤 Todd W. Pastrick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 08:47
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2661; B60Q1/2665; B60Q1/34; B60Q1/38; B60R; B60R1/00; B60R1/12; B60R1/1207; B60Q2300/00; B60Q2300/05; B60Q2300/054; B60Q2900/00; B60Q2900/30; B60R2001/1284; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/12; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 115
Claim 1
Independent Claim
257 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly comprising a housing, said housing defining a cavity, a reflectance element incorporated in said cavity, said reflectance element being moveably mounted with respect to said housing on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; a signal light assembly at least partially positioned in said cavity and fixedly mounted with respect to said housing separate from said positionable reflectance element; said signal light assembly adapted to project a pattern of light from said housing directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle equipped with said signal light assembly, said pattern of light of said signal light assembly shielded from view by a driver of said first vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle; and said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of the first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to the driver of the second vehicle passing the first vehicle that a lane change by the first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by the driver of the first vehicle; wherein said signal light assembly is substantially resistant to environmental conditions, such as water splash, rain and car washes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
257 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly comprising a housing, said housing defining a cavity, a reflectance element incorporated in said cavity, said reflectance element being moveably mounted with respect to said housing on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; a signal light assembly at least partially positioned in said cavity and fixedly mounted with respect to said housing separate from said positionable reflectance element; said signal light assembly adapted to project a pattern of light from said housing directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle equipped with said signal light assembly, said pattern of light of said signal light assembly shielded from view by a driver of said first vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle; and said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of the first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to the driver of the second vehicle passing the first vehicle that a lane change by the first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by the driver of the first vehicle; wherein said signal light assembly is substantially resistant to environmental conditions, such as water splash, rain and car washes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a light source and a lens.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 2 wherein said signal light assembly further comprises a reflector.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 2 wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror system of claim 4 wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle is selected from the group consisting of red colored light and amber colored light.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 5 wherein said amber colored light is selected from the group consisting of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror system of claim 2 wherein said lens is selected from the group consisting of a segmented lens, a prismatic lens and a Fresnel lens.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light assembly is selected from the group consisting of an incandescent lamp, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode and a light pipe.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 8 wherein said light pipe comprises a fibre optic bundle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light assembly comprises an incandescent lamp.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror system of claim 10 wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle is selected from the group consisting of red colored light and amber colored light.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 11 wherein said amber colored light is selected from the group consisting of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light assembly comprises at least one light-emitting diode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said exterior mirror assembly further incorporates a floodlight adapted to project another pattern of light generally downwardly and rearwardly on an area adjacent a portion of said first vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in said area.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said mounting of said exterior mirror assembly comprises a breakaway joint assembly.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
67 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a lens portion facing rearward of said first vehicle and another lens portion that wraps around the side of said housing outboard the mounting of said exterior mirror assembly to said side of said first vehicle, said another lens portion projecting a pattern of light to function as a side marker for said first vehicle.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror system of claim 2 wherein said lens comprises a filtering lens.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 18 wherein said filtering lens comprises an amber filtering lens.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 18 wherein said filtering lens comprises a red filtering lens.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
34 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light assembly fits within the cavity defined by said housing in a manner that conforms to the styling and aerodynamic lines defined by said housing.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
48 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light assembly is adapted for connection to a circuit comprising a photosensor, said circuit dimming the light intensity emitted from said signal light assembly when said signal light assembly operates under low ambient light conditions about the first vehicle.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror system of claim 22 wherein said circuit dims said light intensity emitted from said signal light assembly by pulse width modulation.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror system of claim 22 wherein said photosensor is selected from the group consisting of a photoresistor, a photodiode and a phototransistor.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror system of claim 22 wherein said photosensor is part of one of an automatic mirror circuit, a vehicle headlamp activation circuit and a headlamp daylight running light control circuit.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror system of claim 22 wherein said photosensor is integral with said signal light assembly.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a signal light module.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a removable signal light module.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
286 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly comprising a housing, said housing defining a cavity, a reflectance element incorporated in said cavity, said reflectance element being moveably mounted with respect to said housing on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; said exterior mirror assembly further comprising a signal light assembly, said signal light assembly fixedly mounted with respect to said housing separate from said positionable reflectance element; said signal light assembly adapted to project a pattern of light from said housing directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle equipped with said signal light assembly, said pattern of light of said signal light assembly shielded from view by a driver of said first vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle; said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of the first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to the driver of the second vehicle passing the first vehicle that a lane change by the first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by the driver of the first vehicle; said signal light assembly being substantially resistant to environmental conditions, such as water splash, rain and car washes; and wherein said signal light assembly fits within the cavity defined by said housing in a manner that conforms to the styling and aerodynamic lines defined by said housing.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
286 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly comprising a housing, said housing defining a cavity, a reflectance element incorporated in said cavity, said reflectance element being moveably mounted with respect to said housing on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; said exterior mirror assembly further comprising a signal light assembly, said signal light assembly fixedly mounted with respect to said housing separate from said positionable reflectance element; said signal light assembly adapted to project a pattern of light from said housing directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle equipped with said signal light assembly, said pattern of light of said signal light assembly shielded from view by a driver of said first vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle; said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of the first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to the driver of the second vehicle passing the first vehicle that a lane change by the first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by the driver of the first vehicle; said signal light assembly being substantially resistant to environmental conditions, such as water splash, rain and car washes; and wherein said signal light assembly fits within the cavity defined by said housing in a manner that conforms to the styling and aerodynamic lines defined by said housing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror system of claim 29 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a light source and a lens.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 30 wherein said signal light assembly further comprises a reflector.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 30 wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror system of claim 32 wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle is selected from the group consisting of red colored light and amber colored light.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 33 wherein said amber colored light is selected from the group consisting of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror system of claim 30 wherein said lens is selected from the group consisting of a segmented lens, a prismatic lens and a Fresnel lens.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror system of claim 29 wherein said signal light assembly is selected from the group consisting of an incandescent lamp, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode and a light pipe.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 36 wherein said light pipe comprises a fibre optic bundle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 29 wherein said signal light assembly comprises an incandescent lamp.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
The mirror system of claim 38 wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle selected from the group consisting of red colored light and amber colored light.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 39 wherein said amber colored light is selected from the group consisting of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror system of claim 29 wherein said signal light assembly comprises at least one light-emitting diode.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
47 words
The mirror system of claim 29 wherein said exterior mirror assembly further incorporates a floodlight adapted to project another pattern of light generally downwardly and rearwardly on an area adjacent a portion of said first vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in said area.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 29 wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mirror system of claim 29 wherein said mounting of said exterior mirror assembly comprises a breakaway joint assembly.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
67 words
The mirror system of claim 29 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a lens portion facing rearward of said first vehicle and another lens portion that wraps around the side of said housing outboard the mounting of said exterior mirror assembly to said side of said first vehicle, said another lens portion projecting a pattern of light to function as a side marker for said first vehicle.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror system of claim 30 wherein said lens comprises a filtering lens.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 46 wherein said filtering lens comprises an amber filtering lens.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 46 wherein said filtering lens comprises a red filtering lens.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
48 words
The mirror system of claim 29 wherein said signal light assembly is adapted for connection to a circuit comprising a photosensor, said circuit dimming the light intensity emitted from said signal light assembly when said signal light assembly operates under low ambient light conditions about the first vehicle.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror system of claim 49 wherein said circuit dims said light intensity emitted from said signal light assembly by pulse width modulation.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror system of claim 49 wherein said photosensor is selected from the group consisting of a photoresistor, a photodiode and a phototransistor.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror system of claim 49 wherein said photosensor is part of one of an automatic mirror circuit, a vehicle headlamp activation circuit and a headlamp daylight running light control circuit.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror system of claim 49 wherein said photosensor is integral with said signal light assembly.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror system of claim 29 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a signal light module.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror system of claim 29 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a removable signal light module.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
286 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly comprising a housing, said housing defining a cavity, a reflectance element incorporated in said cavity, said reflectance element being moveably mounted with respect to said housing on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; said exterior mirror assembly further comprising a signal light assembly, said signal light assembly fixedly mounted with respect to said housing separate from said positionable reflectance element; said signal light assembly adapted to project a pattern of light from said exterior mirror assembly directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle equipped with said signal light assembly, said pattern of light of said signal light assembly shielded from view by a driver of said first vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle; said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of the first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to the driver of the second vehicle passing the first vehicle that a lane change by the first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by the driver of the first vehicle; said signal light assembly is selected from the group consisting of an incandescent lamp, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode and a light pipe; and wherein said signal light assembly is substantially resistant to environmental conditions, such as water splash, rain and car washes.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
286 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly comprising a housing, said housing defining a cavity, a reflectance element incorporated in said cavity, said reflectance element being moveably mounted with respect to said housing on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; said exterior mirror assembly further comprising a signal light assembly, said signal light assembly fixedly mounted with respect to said housing separate from said positionable reflectance element; said signal light assembly adapted to project a pattern of light from said exterior mirror assembly directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle equipped with said signal light assembly, said pattern of light of said signal light assembly shielded from view by a driver of said first vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle; said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of the first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to the driver of the second vehicle passing the first vehicle that a lane change by the first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by the driver of the first vehicle; said signal light assembly is selected from the group consisting of an incandescent lamp, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode and a light pipe; and wherein said signal light assembly is substantially resistant to environmental conditions, such as water splash, rain and car washes.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror system of claim 56 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a light source and a lens.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 57 wherein said signal light assembly further comprises a reflector.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 57 wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
30 words
The mirror system of claim 59 wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle selected from the group consisting of red colored light and amber colored light.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 60 wherein said amber colored light is selected from the group consisting of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror system of claim 57 wherein said lens is selected from the group consisting of a segmented lens, a prismatic lens and a Fresnel lens.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror system of claim 56 wherein said signal light assembly fits within the cavity defined by said housing in a manner that conforms to the styling and aerodynamic lines defined by housing.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 63 wherein said light pipe comprises a fibre optic bundle.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 56 wherein said signal light assembly comprises an incandescent lamp.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror system of claim 65 wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle is selected from the group consisting of red colored light and amber colored light.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 66 wherein said amber colored light is selected from the group consisting of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror system of claim 56 wherein said signal light assembly comprises at least one light-emitting diode.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
47 words
The mirror system of claim 56 wherein said exterior mirror assembly further incorporates a floodlight adapted to project another pattern of light generally downwardly and rearwardly on an area adjacent a portion of said first vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in said area.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 56 wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mirror system of claim 56 wherein said mounting of said exterior mirror assembly comprises a breakaway joint assembly.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
67 words
The mirror system of claim 56 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a lens portion facing rearward of said first vehicle and another lens portion that wraps around the side of said housing outboard the mounting of said exterior mirror assembly to said side of said first vehicle, said another lens portion projecting a pattern of light to function as a side marker for said first vehicle.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror system of claim 57 wherein said lens comprises a filtering lens.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 73 wherein said filtering lens comprises an amber filtering lens.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 73 wherein said filtering lens comprises a red filtering lens.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
48 words
The mirror system of claim 56 wherein said signal light assembly is adapted for connection to a circuit comprising a photosensor, said circuit dimming the light intensity emitted from said signal light assembly when said signal light assembly operates under low ambient light conditions about the first vehicle.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror system of claim 76 wherein said circuit dims said light intensity emitted from said signal light assembly by pulse width modulation.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror system of claim 76 wherein said photosensor is selected from the group consisting of a photoresistor, a photodiode and a phototransistor.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror system of claim 76 wherein said photosensor is part of one of an automatic mirror circuit, a vehicle headlamp activation circuit and a headlamp daylight running light control circuit.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror system of claim 76 wherein said photosensor is integral with said signal light assembly.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror system of claim 56 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a signal light module.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror system of claim 50 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a removable signal light module.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror system of claim 56 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes separated by louvers.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
272 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly comprising a housing, said housing defining a cavity, a reflectance element incorporated in said cavity, said reflectance element being moveably mounted with respect to said housing on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; said exterior mirror assembly further comprising a signal light assembly, said signal light assembly fixedly mounted with respect to said housing separate from said positionable reflectance element; said signal light assembly adapted to project a pattern of light from said exterior mirror assembly directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle equipped with said signal light assembly, said pattern of light of said signal light assembly shielded from view by a driver of said first vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle; said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of the first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to the driver of the second vehicle passing the first vehicle that a lane change by the first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by the driver of the first vehicle; said signal light assembly removably attached to said exterior mirror assembly; and wherein said signal light assembly is substantially resistant to environmental conditions, such as water splash, rain and car washes.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
272 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly comprising a housing, said housing defining a cavity, a reflectance element incorporated in said cavity, said reflectance element being moveably mounted with respect to said housing on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; said exterior mirror assembly further comprising a signal light assembly, said signal light assembly fixedly mounted with respect to said housing separate from said positionable reflectance element; said signal light assembly adapted to project a pattern of light from said exterior mirror assembly directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle equipped with said signal light assembly, said pattern of light of said signal light assembly shielded from view by a driver of said first vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle; said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of the first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to the driver of the second vehicle passing the first vehicle that a lane change by the first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by the driver of the first vehicle; said signal light assembly removably attached to said exterior mirror assembly; and wherein said signal light assembly is substantially resistant to environmental conditions, such as water splash, rain and car washes.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a light source and a lens.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 85 wherein said signal light assembly further comprises a reflector.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 85 wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror system of claim 87 wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle is selected from the group consisting of red colored light and amber colored light.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 88 wherein said amber colored light is selected from the group consisting of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror system of claim 85 wherein said lens is selected from the group consisting of a segmented lens, a prismatic lens and a Fresnel lens.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
34 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said signal light assembly fits within the cavity defined by said housing in a manner that conforms to the styling and aerodynamic lines defined by said housing.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said signal light comprises a light pipe.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said signal light assembly comprises an incandescent lamp.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror system of claim 93 wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle is selected from the group consisting of red colored light and amber colored light.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 94 wherein said amber colored light is selected from the group consisting of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said signal light assembly comprises at least one light-emitting diode.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
47 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said exterior mirror assembly further incorporates a floodlight adapted to project another pattern of light generally downwardly and rearwardly on an area adjacent a portion of said first vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in said area.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said mounting of said exterior mirror assembly comprises a breakaway joint assembly.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
67 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a lens portion facing rearward of said first vehicle and another lens portion that wraps around the side of said housing outboard the mounting of said exterior mirror assembly to said side of said first vehicle, said another lens portion projecting a pattern of light to function as a side marker for said first vehicle.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror system of claim 85 wherein said lens comprises a filtering lens.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 101 wherein said filtering lens comprises an amber filtering lens.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 101 wherein said filtering lens comprises a red filtering lens.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
48 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said signal light assembly is adapted for connection to a circuit comprising a photosensor, said circuit dimming the light intensity emitted from said signal light assembly when said signal light assembly operates under low ambient light conditions about the first vehicle.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror system of claim 104 wherein said circuit dims said light intensity emitted from said signal light assembly by pulse width modulation.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror system of claim 104 wherein said photosensor is selected from the group consisting of a photoresistor, a photodiode and a phototransistor.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror system of claim 104 wherein said photosensor is part of one of an automatic mirror circuit, a vehicle headlamp activation circuit and a headlamp daylight running light control circuit.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror system of claim 104 wherein said photosensor is integral with said signal light assembly.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a signal light module.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a removable signal light module.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror system of claim 84 wherein said signal light assembly comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes separated by louvers.
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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) | 2003-07-11 | 2004-01-10 | 2004-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-07-11 | 2008-01-10 | 2008-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-07-11 | 2012-01-10 | 2012-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |