Patent US3704062A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3704062A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rear view optical system
Assignee: HARMON LOUIS DR
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Filing: 1971-03-26
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Granted: 1972-11-28
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Expires: 1991-03-26
Abstract
Abstract A rear view optical system adaptable to a vehicle having a top wall provided with an opening therein. A first mirror is supported above the opening and is adapted to direct the image downwardly to a one-way or beam splitter mirror which in turn directs the image forwardly to a second mirror. The second mirror in turn redirects the image through the one-way mirror rearwardly to the eyes of the observer in the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 William W Toy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 07:22
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B17/00; G02B17/02; B; B60; B60R; B60R1/00; B60R1/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A periscopic rear view mirror system for a vehicle having an opening in the roof disposed forwardly of the vehicle driver, comprising a. a first planar mirror located above the vehicle roof line and sloping rearwardly to reflect an image from the rear of the vehicle downwardly through the roof opening, b. a second planar semi-transparent mirror located below said first mirror and sloped forwardly to reflect the image from the first mirror forwardly with respect to the vehicle driver c. a third planar mirror located forwardly of said second mirror and positioned to reflect the image therefrom rearwardly and downwardly through said second mirror toward the vehicle driver''s eye.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A periscopic rear view mirror system for a vehicle having an opening in the roof disposed forwardly of the vehicle driver, comprising a. a first planar mirror located above the vehicle roof line and sloping rearwardly to reflect an image from the rear of the vehicle downwardly through the roof opening, b. a second planar semi-transparent mirror located below said first mirror and sloped forwardly to reflect the image from the first mirror forwardly with respect to the vehicle driver c. a third planar mirror located forwardly of said second mirror and positioned to reflect the image therefrom rearwardly and downwardly through said second mirror toward the vehicle driver''s eye.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system as in claim 1 wherein the lower edges of said second and third mirrors are closely adjacent to minimize the distance of image reflection therebetween.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system as in claim 1 wherein said second and third mirrors are carried in a closed housing mounted in said roof opening and having an upper transparent window through which the image is transmitted from the first to the second mirror.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system as in claim 2 wherein said housing has a lower wall a part of which consists of a lower horizontal portion of said second mirror through which the image is viewed by the vehicle driver.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system as in claim 4 wherein an upper horizontal portion of said second mirror is disposed within said housing, and including a light located in said housing rearwardly and below the upper portion of said second mirror for directing light therethrough toward said first mirror for rearward reflection therefrom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system as in claim 1 wherein said first mirror is located at least partially rearwardly of said second mirror to reflect the image from the first mirror to the second Mirror in a direction generally forwardly with respect to the vehicle driver.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system as in claim 1 wherein the third mirror is vertically dimensioned to be viewed by the vehicle driver only through a lower portion of said second mirror.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system as in claim 1 wherein said third mirror is pivotal about the horizontal line of its lower edge to vary the angle at which the image is reflected to the driver''s eye through said second mirror.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system as in claim 1 wherein said first mirror is carried between side support arms upstanding from said vehicle roof and is spaced therefrom to provide an opening between the lower edge of said first mirror and said roof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system as in claim 1 and including a shield located below said second mirror to prevent images of the vehicle interior from being reflected to the driver''s eye from the lower side of said second mirror.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system as in claim 1 and including a light located rearwardly of and below said second mirror for directing light therethrough toward said first mirror for rearward reflection therefrom.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system as in claim 1 wherein portions of said second and third mirrors extend upwardly into said roof between the upper and lower surfaces thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1975-11-28 | 1976-05-29 | 1976-11-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-11-28 | 1980-05-29 | 1980-11-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-11-28 | 1984-05-29 | 1984-11-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |