US5497306A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Exterior vehicle security light
Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Inc
•
Filing: 1995-04-21
•
Granted: 1996-03-05
•
Expires: 2015-04-21
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
2026-11-05 15:56
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: 112
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising: a first exterior mirror assembly including a first reflective element and a first housing for said first reflective element; a first light module removably positioned substantially within said first housing and wherein a portion of said first light module is positioned behind said first reflective element, said first light module projecting light from said first housing on at least a first area adjacent a first portion of the vehicle in order to create a first lighted security zone in said first area; and said first light module including a first enclosure, a first light-transmitting opening in said first enclosure facing downwardly and rearwardly of said vehicle, a first cover for said first light-transmitting opening, and a first light source in said first enclosure radiating light through said first light-transmitting opening and wherein said first light module is substantially moisture impervious.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising: a first exterior mirror assembly including a first reflective element and a first housing for said first reflective element; a first light module removably positioned substantially within said first housing and wherein a portion of said first light module is positioned behind said first reflective element, said first light module projecting light from said first housing on at least a first area adjacent a first portion of the vehicle in order to create a first lighted security zone in said first area; and said first light module including a first enclosure, a first light-transmitting opening in said first enclosure facing downwardly and rearwardly of said vehicle, a first cover for said first light-transmitting opening, and a first light source in said first enclosure radiating light through said first light-transmitting opening and wherein said first light module is substantially moisture impervious.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 1 including a first socket positioned in another opening in said first enclosure and including sealing means for sealing said first socket in said another opening, whereby said first light source can be replaced by removing said first light module from said housing and removing said socket from said first light module.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 1 including a light-directing surface at least partially surrounding said first light source in said first enclosure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 3 wherein said light-directing surface is configured to direct light generally along a given axis and wherein said axis slopes rearwardly downwardly of the vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 1 wherein said first enclosure slopes from said cover rearwardly and upwardly to a location behind said first reflective element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 1 wherein said first cover is an optical lens.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 6 wherein said lens is selected from the group consisting of a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 7 wherein said lens is a clear optic.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 2 wherein said first module comprises a unitary module.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 9 including means defining an airflow path through said first enclosure in order to dissipate heat from said first light source.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 1 wherein said module is mounted in said first housing in a manner that defines a drain from said housing for water in said first housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
53 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 1 including a second light-transmitting opening in said first enclosure facing at least one of generally downwardly and rearwardly of said vehicle, a second cover for said second light-transmitting opening, and a second light source in said second enclosure radiating light through said second light-transmitting opening.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 12 wherein said first light-transmitting opening is facing generally downwardly of said vehicle and said second light-transmitting opening is facing generally rearwardly of said vehicle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 13 wherein said first light source is one of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connected between a light source in said vehicle and said first enclosure.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 14 wherein said first light source is an incandescent lamp.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
47 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 13 wherein said second light source is one of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connected between a light source in said vehicle and said first enclosure.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 16 wherein said second light source is a plurality of light-emitting diodes.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 17 including louvers between said light-emitting diodes.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 18 wherein said louvers are skewed in a direction away from the vehicle passenger compartment in order to shield the driver from light radiated by said light-emitting diodes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 19 wherein said louvers are skewed at an angle of at least approximately 15° from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 20 wherein said louvers are skewed at an angle of between approximately 25° and approximately 30° from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 1 including mating surface configurations on said first housing and said first enclosure which at least partially retain said first enclosure in said first housing.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 21 wherein said mating surface configuration includes a tongue-and-groove configuration.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
47 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 21 wherein said mating surface configuration includes at least one pair of deflectable prongs on one of said first housing and said first enclosure that snap-fit within a socket on the other of said first housing and said first enclosure.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
49 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 21 wherein said mating surface configuration includes at least one guide member on one of said first housing and said first enclosure retained in a doghouse connector on the other of said first housing and said first enclosure by a deflectable clip.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 1 wherein said first enclosure is made from a heat-resistant polymer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 26 wherein said polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80° C.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 26 wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
28 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 26 including a light-directing surface at least partially surrounding said light source, said light-directing surface being vacuum-metalized to said first enclosure.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 1 wherein said first exterior mirror assembly is a driver-side exterior mirror assembly.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 1 wherein said first exterior mirror assembly is a passenger-side exterior mirror assembly.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
140 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 30 further including a second exterior mirror assembly having a second reflective element and a second housing for said second reflective element, and a second light module removably positioned in said second housing, said second light module projecting light from said second housing on at least a second area adjacent a second portion of the vehicle in order to create a second lighted security zone in said second area, said second exterior mirror assembly being a passenger-side exterior mirror assembly, and said second light module including a second enclosure, a second light-transmitting opening in said second enclosure facing at least one of generally downwardly and rearwardly of said vehicle, a second cover for said second light-transmitting opening, and a second light source in said second enclosure radiating light through said second light-transmitting opening.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
65 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 32 including a second socket positioned in another opening in said second enclosure and including second means for sealing said second socket in said another opening in said second enclosure, whereby said second light source can be replaced by removing said second light module from said second housing and removing said second socket from said second light module.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
65 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 32 wherein at least one of said first light source and said second light source selected from the group consisting of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connecting between a light source in the vehicle and at least one of said first housing and said second housing.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 33 wherein said first cover is a non-filtering lens and said second cover is a non-filtering lens.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 35 wherein each of said first pattern of light and said second pattern of light is substantially white light.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 32 wherein at least one of said first reflective element and said second reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 37 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 38 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 1 wherein said first reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 40 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 41 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
195 words
A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising: an exterior mirror assembly including a reflective element, a housing for said reflective element and a positioning device for adjustably positioning said reflective element in said first housing; a light module removably positioned substantially within said housing and wherein a portion of said light module is positioned behind said reflective element, said module projecting light from said housing on at least an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in said area; and said light module including an enclosure having wail means defining a first enclosure cavity, a first light-transmitting opening in said first cavity facing at least one of generally downwardly and rearwardly of said vehicle, a first cover for said first light-transmitting opening, and a first light source in said first cavity radiating light generally along a first axis through said first light-transmitting opening, said enclosure positioned in an opening in a surface of said housing facing at least one of generally downwardly and rearwardly of said vehicle and said enclosure sloping generally upwardly from said first light-transmitting opening to a location behind said positioning device.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
195 words
A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising: an exterior mirror assembly including a reflective element, a housing for said reflective element and a positioning device for adjustably positioning said reflective element in said first housing; a light module removably positioned substantially within said housing and wherein a portion of said light module is positioned behind said reflective element, said module projecting light from said housing on at least an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in said area; and said light module including an enclosure having wail means defining a first enclosure cavity, a first light-transmitting opening in said first cavity facing at least one of generally downwardly and rearwardly of said vehicle, a first cover for said first light-transmitting opening, and a first light source in said first cavity radiating light generally along a first axis through said first light-transmitting opening, said enclosure positioned in an opening in a surface of said housing facing at least one of generally downwardly and rearwardly of said vehicle and said enclosure sloping generally upwardly from said first light-transmitting opening to a location behind said positioning device.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 wherein said first light-radiating axis slopes upwardly forwardly with respect to said vehicle.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
62 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 including another opening in said first cavity, a first socket positioned in said another opening and including a first gasket for sealing said first socket in said another opening, whereby said first light source can be replaced by removing said first light module from said housing and removing said socket from said light module.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 including a light-directing surface at least partially surrounding said first light source in said first cavity for directing light along said first axis.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 wherein said first cover is an optical lens.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
43 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 47 wherein said lens is selected from the group consisting of a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 48 wherein said lens is a clear optic.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 wherein said light module is substantially moisture impervious.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
62 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 including a second enclosure cavity, a second light-transmitting opening in said second cavity facing at least one of generally downwardly and rearwardly of said vehicle, a second cover for said second light-transmitting opening, and a second light source in said second cavity radiating light generally along a second axis through said second light-transmitting opening.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 51 wherein said first light-transmitting opening is facing generally downwardly of said vehicle and said second light-transmitting opening is facing generally rearwardly of said vehicle.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
47 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 52 wherein said first light source is one of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connected between a light source in said vehicle and said first enclosure.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 53 wherein said first light source is an incandescent lamp.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
47 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 52 wherein said second light source is one of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connected between a light source in said vehicle and said first enclosure.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 55 wherein said second light source is a plurality of light-emitting diodes.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 56 wherein said second light-radiating axis extends rearwardly away from the vehicle passenger compartment.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 57 wherein said second light-radiating axis is at an angle of at least approximately 15° from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 58 wherein said second light-radiating axis is at an angle of between approximately 25° and approximately 30° from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 56 including louvers between said light-emitting diodes.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
35 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 60 wherein said louvers are skewed in a direction away from the vehicle passenger compartment in order to shield the driver from light radiated by said light-emitting diodes.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
28 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 including mating surface configurations on said housing and said enclosure which at least partially retain said enclosure in said housing.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 62 wherein said mating surface configuration includes a tongue-and-groove configuration.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
43 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 62 wherein said mating surface configuration includes at least one pair of deflectable prongs on one of said housing and said enclosure that snap-fit within a socket in the other of said housing and said enclosure.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
45 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 62 wherein said mating surface configuration includes at least one guide member on one of said housing and said enclosure retained in a doghouse connector on the other of said housing and said enclosure by a deflectable clip.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 wherein said enclosure is made from a heat-resistant polymer.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 66 wherein said polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80° C.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 66 wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 66 including a light-directing surface at least partially surrounding said first light source, said light-directing surface being vacuum-metalized to wall means defining said light-generating cavity.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 43 wherein said exterior mirror assembly is a driver-side exterior mirror assembly.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 43 wherein said exterior mirror assembly is a passenger-side exterior mirror assembly.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 43 wherein said reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 72 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 73 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
147 words
A light module adapted to be removably positioned in-an opening in a vehicle exterior mirror assembly having a reflective element, housing for said reflective element and a retaining structure located within said housing, comprising: an enclosure having wall means defining a first enclosure cavity; a first light-transmitting opening in said first enclosure cavity; a first cover for said first light-transmitting opening; a first light source in said first enclosure cavity radiating light through said first light-transmitting opening; and a retaining structure on an exterior surface of said enclosure configured to mate with the retaining structure within the exterior mirror housing in order to at least partially retain said enclosure substantially within the exterior mirror housing; wherein a portion of said enclosure is behind said reflective element, and wherein said enclosure can be slidably received through said opening in said housing and releasably retained by said retaining structures.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
147 words
A light module adapted to be removably positioned in-an opening in a vehicle exterior mirror assembly having a reflective element, housing for said reflective element and a retaining structure located within said housing, comprising: an enclosure having wall means defining a first enclosure cavity; a first light-transmitting opening in said first enclosure cavity; a first cover for said first light-transmitting opening; a first light source in said first enclosure cavity radiating light through said first light-transmitting opening; and a retaining structure on an exterior surface of said enclosure configured to mate with the retaining structure within the exterior mirror housing in order to at least partially retain said enclosure substantially within the exterior mirror housing; wherein a portion of said enclosure is behind said reflective element, and wherein said enclosure can be slidably received through said opening in said housing and releasably retained by said retaining structures.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
The light module in claim 75 wherein said retaining structures include a tongue-and-groove configuration.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
29 words
The light module in claim 75 wherein said retaining structures include at least one pair of deflectable prongs and a socket wherein said prongs snap fit within said socket.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
The light module in claim 75 wherein said retaining structures include at least one guide member retained in a doghouse connector by a deflectable clip.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
15 words
The light module in claim 75 wherein said enclosure is made from a heat-resistant polymer.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
20 words
The light module in claim 79 wherein said polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80° C.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
30 words
The light module in claim 79 including a light-directing surface at least partially surrounding said first light source, said light-directing surface being vacuum-metalized to wall means defining said enclosure cavity.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
30 words
The light module in claim 79 including a light-directing surface at least partially surrounding said first light source, said light-directing surface being vacuum-metalized to wall means defining said enclosure cavity.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
57 words
The light module in claim 75 including a first socket positioned in another opening in said first cavity and including a first gasket for sealing said first socket in said another opening, whereby said first light source can be replaced by removing said first light module from said housing and removing said socket from said light module.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
18 words
The light module in claim 75 including a light-directing surface at least partially surrounding said first light source.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
14 words
The light module in claim 75 wherein said first cover is an optical lens.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
41 words
The light module in claim 85 wherein said lens is selected from the group consisting of a diffusive optic, a diffractive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, a clear optic, and a sinusoidal optic.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
13 words
The light module in claim 86 wherein said lens is a clear optic.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
45 words
The light module in claim 75 including a second enclosure cavity, a second light-transmitting opening in said second enclosure cavity, a second cover for said second light-transmitting opening, and a second light source in said second enclosure cavity radiating light through said second light-transmitting opening.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
45 words
The light module in claim 88 wherein said first light source is one of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connected between a light source in said vehicle and said first enclosure.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
15 words
The light module in claim 89 wherein said first light source is an incandescent lamp.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
45 words
The light module in claim 88 wherein said second light source is one of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connected between a light source in said vehicle and said first enclosure.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
17 words
The light module in claim 91 wherein said second light source is a plurality of light-emitting diodes.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
12 words
The light module in claim 92 including louvers between said light-emitting diodes.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
166 words
A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising: an exterior mirror assembly attached to the vehicle including a reflective element, a housing for said reflective element, and a positioning device mounted to said reflective dement for adjustably positioning said reflective element in said housing; a light module removably positioned substantially within said housing and wherein a portion of said light module is positioned behind said reflective element, said light module projecting light from said housing on at least an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in said area; said light module including an enclosure having wall means defining an enclosure cavity, a light-transmitting opening in said cavity, a cover for said light-transmitting opening and a light source in said cavity radiating light through said light-transmitting opening; and mating retaining elements for at lest partially removably retaining said light module in said housing, said mating retaining elements including mating surface configurations on said enclosure and said housing.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
166 words
A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising: an exterior mirror assembly attached to the vehicle including a reflective element, a housing for said reflective element, and a positioning device mounted to said reflective dement for adjustably positioning said reflective element in said housing; a light module removably positioned substantially within said housing and wherein a portion of said light module is positioned behind said reflective element, said light module projecting light from said housing on at least an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in said area; said light module including an enclosure having wall means defining an enclosure cavity, a light-transmitting opening in said cavity, a cover for said light-transmitting opening and a light source in said cavity radiating light through said light-transmitting opening; and mating retaining elements for at lest partially removably retaining said light module in said housing, said mating retaining elements including mating surface configurations on said enclosure and said housing.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
30 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 94 wherein said mating retaining elements include at least one pair of prongs and a socket wherein said prongs releasably engage said socket.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
28 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 94 wherein said mating retaining elements include at least one guide member retained in a doghouse connector by a deflectable clip.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 2 wherein said sealing means comprises a polymer material having a durometer hardness in the range of from about 50 to about 95 SHORE A.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly system of claim 2 wherein said socket is at least partially formed of a resilient polymer material so as to be self-gasketing at its mating surface to said first enclosure.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
30 words
The mirror assembly system of claim 83 wherein said first gasket comprises a polymer material having a durometer hardness in the range of about 50 to about 95 SHORE A.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly system of claim 99 wherein said first socket is at least partially formed of a resilient polymer material so as to be self-gasketing at its mating surface to said enclosure.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
123 words
A light module adapted to be removably positioned in an opening in a vehicle exterior mirror assembly having a housing comprising: an enclosure having walls defining an enclosure cavity; a light-transmitting opening in said enclosure cavity; said opening being covered with a lens; a light source in said enclosure cavity radiating light through said opening; and a first socket positioned in another opening in said enclosure and including a sealing means comprising a polymer material having a durometer hardness in the range of from about 50 to about 95 SHORE A for sealing said first socket in said opening, whereby said light source can be replaced by removing said light module from said housing and removing said first socket from said light module.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
123 words
A light module adapted to be removably positioned in an opening in a vehicle exterior mirror assembly having a housing comprising: an enclosure having walls defining an enclosure cavity; a light-transmitting opening in said enclosure cavity; said opening being covered with a lens; a light source in said enclosure cavity radiating light through said opening; and a first socket positioned in another opening in said enclosure and including a sealing means comprising a polymer material having a durometer hardness in the range of from about 50 to about 95 SHORE A for sealing said first socket in said opening, whereby said light source can be replaced by removing said light module from said housing and removing said first socket from said light module.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
32 words
The light module of claim 101 wherein said first socket is at least partially formed of a resilient polymer material so as to be self-gasketing at is mating surface to said enclosure.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
13 words
The light module of claim 101 wherein said module is substantially moisture impervious.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
108 words
A signal light module adapted to be removably positioned in an opening in a vehicle exterior mirror assembly comprising: an enclosure having walls defining an enclosure cavity; a light-transmitting opening in said enclosure cavity; said opening being covered with a lens; and a plurality of light-emitting diodes with louvers therebetween in said enclosure cavity; wherein said light-emitting diodes radiate light generally along a light-radiating axis that extends rearwardly away from the passenger compartment of a vehicle in order to shield the driver from light radiated by said light-emitting diodes, said light-radiating axis being at an angle of at least approximately 15° from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
108 words
A signal light module adapted to be removably positioned in an opening in a vehicle exterior mirror assembly comprising: an enclosure having walls defining an enclosure cavity; a light-transmitting opening in said enclosure cavity; said opening being covered with a lens; and a plurality of light-emitting diodes with louvers therebetween in said enclosure cavity; wherein said light-emitting diodes radiate light generally along a light-radiating axis that extends rearwardly away from the passenger compartment of a vehicle in order to shield the driver from light radiated by said light-emitting diodes, said light-radiating axis being at an angle of at least approximately 15° from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
29 words
The signal light module of claim 104 wherein said light-radiating axis is at an angle of between approximately 25° and approximately 30° from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
15 words
The signal light module of claim 104 wherein said light-emitting diodes are solid-state light-emitting diodes.
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Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-03-05 | 1999-09-04 | 2000-03-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-03-05 | 2003-09-04 | 2004-03-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-03-05 | 2007-09-04 | 2008-03-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |