US5669699A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Exterior vehicle security light
Assignee: Sony Corp
•
Filing: 1996-01-08
•
Granted: 1997-09-23
•
Expires: 2016-01-08
Abstract
Abstract A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and having a reflective element and a housing for the reflective element. A security light made up of at least one light-emitting diode projects light from the housing on an area adjacent the vehicle to create a lighted security zone in the area. An actuator is provided for the security light. The security light may be a plurality of light-emitting diodes either each positioned in its own aperture in the housing, or arranged as an array of LEDs in a common aperture. A lens may be provided covering the aperture.
Inventors
- 👤 Todd W. Pastrick
- 👤 Roger L. Veldman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:29
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2661; B60Q1/2665; B60R; B60R1/00; B60R1/12; B60R1/1207; B60R2001/1284
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 96
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 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 security light comprising at least one light-emitting diode 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 an actuator for said first security light including a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter, wherein said base unit is responsive to a signal from said remote transmitter in order to actuate said first security light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 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 security light comprising at least one light-emitting diode 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 an actuator for said first security light including a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter, wherein said base unit is responsive to a signal from said remote transmitter in order to actuate said first security light.
Claim 3
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 4
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 5
Dependent Claim
96 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 2 further including a second exterior mirror assembly having a second reflective element and a second housing for said second reflective element, and a second security light comprising at least one light-emitting diode 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 security light also being responsive to actuation of said actuator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 4 wherein actuation of said first security light and said second security light occurs simultaneously.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 4 wherein said first security light projects light generally downwardly from said first housing, and said second security light projects light generally downwardly from said second housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 6 wherein said first area is at least adjacent the driver front entrance to the vehicle and said second area is at least adjacent the passenger front entrance to the vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 7 wherein said first security light generates a first pattern of light through a non-filtering lens and said second security light generates a second pattern of light through a non-filtering lens.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 2 wherein said first reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 9 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 10 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 4 wherein each of said first reflective element and said second reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 12 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 13 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
127 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, said first housing defined in part by a first lower wall portion; a first security light comprising a first plurality of light-emitting diodes projecting light generally downwardly from said first lower wall portion 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 an actuator for said first security light including a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter, wherein said base unit is responsive to a signal from said remote transmitter in order to actuate said first security light.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
127 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, said first housing defined in part by a first lower wall portion; a first security light comprising a first plurality of light-emitting diodes projecting light generally downwardly from said first lower wall portion 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 an actuator for said first security light including a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter, wherein said base unit is responsive to a signal from said remote transmitter in order to actuate said first security light.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 15 wherein said first exterior mirror assembly is a driver-side exterior mirror assembly.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 15 wherein said first exterior mirror assembly is a passenger-side exterior mirror assembly.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
110 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 16 further including a second exterior mirror assembly having a second reflective element and a second housing for said second reflective element defined in part by a second lower wall portion and a second security light comprising a second plurality of light-emitting diodes projecting light generally downwardly from said second lower wall portion 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 security light also being responsive to actuation of said actuator.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 18 wherein actuation of said first security light and said second security light occurs simultaneously.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 18 wherein said first area is at least adjacent the driver front entrance to the vehicle and said second area is at least adjacent the passenger front entrance to the vehicle.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 20 wherein said first security light generates a first pattern of light through a non-filtering lens and said second security light generates a second pattern of light through a non-filtering lens.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 16 wherein said first reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 22 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 23 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 18 wherein each of said first reflective element and said second reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 25 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 26 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 16 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes is positioned in an associated aperture in said first lower wall portion.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 16 wherein said light-emitting diodes are positioned as an array in an aperture in said first lower wall portion.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 29 including a lens over said aperture.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 30 wherein said lens is one of a clear lens, a Fresnal lens, a binary optic, a reflective optic, a holographic optic, or a diffusing optic.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 30 wherein said lens is made from plastic.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system m claim 28 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a cross-sectional area of less than approximately 4 cm 2 .
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 33 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a cross-sectional area of less than approximately 1 cm 2 .
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 29 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a cross-sectional area of less than approximately 4 cm 2 .
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 35 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a cross-sectional area of less than approximately 1 cm 2 .
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 28 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a dominant wavelength of approximately 590 nanometers.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 29 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a dominant wavelength of approximately 590 nanometers.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 28 wherein said light-emitting diodes are electrically connected in series.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 29 wherein said light-emitting diodes are electrically connected in series.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 28 wherein said light-emitting diodes are electrically connected in parallel.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 29 wherein said light-emitting diodes are electrically connected in parallel.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
137 words
A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle, comprising: a first exterior mirror assembly including a first reflective element and a first opaque housing for said first reflective element, said first housing being fixedly mounted relative to said vehicle and defined in part by a first lower wall portion and means for movably mounting said reflective element relative to said housing to face in a direction rearwardly of said vehicle; and a first security light comprising a first plurality of at least four light-emitting diodes projecting a first pattern of light downwardly and rearwardly from said first lower wall portion 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 illuminated to a light intensity of at least approximately five lux.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
137 words
A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle, comprising: a first exterior mirror assembly including a first reflective element and a first opaque housing for said first reflective element, said first housing being fixedly mounted relative to said vehicle and defined in part by a first lower wall portion and means for movably mounting said reflective element relative to said housing to face in a direction rearwardly of said vehicle; and a first security light comprising a first plurality of at least four light-emitting diodes projecting a first pattern of light downwardly and rearwardly from said first lower wall portion 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 illuminated to a light intensity of at least approximately five lux.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 wherein said first exterior mirror assembly is a driver-side exterior mirror assembly.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 wherein said first exterior mirror assembly is a passenger-side exterior mirror assembly.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
100 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 44 further including a second exterior mirror assembly having a second reflective element and a second housing for said second reflective element defined in part by a second lower wall portion and a second security light comprising a second plurality of at least four light-emitting diodes projecting light generally downwardly from said second lower wall portion 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.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 46 wherein said first area is at least adjacent the driver front entrance to the vehicle and said second area is at least adjacent the passenger front entrance to the vehicle.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 47 wherein said first security light generates a first pattern of light through a non-filtering lens and said second security light generates a second pattern of light through a non-filtering lens.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 44 wherein said first reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 49 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 50 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 46 wherein each of said first reflective element and said second reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 52 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 53 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 including a lens over said light-emitting diodes.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 55 wherein said lens is one of a clear lens, a Fresnal lens, a binary optic, a reflective optic, a holographic optic, or a diffusing optic.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 55 wherein said lens is made from plastic.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a cross-sectional area of less than approximately 4 cm 2 .
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 58 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a cross-sectional area of less than approximately 1 cm 2 .
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a dominant wavelength of approximately 590 nanometers.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 wherein said light-emitting diodes are electrically connected in series.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 wherein said light-emitting diodes are electrically connected in parallel.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 43 wherein said first security light comprises a first array of at least six light-emitting diodes.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 63 wherein said first security light comprises a first array of at least eight light-emitting diodes.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
111 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, said first housing defined in part by a first lower wall portion; a first security light comprising a first plurality of light-emitting diodes projecting light generally downwardly from said first lower wall portion 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 an actuator for said first security light which actuates said first security light in response to approach of an individual to the vehicle.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
111 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, said first housing defined in part by a first lower wall portion; a first security light comprising a first plurality of light-emitting diodes projecting light generally downwardly from said first lower wall portion 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 an actuator for said first security light which actuates said first security light in response to approach of an individual to the vehicle.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 65 wherein said first exterior mirror assembly is a driver-side exterior mirror assembly.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 65 wherein said first exterior mirror assembly is a passenger-side exterior mirror assembly.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
110 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 66 further including a second exterior mirror assembly having a second reflective element and a second housing for said second reflective element defined in part by a second lower wall portion and a second security light comprising a second plurality of light-emitting diodes projecting light generally downwardly from said second lower wall portion 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 security light also being responsive to actuation of said actuator.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 68 wherein actuation of said first security light and said second security light occurs simultaneously.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 68 wherein said first area is at least adjacent the driver front entrance to the vehicle and said second area is at least adjacent the passenger front entrance to the vehicle.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 70 wherein said first security light generates a first pattern of light through a non-filtering lens and said second security light generates a second pattern of light through a non-filtering lens.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 66 wherein said first reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 72 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 73 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 68 wherein each of said first reflective element and said second reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 75 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly security system of claim 76 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 66 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes is positioned in an associated aperture in said first lower wall portion.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 66 wherein said light-emitting diodes are positioned as an array in an aperture in said first lower wall portion.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 79 including a lens over said aperture.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 80 wherein said lens is one of a clear lens, a Fresnal lens, a binary optic, a reflective optic, a holographic optic, or a diffusing optic.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 80 wherein said lens is made from plastic.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 78 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a cross-sectional area of less than approximately 4 cm 2 .
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 83 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a cross-sectional area of less than approximately 1 cm 2 .
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 79 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a cross-sectional area of less than approximately 4 cm 2 .
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 85 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a cross-sectional area of less than approximately 1 cm 2 .
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 78 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a dominant wavelength of approximately 590 nanometers.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 79 wherein each of said light-emitting diodes has a dominant wavelength of approximately 590 nanometers.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 78 wherein said light-emitting diodes are electrically connected in series.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 79 wherein said light-emitting diodes are electrically connected in series.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 78 wherein said light-emitting diodes are electrically connected in parallel.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly security system in claim 79 wherein said light-emitting diodes are electrically connected in parallel.
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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) | 2000-09-22 | 2001-03-24 | 2001-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-03-24 | 2005-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-09-22 | 2009-03-24 | 2009-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |