US5863116A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Remote-actuated exterior vehicle security light
Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Inc
•
Filing: 1997-09-19
•
Granted: 1999-01-26
•
Expires: 2017-09-19
Abstract
Abstract An exterior vehicle mirror system having a reflective element and a housing for the reflective element includes a turn signal having a lens incorporated in the housing. A portion of the lens faces rearward of the vehicle and the lens further wraps around the outward side of the housing and functions as a side marker for the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Todd W. Pastrick
- 👤 Linda K. Molenkamp
- 👤 Roger L. Koops
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 11:05
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2661; B60Q1/2665; B60R; B60R1/00; B60R1/12; B60R1/1207; B60Q2900/00; B60Q2900/30; B60R2001/1284; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/12; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/802
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 73
Claim 1
Independent Claim
331 words
A vehicular exterior mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle and including a reflective element and an opaque housing for said reflective element, said housing having an outward side, an inward side, a top side and a bottom side, wherein said bottom side is closer to the road surface than said top side, and said outward side is further from said first vehicle than said inward side when said assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle, and means for movably mounting said reflective element relative to said housing to face in a direction rearwardly of said first vehicle; a turn signal light having a lens incorporated in an opening formed by said housing, at least a portion of said lens facing rearward of said first vehicle and structured to project a pattern of light from said housing rearwardly of said first vehicle such that said pattern of light extends laterally from said side of said first vehicle and said pattern of light is observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle equipped with said signal light, and such that said pattern of light of said signal light does not directly intercept a driver of said first vehicle, said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of said first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to said driver of said second vehicle passing said first vehicle that a lane change by said first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by said driver of said first vehicle; and wherein said lens further wraps around the outward side of said housing and said lens further projecting a pattern of light when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to function as a side marker for said first vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
331 words
A vehicular exterior mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle and including a reflective element and an opaque housing for said reflective element, said housing having an outward side, an inward side, a top side and a bottom side, wherein said bottom side is closer to the road surface than said top side, and said outward side is further from said first vehicle than said inward side when said assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle, and means for movably mounting said reflective element relative to said housing to face in a direction rearwardly of said first vehicle; a turn signal light having a lens incorporated in an opening formed by said housing, at least a portion of said lens facing rearward of said first vehicle and structured to project a pattern of light from said housing rearwardly of said first vehicle such that said pattern of light extends laterally from said side of said first vehicle and said pattern of light is observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle equipped with said signal light, and such that said pattern of light of said signal light does not directly intercept a driver of said first vehicle, said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of said first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to said driver of said second vehicle passing said first vehicle that a lane change by said first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by said driver of said first vehicle; and wherein said lens further wraps around the outward side of said housing and said lens further projecting a pattern of light when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to function as a side marker for said first vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 1 wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of the vehicle comprises amber colored light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 2 wherein said pattern of light is provided by at least one of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 1 wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of the vehicle comprises red colored light.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 4 wherein said pattern of light is provided by at least one of a red light source and a red filtering lens.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light comprises an incandescent lamp.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 6 wherein said incandescent lamp comprises a halogen lamp.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light comprises one of an incandescent fuse lamp, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode and a light pipe.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 8 wherein said light pipe comprises a fibre optic bundle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 1 wherein said signal light comprises at least one light-emitting diode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 1 wherein said lens comprises one of a segmented lens, a prismatic lens and a Fresnel lens.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
68 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 1 wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of the first vehicle includes a major intensity portion which can be observed directly by the driver of said second vehicle passing said first vehicle and said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of the first vehicle includes a minor intensity portion which can be observed indirectly by the driver seated in said first vehicle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 12 wherein said minor intensity portion is no more than 10 percent of the intensity of said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of the first vehicle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 1 wherein said reflective element is an electro-optic mirror.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 14 wherein said electro-optic mirror is an electrochromic mirror.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 15 wherein said electrochromic mirror is an electrochemichromic mirror.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 1 wherein said mounting of said housing to said vehicle comprises a bracket.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The exterior mirror system of claim 1 wherein said mounting of said housing to said vehicle comprises a breakaway joint assembly.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
301 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle and including a reflectance element and an opaque housing for said reflectance element, said housing having an outward side, an inward side, a top side and a bottom side, wherein said bottom side is closer to the road surface than said top side, and said outward side is further from said first vehicle than said inward side when said assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle, said reflectance element being mounted on an actuator, said actuator providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; a turn signal light having a lens incorporated in an opening formed by said housing, at least a portion of said lens facing rearward of said first vehicle, said signal light being mounted separate from said positionable reflectance element; said signal light structured to project a pattern of light from said housing directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and extending laterally away from said side of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle such that said pattern of light of said signal light does not directly intercept a driver of said first vehicle; said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of said first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to said driver of said second vehicle passing said first vehicle that a lane change by said first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by said driver of said first vehicle; and wherein said mounting of said exterior mirror assembly comprises a breakaway joint assembly.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
301 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle and including a reflectance element and an opaque housing for said reflectance element, said housing having an outward side, an inward side, a top side and a bottom side, wherein said bottom side is closer to the road surface than said top side, and said outward side is further from said first vehicle than said inward side when said assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle, said reflectance element being mounted on an actuator, said actuator providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; a turn signal light having a lens incorporated in an opening formed by said housing, at least a portion of said lens facing rearward of said first vehicle, said signal light being mounted separate from said positionable reflectance element; said signal light structured to project a pattern of light from said housing directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and extending laterally away from said side of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle such that said pattern of light of said signal light does not directly intercept a driver of said first vehicle; said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of said first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to said driver of said second vehicle passing said first vehicle that a lane change by said first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by said driver of said first vehicle; and wherein said mounting of said exterior mirror assembly comprises a breakaway joint assembly.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 19, wherein said signal light further comprises a reflector.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror system of claim 19, wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle comprises amber colored light.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 21, wherein said amber colored light is provided by at least one of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 19, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror system of claim 19, wherein said lens comprises a filtering lens.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 24, wherein said filtering lens comprises an amber filtering lens.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 19, wherein said signal light comprises one of an incandescent lamp, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode and a light pipe.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
The mirror system of claim 26, wherein said turn signal light includes a light pipe in the form of a fibre optic bundle.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 19, wherein said signal light comprises an incandescent lamp.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror system of claim 28, wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle comprises amber colored light.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 29, wherein said amber colored light is provided by at least one of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror system of claim 19, wherein said signal light comprises at least one light-emitting diode.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
45 words
The mirror system of claim 19, wherein said 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 35
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 32, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
70 words
The mirror system of claim 19, wherein said signal light comprises a lens portion facing rearward of said first vehicle and another lens portion at said outward side of said assembly outboard its mounting to said side of said first vehicle, said another lens portion projecting a pattern of light when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to function as a side marker for said first vehicle.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror system of claim 20, wherein said lens comprises a filtering lens.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 35, wherein said filtering lens comprise an amber filtering lens.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
204 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; a reflectance element incorporated in said assembly, said reflectance element being mounted on an electrically operated actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; said exterior mirror assembly incorporating a turn signal light, said signal light being mounted separate from said reflectance element; said signal light structured to project a pattern of light directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and extending laterally away from said side of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle such that said pattern of light of said signal light does not directly intercept a driver of said first vehicle; and said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of said first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to said driver of said second vehicle passing said first vehicle that a lane change by said first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by said driver of said first vehicle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
204 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; a reflectance element incorporated in said assembly, said reflectance element being mounted on an electrically operated actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; said exterior mirror assembly incorporating a turn signal light, said signal light being mounted separate from said reflectance element; said signal light structured to project a pattern of light directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and extending laterally away from said side of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle such that said pattern of light of said signal light does not directly intercept a driver of said first vehicle; and said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of said first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to said driver of said second vehicle passing said first vehicle that a lane change by said first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by said driver of said first vehicle.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror system of claim 37, wherein said signal light comprises a light source and a lens.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 38, wherein said signal light further comprises a reflector.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 38, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror system of claim 38, wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle comprises amber colored light.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 41, wherein said amber colored light is provided by at least one of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror system of claim 38, wherein said lens comprises one of a segmented lens, a prismatic lens and a Fresnel lens.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 37, wherein said signal light comprises one of an incandescent lamp, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode, and a light pipe.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror system of claim 44, wherein said signal light comprises a light pipe in the form of a fibre optic bundle.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 37, wherein said signal light comprises an incandescent lamp.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror system of claim 46, wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle comprises amber colored light.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 47, wherein said amber colored light is provided by at least one of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror system of claim 37, wherein said signal light comprises at least one light-emitting diode.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
48 words
The mirror system of claim 37, wherein said exterior mirror assembly further incorporates a floodlight adapted to project a second 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 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 37, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror system of claim 37, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes a breakaway joint assembly for mounting said exterior mirror assembly to the first vehicle.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
70 words
The mirror system of claim 37, wherein said signal light comprises a lens portion facing rearward of said first vehicle and another lens portion at said outward side of said assembly outboard its mounting to said side of said first vehicle, said another lens portion projecting a pattern of light when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to function as a side marker for said first vehicle.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror system of claim 37, wherein said lens comprises a filtering lens.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 54, wherein said filtering lens comprise an amber filtering lens.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
212 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; a reflectance element incorporated in said assembly, said reflectance element being mounted on an actuator, said actuator providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; said assembly further incorporating a turn signal light, said signal light being mounted separate from said reflectance element; said signal light structured to project a pattern of light 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 such that said pattern of light of said signal light does not directly intercept a driver of said first vehicle; said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of said first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to said driver of said second vehicle passing said first vehicle that a lane change by said first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by said driver of said first vehicle; and wherein said signal light comprises one of an incandescent lamp, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode and a light pipe.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
212 words
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising: an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle; a reflectance element incorporated in said assembly, said reflectance element being mounted on an actuator, said actuator providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; said assembly further incorporating a turn signal light, said signal light being mounted separate from said reflectance element; said signal light structured to project a pattern of light 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 such that said pattern of light of said signal light does not directly intercept a driver of said first vehicle; said signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of said first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to said driver of said second vehicle passing said first vehicle that a lane change by said first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by said driver of said first vehicle; and wherein said signal light comprises one of an incandescent lamp, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode and a light pipe.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 56, wherein said signal light comprises an incandescent lamp.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 57, wherein said incandescent lamp comprises a halogen lamp.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 57, wherein said incandescent lamp comprises an incandescent fuse lamp.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror system of claim 56, wherein said pattern of light projecting rearwardly of said first vehicle comprises amber colored light.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror system of claim 60, wherein said amber colored light is provided by at least one of an amber light source and an amber filtering lens.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 56, wherein said signal light comprises a light-emitting diode.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror system of claim 56, wherein said signal light comprises a light pipe.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 56, wherein said signal light comprises a vacuum fluorescent lamp.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 56, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
30 words
The mirror system of claim 56, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes a breakaway joint assembly, said breakaway joint assembly for mounting said exterior mirror assembly to the first vehicle.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
12 words
The mirror system of claim 56, wherein signal light comprises a lens.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror system of claim 67, wherein said lens comprises a filtering lens.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror system of claim 68, wherein said filtering lens comprises an amber filtering lens.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-01-25 | 2002-07-27 | 2003-01-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-01-25 | 2006-07-27 | 2007-01-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-01-25 | 2010-07-27 | 2011-01-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |