US6412973B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Interior mirror assembly for a vehicle incorporating a solid-state light source
Assignee: Magna Donnelly Corp
•
Filing: 2000-07-27
•
Granted: 2002-07-02
•
Expires: 2020-07-27
Abstract
Abstract Illumination of a target location of a vehicle interior is provided by an interior rearview mirror assembly incorporating a solid-state light source which emits light generally downwardly from the assembly. The solid-state light source comprises a non-incandescent light source, preferably selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, a fluorescent light source, an electroluminescent light source and a laser light. Also, the solid-state light source preferably operates at a forward current of less than about 100 mA and has a cross-sectional area less than about 4 square centimeters. The target location may include at least one of a shift lever console and a floor console.
Inventors
- 👤 Brent J. Bos
- 👤 Stephen J. Forbes
- 👤 Roger L. Veldman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 14:14
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q3/00; B60Q3/80; B60Q3/20; B60Q3/258; B60Q3/85; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 154
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for mounting on a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element, said case including a bottom portion; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; a solid-state light source, said light source incorporated as part of said mirror case and positioned for emitting light generally downwardly from said bottom portion when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle; said solid-state light source comprising a non-incandescent light source selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, an electroluminescent light source and a laser light; said solid-state light source positioned to emit light directed to provide illumination of a target location of the vehicle interior below said mirror assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle and when said solid-state light source is electrically powered; and said target location including at least one of a shift lever console and a floor console.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for mounting on a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element, said case including a bottom portion; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; a solid-state light source, said light source incorporated as part of said mirror case and positioned for emitting light generally downwardly from said bottom portion when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle; said solid-state light source comprising a non-incandescent light source selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, an electroluminescent light source and a laser light; said solid-state light source positioned to emit light directed to provide illumination of a target location of the vehicle interior below said mirror assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle and when said solid-state light source is electrically powered; and said target location including at least one of a shift lever console and a floor console.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode having a luminous intensity of at least 500 mcd when operated at a forward current of 20 mA.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode having a luminous intensity of at least 700 mcd when operated at a forward current of 20 mA.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode having a luminous intensity in the range of about 500 mcd to about 7000 mcd when said solid-state light source is powered in the vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode operated at a forward voltage of at least about 1 volt.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode operated at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode operated at a forward voltage less than about 5 volts.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode that emits light with a dominant wave length within the range of about 530 nm to about 680 nm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode emitting light having a color selected from the group consisting of green, orange, yellow, amber, reddish-orange, red and blue.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror assembly of claim 9 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic and phosphorous.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic and phosphorous.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said solid-state light source operates at a current less than about 200 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said solid-state light source operates at a current less than about 100 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said solid-state light source operates at a current less than about 50 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode operated at a current within the range of about 20 mA to about 100 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode providing illumination of between about 0.2 and 4.0 lux at a distance of about 22 to 26 inches from said diode.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a windshield, said support being adapted for connection to the windshield for mounting said assembly on the vehicle.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
39 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a windshield and a header area adjacent the windshield, said support being adapted for connection to the header area of the vehicle for mounting said assembly on the vehicle.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said reflective mirror element comprises a prismatic rearview mirror element.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said reflective mirror element comprises an electro-optic rearview mirror element.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror assembly of claim 20 wherein said electro-optic rearview mirror element comprises an electrochromic rearview mirror element.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said solid-state light source includes a lens.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The mirror assembly of claim 22 wherein said lens comprises one of a Fresnel lens, a binary optic, a refractive optic and a holographic optic.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror assembly of claim 22 wherein said lens comprises a plastic lens.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 25 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward voltage in the range from about 2 volts to about 5 volts.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly of claim 26 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 100 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly of claim 25 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 50 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly of claim 25 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 20 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly of claim 25 wherein said solid-state light source has a cross-sectional area less than about 1 square centimeter.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises an electroluminescent light source.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a laser light source.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said solid-state light source comprises a light emitting source having a cross-sectional area less than about 4 square centimeters.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said solid-state light source has a cross-sectional area less than about 1 square centimeter.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said target location includes a shift lever console.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 35 wherein said shift lever console comprises a transmission selector indicator panel.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror assembly of claim 35 wherein said shift lever console comprises at least one of a transmission selector indicator panel, a bin, a cup holder, an ashtray and a switch.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly of claim 35 wherein said shift lever console is located at the floor centerline of the vehicle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
144 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for mounting on a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element and a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; a solid-state light source, said light source incorporated as part of said assembly and positioned for emitting light generally downwardly from said assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle; said solid-state light source comprising a non-incandescent light source selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, an electroluminescent light source and a laser light; said solid-state light source positioned to emit light directed to provide illumination of a target location of the vehicle interior below said mirror assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle and when said solid-state light source is electrically powered; and wherein said solid-state light source has a cross-sectional area less than about 4 square centimeters.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
144 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for mounting on a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element and a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; a solid-state light source, said light source incorporated as part of said assembly and positioned for emitting light generally downwardly from said assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle; said solid-state light source comprising a non-incandescent light source selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, an electroluminescent light source and a laser light; said solid-state light source positioned to emit light directed to provide illumination of a target location of the vehicle interior below said mirror assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle and when said solid-state light source is electrically powered; and wherein said solid-state light source has a cross-sectional area less than about 4 square centimeters.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
34 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode having a luminous intensity of at least 500 mcd when operated at a forward current of 20 mA.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode having a luminous intensity of at least 700 mcd when operated at a forward current of 20 mA.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
41 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode having a luminous intensity in the range of about 500 mcd to about 7000 mcd when said solid-state light source is powered in the vehicle.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode operated at a forward voltage of at least about 1 volt.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode operated at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode operated at a forward voltage less than about 5 volts.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
35 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode that emits light with a dominant wavelength within the range of from about 530 nm to about 680 nm.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
35 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode emitting light having a color selected from the group consisting of green, orange, yellow, amber, reddish-orange, red and blue.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror assembly of claim 47 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic and phosphorous.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic and phosphorous.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said solid-state light source operates at a current less than about 200 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said solid-state light source operates at a current less than about 100 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said solid-state light source operates at a current less than about 50 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
43 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode operated at a current within the range of about 20 mA to about 100 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
37 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode providing illumination of between about 0.2 and 4.0 lux at a distance of about 22 to 26 inches from said diode.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein the vehicle includes a windshield, said support adapted for connection to the windshield for mounting said assembly on the vehicle.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein the vehicle includes a windshield and a header area adjacent the windshield, said support adapted for connection to the header area of the vehicle for mounting said assembly on the vehicle.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said reflective mirror element comprises a prismatic rearview mirror element.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said reflective mirror element comprises an electro-optic rearview mirror element.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror assembly of claim 58 wherein said electro-optic rearview mirror element comprises an electrochromic rearview mirror element.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said solid-state light source includes a lens.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
25 words
The mirror assembly of claim 60 wherein said lens comprises one of a Fresnel lens, a binary optic, a refractive optic and a holographic optic.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror assembly of claim 60 wherein said lens comprises a plastic lens.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a light emitting diode.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 63 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward voltage in the range from about 2 volts to about 5 volts.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly of claim 63 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 100 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly of claim 63 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 50 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly of claim 63 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 20 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly of claim 63 wherein said solid-state light source has a cross-sectional area less than about 1 square centimeter.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises an electroluminescent light source.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said non-incandescent light source comprises a laser light source.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said case includes a bottom portion, said solid-state light source positioned to emit light generally downwardly from said bottom portion.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said solid-state light source has a cross-sectional area less than about 1 square centimeter.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said target location includes a shift lever console.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 73 wherein said shift lever console comprises a transmission selector indicator panel.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror assembly of claim 73 wherein said shift lever console comprises at least one of a transmission selector indicator panel, a bin, a cup holder, an ashtray and a switch.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly of claim 73 wherein said shift lever console is located at the floor centerline of the vehicle.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said target location includes a floor console.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said solid-state light source is positioned on or within said support.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said support includes a support arm pivotally connecting to said case and wherein said solid-state light source is positioned on or within said support arm.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mirror assembly of claim 39 said solid-state light source is included in a pod attached to said support.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
138 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for mounting on a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element and a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; a solid-state light source, said light source incorporated as part of said assembly and positioned for emitting light generally downwardly from said assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle; said solid-state light source comprising a light emitting diode; said solid-state light source positioned to emit light directed to provide illumination of a target location of the vehicle interior below said mirror assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle and when said solid-state light source is electrically powered; and wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 100 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
138 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for mounting on a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element and a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; a solid-state light source, said light source incorporated as part of said assembly and positioned for emitting light generally downwardly from said assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle; said solid-state light source comprising a light emitting diode; said solid-state light source positioned to emit light directed to provide illumination of a target location of the vehicle interior below said mirror assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle and when said solid-state light source is electrically powered; and wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 100 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
29 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode has a luminous intensity of at least 500 mcd when operated at a forward current of 20 mA.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
29 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode has a luminous intensity of at least 700 mcd when operated at a forward current of 20 mA.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
36 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode has a luminous intensity in the range of about 500 mcd to about 7000 mcd when said solid-state light source is powered in the vehicle.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward voltage of at least about 1 volt.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward voltage less than about 5 volts.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
29 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode emits light with a dominant wavelength within the range of from about 530 nm to about 680 nm.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
30 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode emits light having a color selected from the group consisting of green, orange, yellow, amber, reddish-orange, red and blue.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 89 wherein said light emitting diode is formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic and phosphorous.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode is formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic and phosphorous.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
40 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a current within the range of from about 20 mA up to about 100 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode provides illumination of between about 0.2 and 4.0 lux at a distance of about 22 to 26 inches from said diode.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein the vehicle includes a windshield, said support adapted for connection to the windshield for mounting said assembly on the vehicle.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein the vehicle includes a windshield and a header area adjacent the windshield, said support adapted for connection to the header area of the vehicle for mounting said assembly on the vehicle.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said reflective mirror element comprises a prismatic rearview mirror element.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said reflective mirror element comprises an electro-optic rearview mirror element.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror assembly of claim 97 wherein said electro-optic rearview mirror element comprises an electrochromic rearview mirror element.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said solid-state light source includes a lens.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
25 words
The mirror assembly of claim 99 wherein said lens comprises one of a Fresnel lens, a binary optic, a refractive optic and a holographic optic.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror assembly of claim 99 wherein said lens comprises a plastic lens.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward voltage in the range from about 2 volts to about 5 volts.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 50 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly of claim 83 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 20 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said case includes a bottom portion, said solid-state light source positioned to emit light generally downwardly from said bottom portion.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said solid-state light source has a cross-sectional area less than about 4 square centimeters.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said solid-state light source has a cross-sectional area less than about 1 square centimeter.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
15 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said target location includes a shift lever console.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 108 wherein said shift lever console comprises a transmission selector indicator panel.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror assembly of claim 108 wherein said shift lever console comprises at least one of a transmission selector indicator panel, a bin, a cup holder, an ashtray and a switch.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly of claim 108 wherein said shift lever console is located at the floor centerline of the vehicle.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said target location includes a floor console.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said solid-state light source is positioned on or within said support.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 wherein said support includes a support arm pivotally connecting to said case and wherein said solid-state light source is positioned on or within said support arm.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mirror assembly of claim 81 said solid-state light source is included in a pod attached to said support.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
120 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for mounting on a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element and a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; a solid-state light source, said light source incorporated as part of said assembly and positioned for emitting light generally downwardly from said assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle; said solid-state light source comprising a light emitting diode; said solid-state light source positioned to emit light directed to provide illumination of a target location of the vehicle interior below said mirror assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle and when said solid-state light source is electrically powered; and wherein said target location includes a shift lever console.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
120 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for mounting on a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element and a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; a solid-state light source, said light source incorporated as part of said assembly and positioned for emitting light generally downwardly from said assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle; said solid-state light source comprising a light emitting diode; said solid-state light source positioned to emit light directed to provide illumination of a target location of the vehicle interior below said mirror assembly when said assembly is mounted on the vehicle and when said solid-state light source is electrically powered; and wherein said target location includes a shift lever console.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
29 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode has a luminous intensity of at least 500 mcd when operated at a forward current of 20 mA.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
29 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode has a luminous intensity of at least 700 mcd when operated at a forward current of 20 mA.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
36 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode has a luminous intensity in the range of about 500 mcd to about 7000 mcd when said solid-state light source is powered in the vehicle.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward voltage of at least about 1 volt.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
22 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward voltage less than about 5 volts.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
29 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode emits light with a dominant wavelength within the range of from about 530 nm to about 680 nm.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
30 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode emits light having a color selected from the group consisting of green, orange, yellow, amber, reddish-orange, red and blue.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 124 wherein said light emitting diode is formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic and phosphorous.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode is formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic and phosphorous.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
40 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 herein said light emitting diode operates at a current within the range of from about 20 mA up to about 100 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode provides illumination of between about 0.2 and 4.0 lux at a distance of about 22 to 26 inches from said diode.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein the vehicle includes a windshield, said support adapted for connection to the windshield for mounting said assembly on the vehicle.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein the vehicle includes a windshield and a header area adjacent the windshield, said support adapted for connection to the header area of the vehicle for mounting said assembly on the vehicle.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said reflective mirror element comprises a prismatic rearview mirror element.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said reflective mirror element comprises an electro-optic rearview mirror element.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror assembly of claim 132 wherein said electro-optic rearview mirror element comprises an electrochromic rearview mirror element.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said solid-state light source includes a lens.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
25 words
The mirror assembly of claim 134 wherein said lens comprises one of a Fresnel lens, a binary optic, a refractive optic and a holographic optic.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
13 words
The mirror assembly of claim 134 wherein said lens comprises a plastic lens.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward voltage in the range from about 2 volts to about 5 volts.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 50 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly of claim 138 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 20 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said case includes a bottom portion, said solid-state light source positioned to emit light generally downwardly from said bottom portion.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said solid-state light source has a cross-sectional area less than about 4 square centimeters.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
21 words
The mirror assembly of claim 141 wherein said solid-state light source has a cross-sectional area less than about 1 square centimeter.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
33 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a forward current less than about 100 mA when said solid-state light source is mounted and operated in the vehicle.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mirror assembly of claim 143 wherein said shift lever console comprises a transmission selector indicator panel.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
31 words
The mirror assembly of claim 143 wherein said shift lever console comprises at least one of a transmission selector indicator panel, a bin, a cup holder, an ashtray and a switch.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mirror assembly of claim 143 wherein said shift lever console is located at the floor centerline of the vehicle.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said target location includes a floor console.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said solid-state light source is positioned on or within said support.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said support includes a support arm pivotally connecting to said case and wherein said solid-state light source is positioned on or within said support arm.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
19 words
The mirror assembly of claim 116 said solid-state light source is included in a pod attached to said support.
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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) | 2005-07-01 | 2005-12-31 | 2006-07-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-07-01 | 2009-12-31 | 2010-07-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-07-01 | 2013-12-31 | 2014-07-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |