 Tactical jacket for a police officer |
| OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1 and 2 are front and rear views of a police tactical jacket 10 ... |
|
| Optical module connector apparatus |
| In FIG. 1, an active device generally designated as 10 contains leads 12 and 14 attached to a base ... |
|
| Self centering pipe axis laser guide and saddle |
| The self centering laser guide of this invention is a mechanical device based on the principle that ... |
|
| Self centering pipe axis laser guide |
| The self centering laser guide of this invention is a mechanical device based on the principle that ... |
|
| Alignment laser with over-flooded aperture system and dual-mode self-centering target |
| The present invention involves a laser metrology system for properly aligning machine parts and, in ... |
|
| Hand-held laser level grade checking device |
| The problems associated with conventional sight levels and presently available construction survey ... |
|
| Pipe fitting alignment systems |
| The instant invention provides a method for installing piping such as sewage and drainage piping, ... |
|
| End cap incorporating laser alignment target |
| OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a pipe string 16 ... |
|
| Viewing and display apparatus position determination algorithms |
| OF THE INVENTIONS FIG. 1 shows a celestial object location device (COL device) 10 is being used by ... |
|
| Decorative lighting apparatus with light source and luminescent material |
| OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates a lighting apparatus according to one embodiment ... |
|
|
Modular rearview mirror assembly
| Details |
Inventors: DeLine, Jonathan E.; Veldman, Roger L.; Lynam, Niall R.;
Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Holland, MI)
Primary Examiner: Sember; Thomas M.
Assistant Examiner: Hobden; David V.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Van Dyke, Gardner, Linn & Burkhart, LLP
A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates one or more integrated subassembly modules or carrier members to which are connected separate electrical components such as lamps, reflectors, switches, plug receptacles and the like to simplify mirror assembly and provide integral support, electrical connections, and an electrical distribution network for the mirror assembly having added, electrically operated features. The carrier member includes a circuit member secured to and/or at least partially encased or encapsulated within a support body such that electrical connections extend therefrom. Preferably, the carrier member may include recesses at opposite ends for receiving and supporting reflectors thereon to prevent vibration while allowing interchangeability for different vehicle types. The carrier member may form a stop for a toggle actuator to limit the movement of the mirror housing between day and night positions in the event a prismatic mirror element is included. The mirror case includes a plurality of internal wall members including slots for snap-in reception of the carrier member during assembly. In addition, the plug connection includes a latch for retaining a plug in the plug connection when the assembly is connected to a vehicle electrical system. The electrically operated features may include video cameras, rain and other detectors, electro-optic reflective elements, blind spot detection systems, information displays, headlamp controllers, cellular phones, transmitters, receivers, compasses, computers, printers, and the like. |
|
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides an improved modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporating lamps or other electrical components, instrumentation and/or controls which provides an economical assembly useful with many different mirror case shapes and housing styles with resultant increased durability and reliability, improved heat management, as well as reduced manufacturing complexity and time.
In addition, an improved manufacturing method for making such modular rearview mirror assemblies is also provided.
In one aspect, the invention provides a modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles including a case for supporting a mirror element, the case having at least one opening therethrough, a reflective mirror element supported and retained by the case, and a support on the assembly for mounting the assembly on a vehicle.
A modular carrier member is formed separately from and mounted on the case.
The carrier member includes an electrically conductive circuit member and a support body.
The circuit member is formed separately from and secured to the support body, and provides an integral support, electrical connections for, and an electrical distribution network to at least one lamp on the case.
A lamp is mounted on the carrier and connected to the circuit member and is adapted to provide light through the case opening to a portion of the vehicle when the mirror assembly is mounted therein.
In another aspect of the invention, the invention provides a modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles including a mirror case, reflective mirror element, support for mounting the assembly on a vehicle and a modular carrier member all as set forth above.
In this aspect of the invention, however, the carrier member provides an integral support, electrical connections for, and an electrical distribution network to at least one electrical component on the case.
The case includes an electrical component mounted on the carrier member, which component is connected to the circuit member for operation on the mirror assembly
|
| Related patents |
|
|
Navigation system for a vehicle
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 1. A navigation system suitable for use in a vehicle ...
|
|
|
Vehicular header console system
The present invention provides a new and useful system that provides an indicator external of the vehicle to indicate the inflation condition of the vehicle tires. The ...
|
|
|
Method and apparatus for locating position of a mobile receiver
A method and apparatus for locating position of a mobile receiver is described. In one embodiment, sets of satellite measurements are determined with respect to a ...
|
|
|
Instrument assembly with illuminated meter mounting panel
It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide an instrument assembly ...
|
|
|
Illuminated meter
OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the illumination meter according to the present invention will be described hereinbelow in detail with reference to the ...
|
|
|
Vehicle display lighting device
In response to the foregoing challenges, applicants have developed an innovative vehicle display lighting device for a vehicle display having a display dial. The display ...
|
|
|
Modular pivot arrangement
OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a pivot assembly 10 that is used to connect a mirror head 11 with a mirror 13 to a mirror mounting or vehicle bracket 12. The ...
|
|
|
Flashlight armband
OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In its preferred form, the invention is basically fabricated from a single tough, relatively wide elastic strap 10. This strap has a slotted ...
|
|
|
Hand mounted illuminating device
The present invention has been made in view of the abovedescribed inadequacies of the related art and has as an object to provide a hand mounted illuminating device ...
|
|
|
Nighttime glove
In the present invention, there is provided an illuminated glove in which is incorporated a fibre-optic arrangement. This fibre-optic arrangement is thin and flexible ...
|
|
|
Lighting 
