US 6,926,431 B1 · Vehicular mirror assembly incorporating multifunctional illumination source

Abstract

The invention relates to an external rearview mirror having an illumination source capable of illuminating various portions of an vehicle and the surrounding area depending upon the operational status of the vehicle. The illumination source is adjustable to selectively illuminate predetermined areas of the vehicle and the surrounding area. Two sets of light-emitting diodes of selected colors can be arranged and controlled so that the first set of LEDs can be selectively illuminated as a turn signal indicator, and the first set and second set can be selectively illuminated so that the combined illumination forms a white light suitable for illumination, such as a “puddle light” or backup light.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A vehicular mirror system comprising:

a vehicular mirror assembly adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, the vehicular mirror assembly having a reflective element mounted therein;
and
said vehicular mirror assembly comprising an illumination device, said illumination device emitting light when electrically powered;
said illumination device comprising at least one device selected from the group consisting of a ground illumination device, a signal light device, an approach light device and a reverse light device;
and
a controller, said controller responsive to a wireless signal transmitted from a device carried by a person approaching the vehicle, said controller responsive to said signal by operating said illumination device at least initially in a strobe mode to aid the person in finding the vehicle.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

10/249,431Filed 8 Apr 2003 · us provisional application

Priority

9 Apr 2002

Granted

9 Aug 2005

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

B60Q 1/2665
Mounted on parts having other functions: on rear-view mirrors
B60Q 1/247
For lighting other areas than only the way ahead: for illuminating the close surroundings of the vehicle, e.g. to facilitate entry or exit
B60Q 1/323
For indicating vehicle sides , e.g. clearance lights: on or for doors
B60R 1/1207
Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks: with lamps; with turn indicators

Vehicular mirror assembly incorporating multifunctional illumination source

Life of this patent

Vehicular mirror assembly incorporating multifunctional illumination source

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27