Rearview mirror with lighting assembly

US5178448A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Donnelly Corporation · US

Inventors

• Edward R. Adams · Union City, US
• Anton C. Bastiaanse · Holland, US
• Ricky L. Berens · Holland, US
• Howard W. Fant, Jr. · Grand Haven, US
• Barry W. Hutzel · Holland, US
• William P. Lantz · Holland, US
• Craig M. Miller · Jenison, US
• Troy I. Vanderhoof · Plano, US
• Paul C. Belding · Charlevoix, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 13, 1991
• Grant date: Jan 12, 1993
• Expiry date: Sep 13, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R1/086
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case. The sealing material is preferably adhered to the mirror element by an adhesive carrier layer which preferably also provides an antiscatter function for the mirror element in the event of breakage.