Nov. 19, 1968
`
`E. w. MOLLER
`
`3,411,843
`
`COMPOSITE REARVIEW MIRROR
`
`Filed Feb. 17, 1966
`
`‘
`
`45
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`?y/n/m l/V. Ma/Asv'
`INVEN’I‘OR.
`
`BY Magda» <§» gun/J
`
`A TTORNE YS
`
`Magna 2039
`TRW v. Magna
`IPR2015-00436
`
`0001
`
`

`
`ice
`United States Patent 0 ”
`
`3,411 ,843
`Patented Nov. 19, 1968
`
`1
`
`3,411,843
`COMPGSITE REARVIEW MIRROR
`Bynum W. Moller, R0. Box 3631,
`Victoria, Tex. 77901
`Filed Feb. 17, 1966, Ser. No. 528,269
`10 Claims. (Cl. 356-303)
`
`10
`
`The present invention relates to a new and improved
`composite rearview mirror and particularly to a composite
`rearview mirror construction to facilitate a vehicle oper
`ator’s view of the side and rear sectors of a vehicle.
`An object of the present invention is to provide a new
`and improved rearview mirror with which a vehicle oper
`ator can easily view the sectors adjacent to either side of
`the rear of the vehicle as well as the sector directly to the
`rear of the vehicle.
`Still another object of the present invention is to pro
`vide a new and improved segmented composite rearview
`mirror including a segment for viewing the sector directly
`behind the vehicle as well as a pair of side angle mirror
`segments for viewing sectors adjacent the rear corners of
`the vehicle, wherein such side sector mirror segments have
`enlarged viewing areas for viewing the rearmost portions
`of their respective sectors.
`The preferred embodiment of this invention will be
`described hereinafter, together with other features thereof,
`and additional objects will become evident from such
`description.
`The invention will be more readily understood from a
`reading of the following speci?cation and by reference to
`the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof,
`wherein an example of the invention is shown, and
`wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a plan view of a vehicle schematically illus
`trating the mirror of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2—2 of
`FIG. 3 showing details of construction of the composite
`mirror of this invention;
`FIG. 3 is an elevational view of one form of the com
`posite mirror of this invention; and
`FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken along the
`line 4»-4 of FIG. 3 illustrating additional details of con
`struction of the mirror of this invention.
`Brie?y, the composite mirror M of the present invention
`comprises three substantially ?at or plane surface mirror
`segments including a central mirror segment C for viewing
`the section C’ directly behind the vehicle V as shown in
`FIG. 1 of the drawings as well as a pair of side sector
`viewing segments L and R, respectively, for viewing the
`sectors L’ and R’ adjacent the rear corners of the vehicle
`V. With the mirror M of this invention, an operator 0 of
`the vehicle V may quickly and easily view all of the sec
`tors L’, R’ and C’ substantially simultaneously merely by
`glancing at the segments L, R and C of the composite
`mirror M.
`Considering now the apparatus of the present invention
`in more detail, the mirror M shown in FIG. 2 of the
`drawings includes a support frame or housing 11 which
`is normally provided with a pivotal mounting means for
`pivotally mounting mirror M on the dashboard or some
`other suitable portion of the frame of the vehicle V. In
`the preferred form of this invention, such pivotal mount
`ing means includes a ball 14 carried in a suitable socket
`15 which may be welded or otherwise suitably secured to
`the frame 16 of the vehicle V. The ball 14 is connected
`to one end of a rod or stem 12 with the other end of the
`rod 12 being secured to the frame 11 at or near its central
`portion 13. The outer ends 20 and 21, respectively, of
`such housing 11 are preferably curved or bowed away
`from such central portion 13 to accommodate the mirror
`segments C, L and R, respectively.
`As shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the central sector
`
`2
`viewing mirror C is disposed generally longitudinally
`relative to the housing or frame 11 with the side sector
`viewing mirror segments R and L, respectively, mounted
`in the frame 11 at an angle relative to the center mirror
`segment C. As indicated by the arrows 23 and 24, respec
`tively, the mirror R, which is nearest the driver’s side of
`the vehicle is disposed at a greater .angle relative to the
`center mirror segment C than is the mirror L which is
`disposed on the opposite side of the mirror segment C
`from the driver or vehicle operator 0. Thus, whether the
`vehicle operator 0 is situated to the right or left of the
`mirror M, such mirror is mounted so that the side sector
`mirror R is on the same side of the vehicle V as the
`operator or is nearer the operator 0 than is the side sector
`mirror L.
`Also, in the preferred form of this invention, as shown
`of the drawings, the com-posite mirror M has a horizontal
`center axis that extends generally horizontally across the
`face of the composite mirror M approximately midway
`between the outer longitudinal edges 29 and 30 of the
`mirror frame or housing 11 and which also coincides with
`the innermost or lower edge 27 of the center mirror C.
`Thus it will be seen that the central viewing segment is
`normally disposed entirely on one side of the horizontal
`center line 27. It will be noted that the ends 25 and 26
`of the center sector mirror C normally extend behind the
`planes of each of the mirrors R and L, respectively. Also,
`as best seen in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the ends 25 and
`26, respectively, are inclined inwardly toward the vertical
`center portion of the mirror M.
`Each of the .angularly disposed side sector viewing mir
`rors R and L, respectively, has an L shape con?guration
`with the short leg of the L forming the side and the long
`leg of the L extending longitudinally below the central
`mirror C. The mirror R has a recess portion de?ned by
`‘edges 25 and 27 and mirror L has a similar recess portion
`de?ned by edges 26 and 27 into which the central mirror
`C extends. As shown, the central mirror C is disposed
`within the con?nes of the two L’s formed by the side
`mirrors R and L, respectively. Such mirrors R and L each
`have enlarged viewing portions 40 and 41 disposed between
`the outer ends 25 and 26 of the central mirror C and the
`outer ends 31 and 32, respectively, of the mirror housing
`11. Such enlarged portions 40 and 41 also extend vertic
`ally from the outer edge 29 to the opposite outer edge 30
`of the mirror housing 11. Also, each of the side sector
`viewing mirrors R and L, respectively, have tapered edges
`35 and 36, respectively, which correspond generally with
`the tapered or inclined edges 25 and 26 of the central
`mirror C. Such edges 35 and 36 extend from the outer
`edge 29 to the inner edge 27 of the central mirror C and
`are tapered inwardly toward the vertical center line 27 at
`substantially the same .angle as the corresponding edges
`25 and 26 of the central mirror segment C.
`Also, as shown, each of the side angle mirrors R and L
`includes longitudinally extending portions 42 and 43, re
`spectively, which extend inwardly from the enlarged por
`tions 40 and 41, respectively, toward the center of the
`mirror M. Such longitudinally extending portions 42 and
`43 extend laterally from the inner edge 27 of the central
`mirror C to the outer edge 30 of the housing 11 and have
`inner edges 45 and 46 which are substantially parallel to
`each other and which form a step 48 at their juncture due
`to the difference in the angular disposition of such side
`sector viewing segments L and R. Consequently, the en
`larged portions 40 and 41 enable the operator 0 to view
`the side sectors L’ and R’, respectively, substantially as
`far as he can view the central sector C’ and to also en’
`able him to continue viewing the movement of a vehicle
`as it overtakes the vehicle V on either side.
`Thus, it will be seen that each of the side angle ‘mirror
`segments L and R have diagonal axes or centers of vision
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`40
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`50
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`60
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`10
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`20
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`25
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`3,411,843
`3
`50 and 51, respectively, which extend diagonally across
`the viewing surface of such mirrors R and L from ap
`proximately the middle of the inner edges 45 and 46 out
`wardly to approximately the mid-point of the curved ends
`31 and 32. As shown, such centers of vision are tilted
`upwardly at their outer ends and downwardly at their in
`ner ends which converge at approximately the vertical
`center of the mirror M and behind the plane of the
`central mirror C.
`Due to the relative positions of the mirror M and the
`driver 0, the angles shown by 50 and 51 re?ect most effi
`ciently the area normally visible through the automobile
`window openings extending from rear window to side
`door glasses in one continuous re?ection. That is, such
`construction provides a view in the mirrors R and L be
`tween the lines of window top and bottom while avoid
`ing a view of the inside of the car. Such elimination of
`bulk or size in a multiple mirror of this kind is important
`and this wrap-around effect of the mirrors R and L with
`respect to the mirror C serves this multiple purpose.
`In the preferred form of this invention, the side sec
`tor viewing mirrors L and R are colored or tinted blue,
`green, or some other color or shade so that they may ‘be
`distinguished from the central viewing portion C which
`is clear. This will enable the operator 0 to instantly dif
`ferentiate and identify the various areas or ‘sectors of the
`multiple mirror being viewed.
`FIG. 4, which is a transverse sectional view, shows the
`relationship of the central viewing segment C to the in~
`clined viewing segment R in the preferred embodiment
`of the composite mirror M of this invention. Thus, in
`FIGS. 2 and 4 of the drawings, it may be seen that the
`outer curved end 31 of the inclined viewing segment R
`and the enlarged viewing portion 40 extends in front of
`the viewing surface of the central viewing segment C
`while the inner end 45 of such inclined mirror R ex
`tends behind the central viewing segment C. Normally, the
`plane of the central mirror C intersects the plane of the
`inclined mirror R substantially halfway between its inner
`end 45 and its outer end 31. Similarly, the centrally dis
`posed mirror C intersects the inclined mirror L substan
`tially halfway between its inner and outer ends 46 and 32,
`respectively.
`Thus, with the arrangement ‘described hereinabove, each
`of the viewing segments R and L, respectively, has view
`ing portions numbered 40 and 41, respectively, adajcent
`the outer edges 25 and 26 of the central viewing segment
`C which extend transversely the full width of the central
`mirror segment C and thus emphasize and provide a bet
`ter view of the critical lateral sectors L’ and R’, respec
`tively, and make it easier for the driver or operator 0
`to observe oncoming cars or other vehicles that may be
`overtaking or following the vehicle V in each of these crit~
`tical areas L’ and R’. Thus, when compared to my prior
`invention disclosed in United States Patent No. 3,151.
`207, it has been found quite unexpectedly that with the
`apparatus M of this invention, the operator 0 may see
`substantially as far in the side sectors L’ and R’ as he can
`in the central sector C’ and thereby observe substantially
`simultaneously the lateral viewing sectors L’ and R’,
`respectively, and the central sector C’ to determine at a
`glance whether there are other vehicles in these zones.
`The greater distances shown by the enlarged viewing areas
`in the mirror M of this invention makes it possible for
`the operator ‘0 to view further in the zones L’ and R’
`?anking his rear and thereby provide more time in which
`to move or maneuver to the right or left to avoid di?i
`culty.
`Also, it will be appreciated that while the mirrors R, L,
`and C are all shown in the drawings disposed in substan
`tially vertical planes, the mirrors R and L may be tilted
`or rotated about the longitudinal axis of the mirror M to
`facilitate viewing, as desired.
`In operation, the virtual image of vehicles overtaking
`the vehicle V directly from the rear in the central sector
`
`4
`C’ appears in the mirror C and may be viewed in the
`usual manner. Similarly, the virtual image of vehicles
`or objects operating or located in lateral zones L’ or R’
`?rst appear in the large viewing portions 40 or 41, re
`spectively, of the mirrors L or R and then move laterally
`toward the inner edges 45 or 46, respectively, as the case
`may be, as such vehicles overtake the vehicle V.
`Thus, with the composite mirror M of this invention,
`the operator 0 may quickly and easily determine at a
`glance the objects and activity occupying the lateral zones
`L’ and R’ as well as the rear zone C’ substantially simul
`taneously and also differentiate which zone or sector such
`activity is occurring in.
`The foregoing disclosure and description of the inven
`tion is illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various
`changes in the size, shape, and materials as well as in
`the details of the illustrated construction may be made
`within the scope of the appended claims without depart
`ing from the spirit of the invention.
`What is claimed is:
`,
`1. A composite rearview mirror for viewing to the rear
`of a vehicle comprising:
`(a) a housing adapted to be mounted on said vehicle,
`(b) a central mirror segment carried on said housing
`for viewing the sector directly to the rear of the vehi
`cle,
`(c) a right side sector viewing segment carried in said
`housing at an angle relative to said central segment
`for viewing the outside sector of the vehicle at the
`right rear corner thereof,
`(d) said right side sector viewing segment being set at
`an angle to the central portion and having a recess
`{portion into which a central mirror segment extends,
`(e) a left side sector viewing segment carried in said
`housing at an angle relative to said central segment
`for viewing the outside sector of the vehicle at the
`left rear corner thereof, and
`(f) said left side sector viewing segment being set at
`an angle to the central portion and having a recess
`portion into which a central mirror segment extends.
`2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the angle be
`tween the central portion and the side sector viewing
`segment on the driver’s side of the vehicle is greater than
`the angle between said central mirror and the side sector
`viewing portion on the opposite side of the vehicle from
`the driver’s side.
`3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the angle between
`the central mirror and the right sector viewing segment
`is greater than the angle between said central mirror and
`the left sector viewing segment.
`4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said central mir
`ror is disposed above the longitudinal portions of said
`right and left side sector viewing segments.
`5. The apparatus of claim 1 including an enlarged por
`tion of the right side sector viewing segment adjacent
`one end of the central mirror segment and an enlarged
`portion of the left side sector viewing segment adjacent
`the other end of the central mirror segment, both of such
`enlarged portions being disposed in front of the plane
`of the viewing surface of said central mirror segment.
`6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the innermost
`ends of said side sector viewing segments converge be
`hind the plane of the viewing surface of said central seg
`ment.
`7. The invention of claim 1 wherein said central mir
`ror segment has an inner edge and an outer edge and
`wherein each of said side sector viewing segments has an
`inner end and an outer end with a longitudinal viewing
`axis extending therebetween and wherein said viewing
`axes are inclined relative to the central mirror segment
`so as to converge below the inner edge of said central
`mirror segment.
`8. The invention of claim 1 wherein said right side sec
`tor viewing segment and said left side sector viewing
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`45
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`55
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`segment each is colored so as to distinguish it from said
`central sector viewing segment.
`9. The invention of claim 1 wherein said central mir
`ror segment has an inner edge substantially parallel to
`the longitudinal axis of the composite rearview mirror
`and the right side sector viewing segment has a viewing
`axis extending from its outer and toward its inner end and
`inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis and the
`left side sector viewing segment has a viewing axis ex
`tending from its outer end toward its inner end and in
`clined at an opposite angle with respect to the viewing
`axis of said right side sector viewing segment.
`
`3,411,843
`6
`10. The invention of claim 1 wherein said right side
`sector viewing segment and said left side sector viewing
`segment each is shaded so as to distinguish it from said
`central sector viewing segment.
`
`References Cited
`UNITED STATES PATENTS
`9/1964 Moller.
`
`3,151,207
`
`10
`
`DAVID SCHONBERG, Primary Examiner.
`M. I. TOKAR, Assistant Examiner.
`
`0004