Piano element 50 and multiradius element 55 are demarcated apart by demarcation element
`65. Surface 61 of backing plate element 60 is preferably adapted to attach, such as by
`
`attachment member 64, to actuator 36 when plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30
`is mounted in driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly 12 (and/or in passenger-side
`
`5
`
`exterior side view mirror assembly 14) such that piano element 50 and multiradius element
`55 are adjusted and positioned in tandem and simultaneously when the driver (or
`
`alternatively, when a mirror memory system, as is conventional in the rearview mirror arts)
`activates actuator 36 to reposition the rearward field of view of plano-multiradius reflective
`element assembly 30. Thus, since elements 50, 55 are part of plano-multiradius reflective
`element assembly 30, movement of plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30 by
`actuator 36 simultaneously and similarly moves piano element 50 and multiradius element
`
`55.
`
`Plano element 50 preferably comprises a flat reflector-coated glass substrate
`
`having unit magnification, and comprises a reflective surface through which the angular
`height and width of the image of an object is equal to the angular height and width of the
`object when viewed at the same distance (except for flaws that do not exceed normal
`
`manufacturing tolerances). Piano element 50 may comprise a conventional fixed reflectance
`
`mirror reflector or it may comprise a variable reflectance mirror reflector whose reflectivity is
`electrically adjustable. For example, piano element 50 may comprise a flat glass substrate
`coated with a metallic reflector coating such as a chromium coating, a titanium coating, a
`rhodium coating, a metal alloy coating, a nickel-alloy coating, a silver coating, an aluminum
`
`coating (or any alloy or combination of these metal reflectors). The metal reflector coating of
`piano element 50 may be a first surface coating (such as on surface 66) or a second surface
`coating (such as on surface 67), as such terms are known in the mirror art. The reflector
`coating on plano element 50 may also comprise a dielectric coating, or a multilayer of
`
`dielectric coatings, or a combination of a metal layer and a dielectric layer to form
`automotive mirror reflectors as known in the automotive mirror art. If a variable reflectance
`reflector element, plano element 50 preferably comprises an electro-optic reflector element
`and, most preferably, an electrochromic reflector element.
`
`When mounted into exterior side view mirror assembly 12 and/or 14, piano-
`
`multiradius reflective element assembly 30 is preferably orientated so that at least a portion
`
`of (more preferably a substantial portion of) the reflector surface of plano element 50 is
`
`.
`
`10
`
`U?
`
`I W
`
`s 15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1030
`Page 051
`
`

`

`positioned closer to the vehicle body (and hence to the driver) than any portion of the
`reflector surface of multiradius element 55. Thus, and referring to FIG. 3, side A of piano
`element 50 of plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30 is positioned closer to the
`driver than side D of multiradius element 55 when plano-multiradius reflective element
`5 assembly 30 is mounted on an automobile. Also, when mounted into exterior side view
`mirror assembly 12 and/or 14, surfaces 66, 68 of plano-multiradius reflective element
`assembly 30 face rearwardly in terms of the direction of vehicle travel.
`Multiradius element 55 of plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30
`preferably comprises a curved/bent mirrored glass substrate. The degree of curvature
`S10 preferably increases (and hence the local radius of curvature decreases) across the surface of
`
`N
`
`;, 15
`NJ
`0-
`
`20
`
`25
`
`multiradius element 55 with the least curvature (largest radius of curvature) occurring at the
`side of multiradius element 55 (side C in FIG. 3) positioned adjacent its joint to piano
`element 50 when both are mounted on backing plate element 60. Thus, and referring to FIG.
`3, the local radius of curvature at side C of multiradius element 55, when mounted on
`backing plate element 60, is larger than at side D. Also, the local radius of curvature
`preferably progressively decreases across multiradius element 55 from side C to side D.
`Preferably, the local radius of curvature at side C of multiradius element 55 is at least about
`1000 mm; more preferably is at least about 2000 mm and most preferably is at least about
`3000 mm whereas the local radius of curvature at side D of multiradius element 55 is,
`preferably, less than about 750 mm, more preferably less than about 350 mm; most preferably
`less than about 150 mm. Preferably, multiradius element 55 comprises a bent glass substrate
`with radii of curvature in the range of from about 4000 mm to about 50 mam. The multiradius
`prescription for the multiradius element to be used in a particular exterior mirror assembly
`can vary according to the specific field of view needs on a specific automobile model.
`
`The total field of view rearwardly of the automobile of the piano-auxiliary
`reflective element assembly (which is a combination of the field of view of the plano
`reflective element and of the auxiliary reflective element) preferably generally subtends an
`angle of at least about 20 (and more preferably, generally subtends an angle of at least about
`
`25* and most preferably, generally subtends an angle of at least about 30') with respect to the
`
`30
`
`side of an automobile to which is attached an exterior sideview mirror assembly equipped
`
`with the plano-auxiliary reflective element assembly.
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1030
`Page 052
`
`

`

`5
`
`- .10
`
`Multiradius element 55 may comprise a conventional fixed reflectance mirror
`reflector or it may comprise a variable reflectance mirror reflector whose reflectivity is
`electrically adjustable. For example, multiradius element 55 may comprise a flat glass
`substrate coated with a metallic reflector coating such as a chromium coating, a titanium
`coating, a rhodium coating, a metal alloy coating, a nickel-alloy coating, a silver coating, an
`aluminum coating (or any alloy or combination of these metal reflectors). The metal reflector
`coating of multiradius element 55 may be a first surface coating (such as on surface 68) or a
`second surface coating (such as on surface 69), as such terms are known in the mirror art.
`The reflector coating on multiradius element 55 may also comprise a dielectric coating, or a
`multilayer of dielectric coatings, or a combination of a metal layer and a dielectric layer to
`form automotive mirror reflectors as known in the automotive mirror art. If a variable
`reflectance reflector element, multiradius element 55 preferably comprises an electro-optic
`reflector element and, most preferably, an electrochromic reflector element.
`Also, it is preferable that the thickness of piano element 50 and multiradius
`element 55 be substantially the same in dimension so that their respective outer surfaces, 66
`and 68, are substantially coplanar so that a driver can readily view images in either or both
`elements. The thickness dimension of elements 50, 55 is determined by the thickness of the
`substrate (or in the case of laminate-type electrochromic reflective elements, the thickness of
`the two substrates between which the electrochromic medium is disposed). For example,
`plano element 50 and/or multiradius element 55 can comprise a reflector coated glass
`substrate or panel of thickness preferably equal to or less than about 2.3 mm, more preferably
`equal to or less than about 1.6 mm, most preferably equal to or less than about 1.1 mm. Use
`of a thinner substrate is beneficial in terms of improving the overall stability/vibration
`performance of the image seen in plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30 when
`25 mounted to an automobile.
`The reflector area of plano element 50 is preferably larger than that of
`multiradius element 55. Preferably, the width dimension of piano element 50 is larger than
`the width dimension of multiradius element 55 (both width dimensions measured at their
`respective widest dimension and with the width of the respective element being gauged with
`the respective element oriented as it would be orientated when mounted on the automobile).
`Thus, and referring to FIG. 3, the distance from side A to side B of piano element 50 is larger
`than the distance from side C to side D of multiradius element 55. Thus, the ratio of the
`
`20
`
`15
`
`L:
`it
`
`30
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1030
`Page 053
`
`

`

`width of piano element 50 to the width of multiradius element 55 is preferably greater than 1;
`
`more preferably greater than 1.5; most preferably greater than 2.5 in order to provide a large,
`
`unit magnification piano element 50 as the principal rear viewing portion of piano-
`
`multiradius reflective element assembly 30 and providing multiradius element 55 as a
`
`5
`
`smaller, auxiliary, separate, wide-angle viewing portion of plano-multiradius reflective
`
`element assembly 30. For plano-multiradius reflective element assemblies to be mounted to
`
`the exterior sideview assemblies of passenger automobiles used non-commercially and for
`
`non-towing purpose, the width of plano element 50 (at its widest dimension) is preferably in
`
`the range of from about 50 mm to about 225 mm; more preferably in the range of from about
`
`C
`
`10
`
`75 mm to about 175 mm; most preferably in the range of from about 100 mm to about 150
`
`mm.
`
`1h.
`
`ru
`
`-_
`
`Backing plate element 60 is preferably a rigid polymeric substrate capable of
`
`supporting plano element 50 and multiradius element 55. Backing plate element 60
`
`comprises a flat portion (generally between E and F as shown in FIG. 3) that corresponds to
`
`15
`
`and is aligned with piano element 50. Backing plate element 60 also comprises a curved
`
`portion (generally between G and H as shown in FIG. 3) that corresponds to and is aligned
`
`with multiradius element 55. Preferably, curved portion G-H of multiradius element 55 is
`
`fabricated with a multiradius prescription that is substantially the same as the multiradius
`
`prescription of multiradius element 55. Backing plate element 60 is formed as a single
`
`20
`
`element to which elements 50 and 55 are separately attached. Preferably, backing plate
`
`element 60 is formed by injection molding of a thermoplastic or a thermosetting polymer
`
`resin. Materials suitable to use for backing plate element 60 include unfilled or filled
`polymeric materials such as glass and/or mineral filled nylon or glass and/or mineral filled
`
`polypropylene, ABS, polyurethane and similar polymeric materials. For example, backing
`plate element 60 can be formed of ABS in an injection molding operation. Plano element 50
`
`25
`
`can be cut from a stock lite of flat chromium mirror-coated 1.6 mm thick glass. Multiradius
`
`element 55 can be cut from a stock lite of multiradiusly-bent chromium mirror-coated 1.6
`mm thick glass. Piano element 50 and multiradius element 55 can then be attached (such as
`
`by an adhesive attachment such as an adhesive pad or by mechanical attachment such by
`
`30
`
`clips, fasteners or the like) to the already molded backing plate element 60. Alternatively,
`piano element 50 and multiradius element 55 can each by individually loaded into an
`
`injection molding tool. Once loaded, a polymeric resin (or the monomers to form a
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1030
`Page 054
`
`

`

`polymeric resin) can be injected into the mold in order to integrally form backing plate
`element 60 with elements 50, 55 integrally molded thereto. Integral molding of the backing
`plate element to plano element 50 and multiradius element 55 (along with any other elements
`such as the demarcation element 65) in a single integral molding operation, is a preferred
`fabrication process for plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30.
`Plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30 further preferably includes
`demarcation element 65 that functions to delineate and demarcate the piano region of the
`assembly from the wide-angle, multiradius region and also preferably functions to prevent
`ingress of debris, dirt, water and similar contaminants (such as road splash, car wash spray,
`rain, snow, ice, leaves, bugs and similar items that plano-multiradius reflective element
`assembly 30 would be subject to when mounted and used on an automobile) into any gap
`between piano element 50 and multiradius element 55 when both are attached to backing
`plate element 60. Optionally, at least a portion of demarcation element 65 can be disposed in
`any gap between plano element 50 and multiradius element 55 at their joint on backing plate
`element 60. Preferably, demarcation element 65 is formed of a polymeric material that is
`dark colored (such as black or dark blue or dark brown or dark grey or a similar dark color)
`such as a dark colored polypropylene resin or a dark colored nylon resin or a dark colored
`polyurethane resin or a dark colored polyvinyl chloride resin or a dark colored silicone
`material. Most preferably demarcation element 65 is formed of an at least partially
`elastomeric material (such as silicone, or EPDM, or plasticized PVC or the like) in order to
`provide a degree of vibration dampening for elements 50, 55. As shown in FIG. 4,
`demarcation element 65 optionally includes a crown portion 70 that includes wing portions
`73, 73'and a stem portion 71. Stem portion 71 preferably has a cross-sectional width CCC of
`less than about 4 mm, more preferably less than about 3 mm and, most preferably less than
`about 2 mm. Crown portion 70 preferably is dimensioned to not protrude substantially
`beyond surfaces 66, 68 of elements 50, 55 when demarcation element 65 is installed between
`elements 50 and 55. Also, wings 73, 73' are preferably dimensioned to protrude (most
`preferably slightly) onto surfaces 66, 68 of elements 50, 55 when demarcation element 65 is
`installed between elements 50 and 55 in order to provide a weather barrier seal and/or to at
`least partially accommodate any dimensional tolerances of elements 50, 55 that could lead to
`variation in the inter-element gap between sides C and B. While the demarcation element
`shown in FIG. 4 is one embodiment, other constructions are possible including a demarcation
`
`5
`
`10
`
`.-
`
`15
`
`-
`
`RI
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`-13-
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1030
`Page 055
`
`

`

`element that has minimal or no crown portion, Likewise, a demarcation element can have
`little or no stem portion, especially when the joint between piano element 50 and multiradius
`
`element 55 includes no gap to receive a stem. Also, where a gap at the piano to multiradius
`
`joint exists, any stem of the demarcation element can at least partially be disposed in such
`
`5
`
`gap so as to at least partially fill the gap (or it can optionally substantially fill the gap).
`Optionally, demarcation element 65 is fabricated by injection molding of a polymeric resin.
`After plano element 50 and multiradius element 55 have been attached to backing plate
`element 60, a separately formed demarcation element 65 can then be inserted (and secured
`
`such as by an adhesive or by a mechanical attachment such as by a fastener) into a space
`between elements 50 and 55. Note that, optionally, side B of plano element 50 and side C of
`multiradius element 55 can touch (leaving substantially no gap or space therebetween). In
`such a situation, demarcation element 65 can comprise a dark colored strip such as of a tape
`or of a plastic film that covers the joint between elements 50 and 55. Alternatively,
`demarcation element 65 can comprise a preferably dark-colored paint, lacquer, caulk or
`similar material that can be applied to, and that can preferably fill into, the joint between
`
`10
`
`15
`
`V
`
`-
`
`elements 50 and 55. The width of the portion of demarcation element 65 that is visible to the
`driver is preferably less than about 4 mm, more preferably less than about 3 mm and most
`
`preferably less than about 2 mm, but is equal to or greater than about 0.5 mm, more
`preferably is equal to or greater than about 0.75 mm, most preferably is equal to or greater
`
`20
`
`than about 1 mm in order to provide adequate demarcation of the piano region from the
`multiradius radius region without unduly obscuring the rearward field of view of the
`
`respective elements. Optionally, demarcation element 65 can be formed as part of backing
`
`plate element 60 such as by forming demarcation element 65 as a wall structure of the
`
`25
`
`backing plate element that partitions backing plate element 60 into two regions: A first
`region adapted to receive plano reflective element 50 and a separate and adjacent second
`region adapted to receive multiradius reflective element 55.
`
`Thus, and referring to FIG. 6, a second embodiment of plano-multiradius
`
`reflective element assembly 130 may include a backing plate element 160 which comprises a
`plate molded from a polymer resin (such as a polyolefin such as polypropylene or such as
`30 ABS or nylon) with a demarcation element 165 that is molded as a wall structure that
`
`partitions backing plate element 165 into a first region (from CC to BB) adapted to receive
`and accommodate plano reflective element 150 and into a second region (from BB to AA)
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1030
`Page 056
`
`

`

`5
`
`0
`
`10
`
`.15
`
`adapted to receive and accommodate wide-angle optic multiradius reflective element 155.
`Note that section AA to BB of backing plate element 160 is angled to section BB to CC.
`Such angling of the auxiliary reflective element relative to the plano element can be
`advantageous in allowing the auxiliary reflective element view a portion of the road adjacent
`the automobile that is in a blind spot of the piano reflective element. In this regard, it is
`preferable that the multiradius element be angled away from the plane of the piano element,
`as shown in FIG. 6 by the angling of section AA to BB to section BB to CC.
`Preferably, demarcation element 65 is formed in an integral molding
`operation, along with formation of backing plate element 60, and attachment of elements 50,
`55 thereto. For example, plano element 50 and multiradius element 55 can each by
`individually loaded into an injection molding tool. Once loaded, a polymeric resin (or the
`monomers to form a polymeric resin) can be injected into the mold in order to integrally form
`backing plate element 60 with elements 50, 55 integrally molded thereto and, in the same
`molding operation and in the same tool, also form by molding the demarcation element.
`Integral molding of the backing plate element to plano element 50 and multiradius element
`55 along with creation in the single molding operation of demarcation element 65 (along with
`any other elements such as attachment member 64) in a single integral molding operation, is
`a preferred fabrication process for plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30. By
`loading all the sub components of plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30 into a
`20 molding tool, and then injecting polymeric resin to form the backing plate, demarcation
`member and any attachment member, a substantially complete or fully complete plano-
`multiradius reflective element assembly can be unloaded from the tool at the completion of
`the integral molding operation (as known in the molding art), thus enabling economy in
`manufacturing and accommodation of any dimensional tolerances in the sub components.
`25 Where integral molding is so used, it is preferable to use a reactive molding operation such as
`reactive injection molding of a urethane as such reactive injection molding operations occur
`at relatively modest temperatures.
`Plano element 50 and/or multiradius element 55 can comprise a heater
`element, as known in the automotive mirror art, that is operable to deice/demist surfaces 66,
`68. Such heater elements are conventional and can comprise a positive temperature
`coefficient heater pad, a resistive heater element and/or a conductive coating. Plano element
`50 and/or multiradius element 55 can also optionally comprise a scatterproofing member, as
`
`N,
`
`30
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1030
`Page 057
`
`

`

`known in the automotive mirror art, such as an adhesive tape, to enhance safety in an
`
`accident.
`
`5
`
`4
`
`F-
`
`=,-
`
`Also, piano element 50 and/or multiradius element 55 can comprise a variable
`reflectance electro-optic element such as an electrochromic mirror reflector. Thus, both
`element 50 and element 55 can comprise an electrochromic mirror element or either of
`element 50 and element 55 can comprise an electrochromic mirror element and the other can
`comprise a fixed reflectance non-variable reflectance mirror element such as a metal reflector
`coated glass panel such as a chromium coated glass substrate. Also, if both plano element 50
`and multiradius element 55 comprise an electro-optic element such as an electrochromic
`10 mirror element capable of electrically dimmable reflectivity, both elements 50, 55 can dim
`together and in tandem under control of a common dimming control signal (typically
`provided by an electro-optic automatic dimming interior mirror assembly mounted in the
`cabin of the automobile and equipped with photosensors to detect incident glare and ambient
`light). Alternately, if both piano element 50 and multiradius element 55 comprise an electro-
`optic element such as an electrochromic mirror element capable of electrically dimmable
`reflectivity, element 50 can dim independently of element 55 (such as is disclosed in U.S.
`Pat. No. 5,550,677, the entire disclosure of which Is hereby incorporated by reference
`herein). If either or both of elements 50, 55 comprise an electrochromic element, preferably,
`the electrochromic reflective element comprises a front substrate and a rear substrate with an
`electrochromic medium disposed between, such as a solid polymer matrix electrochromic
`medium such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 09/350,930, filed July 12, 1999,
`entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC POLYMERIC SOLID FILMS, MANUFACTURING
`ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES USING SUCH FILMS, AND PROCESSES FOR
`MAKING SUCH SOLID FILMS AND DEVICES" to Desaraju V. Varaprasad et al., or such
`as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,668,663; 5,724,187; 5,910,854; and 5,239,405, the entire
`disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Most preferably, in such
`laminate-type electrochromic mirror reflective elements, the front substrate comprises a glass
`plate of thickness less than about 1.6 mm, most preferably about 1.1 mm thickness or lower,
`and the rear substrate comprises a glass plate of thickness equal to or greater than about
`1.6mm, more preferably greater than about 1.8 mm thickness, most preferably equal to or
`greater than about 2.0 mm thickness. The rearmost surface of the rear substrate (the fourth
`surface as known in the mirror art) is reflector coated with a high reflecting. metal film such
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1030
`Page 058
`
`

`

`as of aluminum or silver, or an alloy of aluminum or silver. Most preferably, the front-most
`surface of the rear substrate (the third surface as known in the mirror art) is reflector coated
`
`with a high reflecting metal film such as of aluminum or silver, or an alloy of aluminum or
`
`silver.
`
`5
`
`Backing plate element 65 of plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30
`
`is optionally equipped on its rearmost surface with attachment member 64 to facilitate
`
`attachment to the reflector-positioning actuator of the exterior sideview mirror assembly that
`
`plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30 is mounted to. Attachment of piano-
`
`multiradius reflective element assembly 30 to the actuator can be by mechanical attachment
`
`,n
`
`10
`
`such as by a tab, clip or fastener, or may be by adhesive attachment such as by a silicone
`adhesive, a urethane adhesive or a similar adhesive material such as a tape coated on both
`surfaces with a pressure sensitive adhesive to form a "double-sticky" tape. The exterior
`
`sideview mirror assembly, on whose mirror reflector-positioning actuator the plano-
`
`multiradius reflective element assembly is mounted, can be a fixedly attached exterior
`
`s 15
`
`sideview mirror assembly, a break-away exterior sideview mirror assembly and a powerfold
`
`Rt
`
`p-
`
`exterior sideview mirror assembly, as known in the automotive mirror art.
`FIGS. 5A-5H shows various arrangements of multiradius reflective element 55
`
`relative to its adjacent piano reflective element 50 (with demarcation element 65 disposed at
`their joint). In FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5E and 5F, plano element 50 is mounted wholly inboard of
`20 multiradius element 55. Thus, in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5E and 5F, plano element 50 would be
`
`disposed closer to the vehicle body (and hence to the driver) than multiradius element 55
`
`when plano-multiradius reflective element assembly 30 was mounted in an exterior sideview
`
`mirror attached to a side of an automobile. Therefore, in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5E and 5F,
`piano element 50 would be mounted inboard relative to the side of the automobile and
`
`25 multiradius element 55 would be mounted outboard relative to the side of the automobile. In
`general, the location of the multiradius reflective element in the outboard, upper portion of
`
`the plano-multiradius reflective element assembly, as in FIGS. 5B and 5E, is preferred as this
`
`allows the piano portion provide a desired rearward field of view along the side of the
`vehicle. The configuration as shown in FIG. 5G (where the multiradius reflective element is
`
`30
`
`along the inboard side of the assembly) is also desirable as this allows the driver view the
`
`side of the vehicle (something many drivers desire in order to have a frame of reference for
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1030
`Page 059
`
`

`

`their rearward field of view) while facilitating having a wide field of view for the piano
`
`portion.
`
`Unlike trucks, busses and commercial vehicles the size of an exterior sideview
`
`mirror assembly suitable for use on an automobile (and especially when the automobile is not
`
`5
`
`towing a trailer or the like) is restricted. Automobiles generally are non-commercial vehicles
`
`0
`
`10
`
`intended for personal transportation. Automobiles typically carry 5 passengers or less,
`
`although minivans and large sports utility vehicles (which are classified herein as
`
`automobiles) can have seat accommodation for up to 10 passengers (although
`
`accommodation for 7 passengers or less is more common). The tandem mounting of a piano
`
`element of unit magnification and a separate auxiliary element onto a common, single
`backing plate element, and the mounting of this backing plate element onto an actuator of an
`exterior sideview mirror assembly so that a driver can simultaneously and similarly move the
`auxiliary element and the piano element so as to position their respective rearward fields of
`
`view, and to achieve this within the relatively restricted space available in a standard
`
`15
`
`automobile-sized exterior sideview mirror assembly is an important element of this present
`
`*-
`
`invention. By utilizing a piano element of unit magnification in the plano-multiradius
`
`reflective element assembly, and by sizing the reflector area of the piano element larger than
`
`the reflector area of the multiradius element and, preferably, by sizing the reflector area of the
`piano element at a sufficiently large size that the rearward field of view provided by the piano
`
`20
`
`element alone meets and satisfies the minimum field of view requirement mandated by an
`
`automaker specification and/or a government regulation, the need to provide a safety warning
`
`indicia such as "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR" in the
`
`piano element and/or in the multiradius element can be obviated. Preferably, the piano
`
`25
`
`element comprises a reflector surface area of a size sufficient, when mounted as part of a
`plano-multiradius reflective element assembly in a driver-side exterior sideview mirror
`assembly on an automobile, to provide the driver of the automobile a view of a level road
`
`surface extending to the horizon from a line, perpendicular to a longitudinal plane tangent to
`
`the driver's side of the automobile at the widest point, extending 8 feet out from the tangent
`plane 35 feet behind the driver's eyes (at a nominal location appropriate for any 95th
`
`30
`
`percentile male driver or at the driver's eye reference points established in Federal Motor
`
`Vehicle Standard No. 104), with the driver seated in the driver's seat and with the driver's
`
`seat in the rearmost position. Also, preferably, the aspect ratio of the plano-multiradius
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1030
`Page 060
`
`

`

`reflective element assembly (defined as the ratio of its largest vertical dimension to its largest
`
`horizontal dimension, measured with the plano-multiradius reflective element assembly
`
`oriented as it would be oriented when mounted in an exterior sideview mirror assembly on an
`
`automobile, and with "horizontal" being generally parallel with the road surface the
`
`5
`
`automobile travels on and "vertical" being generally perpendicular to the road surface the
`
`automobile travels on) is preferably less than 1, more preferably less than 0.8, most
`
`preferably less than 0.6. Further, it is preferable that the multiradius element be disposed
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`outboard (relative to the side of the vehicle and with the plano-multiradius reflective element
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`assembly oriented as it would be when mounted in an exterior sideview mirror assembly on
`an automobile) on the plano-multiradius reflective element assembly so that the multiradius
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`element is positioned to provide an auxiliary, wide-angle view of a "blind-spot" region in an
`adjacent sidelane while the more inboard-disposed plano element with unit magnification
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`10
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`£
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`r
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`provides the principal sideview image to the driver.
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`Also, it is preferable that the principal axis of the rearward field of view of the
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`15 multiradius element be different from and angled to the principal axis of the rearward field of
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`view of the plano element when both are attached to the backing plate element of the plano-
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`multiradius reflective element assembly and when the plano-multiradius reflective element
`assembly is mounted and operated in an exterior sideview mirror assembly on an automobile.
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`Preferably, the principal axis of the rearward field of view of the plano element is directed
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`20
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`generally parallel to the road that the automobile equipped with the plano-multiradius
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`reflective element assembly is travelling on (i.e. generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of
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`the automobile) so as to provide the driver with a long-distance view of approaching vehicles
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`in the side lane that the plano element views). However, preferably the principal axis of the
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`rearward field of view of the multiradius element of, for example, a door-mounted driver-side
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`25
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`(or passenger-side) exterior sideview mirror assembly in which the plano-multiradius
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`reflective element assembly is mounted is directed generally downwardly towards the road
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`surface adjacent to the driver seating location and/or several feet (such as about I foot to
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`about 24 feet; more preferably, about 1 foot to about 12 feet; most preferably about 1 foot to
`about 8 feet in distance) to its rear (in order to capture a field of view of a rear approaching
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`30
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`vehicle that is approaching to overtake, or is about to overtake, or is overtaking the
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`automobile equipped with the plano-multiradius reflective element assembly). Thus,
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`preferably, the principal axis of the rearward field of view of the multiradius element is
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`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1030
`Page 061
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`

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`angled and directed generally downwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the
`automobile and thus is at an angle to the principal axis of the rearward field of view of the
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`5
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`piano element. For example, multiradius element 155 when attached to surface 173 of
`backing plate 160 (see FIG. 6B) would have its principal axis of rearward view as indicated
`by 180 as in FIG. 6B, and as such would be canted towards the road surface when mounted in
`an exterior sideview mirror assembly attached to the side of an automobile. By contrast,
`plano element 150 when attached to surface 174 of backing plate 160 (see FIG. 6A) would
`have a principal axis as indicated by 185 as in FIG. 6A and, as such, would be generally
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`.
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`10
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`parallel to the road surface when mounted in an exterior sideview mirror assembly attached
`to the side of an automobile. Having the multiradius element canted somewhat downwards
`towards the road surface assists visual detection by the driver of overtaking vehicles in the
`traditional "blind-spot" in the adjacent side lane. The angle that the multiradius element is
`angled on the backing plate element of the plano-multiradius reflective element assembly
`relative to the plane of the plano reflective element will vary from automobile model to
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`15 model,