(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`I IIIII IIIIIIII II IIIIII IIIII IIII I II Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll llll 1111111111111111111
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`21 June 2001 (21.06.2001)
`
`PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 01/44013 Al
`
`(51) International Patent Classification 7:
`1/12, F21V 33/00
`
`B60R 1/06,
`
`(21) International Application Number: PCT/US00/34313
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`15 December 2000 (15.12.2000)
`
`[US/US]; 4965 Lakeshore Road, Fort Gratiot, MI 48059
`(US). STUREK, James, S. [US/US]; 46 Golfside Drive,
`St. Clair, MI 48079-3574 (US). MCCLOY, Graham,
`B. [AU/AU]; 2 Kendall Parade, Cundletown, NSW 2430
`(AU). GILBERT, Robert, W. [AU/AU]; South Road,
`Willung, S.A. 5172 (AU). DUROUX, Bernard [FR/FR];
`19, domaine de la Boissiere, F-78890 Gharancieres (FR).
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`60/172,711
`09/482,204
`
`17 December 1999 (17.12.1999) US
`12 January 2000 (12.01.2000) US
`
`(71) Applicant (for all designated States except US): BRITAX
`VISION SYSTEMS
`(NORTH AMERICA)
`INC.
`[US/US]; 1855 Busha Highway, Marysville, MI 48040
`(US).
`
`(72) Inventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants (for US only): HENION, Paul, R.
`
`(74) Agent: WARN, Philip, R.; Warn IP Law Office, P.O. Box
`70098, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (US).
`
`(81) Designated States (national): AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU,
`AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ,
`DE, DK, DM, DZ, EE, ES, Fl, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR,
`HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR,
`LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ,
`NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM,
`TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW.
`
`(84) Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (GH, GM,
`KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), Eurasian
`patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European
`patent (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, Fl, FR, GB, GR, IE,
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`iiiiiiii - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`(54) Title: SIDE VIEW MIRROR WITH INTEGRAL LIGHTING
`
`----iiiiiiii
`== -
`--
`--iiiiiiii
`iiiiiiii ----
`
`30
`
`12
`
`~
`,....,i
`Q
`"'1'
`"'1'
`-.....
`,....,i
`Q
`(57) Abstract: A mirror assembly (10) in which a mirror housing (16) and multi-function backing plate (34) provides various useful
`0 functions. The multi-function backing plate supports not only a conventional reflective element (32) but also supports a wide angle
`> reflective element (36). The multi-function backing plate further supports an indicator light assembly (96) so that the mirror assembly
`
`;;, can provide an indicator light function.
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 001
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013 Al
`
`I IIIII IIIIIIII II IIIIII IIIII IIII I II Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll llll 1111111111111111111
`
`IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid(cid:173)
`CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations" appearing at the begin(cid:173)
`ning of each regular issue of the PCT Gazette.
`
`Published:
`-
`With international search report.
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 002
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`SIDE VIEW MIRROR WITH INTEGRAL LIGHTING
`
`The present invention relates generally to improvements in mirror
`
`assemblies.
`
`Background and Summary of the Invention
`
`In automotive vehicles, exterior, rear-view mirror assemblies
`
`typically enable the driver to conveniently view reward and sideward
`
`5
`
`portions of the vehicle to check for obstacles or other vehicles. Typically,
`
`the mirror assembly includes a housing which attaches to the vehicle and
`
`supports a backing assembly which supports the reflective element. The
`
`reflective element typically adjusts so that various rearward and sideward
`
`portions around the vehicle may be ~viewed by the driver. The reflective
`
`10
`
`element is typically a flat assembly.
`
`Present assemblies include many useful features such as indicator
`
`lights, turn signal lighting, and spotlights. However, existing designs do
`
`not fully utilize the overall structure of the mirror assembly in order to most
`
`efficiently implement arid utilize such features.
`
`15
`
`Thus, the subject invention is directed to improvements in multi-
`
`function mirror assemblies.
`
`The subject invention is also directed to the inclusion of several
`
`additional features in exterior, rear-view mirror assemblie's.
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 003
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`For a more complete understanding of the invention, its objects
`
`and advantages, reference should be made to the following specification·
`
`and to the accompanying drawings.
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`5
`
`Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior rear view mirror
`
`assembly having an
`
`integral spotter or fish-eye mirror arranged in
`
`accordance with the principles of the present of the invention;
`
`Fig. 2 is a front view of the mirror assembly of Fig. 1;
`
`Fig. 3 is a crosssectional view of the mirror assembly of Figs. 1 and
`
`1 O 2 having a spot mirror fixed with respect to the multi-function backing
`
`plate;
`
`Fig. 4 is a crosssectional view of the mirror assembly of Figs. 1 and
`
`2 having an adjustable spot mirror;
`
`Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the dampener assembly for the
`
`15
`
`adjustable spot mirror of Fig. 4;
`
`Fig. 6 is a front view of a mirror assembly including a multi-function
`
`backing plate having an indicator light assembly arranged in accordance
`
`with the principles of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 7 is a crosssectional view of the mirror assembly taken along
`
`20
`
`the lines 7-7 of Fig. 6;
`
`Fig. 8 is an expanded view of the indicator light assembly of Fig. 7;.
`
`2
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 004
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`Fig. 9 is a front view of a mirror assembly having an indicator light
`
`assembly formed on
`
`the multi-function backing plate beneath
`
`the
`
`reflective element arranged in accordance with the principles of the
`
`present invention;
`
`5
`
`Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a mirror assembly having a
`
`conventional reflective element, a spotter reflective element, and an
`
`indicator light assembly beside the conventional reflective element;
`
`Fig. 11 is a front view of a mirror assembly _having an indicator light
`
`assembly placed on
`
`the multi-function backing plate of the mirror
`
`10
`
`assembly beside the reflective element, including a spotter element below
`
`the reflective element;
`
`Fig. 12 is a front view of a mirror assembly having an indicator light
`
`assembly placed between the reflective element and the spotter element
`
`arranged in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
`
`15
`
`Fig. 13 is a horizontal, crosssectional view of a mirror assembly
`
`having an adjust_able approach light arranged in accordance with the
`
`principles of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 14 is a horizontal, crosssectional view of the mirror assembly
`
`of Fig. 13 with the approach light in an exposed position;
`
`20
`
`Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a control system for a smart mirror
`
`system, particularly for operating the mirror assembly of Figs. 13 and 14;
`
`3
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 005
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`Fig. 16 is a horizontal, crosssectional view of a mirror assembly
`
`having a light source and a light pipe for directing light from the light
`
`source out of the mirror housing arranged in accordance with the
`
`principles of the present invention;
`
`5
`
`Fig. 17 is a horizontal, crosssectional view of a mirror assembly
`
`having a light source and a light pipe formed by opposing surfaces of the
`
`housing and multi-function backing plate arranged in accordance with the
`
`principles of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 18 is a horizontal, crosssectional view of a mirror mounted side
`
`10
`
`repeater lamp assembly having indicator lights, light sources, and light
`
`pipes arranged in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 19 is a crosssectional view taken along the lines 19-19 of Fig.
`
`18;
`
`15
`
`18;
`
`Fig. 20 is a crosssectional view taken along the lines 20-20 of Fig.
`
`Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a modular mirror assembly having
`
`a light indicator pod arranged in accordance with the principles of the
`
`present invention;
`
`Fig. 22 is a horizontal crosssectional top view of the light indicator
`
`20
`
`pod of Fig. 21;
`
`Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the light indicator pod of Fig. 21;
`
`Fig. 24 is a front view of the light indicator pod of Fig. 21;
`
`4
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 006
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`Fig. 25 is a vertical, crosssectional view of a mirror assembly in
`
`which the exterior of the mirror is coated with reflective material to provide
`
`a light pipe integrally formed with the mirror;
`
`Fig. 26 is a front perspective view of the mirror assembly of Fig. 25;
`
`5
`
`and
`
`Fig. 27 is an expanded view of the reflective element of Fig. 25.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`With reference to the drawings, and Figs. 1-5 in particular, there is
`
`10
`
`shown an exterior rear view mirror assembly indicated generally at 10
`
`installed on the door 12 of a motor vehicle 14. Mirror assembly 10 is of
`
`the typical breakaway design and
`
`includes a housing 16 pivotally
`
`supported on an arm 18 extending outwardly from a generally triangular
`
`shaped mounting plate 20. Preferably, two mirror assemblies 10 will be
`
`15 mounted on vehicle 14, one of each side thereof to provide rearward and
`
`sideward fields of view with respect to the vehicle for the driver.
`
`Housing 16 may be of any desired shape and includes an upper
`
`wall portion 22, a lower wall portion 24, a forwardly facing wall portion 26,
`
`an inner wall portion 28, and an outer wall portion 30, all of which merge
`
`20
`
`smoothly together so as to present a pleasing appearance.
`
`The
`
`rearwardly facing portion of housing 16 is open and adapted to receive a
`
`first reflective element 32. First, reflective element 32 is preferably a flat
`
`5
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 007
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`mirror to provide a generally unaltered field of view to the user. A suitably
`
`shaped support member or multi-function backing plate 34 is secured
`
`within housing 16 and serves to movably support first reflective element
`
`32 within the opening. First reflective element 32 may be implemented
`
`5
`
`upon a glass or plastic substrate, each substrate receiving a reflective
`
`coating in accordance with techniques known to those skilled in the art.
`
`In addition to first reflective element 32, support member or multi(cid:173)
`
`function backing plate 34 also supports a second reflective element 36. In
`
`accordance with one aspect of the present invention, support member or
`
`10 multi-function backing plate 34 is a multi-function backing plate in which
`
`the backing plate structure performs more than one function. As will be
`
`described herein, the multi-function backing plate supports standard and
`
`wide angle reflective elements as well as various light structures. Second
`
`reflective element 36 is typically referred to as a spotter mirror or fisheye
`
`15 mirror and preferably provides a wide angle of view of the area rearward
`
`and sideward of the vehicle. Second reflective element 36 is preferably a
`
`convex shape to provide the desired wide angle field of view.
`
`As best seen in Fig. 3, spotter mirror or second reflective element
`
`36 is supported by multi-function backing plate 34. Multi-function backing
`
`20
`
`plate 34 preferably includes an integral spotter support section 38 which is
`
`shaped to the desired shape of second reflective element 36. Second
`
`reflective element 36 preferably attaches to spotter support section 38
`
`6
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 008
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`using adhesive or other fastening means or may be mechanically held in
`
`place between ears 40.
`
`Alternatively, second reflective element 36 may be implemented by
`
`utilizing a chrome plated plastic formulation to define second reflective
`
`5
`
`element 36.
`
`In such a configuration, the plastic substrate is applied
`
`directly to multi-function backing plate 34 as a coating. Multi-function
`
`backing plate 34 may include suitable drive motors and the like for remote
`
`control adjustment of first reflective element 32 and second reflective
`
`element 36 as well as appropriate heating elements to provide defogging
`
`10
`
`and deicing capabilities.
`
`Figs. 4 and 5 depict an embodiment of mirror assembly 10 in which
`
`the orientation of second reflective element or spotter mirror 36
`
`is
`
`adjustable with respect to first reflective element 32. With reference to
`
`Figs. 4 and 5, spotter support section 38 attaches to an extension
`
`15 member 42 of support member 34. Spotter support section 38 attaches to
`
`extension member 42 via a bellows or flexible hinge 44, also known as a
`
`living hinge. It should be noted that support member 34, support section
`
`38, extension member 42, and hinge 44 may but need not, be integrally
`
`formed. A post 46 projects from extension member 42 and provides a
`
`20
`
`cantilever point for spotter support section 38. Preferably, hinge 44 is a
`
`bellows-type hinge which extends and retracts
`
`in accordance with
`
`movement of spotter support section 38 about post 46. Thus, spotter
`
`7
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 009
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`support section 38 and attached second reflective element 36 pivot about
`
`a horizontal axis defined by an end 48 of post 46.
`
`Figs. 4 and 5 also depict a blade type dampener assembly 50.
`
`Dampener assembly 50 includes a blade 52 which extends from spotter
`
`5
`
`support section 38 rearwardly through extension member 42. Blade 52
`
`extends through opening 54, which includes friction members 56. Friction
`
`members 56 provide an interference fit with blade 52 thereby resisting
`
`movement about post 46.
`
`By simply pressing upon different positions of second reflective
`
`10
`
`element 36, the operator may adjust the orientation of second reflectiv~
`
`element 36 about a horizontal axis independently of first reflective
`
`element 32. As arranged in Figs. 4 and 5, second reflective element 36
`
`may be adjusted in an upward and downward direction about a horizontal
`
`axis in order to provide a wide field of view in a vertical direction.
`
`15 Conventionally, such spotter mirrors have a relatively wide horizontal
`
`fields of view and horizontal adjustability need not necessarily be
`
`provided. However, one skilled in the art will yet recognize that a similar
`
`configuration can be provided to enable adjustability in the horizontal field
`
`of view. Further, second reflective element 36 may be adjusted using a
`
`20 motorized mechanism or mechanical linkage operated from remotely
`
`within the vehicle.
`
`8
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 010
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`With reference to Figs. 6-12, a mirror assembly 70 is arranged in
`
`accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention,
`
`Mirror assembly 70 is shown as an exterior rear view mirror assembly
`
`installed on the door, such as door 12, of a motor vehicle 14 of Figs. 1-2.
`
`5 Mirror assembly 70 is a typical design, may be either fixed or breakaway,
`
`and includes a housing 72 which may be fixed or pivotably supported
`
`upon an arm 7 4 extending outwardly from a mounting plate 76, as shown
`
`in Fig. 9.
`
`Housing 72 may be of any desired shape and includes an upper
`
`10 wall portion 78, a lower wall portion 80, a forwardly facing wall portion 82,
`
`an inner wall portion 84, and an outer wall portion 86, all of which merge
`
`smoothly together so as to present a pleasing appearance.
`
`The
`
`rearwardly facing portion of housing 72 is open and is adapted to receive
`
`a reflective element 88, such as a mirror. Reflective element 88 may be
`
`15
`
`any suitable type such as a flat, concave, convex, or other type which
`
`automatically adjusts to reduce glare. Preferably, reflective element 88 is
`
`a flat mirror.
`
`A suitably shaped support member or multi-function backing plate
`
`is secured within housing 72 and serves to movably support reflective
`
`20
`
`element 88. Multi-function backing plate 90 include one or a plurality of
`
`suitable drive motors 92 and the like for remote control adjustment of
`
`reflective element 88 as well as heating elements for heating the mirror if
`
`9
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 011
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`desired. With respect to Figs. 10-12, multi-function backing plate 90 also
`
`optionally supports a second reflective element 94, such as a spotter or
`
`fisheye mirror, which provides a wider field of view than reflective element
`
`88. Particularly, multi-function backing plate 90 supports reflective
`
`5
`
`element 88, and optional second reflective element 94, and a light
`
`assembly, as will be further described herein.
`
`The selection of the particular substrate of each of the reflective
`
`elements 88 and 94 (of Figs. 10-12) may be made in accordance with
`
`similar considerations discussed above with respect to Figs. 1-5.
`
`10
`
`A particular feature of the present invention is the inclusion of an
`
`indicator light assembly 96 which is supported by multi-function backing
`
`plate 90.
`
`Indicator light assembly 96 may provide any of a number of
`
`predetermined light indicator signals, including a side marker light, a
`
`brake light, a turn signal light, and the like. As best seen in Figs. 7 and 8,
`
`15
`
`indicator light assembly 96 includes a light support 98, such as a printed
`
`circuit board: Light support 98 receives one or a plurality of light sources
`
`100 which project light when energized. The projected light is output
`
`through a lens 102. Lens 102 may be formed to disburse light or more
`
`sharply focus light, depending on the particular design considerations.
`
`20
`
`Lens 102 includes a focusing portion, such as a prism 104, to accomplish
`
`the focusing function, and also includes a blacked out opaque portion
`
`106. The blacked out portion 106 prevents escape of light from selected
`
`10
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 012
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`sections of lens 102. The interior surface 108 of multi-function backing
`
`plate 90 is metallized to assist in projecting light through lens 102.
`
`Light source 100 may include of one or a plurality of light sources,
`
`such as LEDs or incandescent lamps.
`
`Incandescent scent lamps may
`
`5
`
`generally be suitably substituted for LEDs as described herein with
`
`modifications as may be required. As best seen in Figs. 9-12, one or a
`
`plurality of light sources 100 may be aligned within indicator light
`
`assembly 96. Light sources 100 may be operated simultaneously to
`
`output light through the entirety of lens 102. Alternatively, light sources
`
`10
`
`100 may be activated sequentially to provide a strobe effect. For
`
`example, with respect to Fig. 9 and 12, sequential operation of light
`
`sources 100 in a right to left direction, when mirror assembly 70 is
`
`mounted on the driver's side, may be used to indicate a left turn signal.
`
`Other alternative strobing arrangements may also be implemented.
`
`15
`
`With particular respect to Figs. 6, 11, and 10, mirror assembly 70 is
`
`generally configured for attachment to the left side of the vehicle. In each
`
`configuration, indicator light assembly 96 is located towards the outside,
`
`or to the left of reflective element 88. One skilled in the art, however, will
`
`recognize that a symmetric configuration may be implemented for mirrors
`
`20
`
`attached to the right side of the vehicle. Alternatively, light assembly 96
`
`may be disposed inboard of reflective element 88. With respect to Figs. 9
`
`and 12, indicator light assembly 96 is located beneath reflective element
`
`11
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 013
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`88. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that indicator light
`
`assembly 96 could be disposed above reflective element 88. With
`
`particular respect to Fig. 12, indicator light assembly 96
`
`is further
`
`disposed between reflective elements 88 and 94.
`
`5
`
`Further yet, one skilled in the art will recognize that indicator light
`
`assembly 96 can also be disposed above, below, or adjacent to spotter
`
`glass 94, which may be adjusted as described above.
`
`Such a
`
`configuration may be in conjunction with or in place of disposition in
`
`proximate to reflective element 88.
`
`10
`
`With respect to Figs. 13-15, yet another embodiment of the present
`
`invention will be described. Figs. 13-15 are particularly directed to the
`
`use of an approach or spot light disposed on the backing plate for
`
`selective use by rotating the mirror so as to expose the approach light.
`
`Figs. 13 and 14 depict a mirror assembly 120. Mirror assembly 120 is
`
`15
`
`arranged similarly to the embodiments described above with respect to
`
`Figs. 1-12. Mirror assembly 120 described herein, however, does not_
`
`include a spotter or fisheye reflective element described above with
`
`respect to Figs. 1-12. One skilled in the art, however, will recognize that
`
`the principles discussed herein with respect to Figs. 13-15 apply equally
`
`20
`
`to a mirror assembly having one or both of a regular angle and a wide
`
`angle reflective element.
`
`12
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 014
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`Mirror assembly 120 includes a housing 122. Housing 122 carries
`
`a support member or multi-function backing plate 124. Multi-function
`
`backing plate 124 in turn supports a reflective element 126 which faces
`
`outwardly from an opening of housing 122. Reflective element 126 may
`
`5
`
`be arranged in accordance with the reflective elements described above
`
`with respect to Figs. 1-12. Support member or multi-function backing
`
`plate 124 includes a suitable drive motor 128 and the like for remote
`
`control adjustment of the mirror as well as means for heating the mirror if
`
`desired. Alternatively to drive motor 128, support member 124 may
`
`10
`
`include an alternative adjustment means
`
`to displace multi-function
`
`backing plate 124. Attached to the rear and toward the bottom of the
`
`backing plate is an approach light o·r lamp 130. Approach light or lamp
`
`130 is arranged to project light in a generally downward direction.
`
`Alternative projection directions, such as outward from the vehicle may
`
`15
`
`also be utilized.
`
`Housing 122 includes a upper wall portion 132, a lower wall portion
`
`134, and a forwardly facing wall portion 136, all of which merge smoothly
`
`together so as to present a pleasing appearance. When multi-function
`
`backing plate 124 and attached reflective element 126 are oriented as
`
`20
`
`shown in Fig. 13, lower wall portion 134 obscures light projecting from
`
`approach light or lamp 130. Fig. 13 is indicative of a position desirable
`
`when the vehicle is in operation. Fig. 14 depicts multi-function backing
`
`13
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 015
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`plate 124 and attached reflective element 126 rotated to a generally
`
`upward facing position.
`
`In this position, lower wall portion 134 no longer
`
`obscures the projection of light from approach lamp 130. Thus, mirror
`
`assembly 120 of Figs. 13 and 14 provides a recessable approach light.
`
`5
`
`Further, because operation of approach light preferably occurs when the
`
`vehicle is not operating, the multi-function backing plate 124 and attached
`
`reflective element 126 can be displaced to expose the approach light at
`
`such convenient times as when the driver enters or exits the vehicle. In a
`
`particular implementation, approach light 130 may function as a reverse
`
`10
`
`light when multi-function backing plate 124 and attached reflective
`
`element 126 are angled sufficiently upward to project light rearwardly.
`
`Fig. 15 depicts a control system for operating mirror assembly 120
`
`of Figs. 13 and 14. As discussed above, mirror assembly 120 includes a
`
`reflective element 126. Also as discussed above with respect to Figs. 13
`
`15
`
`and 14, a motor 128 enables displacement of multi-function backing plate
`
`124 and attached reflective element 126. A motor controller 138 provides
`
`control signals to motor 128 in order to dis place reflective element 126 as
`
`desired. Motor controller 138 receives input signals from one or a plurality
`
`of sensors 140 and 142. For example, sensors 140 and 142 may provide
`
`20
`
`status signals to motor controller 138 in accordance with a position of the
`
`ignition, position of doors, input from a remote key fob 144, and the like.
`
`For example, key fob 144 may generate an infrared (IR) signal detected
`
`14
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 016
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`by detector 146. Sensor 142 receives the signal sensed by detector 146
`
`and generates an input signal to motor controller 138.
`
`Fig. 15 enables automatic operation of the mirror assemblies
`
`described with respect to Figs. 1-14. With particular respect to Figs. 13
`
`5
`
`and 14, motor controller 138 may include memory to store various
`
`operating positions corresponding to particular users and to store various
`
`mirror positions prior to utilizing the approach light.
`
`For example,
`
`approaching the vehicle, the operator may use key fob 144 to initiate a
`
`signal to unlock the doors. The signal may be input to motor controller
`
`1 O
`
`138 to displace multi-function backing plate 124 and attached reflective
`
`element 126 in a generally upward direction, thereby exposing approach
`
`light 130 to illuminate the area around the vehicle to increase the safety
`
`and personal protection of the operator approaching the vehicle. Once
`
`the operator has entered the vehicle and closes the door and/or, inserted
`
`15
`
`the key into the ignition, motor controller 138 detects such conditions from
`
`sensors 140, 142 and returns multi-function backing plate 124 and
`
`attached reflective element 126. to an operative position in accordance
`
`with the position of these elements prior to displacement to expose
`
`approach light 130, or in accordance with key fob signals or other
`
`20
`
`operator identification. Further, motor controller 138 may sense when the
`
`vehicle is in reverse and rotate multi-function backing plate 124 and
`
`15
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 017
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`attached reflective element 126 to
`
`fully direct approach
`
`light 130
`
`rearwardly as a reverse light.
`
`Figs. 16 and 17 depict yet another embodiment of the present
`
`invention in mirror assemblies 150 and 152. As with all Figures described
`
`5
`
`herein and mirror assemblies 150, 152, like components for each mirror
`
`assembly will be referred to using like reference numerals.
`
`In particular,
`
`mirror assemblies 150, 152 include a housing 154. Housing 154 is
`
`supported and configured externally generally as described above with
`
`respect to Figs. 1-15. As described above, housing 154 may be of any
`
`10
`
`desired shape and includes, as described above, an outer wall portion
`
`156, an inner wall portion 158, and a forwardly facing wall portion 160, all
`
`of which merge smoothly together so as
`
`to present a pleasing
`
`appearance. Housing 154 includes an open end and is adapted to
`
`receive a reflective element (not shown in Figs. 15 and 16). The reflective
`
`15
`
`element may be any of the reflective elements as described above in
`
`Figs. 1-15.
`
`A suitably shaped support member or multi-function backing plate
`
`188 is secured to housing 154 and serves to movably support the
`
`reflective element within the opening of the housing 154. The support
`
`20 member or multi-function backing plate 188 may include suitable drive
`
`motors and the like (not shown) for remote control adjustment of the
`
`16
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 018
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`mirror as well as means for heating the mirror if desired, as described
`
`above.
`
`A particular feature of Figs. 16 and 17 is the inclusion of an
`
`indicator light assembly 162 in Fig. 16 and 164 in Fig. 17.
`
`Light
`
`5
`
`assemblies 162 and 164 generally define a globe technology design in
`
`which a light pipe transfers light from a light source or globe placed within
`
`housing 154 to an outboard end of housing 154. The indicator light
`
`assembly may perform any of the functions described above with respect
`
`to Figs. 1-15, and may particularly perform a side repeater function.
`
`1 O
`
`Indicator light assembly 162, 164 includes a light source or globe
`
`166. Light source 166 includes a bulb holder 168 which is inserted into a
`
`reflector 170, the interior of which is preferably metallized or coated with a
`
`reflective material to collect light projected from the globe and focus it into
`
`a light pipe, as will be described herein. Metallized reflector 170 is
`
`15
`
`preferably fastened to, such as through vibration welding, to a light
`
`assembly housing 172 at joint 174. Light passes through the light
`
`assembly housing 172, which also may be coated with metallized
`
`material, and enters light pipe 176. Light pipe 176 may be a clear or
`
`colored light pipe and extends into a lens 178. Light pipe 176 may include
`
`20
`
`prism formations on the inner surfaces to deflect light through lens 178 to
`
`provide a cosmetic function or a selected indicator light function. As
`
`shown herein, lens 178 may form a portion or the entirety of outer wall
`
`17
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 019
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`portion 156 and forwardly facing wall portion 160. Lens 178 may have
`
`selected opaque sections so that lens 178 outputs a particular, illuminated
`
`design. Light traverses light pipe 176 and exits in a generally sideward
`
`rearward direction through port 180. Port 180 is shaped to provide a
`
`5
`
`predetermined angle of dispersion 182 which may be selected
`
`in
`
`accordance with safety standards of particular countries. Port 180 may
`
`also include a colorized lens to output light of a predetermined color.
`
`Figs. 16 and 17 differ in that light pipe 176 of Fig. 15 defines a
`
`conventional light pipe design. Particularly, light pipe 178 of Fig. 16 is
`
`10
`
`formed of material which transports light. Light pipe 178 of Fig. 17, on the
`
`other hand, is formed by placing a metallized coating on opposing
`
`surfaces of housing 172 and lens 178.
`
`In particular, a first metallized
`
`coating 184 is formed on housing 172, and a second metallized coating
`
`186 is formed on lens 178 on a surface opposing metallized coating 184.
`
`15 Metallized coatings 184 and 186 cooperate to reflect light projected from
`
`globe 166 through to port 180. Note that in order for indicator light
`
`assembly 164 of Fig. 17 to emit light through lens 178 in a generally
`
`forward direction, as described in Fig. 16, metallized coating 186 must
`
`have some transparent properties as well. Lens 178 functions and has
`
`20
`
`features as described above with respect to Fig. 17.
`
`Figs. 18-20 depict crosssectional views of a mirror assembly 190
`
`utilizing in combination the LED and the light, pipe concepts described
`
`18
`
`SMR USA
`Exhibit 1012
`Page 020
`
`

`

`WO 01/44013
`
`PCT /US00/34313
`
`above with respect to Figs. 1-17 to provide an indicator function, particular
`
`a side area for function by enabling light to traverse toward an outboard
`
`end of the housing. Figs. 18-20 include a first indicator light assembly
`
`192 and a second indicator light assembly 194. First indicator light
`
`5
`
`assembly 192 utilizes a light pipe to project light in an outboard direction,
`
`such as may be used for an approach light. Second indicator light
`
`assembly 194 may be utilized for a forward facing indicator light, such as
`
`a turn signal, other indicator light, or simply a cosmetic light function
`
`formed on a forwardly facing surface of mirror assembly 190. It should be
`
`10
`
`noted from the outset, that mirror assembly 190 may be configured as any
`
`of the mirror assemblies described above with respect to Figs. 1-17.
`
`Particularly, mirror assembly 190 includes a mirror housing 196 having a
`
`forwardly facing wall portion 198. Mirror assembly 190 supports a
`
`reflective element as described above.
`
`15
`
`With respect to first indicator light assembly 192, first indicator light
`
`assembly 192 includes a light assembly housing 200 which supports a
`
`forwardly facing lens 202. First indicator light assembly 192 includes a
`
`plurality of light sources or globes 204 which project light into light pipe
`
`206. Light pipe 206 transports the projected light to an opening or port
`
`20
`
`208 w