Patent ID: 8033699
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: B60Q,B60R

Abstract:
1. A lighted exterior mirror system for a vehicle, said lighted exterior mirror system comprising: a powerfold exterior mirror assembly comprising a folding portion and a non-folding portion, wherein said non-folding portion is configured to mount to a side of a vehicle equipped with said lighted exterior mirror system, and wherein said folding portion includes a reflective element; wherein said powerfold exterior mirror assembly is operable to move said folding portion relative to said non-folding portion via electrical operation of a powerfold actuator of said powerfold exterior mirror assembly; wherein said powerfold actuator of said powerfold exterior mirror assembly is operable to move said folding portion between a normal operating position and a folded position responsive to at least one of (a) a switch operable by a user of the equipped vehicle, (b) a speed sensor of the equipped vehicle and (c) a wireless transmission from exterior of the equipped vehicle; a ground illumination light disposed in said non-folding portion, wherein said ground illumination light is configured to project a pattern of light from said non-folding portion of said powerfold exterior mirror assembly to provide a lighted zone on a ground area adjacent the equipped side of the vehicle at least at a front door region at the equipped side of the vehicle where occupants may enter and exit the equipped vehicle; wherein said pattern of light projected by said ground illumination light provides said lighted zone regardless of the position of said folding portion relative to said non-folding portion, and wherein said lighted zone is generally unaffected by movement of said folding portion relative to said non-folding portion; and wherein said pattern of light projected by said ground illumination light provides ground illumination of at least about one lux illumination intensity at least on the ground area adjacent the front door region at the equipped side of the vehicle where occupants may enter and exit the equipped vehicle,