Patent ID: 6086229
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: B60Q,B60R,Y10S

Abstract:
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system comprising:an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a first vehicle;said exterior mirror assembly comprising a housing, said housing defining a cavity, a reflectance element incorporated in said cavity, said reflectance element being moveably mounted with respect to said housing on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element;a signal light assembly at least partially positioned in said cavity and fixedly mounted with respect to said housing separate from said positionable reflectance element;said signal light assembly adapted to project a pattern of light from said housing directed at least generally rearwardly of said first vehicle and observable to a driver of a second vehicle passing from behind said side of said first vehicle equipped with said signal light assembly, said pattern of light of said signal light assembly shielded from view by a driver of said first vehicle when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted to said side of said first vehicle; andsaid signal light adapted for connection with a turn signal circuit of the first vehicle such that said signal light actuates when said turn signal circuit is being actuated in order to provide a warning light to the driver of the second vehicle passing the first vehicle that a lane change by the first vehicle is intended, said warning light being substantially unobserved by the driver of the first vehicle;wherein said signal light assembly is substantially resistant to environmental conditions, such as water splash, rain and car washes.