Patent ID: 6099155
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: B60Q,B60R,Y10S

Abstract:
A security lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, comprising;an exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle, said assembly including a housing and a mount for attachment to the side of the vehicle;said assembly including a reflective element and an actuator for positioning said reflective element about at least one axis, said reflective element positioned in said housing;said assembly further including a floodlight, said floodlight projecting a pattern of light from said assembly on at least an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in said area when said assembly is mounted to the side of the vehicle;said floodlight comprising a light source and a lens, said light source selected from the group consisting of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, a light emitting diode and a light pipe;said floodlight adapted to project said pattern of light generally rearwardly and downwardly to contact the ground at a vicinity of entry and exit by occupants of the vehicle to establish a lighted security zone;a control system including a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein said base unit is responsive to a signal from said remote transmitter in order to actuate said floodlight, said remote transmitter comprising a transmitting device carried by a vehicle operator;said control system actuating said floodlight upon occurrence of a given event and said control system further including a timeout circuit that deactuates said actuated floodlight after a delay;said given event comprising opening a door of the vehicle; andwherein said control system includes connection with an interior light circuit for actuating a vehicular interior light whereby said interior light actuates upon occurrence of said given event and said timeout circuit deactuates said actuated interior light after said delay.