Patent ID: 6150014
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,B60R,Y10T

Abstract:
A coated housing for exterior rearview mirrors for vehicles comprising:a molded housing having an outside surface and an inside surface, said outside surface being exposed and visible from the vehicle exterior, said housing being adapted to house a reflective rearview mirror element when mounted on a vehicle, said housing being molded from a resinous plastic material of a predetermined color and being unpainted; anda coating of transparent polymeric material on at least a portion of said outside housing surface, said transparent polymeric material having a refractive index from about 1.35 to about 1.67 measured at the sodium D line and at 20.degree. C., and having incorporated therein at least one ultraviolet radiation absorbing, blocking or screening additive to resist ultraviolet radiation degradation of said resinous plastic material of said housing, whereby said coated outside housing surface portion of said exterior rearview mirror has at least one of enhanced scratch resistance, enhanced resistance to surface crazing, increased resistance to ultraviolet radiation degradation, increased gloss and increased depth of color in appearance as compared to said housing when uncoated with said coating.