Patent ID: 6832848
Filing Date: 2004-12-21
Classification: B60Q,B60R,Y10S

Abstract:
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle, the vehicle including a passenger compartment and a longitudinal axis, said mirror system comprising:an exterior mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle; said exterior mirror assembly including a reflectance element, said reflectance element being moveably mounted on an actuator for providing remote positioning of said reflectance element; a turn signal light assembly fixedly mounted in said exterior mirror assembly separate from said reflectance element whereby movement of said reflectance element is independent of said turn signal light assembly; wherein said turn signal light assembly comprises at least one light source chosen from an incandescent light source, a light-emitting diode, a halogen light source, a fluorescent light source, and a light pipe, said signal light assembly radiating light from said light source at least along a light-radiating axis that extends generally rearwardly away from the passenger compartment of the vehicle when operated on the vehicle in order to shield the driver from light radiated by said signal light assembly, said light-radiating axis being at an angle of a least approximately 15 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and said exterior mirror assembly incorporating a floodlight adapted to project light generally downwardly and rearwardly on an area adjacent a portion of said vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in said area; and wherein said turn signal light assembly is incorporated in said exterior mirror assembly in a manner that conforms to the styling and aerodynamic lines defined by said exterior mirror assembly.