Vehicular visual safety device

A vehicular visual safety device having a pair of substantially parallel mirrors secured within the interior of the vehicle in fixed relationship with the driver. The rear-most mirror is positioned so as to capture an image lateral and forward of the device's position below the level of the front view window and front portion of the vehicle on the side of the vehicle opposite to the driver's position. The forward-most mirror is laterally offset towards the driver relative to the rear-most mirror and is positioned so as to capture an image of the rear-most mirror. Specifically, the vehicular visual safety device includes a mirror assembly having a planar reflecting forward-most mirror and a convex object rear-most mirror each having an upper edge that lies in respective vertical planes that are substantially parallel with each other. A frame assembly is provided to adjustably secure the mirror pair within the vehicle. The frame assembly has substantially parallel forward and rear tracks that adjustably receive the forward-most and rear-most mirrors, respectively. The mirrors may be laterally rotated and secured at any one of many predetermined locations along their respective tracks. The mirrors may also be pivotally adjusted about any axis. Thus, the apparatus is fully adjustable, accommodating the visual line of sight of individual drivers. These adjustments may be performed manually or in a mechanized manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates generally to vehicular visual safety devices and, 
more particularly, to a mirror apparatus mounted in the passenger 
compartment of the vehicle having a pair of mirrors arranged to provide 
the driver with a view of a blind area opposite the driver's position and 
forward of the driver's position. 
2. Related Art 
In large-size trucks and other vehicles where the driver's position is 
located at a substantial distance above the ground, there exists a blind 
area on the external side of the vehicle located opposite to the driver's 
position forward of the front view window. This blind area is essentially 
that area obscured by the vehicle's own structure. Specifically, this area 
is obstructed primarily by the hood, opposite front fender and dashboard 
of the vehicle and, depending on the size of the driver's compartment and 
cab, may extend for a significant distance away from the opposite front 
portion of the cab. It is not uncommon for a pedestrian, motorized vehicle 
or other fixed or movable object to be within this blind area and, 
therefore, unknown to the driver of the vehicle. Under such circumstances, 
when the driver turns the vehicle in the direction of the blind area, the 
vehicle may collide with the unknown pedestrian, vehicle or object. 
A number of conventional mirror devices have been utilized in an attempt to 
eliminate this dangerous blind spot. However, these devices, which are 
generally mounted outside of the vehicle and forward of the windshield, 
provide visualization of only a small portion of this blind area. As a 
result, these mirror assemblies do not provide the driver with an image of 
a significant and therefore dangerous portion of the blind spot. 
Furthermore, outside-mounted devices are subject to environmental effects 
that reduce visibility, thereby not providing a clear image of the viewing 
area. In addition, these conventional mirrors are subject to damage and 
theft, making them costly to maintain and may even contribute to the blind 
area by further obstructing the driver's view. Furthermore, these mirrors 
are a considerable distance from the driver and present only a small, 
detailed field of view. 
Other conventional mirror devices include four or more mirrors mounted 
separately throughout the interior of the vehicle. These devices are often 
subject to misalignment of the mirrors due to the number of times the 
image is reflected off of one of the mirrors. In addition, obstruction of 
the image path often occurs due to either passengers or articles contained 
in the interior of the vehicle. 
One conventional technique is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,459 to 
Arthur Strauss, and is owned by the assignee of the present invention. 
This device includes a pair of internally-mounted mirrors to provide the 
driver with a view of an area lateral, forward and below the level of the 
front windshield. A drawback to this approach is that the relative 
position of the mirrors is such that they must be positioned at an acute 
angle relative to each other in order to provide the driver with a view of 
a portion of the blind area. However, the forward mirror is positioned 
immediately adjacent to the front view window preventing it from being 
fully rotated about its vertical axis. This limits the available 
arrangement of the mirrors resulting in a dangerous portion of the blind 
spot to remain out of view. Furthermore, the rear mirror is laterally 
positioned between the driver and the forward mirror, reducing the portion 
of the front mirror that is visible to the driver. This results in a 
further loss of visible area external to the vehicle. As a result of these 
drawbacks, even when optimally positioned, this mirror apparatus provides 
a limited view of the blind spot that exists lateral, forward and below 
the level of the front windshield. Thus, a dangerously large portion of 
this blind area that is obstructed by the vehicle remains out of the view 
of the driver. 
In addition, the means employed to secure the mirror assembly to the front 
view window is unstable and susceptible to vibrations, particularly in 
truck cab applications. As a result, the mirror assembly does not stay 
stationary or falls from the window while the vehicle is moving. Finally, 
the front window mounts are incapable of successfully mounting the mirror 
assembly in certain truck cabs having a front view window with little or 
no rake. 
What is needed, therefore, is a reliable vehicular visual safety device 
that enables the driver of the vehicle to see substantially all of the 
area lateral, forward and below the level of the front windshield and 
front portion of the vehicle on the side of the vehicle opposite the 
driver that is otherwise obstructed by the vehicle. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is a vehicular visual safety device having a pair of 
substantially parallel mirrors secured within the interior of the vehicle 
in fixed relationship with the driver. The rear-most mirror is positioned 
so as to capture an image lateral and forward of the device's position 
below the level of the front view window and front portion of the vehicle. 
The forward-most mirror is laterally offset towards the driver relative to 
the rear-most mirror and is positioned so as to capture an image of the 
rear-most mirror and reflect such image to the driver. This novel 
arrangement of mirrors enables the driver to view the forward-most mirror 
substantially unobstructed by the rear-most mirror, providing the driver 
with a view of a substantial area external to the opposite side of the 
vehicle lateral, forward and below the level of the front view window and 
front portion of the vehicle, the view of which is otherwise obstructed by 
the vehicle hood, fender, dash board and other vehicle structures. This 
mirror system is mounted inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, 
safe from outside weather, vandalism, and in close proximity to the driver 
such that the driver can easily glance at the mirrors and understand the 
image being presented. 
Specifically, the vehicular visual safety device of the present invention 
includes a mirror assembly having a planar reflecting forward-most mirror 
and a convex object rear-most mirror each having an upper edge that lies 
in respective vertical planes that are substantially parallel with each 
other. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a frame 
assembly is provided to adjustably secure the mirror pair within the 
vehicle. The frame assembly preferably has substantially parallel forward 
and rear tracks that adjustably receive the forward-most and rear-most 
mirrors, respectively. The mirrors may be laterally rotated and secured at 
any one of many predetermined locations along their respective tracks. The 
mirrors may also be pivotally adjusted about any axis. Thus, the present 
invention is fully adjustable, accommodating the visual line of sight of 
individual drivers. These adjustments may be performed manually or in a 
mechanized manner. 
In another embodiment of the present invention, the frame is secured to a 
roof structure of the vehicle, such as with brackets. In accordance with a 
preferred embodiment of the invention, the brackets are pairs of 
adjustable opposing clips for removably securing the frame to a sun visor 
on the passenger side within the vehicle. One or more of the clips is 
adjustable along substantially parallel clip channels in the frame to 
accommodate visors of various widths and thicknesses. In alternative 
embodiments, other types of brackets may be used to secure the frame to a 
different roof structure. In still another embodiment of the present 
invention, the frame or the mirrors themselves are directly secured to a 
roof structure, including, for example, a roof panel, rear panel, or door 
frame of the vehicle. 
Significantly, this novel arrangement of mirrors advantageously enables a 
driver to view substantially all of the otherwise obstructed area lateral, 
forward and below the level of the front view window and front portion of 
the opposite side of the vehicle. The ability to adjustably yet securely 
position the mirrors along their respective tracks as well as the ability 
to securely pivot the mirrors about any axis enables the present invention 
to provide a universal design that fits all vehicle cabs, accommodates all 
size drivers, and is not susceptible to the vibrations experienced in most 
vehicles. This is particularly significant in truck cab applications where 
road vibrations can be severe and constant for long periods of time. In 
addition, in the preferred embodiment wherein the frame is attached to the 
passenger sun visor, the frame itself may be laterally adjusted along the 
visor to provide greater lateral (when moved towards the driver) or 
forward (when moved away from the driver) views. 
Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to easily adjust 
the mirrors laterally along the frame tracks and pivotally about any axis. 
In addition, such adjustments may be made either manually, mechanically 
through the use of cables, or with motors remotely controlled via a 
control panel adjacent to the driver's position. This later embodiment is 
particularly useful for unassisted drivers and individuals that cannot 
easily reach the mirrors from the driver's position. 
An additional advantage of the present invention is that it is secured to 
the interior of the vehicle cab in a manner that is less affected by 
vibration than conventional mirror arrangements. In addition, this inside 
application prevents weather conditions from impairing the driver's view, 
prevents rust and corrosion, and protects the mirrors from breakage and 
theft. 
Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the 
structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, 
are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the vehicular visual safety 
device 100 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. Generally, 
the vehicle visual safety device 100 includes a pair of mirror assemblies 
102 and a frame assembly 104 for securing the mirror pair 102 to a roof 
structure in the passenger compartment of the vehicle cab. 
The mirror pair 102 preferably includes a planar reflecting mirror assembly 
106 and an opposing convex object mirror assembly 108. As will be 
explained in detail below, planar reflecting mirror 106 is positioned 
adjacent to the front view window of the vehicle towards the front of the 
vehicle relative to the convex object mirror assembly 108. Conversely, the 
convex object mirror 108 is positioned towards the rear of the vehicle 
relative to the planar reflecting mirror 106. The planar reflecting mirror 
assembly 106 and the opposing convex object mirror assembly 108 are 
substantially parallel mirrors secured within the interior of the vehicle 
in fixed relationship with the driver. The rear-most mirror assembly 108 
is positioned so as to capture an image lateral and forward of the 
device's position below the level of the front view window and front 
portion of the vehicle. The forward-most mirror assembly 106 is laterally 
offset towards the driver relative to the rear-most mirror and is 
positioned so as to capture an image of the rear-most mirror and reflects 
it to the driver. As described below, this novel arrangement of mirrors 
enables the driver to view the forward-most mirror substantially 
unobstructed by the rear-most mirror, providing the driver with a view of 
a substantial area external to the opposite side of the vehicle lateral, 
forward and below the level of the front view window and front portion of 
the vehicle that would otherwise be obstructed by the vehicle structure. 
Frame assembly 104 preferably contains substantially parallel sides 110F 
(front) and 110R (rear) providing tracks for laterally adjusting mirrors 
assemblies 106 and 108, respectively. Frame assembly 104 also contains 
substantially parallel sides 112L (left) and 112R (right) integral with 
sides 110F and 110R. Sides 112L and 112R are substantially orthogonal with 
sides 110F and 110R thereby forming a frame assembly 104 having a base 
with a substantially square cross-section. This enables the base of the 
frame assembly 104 to be a single, integral lightweight unit of 
considerable strength and minimal profile so as to reliably secure the 
mirror assemblies while not obstructing the driver's view or interfering 
with a passenger should one be present. 
Frame assembly 104 preferably includes clips 114LF (left front), 114RF 
(right front), 114LR (left rear) and 114RR (right rear) The front clips 
114LF and 114RF oppose the rear clips 114LR and 114RR, respectively, 
forming two pairs of opposing clips, one pair on the left side of the 
frame and one pair on the right. The clip pairs removably secure the frame 
assembly 104 to a visor 118 shown in phantom in FIG. 1. As will be 
discussed in detail below, the rear clips 114LR and 114RR are adjustable 
within channels located in sides 112L and 112R, respectively. Thus, the 
opposing pairs of clips are adjustable so as to removably secure the frame 
assembly 104 to visors having other widths and/or thicknesses. 
Frame assembly 104 includes adjustable mirror hangers 116F and 116R for 
adjustably securing mirrors 106 and 108, respectively, to the frame 
assembly. Mirror hangers 116F and 116R enable the driver to laterally 
adjust the mirror assemblies 106 and 108 and to secure the mirrors at any 
one of many predetermined locations along their respective tracks in a 
manner described below. Hangers 116F and 116R also enable the driver to 
pivotally adjust each mirror about any axis relative to its respective 
hanger enabling the mirrors to be fully rotatable. Thus, the present 
invention is fully adjustable, accommodating the visual line of sight of 
individual drivers. 
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic top plan view of the mirror assembly 100 in 
use in an exemplary vehicle cab 200. Referring to FIG. 2, vehicle cab 200 
has a passenger compartment 202 and a forward-positioned engine 
compartment 204. Vehicle cab 200 is a conventional truck cab having an 
engine compartment forward of the passenger compartment. However, the 
vehicular visual safety device 100 of the present invention may be used in 
any vehicle including "cab over" truck cabs where the passenger 
compartment 202 is positioned vertically above the engine compartment 204. 
The vehicle cab 200 has a front view window 206. The driver 208 is located 
in the driver's position 210 in the interior 212 of passenger compartment 
202. On the opposite side of the vehicle 214 there is a passenger position 
216 in the interior 212 of the passenger compartment 202. The vehicular 
visual safety device 100 of the present invention is preferably secured to 
the passenger's visor 118 (not shown in FIG. 2 for clarity) placing the 
device 100 forward of the driver's position 210 on the opposite side 214 
of the passenger compartment 202. For ease of illustration, the frame 
assembly 104 is shown in phantom in FIG. 2 while mirrors 106 and 108 are 
shown as thick lines. The driver 208 has an unobstructed line of sight 217 
of planar reflecting mirror assembly 106. As noted, mirror assembly 106 is 
the forward-most mirror relative to mirror assembly 108 and is positioned 
so as to capture an image of the rear-most mirror 108. The rear-most 
mirror assembly 108 is positioned so as to capture an image lateral and 
forward of the device 100 below the level of the front view window 206 and 
engine compartment 204 of the vehicle cab 200. As will be described in 
detail below with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, this viewed area 218 
includes a substantial portion of the blind area in the driver's 
unassisted view caused by the obstruction of the vehicle's structure. 
It should be understood that the field of view 218 shown in FIG. 2 is 
exemplary only. For example, the rear-most mirror assembly 108 may be 
adjusted to provide a view of an area that is located laterally towards 
the opposite side 214 of the vehicle. Such an arrangement may be desirable 
in a cab-over truck where there is a larger blind spot on the lateral side 
and relatively little vehicle structure creating a blind area forward of 
the driver's position. Alternatively, the rear-most mirror assembly 108 
may be adjusted to provide a view of an area that is located forward of 
the driver's position. Such an arrangement may be desirable in a truck 
having the engine compartment forward of the passenger compartment as 
shown in FIG. 2. In addition, in the embodiment wherein the frame 104 is 
mounted to a passenger sun visor with adjustable clips, the frame assembly 
104 may be adjusted laterally along the visor to assist in obtaining the 
above field of views. 
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the vehicular visual safety device 100 of the 
present invention. As noted above, substantially parallel front and rear 
sides 110F and 110R laterally support mirror assemblies 106 and 108, 
respectively. Integral with sides 110F and 110R are substantially parallel 
sides 112L and 112R providing means for securing the frame assembly 104 to 
the visor 118 (shown in phantom). 
Sides 110F and 110R contain integral mirror tracks 302F and 302R, 
respectively. Mirror tracks 302 contain numerous teeth 306 that engage a 
vertically adjustable clamp 308 of hangers 116 to secure the respective 
mirror assembly in a desired lateral position. The top plan view of FIG. 3 
illustrates the relative lateral positions of front mirror assembly 106 
and rear mirror assembly 108. Front-most mirror assembly 106 is laterally 
offset towards the driver's position 210 relative to rear-mirror assembly 
108. Correspondingly, rear-most mirror assembly 108 is offset towards the 
right side 214 of the cab 200 relative to the front-most mirror 106. This 
relative lateral position of mirrors 106 and 108 provide the driver with a 
clear, unobstructed line of sight 217 of the front-most mirror 106. 
For ease of manufacturing, in the preferred embodiment of the present 
invention, mirror tracks 302F and 302R have essentially the same length 
and extend over a large portion of their respective sides 110F and 110R, 
respectively. However, mirror tracks 302F and 302R may be considerably 
shorter in length while still achieving the preferred lateral offset 
described above while providing sufficient lateral adjustment to 
accommodate individual drivers. 
As noted above, sides 112L and 112R contain clip channels 304L and 304R, 
respectively. In FIG. 3, the clip channels 304 are illustrated as dashed 
lines extending along sides 112L and 112R beneath clips 114. The 
front-most clips 114LF and 114RF are preferably fixed in position at a 
predetermined location to ensure that the frame assembly 104 clears the 
front view window 206 while the rear-most clips 114LR and 114RR are 
adjustable along clip channels 304L and 304R, respectively. The front-most 
clips 114LF and 114RF of each clip pair may be adjusted along the same or 
different clip channels prior to being secured in their fixed position so 
that device 100 may be balanced in a substantially horizontal position 
when secured to relatively thin visors 118 while clearing the front view 
window. Having only one side of the opposing clips adjustable enables the 
device 100 to be easily adjusted to the size of the visor 118. 
Mirror assembly 106 has a top surface 310 while the mirror assembly 108 has 
a top surface 312. Significantly, mirror assemblies 106 and 108 are 
substantially parallel with each other. That is, top surfaces 310 and 312 
of mirrors 106 and 108 reside in respective planes which are substantially 
parallel with each other. Thus, from the top plan view of FIG. 3, mirror 
assemblies 106 and 108 are shown to be substantially parallel. The 
relative lateral position of substantially parallel mirrors enables the 
driver 208 to view the forward-most mirror 106 substantially unobstructed 
by the rear-most mirror, and provides the driver with the ability to 
adjust the mirrors in any desirable manner to obtain a view of a 
substantial area 218 external to the opposite side of the vehicle cab 200 
lateral, forward, and below the level of the front view window 206 and 
front portion of the vehicle 200. This is further described in detail 
below. 
FIG. 4 is a left side view of the device 100 providing cross-sectional 
views of the frame assembly 104 and mirror hangers 116 and perspective 
views of mirror assemblies 106 and 108. Vertically adjustable clamps 308F 
and 308R reside in mirror tracks 302F and 302R, respectively. As shown in 
the cross-sectional view of adjustable clamp 308F, the hex-shaped bolt 
head 309 is recessed and captures the clamp 308. The hex nut 309 is part 
of a vertically adjustable bolt 402 that extends down through hangers 116. 
A thumb wheel 404 with a captured nut 406 controls the height of bolt 402 
and hence clamp 308. When the thumb wheel 404 is rotated clockwise, the 
clamp 308, having opposing teeth (not shown) is secured against teeth 306 
of channels 302. Likewise, when thumb wheel 404 is rotated 
counterclockwise, the teeth of hanger 308 are lifted off of teeth 306 to 
disengage the hanger 116. The associated mirror assembly may then be 
laterally adjusted along its respective track 302. This arrangement 
enables the driver to easily adjust the mirror assemblies along their 
respective mirror tracks 302 while providing a simple means for securing 
the mirror assemblies at a desired lateral position that is not adversely 
affected by the vibrations experienced in the vehicle. 
The mirror assemblies 106 and 108 each have a post extending vertically 
from their top surface 310 and 312, respectively. As noted, the front-most 
mirror assembly 106 is positioned so as to capture an image of the 
rear-most mirror assembly 108. Thus, the front-most mirror assembly 106 is 
generally vertically positioned since the driver's eyes and the rear-most 
mirror assembly 108 are generally at the same level relative to the 
front-most mirror 106 and may be positioned from approximately -20.degree. 
to +20.degree. from the vertical axis of its associated hanger 116F. On 
the other hand, the rear-most mirror assembly 108 is positioned so as to 
capture an image lateral and forward of the position of device 100 below 
the level of the front view window 206 and front portion 204 of the 
vehicle 200. Therefore, the rear-most mirror 108 may be positioned from 
approximately 0.degree. to 40.degree. from the vertical axis of its 
associated hanger 116R. Accordingly, the post 410 extends off the top 
surface 312 of mirror assembly 108 at approximately 20.degree.. This angle 
between the vertical axis of hanger 116R and the plane of the mirror 108 
accommodates the range of adjustment experienced by the mirror assembly 
due to different vehicle configurations as well as due to different 
driver's physical dimensions, characteristics and preferred seating style. 
At the end of posts 410 opposite the mirror assembly is a ball 412 
configured to be received by a corresponding socket 414 in the respective 
hanger 116. A pivot ball clamping means 416, preferably in the form of a 
C-clamp and an associated screw 418 is provided for securing the ball 412 
in its associated socket 414 when the mirror assemblies 106 and 108 are 
pivotally positioned in their desired position. This arrangement enables 
the driver to easily and reliably secure the mirrors in a desired optimal 
position. This position can then be safely relied upon by the driver for 
extended periods of time regardless of the vibration experienced by the 
vehicle. 
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of frame assembly 104 taken along section 
line 5--5 of FIG. 3, with the frame assembly 104 removed from the visor 
118 for clarity. The adjustable C-clips 114 have a central rib 502 that is 
C-shaped having a U-shaped upper spring bracket 504 at its distal end 506. 
The upper spring bracket 504 is integral with the central rib 502 with one 
side of the bracket being the central rib 502. The upper spring bracket 
504 has a retaining ear 508 at its distal end to capture an end of a flat 
spring 510. The spring 510 may be secured to the C-clip 114, such as 
sonically swaging an integral pillar extending up from the C-clip through 
a channel in the spring 510. 
The central rib 502 has an integral base that includes a track guide 514, 
lower spring bracket 516, and a locking means 518. The track guide 514 
guides the clip 114 along its respective clip channel 304. The lower 
spring bracket 516 is a rectangular slot configured to receive flat spring 
510 and has a retaining ledge 520 to secure an end of spring 510 in 
position. Locking means 518 is a flexible toothed projection extending 
downward from the base 512 to engage the teeth 522 of clip channel 304. 
The teeth of the projection 518 are one-way ratchet teeth configured to 
engage opposing one way ratchet teeth 522 of the clip channel. The clip 
channels 304 have an access channel through which an elongated object such 
as a screwdriver may be inserted to lift the projection 518 to disengage 
the opposing teeth. The clip 114 may then be adjusted along its respective 
clip channel away from the opposing clip while the locking means 518 is in 
its disengaged position. When released, the projection gain extends 
downward to its naturally-relaxed position to again engage the clip 
channel teeth. The one-way ratchet teeth enable the clip 114LR to be 
adjusted towards its opposing clip 114LF without having to manually 
disengage the teeth. 
As noted above, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, one 
of the opposing clips is secured to the frame 104 while the other opposing 
clip is adjustable along its respective clip channels. However, as noted 
above, in an alternative embodiment a second clip channel is provided in 
each of the sides 112 to provide the ability to initially adjust the 
stationary clips 114LF and 114RF prior to securing them in their fixed 
position. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, a second clip channel 524 is 
provided in side 112L (a corresponding channel in 112R is not shown). The 
clip channel 524 provides a limited distance for clip 114LF to travel as 
shown by stop 526. As noted, this enables the opposing pair of clips 114LF 
and 114RF to be adjusted so that the device 100 is optimally balanced on 
visor 118. 
FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary viewing area 218 
provided by the device 100 of the present invention and a blind area 601 
associated with an exemplary vehicle cab 200. As noted, the vehicle cab 
200 is an illustrative truck cab having a width of approximately 95 inches 
and the front wheels approximately 30 inches offset from the front bumper. 
As shown in FIG. 6B the height of the hood of truck cab 200 is 
approximately 6 feet and the present invention approximately 8 feet above 
ground level. As shown in FIG. 6A the foremost point of center line 602 of 
the hood is aligned with point 606. Although the area that is obstructed 
by the vehicle extends to the driver's side of the vehicle, a boundary 
line 604 of blind area 601 is shown in FIG. 6A to emphasize that portion 
of the blind area pertinent to the present invention. This boundary line 
604 extends from the truck cab 200 to point 606 forward of the cab. The 
blind area 601 has a boundary line 608 that is visually aligned with the 
corner of the hood and extends from point 606 to a point 609. A boundary 
line 610 of blind area 601 is visually aligned with the side of the hood 
opposite the driver and extends from point 609 to a point 612. The blind 
area 601 has a boundary line 614 that is visually aligned with a lower 
edge of the front view window 206 and extends from point 612 to a point 
615. 
In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the ground-level viewing 
area 218 provided by the device 100 of the present invention is shown by a 
solid-line trapezoid. As shown in FIG. 6A, the viewing area 218 provided 
by the device 100 begins at approximately 65 inches away from the side of 
the vehicle at point 616. The exposed area 218 extends approximately 186 
inches forward of the point 616 along boundary line 620 to a point 618. A 
boundary line 626 extends from point 618 to a point 622 approximately 200 
inches from point 618. A boundary line 628 extends for approximately 295 
inches from point 622 to point 624. Finally, a boundary line 630 extends 
approximately 333 inches from point 624 to return to point 616. 
This viewing area 218 includes a significant portion of blind area 601 as 
shown in FIG. 6A. In addition, in the illustrative embodiment illustrated 
in FIG. 6A, the viewing area 218 also includes a portion of the ground not 
included in blind area 601. Thus, the mirror assemblies 106 and 108 may be 
adjusted to move the viewing area 218 closer to the truck cab 200 without 
sacrificing a significant or any portion of blind area 601. Thus, the 65 
inch distance of viewing area 218 from truck cab 200 in FIG. 6A may be 
considerably reduced. 
In addition, the viewing area 218 which is shown in FIG. 6A, includes only 
the ground area that is included in the image captured by the device 100. 
Typically, however a driver is concerned with an area having a certain 
minimal height. For example, if motorized vehicles are of concern, then 
the blind area of concern may extend from 6 feet down to 2 feet above 
ground level. The corresponding change in the viewing area 218 is shown in 
FIG. 6B. 
In a conventional truck cab such as that shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 
structure obstructing the driver's view is approximately 6 feet high. The 
mirror apparatus of the present invention would be approximately 8 feet 
from ground level. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the lower boundary line 
650 of the field of view provided by the mirror apparatus 100 extends 
approximately 65 inches from the side panel 652 of the vehicle. As shown 
in FIG. 6B, the mirror apparatus 100 is approximately 2 feet from the side 
panel 652 (in the interior of the passenger compartment). A portion of the 
vehicle is included within the field of view as shown by the upper-right 
corner of the vehicle extended above the lower boundary line 650. 
As noted above, the field of view 218 illustrated in FIG. 6A is that of an 
area at ground level. However, at a distance of 24 inches from ground 
level, the field of view extends towards the vehicle to approximately 67 
inches from the mirror or 43 inches from the side panel of the vehicle as 
illustrated by dashed line 654. Likewise, at 48 inches from ground level, 
the field of view provided by the mirror apparatus of the present 
invention can extend to as close as 42 inches from the mirror or 18 inches 
from the side of the vehicle as shown by dashed line 656. Thus, a 
considerably larger area closer to the vehicle may be provided by the 
mirror apparatus of the present invention when the area of concern has a 
minimal height that is above ground level. 
As noted above, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, mirror 
pair 102 is secured to a roof structure, preferably visor 118, via frame 
assembly 104. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, 
mirror hangers 116F and 116R are secured directly into tracks residing in 
the roof structure of the vehicle cab 202. In alternative embodiments, the 
device 100 of the present invention may be secured to other portions of 
the roof structure, including the back wall or the passenger door of the 
vehicle cab. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the brackets utilized 
to secure the frame apparatus 104 to the roof structure are opposing clip 
pairs 114. However, it should be appreciated that other types of brackets 
may be used which are appropriate for the selected roof structure to which 
the frame assembly is attached. 
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mirror assemblies 
106 and 108 are comprised of a frame assembly providing an adhesive foam 
or adhesive skin backing to which the planar and convex object mirrors are 
secured. This prevents the mirrors from shattering when subjected to a 
severe shock. However, as one skilled in the relevant art would find 
apparent, mirror assemblies 106 and 108 may take on any configuration 
enabling them to be pivotally adjusted. In addition, the mirror assemblies 
106 and 108 are laterally and pivotally adjusted manually in the 
illustrative embodiment. However, in another preferred embodiment of the 
present invention, illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the mirror assemblies 
106 and 108 may be controlled via any well-known mechanical or motorized 
manner such as a system 702 under the control of a switch panel 701 
adjacent to the driver's position. Alternatively, the motors may include 
an infrared sensor 703 and associated decoder 704 responsive to infrared 
signals 709. The apparatus 100 would also include a hand-held control unit 
705 that generates appropriate infrared signals 709 and responds to the 
activation of a control panel 708 on the control unit 705. Such a 
mechanized control unit may provide the driver with the ability to 
laterally adjust the mirror assemblies along their respective tracks as 
well as to pivotally adjust the mirror assemblies. 
It should also be appreciated that the mirrors 106 and 108 may take on 
other configurations. For example, front-most mirror 106 may be slightly 
concave to compensate for the foreshortening of the reflected image due to 
the distance between the mirrors 106 and 108. Other mirror configurations 
and sizes are considered to be apparent to those skilled in the relevant 
art. In addition, mirror tracks 302 and clip channels 304 may have other 
relative positions. For example, they may be substantially parallel, may 
reside in a common vertical plane, etc. 
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described 
above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of 
example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the 
present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described 
exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the 
following claims and their equivalents.