Patent Abstract:
An exterior mirror for a vehicle, which is forward foldable for storage and shipment of a vehicle. The mirror may also fold to the rear and includes lights and accessories in the sail and the mirror casing.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The instant plication claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/160,390, filed Oct. 19, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to a mirror assembly and more particularly to an exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle. 
     2. Discussion 
     Due to constraints for shipping vehicles, especially those for large trucks, mirror assemblies for these vehicles are often times not designed with a heavy emphasis on their appearance or functionality. In shipping vehicles, it is frequently a constraint that the mirror assemblies can not extend outwardly of any other portion of the vehicle. Accordingly, mirror assemblies were typically designed as flat as possible so that they could be rotated backward to comply with the above shipping constraint. 
     Construction of the mirror assembly in this manner often resulted in a device having a generic appearance which did not compliment or accent the appearance of the vehicle in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Furthermore, it was not possible with such designs to utilize the mirror assembly for anything other than housing and supporting a reflective element. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is one object of the present invention to provide a mirror assembly which pivots in a forward direction to retract the mirror housings inward from the edges of the vehicle body. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a mirror assembly which includes a housing assembly having a hinged closure member which covers an accessory cavity. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mirror assembly having an accessory attachment point which is adapted to fixedly but releasably accept a vehicle accessory. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mirror assembly with a resilient bump strip coupled to the mirror housing assembly to prevent scuffing and damage to the mirror assembly when the mirror assembly is brought into contact with an object. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mirror assembly having a housing assembly with improved rigidity. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mirror assembly which may be fabricated in a modular manner to incorporate one or more selectively positionable mirror orientation mechanisms. 
     A mirror assembly having a housing assembly, a reflective element, a reflective element adjusting mechanism, an attachment assembly and a wire harness is provided. The housing assembly includes a housing which is filled with a structural foam to improve the rigidity of the mirror assembly, and a scalp which according to one embodiment, may be fixedly but removably coupled to the housing. Alternatively, the scalp may be hingedly coupled to the housing to permit access to a cavity formed therebetween. The cavity may be used for storing various articles, including a corded light, or may be used to house a switch unit for controlling various vehicle electrical components, such as a vehicle radio or various vehicle lights. A resilient bump strip may be coupled to the housing to protect the housing from scuffing or damage that results from contact with another object. 
     Housing assembly houses the reflective element adjusting mechanism and the reflective element. The attachment assembly is coupled to a vehicle at a first end and to the housing assembly at the second end. The attachment assembly preferably includes a pair of laterally extending arms which may be telescoped between a first and second positions to space the housing assembly further from or closer to the vehicle. The pair of laterally extending arms are selectively positionable at an operating position, as well as first and second rotational positions. The first rotational position places the housing against the side of the vehicle proximate a side window. Rotation of the arms in a forward direction places into the second rotational position places the housing inward of the sides of the vehicle above the vehicle fenders or hood. 
     Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a portion of a vehicle equipped with a mirror assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the mirror assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly of  FIG. 1  illustrating a portion of the first drive mechanism; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of a portion of the first drive mechanism; 
         FIG. 5A  is an cross-sectional view taken along the line  5 A— 5 A of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is an cross-sectional view taken along the line  5 B— 5 B of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5C  is an cross-sectional view taken along the line  5 C— 5 C of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly of  FIG. 1  illustrating a portion of the second drive mechanism; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a portion of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  illustrating the mirror assembly in several positions; 
         FIG. 8   a  is a front perspective of a mirror assembly similar to that of  FIG. 1  illustrating the incorporation of a turn indicator, an accessory attachment point and a bump strip; 
         FIG. 8   b  is a front perspective of a mirror assembly similar to that of  FIG. 1  illustrating the incorporation of an antenna attachment point to the sail portion; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective of a mirror assembly similar to that of  FIG. 1  illustrating the incorporation of a marker lamp, a bump strip and a spot light; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective of a mirror assembly similar to that of  FIG. 1  illustrating the incorporation of a spoiler; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of the mirror assembly of  FIG. 10  illustrating the function of the spoilers; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a portion of a mirror assembly similar to that of  FIG. 1  illustrating the incorporation of a power port into the sail portion; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective front view of a mirror assembly similar to that of  FIG. 1  but illustrating a hinged scalp; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective front view of a mirror assembly similar to  FIG. 13  illustrating a compartment for a corded light; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective front view of a mirror assembly similar to  FIG. 13  but illustrating a switching unit; and 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective rear view of a mirror assembly similar to that of  FIG. 1  illustrating the incorporation of a speaker into the housing. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 through 6  of the drawings, a mirror assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral  10  and shown in operative association with a vehicle  12 . Although the particular vehicle illustrated is a pick-up truck, it will be understood that the teachings of the present invention have applicability to other types of vehicles, and as such, will not be limited in application to pick-up trucks. Furthermore, although mirror assembly  10  is illustrated and described herein as an exterior drivers side rear view mirror which enables the vehicle operator to view an area beside and rearward of vehicle  12 , it will be understood that a passengers side rear view mirror may be similarly constructed. 
     Mirror assembly  10  includes a housing assembly  14 , a reflective element  16 , a reflective element adjusting means (not shown), an attachment assembly  20 , a first drive mechanism  22 , a second drive mechanism  24  and a wire harness  26 . Wire harness  26  couples the vehicle electrical system to each of the various electrical devices in mirror assembly  10 . Housing assembly  14  includes a housing  30  and a scalp  32 . Housing  30  is preferably unitarily formed from a molded plastic material and includes a conventional attaching means which is employed to fixedly but removably couple the reflective element adjusting means to housing  30 . Housing  30  also houses and supports reflective element  16 . 
     With brief reference to  FIGS. 8   a  and  9 , a bump strip  34  formed from a soft and resilient material such as rubber or vinyl, may be included on one or more of the exterior surfaces of housing  30  to prevent housing  30  from being scuffed or damaged in the event that it contacts an object. With specific reference to  FIG. 8   a , bump strip  34  may be contoured or styled in a decorative manner which enhances the appearance of mirror assembly  10 . Bump strip  34  preferably covers the forward most and outward most points of housing  30  to ensure that bump strip  34  rather than housing  30  will contact objects first. Bump strip  34  is preferably coupled to housing  30  and/or scalp  32  via double-sided adhesive tape. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , scalp  32  is also preferably unitarily formed from a molded plastic material. Preferably, a plurality of conventional snap-fasteners are molded into housing  30  and scalp  32  which permits them to be fixedly but removably coupled to one another without the use of threaded fasteners. Alternatively, scalp  32  may be fixedly coupled to housing  30  with a double-sided adhesive tape. With additional reference to  FIG. 3 , housing  30  and scalp  32  are shown to cooperate to form a cavity  36  which is completely filled with a structural foam  38 . Structural foam  38  is preferably a closed-cell polyurethane foam. 
     Due to the relative ease with which scalp  32  may be coupled to housing  30 , scalp  32  may be configured in a manner which enhances the decorative appearance of mirror assembly. For example, scalp  32  may be molded from a colored plastic or painted so as to either match or accent the color of vehicle  12 . As another example, a decorative design may be molded into the exterior surface  40  of scalp  32 . 
     The reflective element adjusting means is fixedly but removably coupled to housing  30 . Preferably, the reflective element adjusting means is an electronically or manually controlled adjusting mechanism that is well known in the art and which permits the position of the reflective element  16  to adjusted from the passenger compartment of vehicle  12 . Alternatively, the reflective element adjusting means is a manually controlled adjusting mechanism that is well known in the art which is actuated by a force directed to reflective element  16 . 
     Reflective element  16  is preferably fixedly but removably coupled to the reflective element adjusting means, and as such is selectively positionable relative to housing  30 . In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, reflective element  16  is fabricated from mirror glass, which may be heated and/or may include other characteristics such as electrochromic properties and hydrophobic or hydrophilic coatings. Reflective element  16  may also be constructed in a manner, which permits it to be readily removed from the reflective element adjusting means for servicing of mirror assembly  10 , and/or replacement of reflective element  16 . 
     Housing assembly  14  is coupled to attachment assembly  20 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, attachment assembly  20  includes a sail portion  50 , first and second arms  52  and  54 , respectively, and an approach light  56 . Sail portion  50  is attached to vehicle  12  via threaded posts or other conventional connectors. A seal is typically interposed between sail portion  50  and vehicle  12  to isolate the interior of vehicle  12  from moisture, dirt and noise. 
     Each of the first and second arms  52  and  54  include a first laterally extending structure  60  and a second laterally extending structure  62 . The first and second laterally extending structures  60  and  62  may be moved in an axial direction relative to one another to permit first and second arms  52  and  54  to telescope inwardly toward vehicle  12  or outwardly therefrom. In the particular embodiment illustrated, first laterally extending structure  60  is fixedly coupled to housing assembly  14  and second laterally extending structure  62  is coupled to sail portion  50 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , each of the first laterally extending structures  60  preferably includes a first cover member  70  and a first tubular member  72  and each of the second laterally extending structures  62  includes a second cover member  74  and a second tubular member  76 . The first and second tubular members  72  and  76  are preferably formed at least partially from a square or rectangular tubing. 
     First tubular member  72  is sized to glidingly receive second tubular member  76 . The interior surface of second cover member  74  is spaced apart from second tubular member  76  to permit sliding engagement between first and second tubular members  72  and  76 . The interior surface of first cover member  70  is spaced apart from first tubular member  72  to permit sliding engagement between first and second cover members  70  and  74 . As the function of the first and second cover members  70  and  74  is primarily cosmetic, they may have cross-sections that are round, square, rectangular, elliptical or any other desired shape. 
     Each of the second laterally extending structures  62  is disposed at least partially within a respective first laterally extending structure  60 . The first and second laterally extending structures  60  and  62  may be moved in an axial direction relative to one another to permit first and second arms  52  and  54  to telescope inwardly toward vehicle  12  or outwardly therefrom. A pair of first rollers  80  are coupled to second tubular member  76  and extend through slots  82  formed in its rear sidewall  84 . First rollers  80  are journally supported by a pin  86  for rotation about an axes that are perpendicular to the axis of the first and second arms  52  and  54 . A second roller  90  is coupled to an opposite side of second tubular member  76  and extends through a slot  92  formed in its front sidewall  94 . Second roller  90  is also journally supported by a pin  96  for rotation about another axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the first and second arms  52  and  54 . Pin  96  is disposed in a slot  98  formed in second tubular member  76 . A spring  100  is coupled to second tubular member  76  and is operable for urging pin  96  in a direction away from the first rollers  80  and against the inner surface of the first tubular member  72 . Each set of first and second rollers  80  and  90  cooperate to control relative movement between the first and second laterally extending structures  60  and  62  in non-axial directions. Structural foam  38  retains first laterally extending structure  60  to housing assembly  14  while providing structural support to inhibit the flexing of the first and second arms  52  and  54  relative to one another. 
     First drive mechanism  22  is operable for telescoping first and second arms  52  and  54  between an extended position and a retracted position. First drive mechanism  22  may be configured in a manner similar to that disclosed in commonly assigned Australian Provisional Patent Application Serial No. PP8619 filed Feb. 9, 1999 entitled “Means For Extending Or Retracting Telescopic Tubes”, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3 through 5C , first drive mechanism  22  is illustrated as including a motor assembly  110 , an intermediate worm structure  112  and upper and lower worm structures  114  and  116 . Motor assembly  110  includes a conventional reversible dc motor  120  and a drive worm  122  which is coupled for rotation with the output shaft of motor  120 . The housing of motor  120  is fixedly coupled to housing assembly and the output shaft of motor  120  is oriented along an axis parallel to the axes of the first and second arms  52  and  54 . 
     Intermediate worm structure  112  includes an intermediate worm gear  126  and first and second intermediate worm drives  128  and  130 . 
     Intermediate worm structure  112  is coupled to housing assembly  14  for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the output shaft of motor  120  such that intermediate worm gear  126  meshingly engages drive worm  122 . 
     Upper and lower worm structures  114  and  116  are similar in construction, and as such, only upper worm structure  114  will be discussed in detail. Upper worm structure  114  includes a worm gear  136 , a lead screw  138  and a drive member  140 . Worm gear  136  meshingly engages first intermediate worm drive  128 . A ball bearing  144  and a preload spring assembly  146  cooperate to align worm gear  136  to first intermediate worm drive  128 . Worm gear  136  and lead screw  138  are coupled for rotation with one another. Lead screw  138  includes a externally threaded surface  148  which is rotatably supported by first tubular member  72  along the axis parallel to the axis of first arm  52 . Drive member  140  includes an internally threaded surface (not shown) which meshingly engages the externally threaded surface  148  of lead screw  138 . Drive member  140  is fixedly coupled to the upper and lower surfaces of second tubular member  76 . 
     Rotation of the output shaft of motor  120  therefore causes lead screws  138  to rotate in a corresponding direction which exerts a force onto the drive members  140  to cause the first tubular members  72  to telescope inwardly to or outwardly from their corresponding second tubular members  76 . 
     Second drive mechanism  24  is illustrated in  FIG. 6  as including a drive and clutch system  160  which are similar to the drive and clutch system disclosed in commonly assigned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/085,708 entitled “Mirror Parking System”, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Accordingly, this aspect of mirror assembly  10  will not be discussed in detail, other than noting that a powered worm  162  meshingly engages a worm gear  164 . 
     Unlike the above reference drive mechanism, second drive mechanism  24  is shown to include a shaft  170  which is fixed for rotation with worm gear  164 . First and second pinions  172  and  174 , respectively, are coupled to either end of shaft  170  and fixed for rotation thereon. First and second pinions  172  and  174  are meshingly engaged with a respective drive gear  176  which is supported for rotation about a pivot pin  178 . Drive gear  176   a  is coupled for rotation with first arm  52  and drive gear  176   b  is coupled for rotation with second arm  54 . Accordingly, rotation of powered worm  162  is operable for rotating shaft  170  to cause first and second arms  52  and  54  to rotate simultaneously in a desired direction. 
     First and second drive mechanisms  22  and  24  may be coupled to a programmable controller  200  which permits the vehicle operator to store a given mirror orientation to memory. The mirror orientation may include information on the position of reflective element  16 , as well as the telescopic and rotational positions of housing assembly  14  relative to sail portion  50 . Retrieval of the stored mirror orientation causes controller to actuate the first and second drive mechanisms  22  and  24 , and the reflective element adjusting means as necessary to adjust the reflective element to the stored mirror orientation. 
     Alternatively, one or both of the power drive mechanisms may be omitted completely thereby rendering mirror assembly  10  fixing the position of housing assembly  14  relative to vehicle  12 . Also alternatively, one or both of the power drive mechanisms may be omitted with a manually actuated mechanism substituted therefor. To control the telescoping movement, a plurality of friction shoes are incorporated into the first and second arms  52  and  54  to provide resistance to their telescopic movement during the operation of vehicle  12 . Similarly, to control rotational movement of housing assembly  14 , attachment assembly  20  may be fitted with a detent mechanism having a plurality of detents which fixedly but releasably restrain first and second arms  52  and  54  in a desired orientation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , mirror assembly  10  is selectively positionable between a rearward retracted position  190 , an operational position  192  and a forward-retracted position  194 . Mirror assembly  10  is conventionally maintained in the operational position  192  until such time as vehicle  12  is required to approach an object near one or more of its lateral sides. At such time, mirror assembly  10  may then be rotated forward or rearward. Placement of mirror assembly  10  into the rearward retracted position  190  positions housing assembly  14  against the lateral side of vehicle  12  such that housing assembly  14  is proximate the side window. Positioning mirror assembly  10  in this manner may be best suited where vehicle  12  is being operated in a forward direction and it is desirable to protect the mirror assembly from forward impacts, such as when traveling through overgrown trails. This position, however, tends to interfere with the vehicle occupant&#39;s ability to move their hands or see through the side window of vehicle, as when at automatic teller machines or the drive-through windows of fast-food restaurants. 
     In situations such as this, mirror assembly  10  may advantageously be oriented to its forward-rotated position  194  to substantially clear the area proximate the side window of the vehicle  12 . This position is also advantageous in that the housing assembly  14  is positioned substantially inward of the lateral side of vehicle  12 , thereby permitting housing assembly  14  to be relatively deep in comparison to similar mirrors which can only be rotated to a rearward rotated position  190 . Consequently, housing  30  and scalp  32  need not be designed in a relatively flat manner, but may be extended to address aesthetic and aerodynamic issues. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , approach light  56  includes a controller  200 , a reflector housing  202  and a lens  204  and a plurality of lamps  206 . Illumination of lamp  206   a  causes an area adjacent vehicle  12  and forward of mirror assembly  10  to be illuminated. Illumination of lamp  206   b  causes an area adjacent vehicle  12  and below mirror assembly to be illuminated. Illumination of lamp  206   c  causes an area adjacent vehicle  12  and rearward of mirror assembly  10  to be illuminated. Illumination of lamp  206   d  causes an area lateral to mirror assembly  10  to be illuminated. Controller  200  is operable for selectively illuminating one or more of the lamps  206  upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. For example, actuation of a remote keyless entry device or a power lock switch on one of the vehicle doors causes all of the lamps to illuminate so as to illuminate an area around vehicle  12  to aid in the ingress to and egress from vehicle  12 . Actuation of the vehicle turn signal lever to turn left, for example, causes lamp  206   a  to illuminate to provide the vehicle operator with an illuminated view of the area to which vehicle  12  is being turned. Placement of the vehicle gear selector into a reverse gear ratio causes lamp  206   c  to illuminate, providing the vehicle operator with an illuminated view of an area to the side and behind vehicle  12 . Controller  200  preferably includes a remote light switch  208  which permits one or more of the lamps  206  to be illuminated as desired. 
     Alternatively, approach light  56  may be configured in a manner similar to that disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent to Andrew J. Assinder entitled “Exterior Mirror Having An Attachment Member Including An Approach Light” which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     Other light devices may similarly be incorporated into mirror assembly  10 , either in addition to approach light  56  or in substitution thereof. A first example is illustrated in  FIG. 8  where a turn indicator  210  is shown coupled to housing  30 . Turn indicator  210  may be placed on mirror assembly  10  so as to face in a rearward direction, a sideward direction or both a rearward and a sideward direction. Turn indicator  210  is conventional in its operation in that its actuation is controlled by the vehicle turn signal lever. 
     A second example is illustrated in  FIG. 9  where a side marker  212  is coupled to housing  30 . Side marker  212  may be conventionally operated to illuminate when the vehicle parking lights or vehicle head lights are illuminated. Side marker  212  may also be operated to illuminate when vehicle  12  is locked or unlocked and thereafter turned off when vehicle  12  is started or after a predetermined time. 
     A third example is further illustrated in  FIG. 9  wherein mirror assembly  10  is shown to include a spot light  214 . Spot light  214  is movably coupled to attachment assembly  20  and located between the first and second arms  52  and  54 . Spot light  214  includes a first portion  216  which is fixedly coupled to scalp  50  and a second portion  218  which is selectively positionable relative to first portion  216  via a control mechanism (not shown) which is preferably actuatable from the interior of vehicle  12 . The control mechanism may be a manual handle or may be electronically controlled. Preferably, the second portion is gimbaled to the first portion, permitting second portion  218  to focus light in a predetermined area. 
     Attachment assembly  20  may also be fitted with various other accessories, such as a spoiler. In  FIG. 10 , attachment assembly  20  is shown to be fitted with a first spoiler  230  and a second spoiler  232 . First spoiler  230  is coupled to the first laterally extending structures  60  so as to be fixed in relation to housing  30 . Second spoiler  232  is coupled to the second laterally extending structures  62  so as to be fixed in relation to the vehicle side window. As shown in  FIG. 11 , first spoiler  230  is configured to deflect a first air flow  236  across reflective element  16  to clear its exterior surface of water and/or contamination. Similarly, second spoiler  232  is configured to deflect a second air flow  238  across the side window to clear it of water and/or contamination. First and second spoilers  230  and  232  may be integrally formed into housing  30  and sail portion  50 , respectively, or may separately manufactured permitting them to be supplied to consumers as an after-market product. 
     An accessory attachment point  240  may be provided in attachment assembly  20  or housing assembly  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8   a , accessory attachment point  240  is integrated into sail portion  50  and permits various accessories, such as flags  242  and pennants of various collegiate or professional sports teams to be fixedly but removably coupled to mirror assembly  10 . 
     Similarly, as illustrated in  FIG. 8   b , an antenna attachment point  246  may also be integrated into mirror assembly  10 . Antenna attachment point  246  permits an antenna  248  for one or more of the vehicle radio, a wireless phone and a remote keyless entry device to be coupled to mirror assembly  10 . This embodiment is advantageous in that it provides an antenna connection for the desired device without forming a hole in the sheet metal body of vehicle  12 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 16 , antenna  248  may be completely disposed within cavity  36  in housing assembly  14 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, antenna  248   a  is coupled to the vehicle radio, antenna  248   b  is coupled to a wireless phone and antenna  248   c  is operable for receiving a remote unlocking/locking signal which is typically generated by a remote keyless entry device. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , another feature that may be integrated into mirror assembly  10  is a power port  250  which uses the electrical system of vehicle  12  to power various accessories, such as hand-held spot lights. A plug assembly  252  having a resilient seal  254  is used to close the cavity of power port  250  to prevent infiltration of water and dirt therein. 
       FIGS. 13 through 15  illustrate yet another alternative construction of mirror assembly  10 . Scalp  32  is shown to be hingedly coupled to housing  30 , permitting scalp  32  to be pivoted between a closed position substantially closing the open end of housing  30 , and an open position substantially clearing the open end of housing  30 . A cavity  260  is formed between scalp  32  and housing  30  which may be used to conceal a power port  250  or to store various items, such as replacement lamps  262 , fuses  264  and/or tools such as a pressure gauge  266  and screwdrivers  268 . A lock mechanism  270  is incorporated into scalp  32  which is positionable in a locked condition inhibiting the movement of scalp  32  from the closed position to the open position, and an unlocked condition permitting the movement of scalp  32  from the closed position to the open position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , cavity  260  may be used for storing a corded lamp  280 . Corded lamp  280  includes a housing  282 , a lens  284 , a lamp  286  and a cord portion  288 . Cord portion  288  is electrically coupled to the electrical system of vehicle  12 , permitting corded lamp  280  to be moved relative to mirror assembly  10  to provide light to a remote area, as when changing a tire or when examining the engine compartment or bottom side of vehicle  12 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , a switching unit  290  may additionally or alternatively be placed into cavity  260 . Switching unit  290  is coupled to various vehicle electrical devices to permit them to be remotely controlled from outside vehicle  12 . In the example provided, switching unit  290  includes a set of first controls  292  which are operable for remotely controlling the vehicle radio and a set of second controls  294  which are operable for remotely controlling various vehicle lights. First controls  292  may be actuated to turn the vehicle radio on or off, select a signal medium (e.g., radio signal, cassette tape, compact disc) or adjust various settings such as playback volume, balance, tone. Preferably, first controls  292  are identical in configuration and function to any controls for the vehicle radio which are contained in the vehicle interior. Second controls  294  includes a plurality of switches which may be actuated, either individually or in combination, to illuminate various vehicle lamps. Second controls  294  permits, for example, the vehicle hazard lights to be actuated from the exterior of vehicle  12  as well as an auxiliary light to be illuminated to permit an area of vehicle  12  to be illuminated, as when changing a tire. 
     One or more audio speakers may also be integrated into mirror assembly  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , an audio speaker  300  is integrated into housing  30 . Audio speaker  300  may be coupled to the vehicle radio to permit the playback of music and other programs outside of vehicle  12 . Audio speaker  300  may additionally or alternatively be coupled to a microphone inside vehicle  12 , permitting the vehicle occupants to broadcast messages to persons outside vehicle  12 . Audio speaker  300  may additionally or alternatively be configured as a siren to produce a warning signal to alert persons to the presence of vehicle  12 . Also alternatively, audio speaker  300  may be integrated into attachment assembly  20  in sail portion  50  or to a bracket (not shown) which is coupled to first and second arms  52  and  54 . 
     While the invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7