Source: http://www.google.es/patents/US20040232773
Timestamp: 2017-11-18 18:06:34
Document Index: 628217375

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 162', 'art 164', 'art 162', 'art 164', 'art 162', 'art 164', 'art 162', 'art 164', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60']

Patente US20040232773 - Rearview mirror system for accommodating a rain sensor - Google Patentes
A visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for a vehicle comprising a windshield and a button connected to the windshield, with the button having a peripheral body defining an open area in a middle section of the button. The visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system further includes a rain sensor...http://www.google.es/patents/US20040232773?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatente US20040232773 - Rearview mirror system for accommodating a rain sensor
Número de publicación US20040232773 A1
Número de solicitud US 10/848,803
Fecha de presentación 19 May 2004
También publicado como US7446427
Número de publicación 10848803, 848803, US 2004/0232773 A1, US 2004/232773 A1, US 20040232773 A1, US 20040232773A1, US 2004232773 A1, US 2004232773A1, US-A1-20040232773, US-A1-2004232773, US2004/0232773A1, US2004/232773A1, US20040232773 A1, US20040232773A1, US2004232773 A1, US2004232773A1
Inventores Brian Parker, Brian Rees, Wayne Rumsey, Timothy DeVries, John Carter
Cesionario original Parker Brian R., Rees Brian J., Rumsey Wayne J., Devries Timothy S., Carter John W.
Citas de patentes (39), Citada por (19), Clasificaciones (10), Eventos legales (4)
US 20040232773 A1
the at least a section of the sensor includes one ledge and the interior rearview mirror system includes one ledge.
the at least a section of the sensor includes a plurality of ledges and the interior rearview mirror system includes a plurality of ledges.
the mounting bracket is configured to disconnect from the button when the mounting bracket is subjected to a force no greater than 400 N (90 pounds) in any direction that is not more than 45° from a forward longitudinal direction of motion of the vehicle.
wherein the interior rearview mirror system does not bias the sensor against the windshield when the interior rearview mirror is connected to the button; and
the mounting bracket disconnects from the button when the mounting bracket is subjected to a force no greater than 400 N (90 pounds) in any direction that is not more than 45° from a forward longitudinal direction of motion of the vehicle.
34. A viewing system for a vehicle having a windshield and a button and a sensor being connected to the windshield, the viewing system comprising:
35. The viewing system of claim 34, wherein:
36. The viewing system of claim 34, wherein:
38. The viewing system of claim 37, wherein:
40. The viewing system of claim 38, wherein:
41. The viewing system of claim 38, wherein:
42. The viewing system of claim 41, wherein:
43. The viewing system of claim 37, wherein:
the mounting bracket includes either a T-shaped member configured to be accepted in a T-shaped slot of the sensor or a T-shaped slot configured to a T-shaped member of the sensor.
45. The viewing system of claim 43, wherein:
46. The viewing system of claim 36, further including:
wherein the mounting bracket cover include facing ledges adapted to engage ledges of the sensor as the interior rearview mirror system is detached from the button, whereby the at least the portion of the sensor is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield as the interior rearview mirror system is detached from the button.
47. The viewing system of claim 28, wherein:
48. The viewing system of claim 28, wherein:
[0011]FIG. 1 is a side view of a visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for a vehicle embodying the present invention with a mounting bracket cover of an interior rearview mirror system removed.
[0012]FIG. 2 is a side view of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for a vehicle embodying the present invention with the mounting bracket cover of the interior rearview mirror system.
[0013]FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the interior rearview mirror system.
[0014]FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a button.
[0015]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a double body rain sensor of the present invention.
[0016]FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a single body rain sensor of the present invention.
[0017]5C is a first partial cross-sectional end view of a mounting bracket of the interior rearview mirror system, the button and the rain sensor of a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0018]FIG. 6 is a side view of the button and the rain sensor of the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0019]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket of the interior rearview mirror system of the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0020]FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the mounting foot of the interior rearview mirror system of the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0021]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the mounting foot of the interior rearview mirror system of the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0022]FIG. 10 is an exploded side view of the mounting bracket of the interior rearview mirror system, the button and the rain sensor of a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0023]FIG. 11 is a side view of the mounting bracket of the interior rearview mirror system, the button and the rain sensor of the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0024]FIG. 12A is a first partial cross-sectional end view of the mounting bracket of the interior rearview mirror system, the button and the rain sensor of the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0025]FIG. 12B is a second partial cross-sectional end view of the mounting bracket of the interior rearview mirror system, the button and the rain sensor of the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0026]FIG. 13 is side view of the mounting bracket of the interior rearview mirror system, the button and the rain sensor of a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0027]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a spring clip of the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0028]FIG. 15 is a front view of the spring clip of the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0029]FIG. 15A is a side view of a mounting bracket cover and the spring clip of an alternative version of the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0030]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a spring clip of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0031]FIG. 17 is a side view of the spring clip of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0032]FIG. 17A is a top view of a rain sensor of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0033]FIG. 17B is a side view of a mounting bracket cover and the spring clip of an alternative version of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0034]FIG. 18 is a perspective exploded view of a mounting foot, a rain sensor and a mounting bracket cover of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0035]FIG. 19 is an exploded top view of the rain sensor, the mounting foot (cross-sectional) and the mounting bracket cover (cross-sectional) of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0036]FIG. 20 is a top view of the rain sensor, the mounting foot (cross-sectional) and the mounting bracket cover (cross-sectional) of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0037]FIG. 21 is a side view of a spring catch and a rain sensor of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0038]FIG. 22 is a top view of spring catches (cross-sectional) and a rain sensor of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0039]FIG. 23 is a top view of the rain sensor and the button of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0040]FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view of the button of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0041]FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a first arrangement of a rain sensor and a mounting foot of the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[0042]FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of a second arrangement of the eighth embodiment of the present invention, with the mounting foot partially cut away.
[0043]FIG. 27 is an exploded view of a mount clip and a rain sensor of the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[0044]FIG. 28 is an exploded view of a mounting foot, a button and a rain sensor of the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
[0045]FIG. 29A is an elevational view of the side of the interior rearview mirror system constructed according to the present invention connected to a windshield.
[0046]FIG. 29B is an elevational view of the rear of the interior rearview mirror system constructed according to the present invention.
[0047]FIG. 29C is a plan view of the top of the interior rearview mirror system constructed according to the present invention.
[0048]FIG. 30A is an elevational view of the front of the interior rearview mirror system constructed according to the present invention.
[0049]FIG. 30B is a plan view of the top of the interior rearview mirror system constructed according to the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, the illustrated interior rearview mirror system 22 is connected to the button 14 and provides a driver of the vehicle with a field of view to the rear of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror system 22 comprises a mounting bracket 34 and a mirror housing 36. The mirror housing 36 preferably includes a variable reflectance mirror such as an electrochromic mirror or may include a prismatic mirror located therein. The mirror provides the driver of the vehicle with the view to the rear of the vehicle. The variable reflectance mirror and the prismatic mirror are well known to those skilled in the art. The mirror housing 36 and/or the mounting bracket 34 could also include other electronic components as is well known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the interior rearview mirror system 22 could include a wire cover 37 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2) integral with or attached to either or both of the mounting bracket 34 or a mounting bracket cover 42. The wire cover 37 preferably covers wiring and/or cables extending from the interior rearview mirror system 22 and/or the rain sensor 20 to a headliner of the vehicle. The interior rear view mirror system 22 and the components thereof could include the wiring schemes and/or mounting features of the interior rearview mirror systems 22 described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,984,482; 6,068,380; 5,971,553 and 6,467,919 and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/405,526; 10/408,516; and 60/467,888, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entireties herein by reference.
The interior rearview mirror system 22 is connected to the button 14 and preferably deflects, collapses or breaks away from the button 14 when a reflective surface of the mirror of the mirror housing 36 is subjected to a force no greater than 400 N (90 pounds) in any direction that is not more than 45° from a forward longitudinal direction of motion of the vehicle. The mounting foot 38 of the interior rearview mirror system 22 comprises a shell 50 covering the button 14. In the illustrated example, the shell 50 includes three sides covering a portion of at least three of the upper segment 24, the lower segment 26, the first side segment 28 and the second side segment 30 of the button 14. The mounting foot 38 further includes a mount spring 54 comprising a pair of J-shaped hooks 56 that extend lower than a bottom of the shell 50.
In the illustrated example, the interior rearview mirror system 22 is connected to the button 14 by sliding ends of the pair of J-shaped hooks 56 into the grooves 32 on the outer faces of the first side segment 28 and the second side segment 30 of the button 14. The mounting bracket cover 42 is then fixed into position over the mounting foot 38 of the interior rearview mirror system 22 and the button 14. The pair of J-shaped hooks 56 preferably snap over detents (not shown) such that the J-shaped hooks 56, and therefore the mounting foot 38, cannot slide out of contact with the grooves 32 of the button 14 in the same manner in which the J-shaped hooks 56 are slid into the grooves 32 as the interior rearview mirror system 22 disconnects from the button 14. Preferably, the pair of J-shaped hooks 56 deflect outwardly out of the grooves 32 and thereby disconnect the interior rearview mirror system 22 from the button 14 when the reflective surface of the mirror of the mirror housing 36 is subjected to a force no greater than 400 N (90 pounds) in any direction that is not more than 45° from a forward longitudinal direction of motion of the vehicle.
[0062]FIGS. 5C-9 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention wherein at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield 12 as the interior rearview mirror system 22 detaches from the button 14. In the illustrated first embodiment of the present invention, the rain sensor 20 includes at least one ledge 61 and the interior rearview mirror system 22 includes at least one ledge 63 that faces the at least one ledge 61 of the rain sensor 20, and the at least one ledge 63 of the interior rearview mirror system 22 is adapted to engage the at least one ledge 61 of the rain sensor 20 as the interior rearview mirror system 22 detaches from the button 14. In the illustrated example, the rain sensor 20 includes two ledges 61 and the interior rearview mirror system 22 includes two ledges 63. Therefore, the ledges 63 of the interior rearview mirror system 22 engage the ledges 61 of the rain sensor 20 as the interior rearview mirror system 22 detaches from the button 14, whereby at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 (e.g., the entire single body 21 b of the single body rain sensor 20 or the second section 60 of the rain sensor 20 with the double body 21 a) is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield 12 as the interior rearview mirror system 22 is disconnected from the button 14. In the illustrated example, the ledges 61 of the rain sensor 20 have a pair of parallel sensor surfaces 64 substantially parallel with the grooves 32 on the outer faces of the first side segment 28 and the second side segment 30 of the button 14. When the rain sensor 20 with the double body 21 a is used in the first embodiment of the present invention, the pair of parallel sensor surfaces 64 are located on the second section 60 of the rain sensor 20. Preferably, the pair of parallel sensor surfaces 64 are co-planar. The illustrated interior rearview mirror system 22 includes a pair of ribs 66 extending from the inside surfaces of two opposite sides of the shell 50 of the mounting foot 38. The ribs 66 of the interior rearview mirror system 22 include the ledges 63 that face the ledges 61 of the rain sensor 20. The rain sensor 20 having the ledges 61 is a modification of the housings of the commercially available rain sensors as disclosed herein.
The reference numeral 10 a (FIGS. 10-12B) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a second embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for the vehicle. Since visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a is similar to the previously described visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-9 and FIGS. 10-12B, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter. The visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a includes the single body or double body rain sensor 20 a operatively coupled to the windshield 12 a and the button 14 a as described above in the first embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10. The interior rearview mirror system 22 a of the second embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a includes the ledges 63 a on the ends of a substantially inverted U-shaped spring clip 70 instead of extending from the interior surface of the sides of the shell 50 a of the mounting foot 38 a.
In the illustrated example, the mounting bracket 34 a of the interior rearview mirror system 22 a includes the substantially inverted U-shaped spring clip 70 having the ledges 63 a configured to engage the ledges 61 a of the rain sensor 20 a to disconnect the rain sensor 20 a from the windshield 12 a. The substantially inverted U-shaped spring clip 70 includes a first leg 72, a second leg 74 and a spanning portion 76 connecting the first leg 72 and the second leg 74. The ends of the first leg 72 and the second leg 74 include hooks 78 having the ledges 63 a at a terminal end thereof configured to engage the ledges 61 a of the rain sensor 20 a. Furthermore, or as an alternative to the ledges 61 a and the ledges 63 a described directly above, the hooks 78 could include the ledges 61 a′ in the bottom of the curve of the hooks 78 that engage ledges 61 a′ on extensions of the rain sensor 20 a (see FIG. 12B).
In the illustrated example, the rain sensor 20 a is operatively coupled to the windshield 12 a independent of the interior rearview mirror system 22 a. However, as the interior rearview mirror system 22 a is detached from the button 14 a, the ledges 63 a of the interior rearview mirror system 22 a engage the ledges 61 a of the rain sensor 20 a, thereby disconnecting at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 a from the windshield 12 a. In the second embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a for the vehicle, the ledges 61 a of the rain sensor 20 a could be located within channels 80 that accept the hooks 78 of the spring clip 70 as the interior rearview mirror system 22 a is disconnected from the button 14 a.
The reference numeral 10b (FIGS. 13-15A) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a third embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for the vehicle. Since visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 b is similar to the previously described visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a, similar parts appearing in FIG. 10-12B and FIGS. 13-15A, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “b” in the numerals of the latter. The third embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 b includes the ledges 61 b on the ends of the substantially inverted U-shaped spring clip 70 b as in the second embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a, the single body or double body rain sensor 20 b operatively coupled to the windshield 12 b and the button 14b as described above in the second embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a. The rain sensor 20 b of the third embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 b can also include the channels 80 b having the ledges 61 b therein as described above in the second embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a.
The illustrated spring clip 70 b of the third embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 b for the vehicle is snap fit into position after the interior rearview mirror system 22 b has been connected to the button 14b. The legs 72 b, 74 b of the spring clip 70 b include shelves 82 wherein upper portions of the legs 72 b, 74 b are spaced further apart than lower portions of the legs 72 b, 74 b. Furthermore, the sides of the shell 50 b of the mounting foot 38 b include downward facing notches 84 configured to engage the shelves 82 of the spring clip 70 b. After the interior rearview mirror system 22 b has been connected to the button 14 b, the spring clip 70 b is fit over the mounting foot 38 b of the mounting bracket 34 b. Therefore, the shelves 82 of the spring clip 70 b snap into position under the notches 84 of the mounting foot 38 b and the hooks 78 b of the spring clip 70 b snap under the ledges 61 b of the rain sensor 20 b. Thereafter, the ledges 63 b of the spring clip 70 b pull at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 b away from the windshield 12 b as the interior rearview mirror system 22 b is detached from the button 14 b as described above, such that at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 b is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield 12 b as the interior rearview mirror system 22 b is disconnected from the button 14 b.
[0071]FIG. 15A illustrates an alternative version of the third embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 b. In the alternative version, the mounting bracket cover 42 b, instead of the mounting foot 38 b, includes the notches 84 and the spring clip 70 b snaps into position under the notches 84 after the first cover portion 44 b and the second cover portion 46 b of the mounting bracket cover 42 b are connected. In the alternative version of the third embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 b, the mounting bracket cover 42 b preferably includes the first cover portion 44 b fitting over an upper portion of the mounting foot 38 b and the second cover portion 46 b fitting over a lower portion of the mounting foot 38 b, thereby providing the substantially horizontal connection.
The reference numeral 10 c (FIGS. 16-17A) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a fourth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for the vehicle. Since visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 c is similar to the previously described second embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 13-15A and FIGS. 16-17A, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “c” in the numerals of the latter. The fourth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 c includes the ledges 63 c on the ends of the substantially inverted U-shaped spring clip 70 c as in the second embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a, and the rain sensor 20 c operatively coupled to the windshield 12 c and the button 14 c as described above in the first embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10. The rain sensor 20 c of the fourth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 c can also include the channels 80 c and the ledges 61 c as described above in the second embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a. Moreover, the spring clip 70 c can be connected to the mounting bracket 34 c before the interior rearview mirror system 22 c is connected to the button 14 c as described above in the second embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 a or after the interior rearview mirror system 22 c is connected to the button 14 c as described above in the third embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 b.
The spring clip 70 c of the fourth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 c includes a pair of extra hooking arms 90 extending in a direction perpendicular to the legs 72 c, 74 c of the spring clip 70 c. The extra hooking arms 90 include hooks 92 on an end thereof positioned under extra upper or lower ledges 61 c of the rain sensor 20 c. When the spring clip 70 c is connected to the mounting bracket 34 c before the interior rearview mirror system 22 c is connected to the button 14 c, the extra ledges 61 c of the rain sensor 20 c are located on a lower side of the rain sensor 20 c such that the hooks 92 of the extra hooking arms 90 slide under the lower ledges 61 c as the mount spring 54 c is slid into engagement with the button 14 c. In this situation, the legs 72 c, 74 c of the spring clip 70 c do not have the shelves 82 c. However, when the spring clip 70 c is connected to the mounting bracket 34 c after the interior rearview mirror system 22 c is connected to the button 14 c, the extra ledges 61 c of the rain sensor 20 c can be located on the lower side or the upper side of the rain sensor 20 c such that the hooks 92 of the extra hooking arms 90 snap under the lower ledges 61 c or the upper ledges 61 c, respectfully, as the spring clip 70 c is snapped into engagement with the mounting bracket 34 c. In this situation, the legs 72 c, 74 c of the spring clip 70 have the shelves 82 c that snap fit into position under the notches 84 a of the mounting foot 38 c.
Accordingly, the ledges 63 c of the spring clip 70 c are located under the ledges 61 c of the rain sensor 20 c once the spring clip 70 c and the mounting bracket 34 c have been placed into position relative to the button 14 c. Thereafter, the ledges 63 c of the spring clip 70 c pull at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 c away from the windshield 12 c as the interior rearview mirror system 22 c is detached from the button 14 c as described above, such that at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 c is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield 12 c as the interior rearview mirror system 22 c is detached from the button 14 c. It is further contemplated that the spring clip 70 could only have the extra hooking arms 90 and associated ledges 63 c, that engage the upper or lower ledges 61 c of the rain sensor 20 c, and not the legs 72 c, 74 c.
[0075]FIG. 17B illustrates an alternative version of the fourth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 c. In the alternative version, the mounting bracket cover 42 c, instead of the mounting foot 38 c, includes the notches 84 c and the spring clip 70 c that snaps into position under the notches 84 c after the first cover portion 44 c and the second cover portion 46 c of the mounting bracket cover 42 c are connected. In the alternative version of the fourth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 c, the mounting bracket cover 42 c preferably includes the first cover portion 44 c fitting over an upper portion of the mounting foot 38 c and the second cover portion 46 c fitting over a lower portion of the mounting foot 38 c, thereby providing the substantially horizontal connection.
The reference numeral 10 d (FIGS. 18-20) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a fifth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for the vehicle. Since visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 d is similar to the previously described visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-9 and FIGS. 18-20, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “d” in the numerals of the latter. The visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 d includes the single body or double body rain sensor 20 d operatively coupled to the windshield 12 d and the button 14 d as described above in the first embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10. The interior rearview mirror system 22 d of the fifth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 d includes the ledges 63 d extending from an interior surface of the mounting bracket cover 42 d.
In the illustrated example, the mounting bracket cover 42 d includes a plurality of integrally molded tabs 100 extending from the interior surface thereof. The tabs 100 are illustrated as being semi-circular in shape, although it is contemplated that any geometric shape could be used. The shell 50 d of the mounting foot 38d of the mounting bracket 34 d includes apertures 102 configured to accept the tabs 100 as the first cover portion 44 d and the second cover portion 46 d are fit over the mounting foot 38 d. The ledges 61 d of the rain sensor 20 d are located adjacent the apertures 102 of the shell 50 d of the mounting foot 38 d such that the tabs 100 are located under the ledges 61 d of the rain sensor 20 d when the mounting bracket cover 42 d is in position over the mounting foot 38 d. The ledges 63 d of the interior rearview mirror system 22 d are located on the upper surfaces of the tabs 100 and the ledges 63 d of the interior rearview mirror system 22 d engage the ledges 61 d of the rain sensor 20 d as the interior rearview mirror 22 d is detached from the button 14 d. Accordingly, the ledges 63 d on the tabs 100 of the mounting bracket cover 42 d pull at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 d away from the windshield 12 d as the interior rearview mirror system 22 d is detached from the button 14 d as described above, such that at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 d is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield 12 d as the interior rearview mirror system 22 d is detached from the button 14 d.
The reference numeral 10 e (FIG. 21) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a sixth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for the vehicle. Since visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 e is similar to the previously described visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-9 and FIG. 21, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “e” in the numerals of the latter. The visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 e includes the single body or double body rain sensor 20 e operatively coupled to the windshield 12 e and the button 14 e as described above in the first embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10. The interior rearview mirror system 22 e of the sixth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 e includes one spring catch 110 extending from the mounting foot 38 e of the mounting bracket 34 e, with the spring catch 110 having the ledge 63 e on an end thereof. Therefore, in this illustrated embodiment, the interior rearview mirror system 22 e only includes one ledge 63 e.
As illustrated in FIG. 21, the mounting foot 38 e includes one spring catch 110 extending from a bottom thereof. The spring catch 110 includes a first section 112 connected to the mounting foot 38 e and a second section 114 having the ledge 63 e on an end edge thereof. The spring catch 110 will compress (rightmost illustrated spring catch 110 and center illustrated spring catch 110) and the second section 114 will move towards the first section 112 as the spring catch 110 moves over a top surface of the rain sensor 20 e when the mount spring 54 e is slid into engagement with the grooves 32 e on the button 14 e. After the spring catch 110 has moved over the top of the rain sensor 20 e (leftmost illustrated spring catch 110), the second section 114 will spring away from the first section 112 and snap into place under the ledge 61 e of the rain sensor 20 e. The ledge 63 e of the spring catch 110 can touch the ledge 61 e after the ledge 63 e is in position or the ledge 63 e of the spring catch 110 can be spaced from the ledge 61 e of the rain sensor 20 e. Therefore, the ledge 63 e of the spring catch 110 of the interior rearview mirror system 22 e is located under the ledge 61 e of the rain sensor 20 e, and the ledge 63 e of the spring catch 110 engages the ledge 61 e of the rain sensor 20 e as the interior rearview mirror system 22 e is detached from the button 14 e. Accordingly, the ledge 63 e on the spring catch 110 of the mounting bracket 34 e pulls at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 e away from the windshield 12 e as the interior rearview mirror system 22 e is detached from the button 14 e as described above, such that at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 e is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield 12 e as the interior rearview mirror system 22 e is detached from the button 14 e.
The reference numeral 10 f (FIGS. 22-24) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a seventh embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for the vehicle. Since visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 f is similar to the previously described visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 e, similar parts appearing in FIG. 21 and FIGS. 22-24, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “f” in the numerals of the latter. The visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 f includes the single body or double body rain sensor 20 f operatively coupled to the windshield 12 f and the button 14 f as described above in the first embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10. The interior rearview mirror system 22 f of the seventh embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 f includes more than one spring catch 110 f extending from the mounting foot 38 f of the mounting bracket 34 f, with the spring catches 110 f having the ledge 63 f on an end thereof.
As illustrated in FIG. 22, the mounting foot 38 f includes two spring catches 110 f extending from a bottom thereof. The spring catches 110 f have the ledge 63 f on an end edge thereof. The rain sensor 20 f used in the seventh embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 f includes a ramp 120 adjacent the ledge 61 f. The spring catches 110 f move outward over and abut against sides of the rain sensor 20 f and the ramp 120 as the mount spring 54 f of the mounting bracket 34 f is slid into engagement with the grooves 32 f on the button 14 f. After the spring catches 110 f have moved past the ramp 120, the spring catches 110 f will snap into place under the ledges 61 f of the rain sensor 20f. The ledges 63 f of the spring catches 110 f can touch or be spaced from the ledges 61 f of the rain sensor 20 f after the spring catches 110 f have snapped into position.
When more than one spring catch 110 f is employed, the ledges 63 f of the spring catches 110 f of the interior rearview mirror system 22 f are located under the ledges 61 f of the rain sensor 20 f, and the ledges 63 f of the spring catches 110 f engage the ledges 61 f of the rain sensor 20 f as the interior rearview mirror 22 f is detached from the button 14 f. Accordingly, the ledges 63 f on the spring catches 110 f of the mounting bracket 34 f pull at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 f away from the windshield 12 f as the interior rearview mirror system 22 f is detached from the button 14 f as described above, such that at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 f is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield 12 f as the interior rearview mirror system 22 f is detached from the button 14 f.
The reference numeral 10 g (FIGS. 25-26) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having an eighth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for the vehicle. Since visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 g is similar to the previously described visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-9 and FIGS. 25-26, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “g” in the numerals of the latter. The visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 g includes the single body or double body rain sensor 20 g operatively coupled to the windshield 12 g and the button 14 g as described above in the first embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10. The interior rearview mirror system 22 g of the eighth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 g includes a T-shaped member 150 engaging with a T-slot 160. In the illustrated example, the T-shaped member 150 includes a cross-piece 152 and a stalk 154 connected to the middle of the cross-piece 152. Furthermore, the T-slot 160 is defined by a first L-shaped part 162 and a second L-shaped part 164.
In a first arrangement of the eighth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 g (FIG. 25), the rain sensor 20 g has the T-slot 160 on a top surface thereof and the mounting foot 38 g has the T-shaped member 150 extending from a bottom surface thereof. The T-shaped member 150 of the mounting foot 38 g is configured to be slid into the T-slot 160 as the mount spring 54 g of the mounting bracket 34 g is slid into engagement with the grooves 32 g on the button 14 g. Therefore, in the first arrangement, the ledges 63 g of the interior rearview mirror system 22 g are located on the upper surface of the cross-piece 152 of the T-shaped member 150 and the ledges 61g of the rain sensor 20 g are located on bottom surfaces of the first L-shaped part 162 and the second L-shaped part 164 of the T-slot 160.
In a second arrangement of the eighth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 g (FIG. 26), the rain sensor 20 g has the T-shaped member 150 extending a top surface thereof and the mounting foot 38 g has the T-slot 160 on a bottom surface. The T-shaped member 150 g of the rain sensor 20 g is configured to be slid into the T-slot 160 as the mount spring 54 g of the mounting bracket 34 g is slid into engagement with the grooves 32 g on the button 14 g. Therefore, in the second arrangement, the ledges 63 g of the interior rearview mirror system 22 g are located on the upper surface of the first L-shaped part 162 and second L-shaped part 164 of the T-slot 160 and the ledges 61g of the rain sensor 20 g are located on bottom surfaces of the cross-piece 152 of the T-shaped member 150.
When the T-shaped member 150 and the T-slot 160 are employed, the ledges 63 g of the interior rearview mirror system 22 g are located under the ledges 61 g of the rain sensor 20 g, and the ledges 63 g of the interior rearview mirror system 22 g engage the ledges 61 g of the rain sensor 20 g as the interior rearview mirror system 22 g is detached from the button 14 g.
Accordingly, the ledges 63 a of the mounting bracket 34 g of the interior rearview mirror system 22 g pull at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 g away from the windshield 12 g as the interior rearview mirror system 22 g is detached from the button 14 g as described above, such that at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 g is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield 12 g as the interior rearview mirror system 22 g is detached from the button 14 g.
The reference numeral 10 h (FIG. 27) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a ninth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for the vehicle. Since visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 h is similar to the previously described visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 g, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 25-26 and FIG. 27, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “h” in the numerals of the latter. The visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 h includes the single body or double body rain sensor 20 h operatively coupled to the windshield 12 h and the button 14 h as described above in the eighth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 g. The rain sensor 120 h of the ninth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 h includes the T-slot 160 h as discussed above in regard to the eighth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 g. Furthermore, the mount spring 54 h includes a stepped appendage 170 adapted to slide into the T-slot 160 h on the rain sensor 20 h as the mount spring 54 h is slid into engagement with the grooves 32 h on the button 14 h. Therefore, the ledge 63 h of the interior rearview mirror system 22 h is located on the upper surface of the appendage 170 and the ledge 61 h of the rain sensor 20 h is located on bottom surfaces of the first L-shaped part 162 h and the second L-shaped part 164 h of the T-slot 160 h.
When the T-slot 160 h and the appendage 170 of the mount spring 54 h are employed, the ledge 63 g of the interior rearview mirror system 22 h is located under the ledge 61 h of the rain sensor 20 h, and the ledge 63 h of the interior rearview mirror system 22 h engages the ledge 61 h of the rain sensor 20 h as the interior rearview mirror system 22 h is detached from the button 14 h. Accordingly, the ledges 63 h of the mounting bracket 34 h of the interior rearview mirror system 22 h pull at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 h away from the windshield 12 h as the interior rearview mirror system 22 h is detached from the button 14 h as described above, such that at least a portion of the rain sensor 20 h is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield 12 h as the interior rearview mirror system 22 h is detached from the button 14 h.
In a preferred embodiment of all of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing systems 10 for the vehicle described above, the ledges 63 of the interior rearview mirror system 22 do not engage the ledges 61 of the rain sensor 20 until the interior rearview mirror system 22 is detached from the button 14. Therefore, any vibration of the interior rearview mirror system 22 will not vibrate the rain sensor 20. Vibration of the rain sensor 20 can sometimes result in a false positive reading from the rain sensor 20, thereby switching on or speeding up the windshield wipers of the vehicle. Accordingly, the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 for the vehicle of the present invention improves the accuracy of readings of the rain sensor 20.
The reference numeral 10i (FIG. 28) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a tenth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for the vehicle. Since visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 i is similar to the previously described visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-9 and FIG. 28, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “i” in the numerals of the latter. The visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 i includes the single body or double rain sensor 20 i pressed against the windshield 12 i.
In the illustrated example, the button 14 i includes retainers 200 pressing the rain sensor 20 i against the windshield 12 i. The retainers 200 include a pair of arms 202 extending from a top surface of the button 14 i to cover a top of the rain sensor 20 i and to press the rain sensor 20 i against the windshield 12 i. The retainers 200 are preferably connected to the button 14 or rotate into position after the rain sensor 20 i is placed into position against the windshield 12 i.
The illustrated mounting foot 38 i of the mounting bracket 34 i of the interior rearview mirror system 22 i includes a pair of feet 210 configured to be inserted below a recess 204 in the retainers 200 as the mount spring 54 i is slid into engagement with the grooves 32 i on the button 14 i. The feet 210 are therefore located between the retainers 200 and rain sensor 20 i.
In the illustrated tenth embodiment of the visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system 10 i, the feet 210 will pull the retainers 200 away from the button 14 i as the interior rearview mirror system 22 i is detached from the button 14 i to thereby disengage the retainers 200 from the rain sensor 20 i, whereby the rain sensor 20 i is no longer pressed against the windshield 12 i as the interior rearview mirror system 22 i is detached from the button 14 i. Therefore, the retainers 200 are preferably connected to the button 14 i such that no greater than 400 N (90 pounds) of force will be able to separate the retainers 200 from the button 14 i.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various other vehicle accessories and components may be incorporated in the interior rearview mirror system 22 of any of the previously described visual, rear viewing and rain sensing systems 10-10 i for a vehicle in whole or in part and in various combinations. Such vehicle accessories and components may be mounted within, on or to the mirror housing 36, the mounting bracket 34, an attachment to the mirror housing 36 or the mounting bracket 34, or in a console or other housing associated with the interior rearview mirror system 22. Additionally, any such vehicle accessories may share components with one another, such as processors, sensors, power supplies, wire harnesses and plugs, displays, switches, antennae, etc. Examples of other vehicle accessories, components or features are described further below.
An example of a system incorporated in the interior rearview mirror system 22 includes an electronic compass system within the mirror housing 36 of the interior rearview mirror system 22 as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/449,828 entitled “ELECTRONIC COMPASS SYSTEM,” the entire contents of which are incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. FIGS. 29A-29C show another embodiment of the interior rearview mirror system 22 in which any of the electronic compass systems described in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/449,828 is incorporated. As illustrated in FIGS. 29A-29C, the mirror housing 36 comprises a bezel 902 and a case 904. The bezel 902 and the case 904 combine to define the mirror housing 36 for incorporation of features in addition to a reflective element 901 and information displays 905 a and 905 b. Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,102,546; D410,607; 6,407,468; 6,420,800; and 6,471,362, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entireties herein by reference, describe examples of various bezels, cases and associated button constructions that may be used with the present invention.
As depicted in FIGS. 29A-29C, the interior rearview mirror system 22 may comprise first and second microphones 910 a and 910 b. Examples of microphones for use with the present invention are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/444,176 and 09/724,119, U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0110256 A1 and PCT Application No. PCT/US02/32386, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entireties herein by reference. Although the two microphones are shown as being mounted to the backside of mirror case 904, one or more such microphones may be mounted on the top of the interior rearview mirror system 22 (as shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B), on the bottom of the interior rearview mirror system 22, or anywhere within the mirror case 904 or bezel 902. Preferably, two microphones 910 a and 910 b are incorporated, one near each end, into the interior rearview mirror system 22 on the backside of the mirror case 904 within recessed portions 912 a and 912 b. As shown in FIG. 29A, the microphones are constructed with an acoustic dam 914 extending around transducer 916 within microphone housing 918. Additional details of this preferred construction are disclosed in commonly assigned International PCT Application No. PCT/US02/32386, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The audio systems including the microphones may be integrated, at least in part, in a common control with information displays and/or may share components with the information displays. In addition, the status of these systems and/or the devices controlled thereby may be displayed on the associated information displays.
As shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, a single microphone 910 is provided on the top side of the mirror housing 36. In this construction, it is preferable to include two transducers in microphone housing 918 in a manner similar to that disclosed in the above-referenced International PCT Application No. PCT/US02/32386 and U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0110256 A1.
The interior rearview mirror system 22 may include first and second illumination assemblies 920 a and 920 b. Various illumination assemblies and illuminators for use with the present invention are described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,803,579; 6,335,548; 6,441,943; 6,521,916; and 6,523,976, as well as commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/723,675; 10/078,906; and 10/230,804, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entireties herein by reference. Each illumination assembly preferably comprises a reflector, a lens and an illuminator (not shown). There may be two illumination assemblies generally positioned to illuminate a front passenger seat area and the second generally positioned to illuminate a driver seat area. Alternatively, there may be only one illumination assembly that illuminates both seat areas and/or there may be additional illuminator assemblies such as one to illuminate a center console area, overhead console area or an area between the front seats.
The interior rearview mirror system 22 may also include first and second switches 922 a and 922 b. Suitable switches for use with the present invention are described in detail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,407,468; 6,420,800; 6,426,568; and 6,471,362, as well as commonly assigned U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0024713 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entireties herein by reference. These switches may be incorporated to control the illumination assemblies, the displays, the mirror reflectivity, a voice activated system, a compass system, a telephone system, a highway toll booth interface, a telemetry system, a headlight controller, a rain sensor, a tire pressure monitoring system, a navigation system, a lane departure warning system, an adaptive cruise control system, etc. Any other display or system described herein or within the references incorporated by reference may be incorporated in any location within the associated vehicle and may be controlled using the switches.
The interior rearview mirror system 22 may also include first and second indicators 924 a and 924 b. Various indicators for use with the present invention are described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,803,579; 6,335,548; 6,441,943; 6,521,916 and 6,523,976, as well as commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/723,675; 10/078,906 and 10/230,804, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entireties herein by reference. These indicators may indicate the status of the displays, the mirror reflectivity, a voice activated system, a compass system, a telephone system, a highway toll booth interface, a telemetry system, a headlight controller, a rain sensor, a security system, etc. Any other display or system described herein or within the references incorporated by reference may be incorporated in any location within the associated vehicle and may have a status depicted by the indicators.
The interior rearview mirror system 22 may further include first and second light sensors 926 and 928 serving as glare and ambient sensors, respectively. Preferred light sensors for use within the present invention are described in detail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,923,027; 6,313,457; 6,359,274; 6,379,013 and 6,402,328, U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0056806 A1, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/068,540, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entireties herein by reference. The glare sensor 926 and/or ambient sensor 928 automatically control the reflectivity of a self dimming reflective element as well as the intensity of information displays and/or backlighting. The glare sensor 926 may also be used to sense headlights of trailing vehicles and the ambient sensor is used to detect the ambient lighting conditions that the system is operating within. In another embodiment, a sky sensor 930 may be incorporated positioned to detect light levels generally above and in front of an associated vehicle. The sky sensor 930 may be used to automatically control the reflectivity of a self-dimming element, the exterior lights of a controlled vehicle and/or the intensity of information displays. The interior rearview mirror system 22 may further include sun-load sensors for sensing light levels towards the driver side and passenger side of the vehicle so as to control the climate control system of the vehicle.
Additionally, the interior rearview mirror system 22 may include first, second, third, fourth and fifth operator interfaces 932 a-932 e located in the mirror bezel 902. Each operator interface is shown to comprise a backlit information display “A,” “AB,” “A1,” “C,” and “12.” It should be understood that these operator interfaces can be incorporated any where in the associated vehicle, for example, in the mirror case, accessory module, instrument panel, overhead console, dash board, seats, center console, etc. Suitable switch construction is described in detail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,407,468; 6,420,800; 6,426,568 and 6,471,362, as well as, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0024713 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entireties herein by reference. These operator interfaces may control the illumination assemblies, the displays, the mirror reflectivity, a voice activated system, a compass system, a telephone system, a highway toll booth interface, a telemetry system, a headlight controller, a rain sensor, a tire pressure monitoring system, a navigation system, a lane departure warning system, an adaptive cruise control system, etc. Any other display or system described herein or within the references incorporated by reference may be incorporated in any location within the associated vehicle and may be controlled using an operator interface or interfaces. For example, a user may program a display or displays to depict predetermined information or may program a display or displays to scroll through a series of information, or may enter set points associated with certain operating equipment with associated sensor inputs to display certain information upon the occurrence of a given event. In one embodiment, for example, a given display may be in a non-illuminated state until the engine temperature is above a threshold, the display then automatically is set to display the engine temperature. Another example is that proximity sensors located on the rear of a vehicle may be connected to a controller and combined with a display in a rearview mirror to indicate to a driver the distance to an object; the display may be configured as a bar that has a length proportional to the given distance.
Exterior light control systems as described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,990,469; 6,008,486; 6,130,421; 6,130,448; 6,255,639; 6,049,171; 5,837,994; 6,403,942; 6,281,632; 6,291,812; 6,469,739; 6,465,963; 6,429,594 and 6,379,013, U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0005472 A1 and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/528,389; 09/678,586; 09/800,460; 60/404,879; 60/394,583; 10/235,476 and 10/208,142, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entireties herein by reference, may be incorporated in accordance with the present invention. These systems may be integrated, at least in part, in a common control with information displays and/or may share components with the information displays. In addition, the status of these systems and/or the devices controlled thereby may be displayed on the associated information displays. As disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/800,460, both the compass sensors and the imaging sensor array 950, may be housed in an accessory housing 952 attached to the mount bracket 34.
Moisture sensors and windshield fog detector systems are described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,923,027 and 6,313,457 and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/970,728 and 09/970,962, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entireties herein by reference. These systems may be integrated, at least in part, in a common control with information displays and/or may share components with the information displays. In addition, the status of these systems and/or the devices controlled thereby may be displayed on the associated information displays.
The interior rearview mirror system 22 may further include one or more antennae 940 for receipt and/or transmission of RF signals. Appropriate receiving, transmitting, and/or processing circuitry may further be included in or attached to the interior rearview mirror system 22. Such antennae may be used for a cellular telephone system, a BLUETOOTH™ transmitting/receiving system, a remote keyless entry (RKE) system, a trainable garage door opener system, a tire pressure monitoring system, a global positioning satellite system, a LORAN system, etc. Some of these systems may share a common antenna and receiving, transmitting, processing, and display circuits where appropriate. Examples of a tire pressure monitoring system incorporated in an interior rearview mirror system are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,215,389 and 6,431,712 and in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/359,144 and 09/949,955, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Examples of a GPS system incorporated in the interior rearview mirror system 22 are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,166,698; 6,297,781; 6,396,446 and in U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0032510 A1, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. An example of a LORAN system incorporated in an interior rearview mirror system is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0193946 A1, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. An example of both a telephone/telematics system and a BLUETOOTH™ system incorporated in an interior rearview mirror system is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0032510 A1, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of a trainable garage door opening systems and RKE systems incorporated in an interior rearview mirror system are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,343, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The interior rearview mirror system 22 may further include one or more of the same or different types of displays. Examples of different types of displays include vacuum fluorescent, LCD, reverse LCD, LED, organic LED, dot matrix, backlit indicia, etc. For displays intended to simultaneously display significant amounts of information, the display disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,698 may be used. The entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of backlit indicia panel displays are disclosed in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,170,956 and 6,356,376 and in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/586,813 and 09/664,151, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Various displays used in interior rearview mirror systems are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,356,376 and in U.S. patent application Publication No. 2002/0154379 A1, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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Clasificación de EE.UU. 307/10.1, 280/762, 362/494
Clasificación internacional B60R1/04, B60R1/12
Clasificación cooperativa B60R1/12, B60R2001/1223, B60R1/04
Clasificación europea B60R1/04, B60R1/12
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:PARKER, BRIAN R.;REES, BRIAN J.;RUMSEY, WAYNE J.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:015072/0943
4 May 2012 FPAY Fee payment
4 May 2016 FPAY Fee payment